Tweezers Patents (Class 606/210)
  • Patent number: 5884953
    Abstract: A gripping device is used to grip and remove a relatively small item or particle from a larger object, such as a tick or other parasite attached to an animal or human, a fruit stem, or a sliver or splinter. The gripping device includes first and second opposing members coupled at a proximal end, for example, by an integral hinge. A gripping region is formed between the distal ends of the first and second opposing members. The first opposing member has a larger surface area and preferably a substantially circular shape adapted to be easily held by the hand of a user. The second opposing member has an arcuate shape at the distal end such that the relatively small particle is more easily disposed within the gripping region formed by the distal ends. The first and second opposing members are preferably made of one piece, for example, from a metal, plastic, or other suitable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Steven S. Leighton, Dawn Leighton
  • Patent number: 5868787
    Abstract: The present invention provides tweezers with a guage for holding and affixing the bracket accurately and precisely to the patient's tooth. Also, the present invention provides tweezers with a guage suitable for minimizing the operator's working time and difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Joong Han Kim
  • Patent number: 5861002
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument treatment device assembly for inserting an endoscope and hollow core electrode assembly through a single access conduit, including a curved electrode guiding sheath or bendable bellows mechanism to deflect the electrode at an angle to the primary axis of the instrument. The device assembly further includes an electrode/needle supply connector assembly through which treatment fluids, laser fiberoptics or microsurgical instruments can be inserted into and through the hollow core electrode. A connector assembly is included for connecting the electrode with an RF energy source for operation in monopolar mode, or for connection of the RF power supply active side to the electrode and RF supply passive side to an electrode guiding sheath additionally functioning as an electrical return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ashvin H. Desai
  • Patent number: 5800256
    Abstract: A tool and method for picking crab which includes a long, narrow and strong forceps that is specially adapted to be inserted into cavities within the shell for tearing the shell and picking out the crab meat. The crab picking tool is preferably formed from two halves which are joined at one end to form a large tweezer-like forceps. The tool has a handle portion and a pincer portion. In the preferred embodiment, the end of the pincer portion is made up of two roughly spoon shaped tips of a selected width. The tips are preferably textured with ridges or some other surface pattern to enhance the holding power of the tool. The pincer portion is much narrower, approximately one eighth of an inch, and is thus specially adapted to pick crabs using the method of the present invention. In use, the tool is inserted into the subchambers of the crab shell to remove crab meat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: May Bermudez
  • Patent number: 5776139
    Abstract: An apparatus used for intraocular implantation of a plastic lens in an internal eye zone, as via a surgical incision in the corneo-scleral limbus, which includes two elongated lever arms, each of which has a distal first zone for gripping the lens, a second pivot zone rearward of the distal zone, and a third manual pressure receiving zone; the arms coupled together rearwardly of the third zones so that the first distal zones are yieldably urged toward one another by the arms to grip the lens therebetween for intraocular implantation; the second pivot zones configured to pivot in interengagement in response to controllable manual squeezing force exertion on the third zones, thereby to cause the first zones to relatively separate, freeing the lens for release in the internal eye zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignees: Henry H. McDonald, William W. Haefliger
    Inventor: Henry H. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5722989
    Abstract: A micro-mechanical system for medical procedures is constructed in the basic form of a catheter having a distal end for insertion into and manipulation within a body and a near end providing for a user to control the manipulation of the distal end within the body. A fiberoptic cable is disposed within the catheter and having a distal end proximate to the distal end of the catheter and a near end for external coupling of laser light energy. A microgripper is attached to the distal end of the catheter and providing for the gripping or releasing of an object within the body. A laser-light-to-mechanical-power converter is connected to receive laser light from the distal end of the fiberoptic cable and connected to mechanically actuate the microgripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph P. Fitch, Karla Hagans, Robert Clough, Dennis L. Matthews, Abraham P. Lee, Peter A. Krulevitch, William J. Benett, Luiz Da Silva, Peter M. Celliers
  • Patent number: 5693057
    Abstract: Two elongated side plates are pivotally connected together for rotation about an axis extending lengthwise of and between the side plates. Thin, elongated necks extend distally from the side plates to a pair of jaws configured to grasp and release a foldable intraocular lens. The necks connecting the jaws to the side plates are shaped such that adjacent points are substantially intersected by the axis, with such intersection point located to be positioned at approximately the corneal incision during a lens implantation procedure. Thus, with the jaws positioned interiorly of the lens capsule, the jaws can be swung between open and closed positions without unnecessary stretching of the corneal incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Vaclav Dusek
  • Patent number: 5662680
    Abstract: An improved electrode apparatus for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument provides an adjustable volume of tissue ablation and may be used with an RF energy source in either monopolar or bipolar output mode. The electrode apparatus may be used in any endoscopic surgical application, and provides a new method for any endoscopic treatment involving soft tissue ablation, including hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment of uterine fibroids/myomas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ashvin H. Desai
  • Patent number: 5630821
    Abstract: An apparatus for implanting an intraocular lens comprises two gripping elements, the front ends of which carry contact elements which are movable towards each other with the gripping elements so that the lens to be implanted can be held therebetween. At least one of the contact elements is mounted rotatably on the respective gripping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Dieter Klaas
  • Patent number: 5607451
    Abstract: A flat tweezer formed of a folded plastic material which can be opened to lay flat within the case. The tweezer may be formed from a plastic card with score lines defining the tweezer arms and a hinge coupling the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Mind Mechanics, Inc.
