Adjustable (e.g., Linearly, Angularly) Patents (Class 600/196)
  • Patent number: 12324569
    Abstract: Laryngoscopes are presented including: a handle having a front side, a proximal end, and a distal end; a blade movably coupled to the handle and projecting from the front side of the handle proximate the distal end of the handle; and a mechanism for moving the blade relative to the handle, where the mechanism is responsive to manual input by a user, the mechanism further including: a guide linkage constraining the blade to move in at least one predetermined path relative to the handle, where the first predetermined path includes a first designated path traveled on a flat plane by the blade, the flat plane simultaneously bisecting a handle length and a blade length, where during the travel an angle between the handle length and the blade length remains constant while the blade translates along the handle length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Inventor: Dina Abi Fadel
  • Patent number: 12156639
    Abstract: A curved electric laryngoscope is provided. The curved electric laryngoscope includes a handle and a display screen, where the display screen is rotationally provided at an upper part of the handle; a lower end of the handle is connected to a curved outer tube; the handle is provided therein with an inner tube and an inner tube position adjustment assembly; the inner tube includes an upper end connected to the inner tube position adjustment assembly and a lower end inserted into the curved outer tube; the inner tube position adjustment assembly includes a drive motor, a lead screw, a slide rail, a slider, and a slider bracket; the slide rail is provided along a length direction of the handle; and the lead screw is parallel to the slide rail; the drive motor is fixed at an upper end inside the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: PEKING UNIVERSITY THIRD HOSPITAL (THE THIRD CLINICAL MEDICAL SCHOOL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY)
    Inventors: Youxiu Yao, Bin Han, Jiechu Wang, Jun Wang, Xiangyang Guo
  • Patent number: 11717146
    Abstract: A laryngoscope system including a laryngoscope device and a blade assembly. The laryngoscope device has a handle member and a front-end member, which includes: a longitudinal member, with a channel, being connected with the handle member; a sliding part having at a distal end an imaging and/or a lighting device and being configured to be at least partially inserted in and movable along the channel, which has an abutment and a positioning spring between the abutment and a proximal end of the sliding part. The blade assembly is configured to cooperate with the front-end member and has fixed to one another: a blade having a distal tip; an insertion housing, which has a cavity to receive the front-end member, includes an engaging element having an edge to cooperate with the longitudinal member's distal end, the engaging element's edge being positioned at a predefined distance from the blade's distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: COMEPA INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Gilles Pellerin De Beauvais
  • Patent number: 10806440
    Abstract: A hands-free mitral papillary muscle exposure device provides a clear view of the papillary muscles, including the pathology of the leaflets and chordae tendineae of a mitral valve apparatus, and comprises a retractor device comprises two arm members pivotally connected to one another which can be manually spread and adjusted about a pivot point to a desired arrangement relative to the mitral valve apparatus to prevent injury to surrounding muscle and tissue during an operative procedure. Each arm member includes a respective downwardly extending longitudinal projection to hold one of the anterior and posterior leaflets adjacent to said arm member when the retractor device is positioned relative to the mitral valve apparatus. The longitudinal projection on the anterior side of the retractor device is longer than the corresponding longitudinal projection on the posterior side to accommodate the longer size of the anterior leaflet in comparison with the posterior leaflet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Surendra K. Chawla
  • Patent number: 10285579
    Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a handle and an elongated blade detachably fixed to the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion having a longitudinal axis, a distal end of the stationary portion of the blade having a surface angled and upwardly and outwardly. A movable portion of the blade has a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient. The movable portion is mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by a user for rotating the movable portion of the blade. Laryngoscopy of a patient includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade. In one embodiment, the laryngoscope comprises a tubular handle and an arcuate tubular blade integral with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Vincent Nacouzi
  • Patent number: 10231612
    Abstract: A laryngoscope is described for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising a handle and an elongate blade detachably fixed to the handle in a plane angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion and a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade, wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Vincent Nacouzi
  • Publication number: 20140296645
    Abstract: A laryngoscope body for use with laryngoscope blades is presented having an elongate handle and a blade retaining member configured to retain a blade such that the blade extends away from the elongate handle; wherein the blade retaining member is fixable at a plurality of positions to allow a blade to be retained on the blade retaining member at a plurality of—angles relative to the elongate handle. There is also disclosed a kit of parts comprising a laryngoscope body and a plurality of blades, as well as a method of use for the said laryngoscope body with a suitable laryngoscope blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew John Ross McGrath, Peter Douglas Colin Inglis, Thomas James Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8845525
    Abstract: A laryngoscope insertion section includes an elongate support member and a tube guide having a resilient tube guiding member, to enable the insertion section to be used with endotracheal tubes having a wide range of external diameters. The breadth and/or thickness of the insertion section can therefore be less when retaining an endotracheal tube having a relatively small external diameter, enabling the insertion section to reliably guide tubes having a range of external diameters and to reliably guide relatively small external diameter tubes while occupying less volume that would otherwise be required in order for the tube guide to be able to guide tubes having a larger external diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Aircraft Medical Limited
    Inventors: Matthew John Ross McGrath, Peter Douglas Colin Inglis
  • Patent number: 8814787
    Abstract: Articulating laryngoscope to aid in the intubation of patients by providing illumination of the oral cavity and trachea during the process having, for example, ‘fingers’ with fiber optic lights at the ends and at joints of the fingers, fingers spread open or ‘flower’ when the device is deployed, gently retracting and compressing soft tissues in the oral cavity and providing medical professionals with much better illumination of the passageway they are addressing, constructed from a malleable material, including rubber, plastics/polymers, and carbon fiber, instead of hard metal. The fingers may have multiple light sources to ensure a flooding of the patient's oropharynx with light. Some versions might have fiber-optic cameras connected to one or more fingers for use in teaching and research, and one might have suction capability to facilitate removal of solids and fluids, one embodiment can have at least one finger with a scalpel at its distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: James John Menegazzi
  • Patent number: 8740782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngoscope (1) that has been adapted to improve comfort during use. The important adaptations are that the laryngoscope handle (4) is offset and in one embodiment the handle (4) is pivotably connected to a receiving portion (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aircraft Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. R. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20130310650
    Abstract: There is disclosed a laryngoscope comprising a blade having an adjustable curvature and means for adjusting the curvature which is operable during insertion of the blade into the airway of a patient such that the blade lifts the tongue and anterior structures to facilitate the insertion. There is also disclosed a laryngoscope fitting which defines a guide along which an endotracheal tube may be fed to intubate a patient following insertion of the laryngoscope into the patient's airway, the fitting being releasable from the blade to permit withdrawal of the blade from the fitting and thus from the airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Christopher Hales
  • Patent number: 8577445
    Abstract: An optical head includes: a point source producing an excitation beam, optical elements adapted to converge the optical beam into an excitation point located in a subsurface plane relative to the surface of a sample, the plane being perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical head; and elements for scanning the excitation point so as to define an observation field in the subsurface plane along two perpendicular scanning directions, a rapid online scanning and a slow columnar scanning. The invention includes micro-electrical mechanical systems designed to move in translation along a selected displacement at least one of the optical elements, which is mobile along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to obtain at least one of the scanning directions. The invention provides the advantages of maintaining an axial illumination of the sample and of using a miniature head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mauna Kea Technologies
    Inventors: Frederic Berier, Bertrand Viellerobe, Magalie Genet, Francois Lacombe, Pedro Santos
  • Publication number: 20130274556
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamically articulating laryngoscope blade can be controlled to configure to normal anatomic variants and pathologic abnormalities to facilitate placing of an endotracheal tube into a patient's trachea. Further, cameras can be integrated into and/or mounted upon the dynamically articulating laryngoscope blade. The cameras can enable stereoscopic visualization of the laryngeal aperture allowing for depth perception. Moreover, the cameras can be moved independently of the blade allowing for optimal viewing of the laryngeal opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicants: TUROCY & WATSON, LLP, UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF CLEVELAND
    Inventors: Howard S. Nearman, Donald M. Voltz, Alon S. Aharon
  • Patent number: 8479739
    Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Cooper Health System
    Inventor: Robert Hirsh
  • Publication number: 20130109922
    Abstract: A laryngoscope includes an elongated blade body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the blade body includes a plurality of arcuate slots therein. A movable tip extension is movably supported by the plurality of arcuate slots and movable in a forward and sideward direction beyond the distal end of the blade body. A guide member is attached to the movable tip extension for selectively moving the movable tip extension along the arcuate slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Carlos ESTRADA