    Inventor: Serafin G. Menocal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5607434
    Abstract: A tick removing device includes an upwardly angled fixed front end section with a V-shaped notch opening to the front with two blunt points. A bottom surface of the front end is slid along the skin of the host toward the embedded tick with a slight pressure sliding the opening of the V-shaped notch past the tick until the narrowing edges of the V-shaped notch contact the tick's body lifting the tick away from the flesh. The device includes a cup or a sticky patch to catch the removed tick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph J. Alvino
  • Patent number: 5562703
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a housing, single access conduit formed in the housing, an irrigation port and an evacuation port, each port being connected through independent valves to the single access conduit. The single access conduit has a first end and a second end which is terminated in an aperture formed in the housing. A closure is provided for the aperture. A viewing device, such as an endoscope, is insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extended slightly beyond the first end. An electrode assembly having two or more retractable RF electrodes spaced a predetermined distance and angle apart, is also insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extendable beyond the first end. Each RF electrode is in electrical communication with a means for supplying R.F. energy and for continuously measuring impedance across the electrodes. Also, each RF electrode is extendable beyond and completely retractable into a guiding sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Ashvin H. Desai
  • Patent number: 5556563
    Abstract: A device for removing a tick attached to an animal or person having a tweezer with first and second tweezer arms disposed within a casing, such tweezer arms movable within first and second channels defined on the inside of the casing with the front tips of the tweezer arms extendible and retractable through an opening in the front of the casing, the channels tapering inwardly to direct the tips of the tweezer arms together as they pass through the opening. A power source is provided which can be a battery disposed within the casing and interconnected to the first and second tweezer arms. An electrical circuit is completed when the tweezer arms are in their forward advanced position extending out the opening of the casing to heat the tweezer arms and the tick grasped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: Christian P. von der Heyde, Michael E. Backus
  • Patent number: 5554161
    Abstract: A tool for removing ticks and similar parasites. A spoon-shaped tool, the spoon of which is split lengthwise and hinged to rotate the split spoon sections normally open far enough to fit over a tick's body, then rotated closed into an overlapping relationship by thumb and forefinger closing pressure to trap the tick about the neck in a v-shaped slit in one side of the opening in the spoon. A mechanical stop prevents the slit from closing completely to sever the tick from it's head. The handle may have a centerline hinge, integral spring, and thumb and finger locators to facilitate use of the tool in a palm-down fashion by either hand. The spoon sections may have opposing slits that close upon each other to likewise trap the tick. The tick is at all times visible in the open bowl of the tool. The tool may be molded in one piece, with a "living hinge" and spring incorporated into it's design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Larry K. Thibeault
  • Patent number: 5520704
    Abstract: An everting forceps comprising first and second outer resilient legs rigidly interconnected at one end thereof, and a third leg intermediate the pair of legs. Each of the outer legs terminating at a tip provided with an arcuate jaw. A moving device positions the intermediate leg with respect to one of the first and second legs. A locking mechanism for locking the intermediate leg and at least one of the outer legs is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Castro, Kenneth E. Toso
  • Patent number: 5496084
    Abstract: The fitter-remover is comprised of a device by means of which it is possible to fit a contact lens on the user's eye and/or remove it without having to touch it with one's fingers. The device includes a body (1) with a cylindric part having a diametral notch (2), defining both legs (3) with the free ends thereof feather-edged and having a concavity (4) complementary to the convexity that the back of the corresponding lens has, body (1) which also has a flat extension opposite that cylindric part to form the handle. The device rests by means of its concave end (4) on the convex surface of the contact lens (5), the contact lens remaining adhered in order to be fit on the user's eye, while the removal is done by resting the closed legs (3) of the tweezer on the convexity of the contact lens, effecting afterwards slight pressure of the contact lens by means of transversal pressure with one's fingers, producing the detachment of the lens from one's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Eliseo Miralles Medan
  • Patent number: 5476479
    Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument having an internally disposed ratchet mechanism located within a barrel portion of a handle assembly. The instrument includes a handle assembly having a pivoting handle and a stationary handle, a barrel portion to which an elongated body assembly is secured, and a ratchet mechanism for releasably positioning a tool mechanism located at the distal end of the body assembly at various increments. The ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl member and a rack member which are disposed within the handle assembly. A rotational knob and locking member may also be provided to lock the body assembly at various orientations to the longitudinal axis. The tool assembly includes novel atraumatic jaw mechanisms incorporating flexural characteristics to better gauge the force being applied to the captured tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Green, Ernest Aranyi, Ian J. Tovey