  • Patent number: 8414481
    Abstract: A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jukka Antti Petteri Hakanen, Alan George Furler, Jeremy Michael Ross, Petri Tapio Pikkarainen, Lauri Artturi Lumme, Mika Kristian Henriksson
  • Publication number: 20120130176
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-retaining laryngoscope composed of a palate brace or blade, a slider, and a tongue blade. The angulated tongue blade puts less force on the blade, reduces trauma, and is not conducive for mechanical failure. The slider interacts with the tongue blade by widening the opening of the mouth, and acts as a bite block. The fenestrated palate blade provides an unobstructed view of the vocal cords during intubation, and allows removal of the laryngoscope over the endotracheal tube without displacing it. The result is a laryngoscope that requires only one hand to use properly, and has superior retraction due to its shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Minson
  • Patent number: 8092488
    Abstract: An improved bone retractor tool includes a pair of arms pivotably connected to one in a pliers-like configuration and a pair of tissue engagement plates each having forward and rearward portions, each of the pair of tissue engagement plates mounted on the upper end of one of the pair of arms and extending generally parallel with one another when the pair of arms are in closed position. Forward bone engagement spikes are mounted on and extend forwards from the forward portions of the tissue engagement plates. A releasable securement mechanism is mounted on the pair of arms for releasably retaining the pair of arms in a selected position relative to one another, and a tensioning device is mounted on the pair of arms for tensioning the lower ends away from one another thereby forcing the pair of tissue engagement plates towards one another upon the securement mechanism being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Kent DiNucci
  • Publication number: 20100261968
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF CLEVELAND, TUROCY & WATSON, LLP
    Inventors: Howard S. Nearman, Donald M. Voltz, Alon S. Aharon
  • Patent number: 7744529
    Abstract: An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Carl Kaoru Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7563227
    Abstract: A laryngoscope and flexible viewing device having means to carry an endotracheal tube into a patient and method of using the device are provided. The device allows a single user to view the interior of a patient's anatomy and change the view to better determine the path for intubation. The device can be used by a single individual to simultaneously open the pathway to a patient's trachea and then deliver an intubation device, such as an endotracheal tube, without the assistance of another person. The device provides several options for the practitioner to both visualize the patient's larynx and deliver an endotracheal tube into the trachea, especially in patients considered to have difficult anatomy to intubate. The viewing device in a preferred embodiment is a fiberoptic scope and the device includes a pivoting means to allow the viewing means to provide a more panoramic view of the patient's throat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn P. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7500948
    Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Elroy T. Cantrell
  • Publication number: 20080045801
    Abstract: An intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades adapted for both right and left-handed operation, an illumination system mounted on the laryngoscope handle, and an improved fastening appliance for detachable connection of the blades to the laryngoscope handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: M.S. Vision Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Shalman, Leonid Lukov
  • Patent number: 7261688
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the size of the working channel along the length of the working channel while minimizing trauma to skin and tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice M. Smith, Kevin T. Foley, Roy Lim, Thomas E. Roehm, III
  • Patent number: 7153260
    Abstract: An improved laryngoscope of the type having a stationary handle, a stationary blade affixed to the stationary handle, a tip pivotally attached to the stationary blade, a movable handle pivotally attached to the stationary blade, and an arm pivoting the tip downwardly when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle depressing the epiglottis. The improvement includes a movable blade pivotally attached to the stationary blade and affixed to the movable handle so as to allow the movable blade to pivot away from the stationary blade when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle and spread the posterior tissue defining the superior opening of the larynx away from the epiglottis simultaneously as the tip depresses the epiglottis and both thereby opening up the trachea exposing the larynx, and a lock locking the movable blade in a desired positioned by locking the movable handle affixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Magdy S Girgis
  • Patent number: 7060029
    Abstract: A pair of lateral structures is removably attached to a vaginal speculum after the speculum is inserted and opened to retract anterior and posterior vaginal tissue. Each of the lateral structures includes a blade extending along a side of a space provided between the opposed blades of the vaginal speculum to retract lateral vaginal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Zoya, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoya Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 6764443
    Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a blade having a surface (17) for engaging the tongue of a patient by means of an operating handle (13) manipulated by an operator in which the operating blade (13) lies out of the plane normal to the tongue-contacting surface (17) of the blade. The laryngoscope substantially avoids the likelihood of a load acting on the patient's upper teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey Wilfred Watson
  • Patent number: 6749563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spreadable medical instrument, comprising a handle part and at least two spatula elements which are connected to said handle part and, via at least one adjusting mechanism, can be adjusted parallel or at an angle to one another between an initial position, in which the spatula elements rest against one another, and at least one working position. In the working position, the individual spatula elements are spaced at intervals so that they form lateral gaps at least in the distal area, and when the spatula elements are in a working position, these lateral gaps between the spatula elements can be covered almost entirely by swiveling flap elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH Co. KG
    Inventor: Ewald Stihl
  • Patent number: 6520909
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a new device for adjustably attaching a tongue blade to an endoscope. In general, the device secures a tongue blade holder to the body of an endoscope and permits adjustment of the angle of the tongue blade with respect to the light source of the endoscope. Typically, the device has a clamp for receiving an endoscope body near the juncture of the handle and the light source of the endoscope. The clamp has a fastener for securing the clamp to the outer surface of the endoscope body and may be adapted for use with endoscopes somewhat larger or smaller in cross section than the clamp opening. The clamp has an attached tongue blade holder pivotably attached to the clamp and securable at an angle relative to the endoscope light source. The device also has several surfaces for the display of graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Rankins
  • Patent number: 6508811
    Abstract: A fastening element is provided for securing a rod-shaped element to a shaft of a medical instrument. The fastening element comprises a bracket for engaging at least partially the circumference of the rod-shaped element, where the bracket can be inserted into a side opening of the shaft portion. The fastening element further comprises a tensioning mechanism, which when actuated draws the bracket in the direction out of the opening, thereby clamping the rod-shaped element to the shaft portion. The clamping force of the tensioning mechanism for clamping the rod-shaped element is continuously adjustable when actuating the tensioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ewald Stihl
  • Publication number: 20020165433
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spreadable medical instrument, comprising a handle part (2) and at least two spatula elements (3a, 3b) which are connected to said handle part (2) and, via at least one adjusting mechanism (4), can be adjusted parallel or at an angle to one another between an initial position, in which the spatula elements (3a, 3b) rest against one another, and at least one working position. In the working position, the individual spatula elements (3a, 3b) are spaced at intervals so that they form lateral gaps (5) at least in the distal area, and when the spatula elements are in a working position, these lateral gaps (5) between the spatula elements (3a, 3b) can be covered almost entirely by swiveling flap elements (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ewald Stihl
  • Patent number: 6311688
    Abstract: A laryngeal airway device for scaling against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member includes a coupler for coupling the device to an introducer. Complementing the laryngeal airway device is an introducer that includes a track for receiving the coupler of the laryngeal airway device and guiding the sealing member to a sealing position with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The introducer may include an epiglottic engager on a distal end to engage the epiglottis and retain it while the sealing member is being tracked to engagement with the laryngeal inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Augustine Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Douglas Augustine, Randall Charles Arnold, Thomas Wayne McGrail
  • Patent number: 6251069
    Abstract: A laryngoscope having a flexible blade which is hinged and having in the handle articulation control for the hinged portion of the blade as well as an actuator for a pair of balloons on the blade connected with double-lumen tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Spyros Mentzelopoulos, Constantinos Balas
  • Patent number: 6174281
    Abstract: An endotracheal inspection and intubation device comprising a handle and a blade, the blade comprising a rigid rear portion and a front portion with an intermediate flexible portion. The rear portion and the intermediate portion have a generally L-like cross-sectional shape with the front portion being essentially flat. The blade holds a flexible deflection member with a front end fixed to the front portion of the blade. The deflection member is slidably retained by guide means at least to the intermediate portion with a suitable activator for engaging with a rear end of the deflection member for causing axial displacement thereof, entailing deflection of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Arcomedic Ltd.