  • Patent number: 5449374
    Abstract: A tissue spreading forceps for gripping and spreading tissue include two gripping members which are secured to each other by a spring and are rotatable in relation to each other about a pivot. Initial pressure to the spring causes the gripping members to close and grip tissue at two locations. Additional pressure applied to the spring causes the gripping members to spread apart in relation to each other, thereby spreading the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Raymond M. Dunn, Allen H. Hoffman, Richard Doppler, Marc G. Casseres
  • Patent number: 5439012
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing nail polish comprising: a first component of a generally rigid material in an elongated configuration, the first component having an essentially planar lower face and a upper face rounded along its longitudinal axis with a pivot aperture extending laterally through the central extent thereof, the upper surface of the first component being formed with a roughened thumb grip at its leading edge and a roughened finger grip at its trailing edge; a second component of a generally linear extent and fabricated of a rigid material, the second component having a forward planar edge positionable parallel with the forward edge of the first component during operation and use, the second component having a second planar upper surface at an angle with respect to the first planar surface and positionable parallel with the rearward planar surface of the first component when in a compressed orientation, the lower component being formed with a generally curved lower surface with the pair of longitudin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Carole L. D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 5421629
    Abstract: A device for assisting a user in affixing or removing pierced ear earrings. The device includes a handle portion and at least two wire fingers protruding therefrom that are used to support an earring nut when the earring is being affixed to the ear lobe, or removed therefrom. These wire fingers are typically thin flexible wires that either fit through circular openings in the earring nut or surround and clamp the earring nut. The handle portion of the device easily fits into the palm of the user, allowing the user to use her or his thumb and index finger to guide the wire fingers when affixing or removing the pierced ear earrings. The device is particularly useful to people having handicaps with finger motion, such as arthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Martha A. Karban
  • Patent number: 5407243
    Abstract: A tick removing device for removing a tick embedded in a human or animal host. In the preferred embodiment, the tick removing device includes an elongated sleeve with a gripping device inserted therethrough. The gripping device includes a pair of flexible and spaced apart legs that are movable between open and closed positions. An actuator button is disposed in the rear end of the sleeve and secured to the gripping device for moving the gripping device between the open and closed positions. A spring is disposed in the elongated sleeve for biasing the actuator button and attached gripping device toward a closed position. The gripping device is moved to an open position by depressing the actuator button which moves the attached gripping device in a forward direction through the sleeve. A pin mounted in the sleeve extends between the gripping legs and is sized to wedge the gripping legs apart as the gripping device moves through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Mathew W. Riemann
  • Patent number: 5405353
    Abstract: A microsurgical needle holder, including first and second elongate members pivotally hinged at their proximal ends and an intermediate member attached to the first elongate member intermediate its ends, and between the first and second members, has a slide and lock actuator for moving the first and intermediate members between a first position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart and a second position wherein the distal ends are engaged, so that a needle can be securely held therebetween. The needle holder can be hand held and the actuator fingertip controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Patent number: 5385471
    Abstract: A dental instrument comprising a grasping device in the form of a tweezer member having a finger receiving ring detachably connected to one of the legs of the tweezer member is disclosed. The instrument is used for holding and inserting a Cerec inlay, manufactured by a dental Cerec machine, in a tooth undergoing a restorative procedure. The instrument may further include a threaded axle which coacts with each leg of the tweezers and protrudes from one of the legs. The instrument may also further include a plunger mechanism which facilitates the insertion of an inlay in a prepared tooth cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Ng T. Chuen
  • Patent number: 5380339
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a novel parasite remover has a holding plate and an engagement plate for attachment to pivoting arms of a staple remover. The holding plate has a slot for insertion between a parasite body and the skin of a host to which the parasite has attached itself. The engagement plate has a pair of curved prongs spaced apart to define a slot therebetween for straddling the parasite mouth which is inserted into the host skin. As the pivoting arms of the staple remover are moved together, the curved prongs engage the parasite body and extract the parasite from the host skin. A second embodiment has a handle arm and a lever arm which are pivotally mounted together. As a result, the lever arm has a prying end pivotal with respect to a trigger end. The handle arm engages and lifts a parasite away from the host skin. On the lever arm, the prying end presses the host skin in a direction substantially normal to the host skin upon application of user force at the trigger end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Robert M. Webster
  • Patent number: 5334215
    Abstract: A pair of pincers include two legs having one end resiliently secured together to allow the legs to move away and toward each other. Each of the legs has a free end to which are secured a pair of end members. The end members can be disengaged from the free ends of the legs, such that the end members are disposable after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 5304183
    Abstract: The invention provides a tissue manipulation system including a tethered clamp and a clamp applicator for positioning the clamp through a trocar sleeve and applying the clamp to a tissue location in the abdominal cavity. In a further embodiment, the tissue manipulation system includes a introducer through which the tether can be withdrawn from the abdominal cavity and a clamp attached to the proximal end of the introducer for clamping the tether in position. The tissue manipulation system further includes an obturator for inserting the introducer into the abdomen, and a tether snare for retrieving the tether and withdrawing it through the introducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Laparomed Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart J. Gourlay, Terry Buelna, Wayne A. Noda, Paul Lubock
  • Patent number: 5276306
    Abstract: A device for removing deer ticks and similar insects from a person's skin is disclosed. The device includes a heatable pointed needle and a spoon member located in spaced relationship alongside the needle with the bowl of the spoon facing the needle. The needle is used for poking the tick in order to cause it to retract its stinger and back off of the skin, at which point the tick may be removed in its entirety by scooping it with a spoon member located next to the hot needle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the needle and spoon member are carried on a body unit or base member in the form of a hand held gun, and the needle may be heated by an internal, self-electrical power source and heating element, or by a secondary heat source. In a second embodiment, the needle and spoon are mounted on a base member which may be attached to a flame-type cigarette lighter to heat the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Robert A. Huffman
  • Patent number: 5263968
    Abstract: The apparatus engages a piercing stud's clasp, then pushes the stud out of a locked position to ease removal of the clasp. Once out of the locked position, the wearer can pull the clasp and stud from the ear, or remove the clasp while leaving the stud situated in the ear. The apparatus includes a pair of prongs which are inserted through openings in the clasp and a spoon portion which is pushed toward the prongs. The prongs and spoon are pushed toward each other. As a result, the spoon meets the distal end of the stud and pushes the stud from a locked position. An opposing force holds the clasp in place. Removal is accomplished without disturbing the wearer's ear. In particular, the stud is pushed out of the locked position by a force applied at the stud's distal end, rather than pulled out of the locked position by a force applied at the stud's bulbous end. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a pair of thongs having two arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: David J. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5258005
    Abstract: Atraumatic grasping device for use in surgery, having an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. An insert is carried by the distal extremity of the tubular member and forms a slot opening into the tubular member. First and second elongate substantially parallel spring members having proximal and distal extremities. The first and second spring members extend through the tubular member and through the slot so that the distal extremities of the first and second spring members extend beyond said slot. The distal extremities of the first and second spring members are bowed apart from each other. First and second jaws formed on the distal extremities of the first and second spring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Unisurge, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Christian
  • Patent number: 5254095
    Abstract: A stabilizer for blood vessels including a pair of diverging panels integrally joined at a bight portion which in turn defines a hinge between the panels. The panels have outer edges with extending legs for engagement with and manipulation of skin for the positioning and stabilizing of veins. The stabilizer includes linear forward edges and generally arcuate rear edges for use in varying situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Clyde B. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5254130
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising(a) a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough,(b) a first elongate member extending through the longitudinal bore of the housing, and having a proximal and a distal segment, where at least part of the distal segment comprises an elastic material, especially a super elastic material, and wherein the distal segment assumes a first shape when extended from the longitudinal bore, and a second shape when withdrawn into the bore,(c) a second elongate member also having a proximal and a distal segment, the second elongate member extending substantially parallel to the first elongate member so that it is moved by the first elongate member, when the first elongate member changes from its first to its second shape and vice versa, the second elongate member being rotatable relative to, and substantially about, the axis of the first elongate member, and(d) an operating head secured to the distal segment of the second elongate member so that it(i) is moved with the sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Poncet, Karl van Dyk
  • Patent number: 5178622