    Inventor: Aron Abramowitz
  • Patent number: 6139491
    Abstract: A fibre-optic laryngoscope spatula (1) having a light-exiting first end and an opposite second end and comprising a base part (1) and an exchangeable light-guide part (8) having a first spring-loaded coupling member (14). The base part (1) and the light-guide part (8) are designed to fit precisely together in such a way that the light-guide part (1) can be pushed into the base part (1) from the second end as far as an end position and can be pushed out of the base part (1) from the end position in the opposite direction. When in the end position, the light-guide part (8) and the base part (1) are connected to one another by means of a snap connection and have interengaging surface parts which do not allow relative movement between the base part and light-guide part in any other than the push-out direction. Furthermore, when in the end position, at least one snap connection force has to be overcome in order to allow relative movement between the base part (1) and light-guide part (8) in the push-out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Heine Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut A. Heine, Dieter Fottner, Ulrich Bauer
  • Patent number: 6095972
    Abstract: This laryngoscope has a blade whose height is tapered shorter at the end that is connected to the handle and whose other end has two pivotally connected tips. The tips are manually operated on by a mechanism that is controlled by the operator's thumb. When the blade is in place and the tips are activated, one tip displaces the epiglottis anteriorly and the other tip displaces the posterior wall of laryngopharynx posteriorly thereby exposing the aditus of larynx for intubation. In addition, the width of the blade tips flare out beyond the width of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Carl Kaoru Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6090040
    Abstract: Instrumentation comprising an automatic positioning and retracting laryngoscope, detachable periscope, and method of endotracheal intubation are disclosed. The device comprises an anterior blade which contacts the tongue and a posterior blade which contacts the hard palate. The blades are moveable apart in a prescribed manner according to the shape of an arm. Manually opening the device causes the airway soft tissue retraction and epiglottic lifting required for visualization of the trachea. The blades remain open via a releasable racheting device. An illuminating periscope can be snapped onto the device allowing indirect tracheal visualization. The entire assembly is sized to fit beneath an airway mask to allow ventilation during the entire intubation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: R. J. Metro
  • Patent number: 5938591
    Abstract: The invention is a self-retaining disposable laryngoscope having dual light conductive blades that open and lock apart laterally and/or radially. The invention has two curved blades: a tongue blade and a palate blade. These two blades may be separated and locked apart by a ratchet mechanism in the instrument's handle while they remain parallel. This provides a bite block, pushes down the tongue, and makes the invention self-retaining in the airway. The palate blade may be rotated about an axis in the handle of the instrument and locked in position by a ratchet mechanism to spread the distal ends of the blades. This lifts the palate and epiglottis and opens the airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Minson
  • Patent number: 5800344
    Abstract: The invention is a laryngoscope having an image sensor assembly mounted thereto for providing video imaging of a patient's airway passage. The laryngoscope includes a distal end having a tip adapted for contact with tissue of an airway passage and an image sensor assembly mounted to a convex surface of the laryngoscope body so that an image sensor of the assembly is angled away from a tissue contacted by the tip when the laryngoscope is in use. In one embodiment, the image sensor assembly is slidably mounted on a track formed on a curved section of a laryngoscope body so that sliding of the image sensor assembly along the track adjusts the distance of the assembly from a target, and further adjusting the orientation angle of the image sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Sr., Connie R. Walts, Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 5651760
    Abstract: An improved laryngoscope and its method of use are disclosed herein. The laryngoscope includes a handle and a blade separate from the handle. The blade is engagable with the handle for selective movement between an inoperative position and an operative position. A locking mechanism is provided integrally with the laryngoscope which is selectively movable between an unlocked position, in which the blade remains movable between its inoperative and operative positions, and a locked position, in which, upon movement of the locking mechanism to the locked position while the blade is in its operative position, thereafter fixes the blade in the operative position until such time that the locking mechanism is moved to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Upsher Laryngoscope Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. Upsher
  • Patent number: 5584795
    Abstract: A pivoting laryngoscope has a power-driven spatula for performing intubation in patients. The laryngoscope includes a handle for gripping the laryngoscope, and a curved spatula blade having one end connected to the handle. The spatula blade is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent, sequentially arranged sections. At least two of the sections are pivotally connected together at a fulcrum. A motorization assembly is located within the handle and is activatable for generating movement. A motion transmission assembly operatively connects the motorization assembly to at least one of the sections for transmitting the movement of the motorization assembly to the section, whereby the section is moved relative to the fulcrum and within a predetermined arc, thereby changing a curvature of the curved spatula blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Elio Valenti
  • Patent number: 5498231
    Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in difficult intubation due to malformation of the jaws, tongue, pharynx, larynx or neck as a result of trauma, edema, inflammation or congenital anomalies. An elongate hollow body terminates in a pair of opposed blades perpendicular to the said hollow body being pivotal on two axes. The endotracheal tube used for the intubation rides within the hollow tube on the introducing means disposed in the cavity of the said hollow body. Light conducting means illuminate the larynx and optical means are provided for inspecting the larynx during the intubation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Klaus Franicevic