    Abstract: The inventive instrument is an improvement in a surgical instrument of the type having fingers to grasp a soft, foldable intraocular lens (IOL) for implantation in a human eye following removal of the cataractous lens. The IOL has a relatively thick optic body and a relatively thin optic edge having a contour. Each instrument finger is shaped to generally conform to such contour and contact the IOL along the thin edge. The combined thickness of the fingers and the thin edge is no greater than the thickness of the body of the folded IOL. For an IOL of the type having a circular contour,the fingers are crescent-shaped. The IOL may thereby be easily implanted through a narrower incision including such an incision of the scleral tunnel type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Robert H. Lehner, II
  • Patent number: 5176696
    Abstract: The present invention is improved handles incorporated with a microsurgical instrument. The microsurgical instrument has a pair of crisscrossed members each having a forward functional portion and a rearward portion. Each of the rearward portions of the pair of crisscrossed members is substantially widened for accommodating the fingers of a surgeon's hand, such that the fingers are positioned parallel to the general longitudinal profile of the microsurgical instrument. The forward functional portions may be microsurgical scissors, microsurgical needle holders, microsurgical Aneurysmen clips, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Myles L. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5176701
    Abstract: Elongated generally horizontal blades are spaced apart vertically and have proximate handle end portions and distal grasping end portions. By manipulation of the handle end portions, the grasping end portions can be brought together into clamping engagement. The lower grasping end portion is return bent and includes a marginal portion offset laterally from the remainder of the lower blade. The upper grasping end portion is movable downward alongside the lower blade so as to engage against such laterally offset marginal portion of the lower grasping end portion. The composite forceps-type instrument is useful for implanting intraocular lenses during cataract surgery, particularly for positioning the superior haptic of an intraocular lens in a lens capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventors: Jarmila Dusek, Vaclav Dusek
  • Patent number: 5167618
    Abstract: Forceps used for performing a capsulotomy have relatively movable blades, the distal ends of which carry downwardly-projecting, sharp cystotomes. A first portion of each blade adjacent its distal end extends in a generally horizontal direction and is joined to a second portion extending upwardly at an acute angle with respect to the first portion. The forceps blades may either be connected to a handle or a syringe. In the latter case, one of the blades has a fluid flow passage therein in communication with the interior of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. Kershner
  • Patent number: 5156431
    Abstract: A needle cap clamp (10) is a resilient, flexible frame with a right arm (12) and a left arm (14) connected at a base (16). The distal end of each arm is characterized by a curved jaw (20, 22). These jaws are configured to grasp the cap (4) surrounding the needle of a syringe (2). The arms (12, 14) are closed towards each other during grasping. To maintain a closed position, mutually engaging engagement members (28, 30) extend inward from both arms (12, 14). To disengage the jaws (20, 22) from the cap (4), pressure is applied to pressure tab (32) in a direction normal to the primary plane defined by the frame. To ensure alignment of the engagement members (28, 30), a guide peg (40) also extends inward from arm 12 and penetrates a guide peg hole (42) in opposing arm (14). A fixed diameter grasping head (18) penetrates the base (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas K. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5147378
    Abstract: Forceps for grasping tissue material comprising a stationary stylet telescopingly disposed within a cannula. Jaws are mounted to one end of the stylet and the other end of the stylet is fixedly mounted in a handle. The cannula is mounted to the handle for sliding movement over the jaws to selectively compress and release the same to grasp and release tissue material or the like engaged by the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Harold Markham
  • Patent number: 5147368
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a nucleus splitter adapted to crack a hard nucleus of an eye after the nucleus has been sculpted by a pair of crossed grooves which set-off four quadrants of the nucleus. The nucleus splitter includes a pair of arms having first and second end portions united at a pivot with each end portion terminating in a relatively elongated narrow member having a laterally projecting nucleus splitting tip. The second end portions of the arms are generally resilient and normally urge the narrow members and tips into abutment with each other along the plane through an axis of the pivot. Finger and thumb pressure is applied to the medial portion of the arms causing the elongated narrow members to rock, pivot or spread apart and in doing so define an acute angle opening away from the pivot. In this position the elongated narrow members and the entirety of the first and second arms remain on the same side of the plane as in the unstressed condition of the medial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Alan W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5147369
    Abstract: Forceps are provided for use in removing nuclear fragments of the lens of an eye during eye surgery. It is not unusual during phaco emulsification surgery on the lens of an eye for the capsule of the lens to become torn and for vitreous humor to enter the lens capsule through the tear and engulf the nuclear fragments remaining in the lens to migrate through a tear in the lens capsule into the vitreous humor. The forceps of the invention allow such nuclear fragments to be removed far more easily and with less likelihood of complications than has heretofore been possible. The forceps are formed of a pair of elongated arms at the tips of which tiny hemispherical or oval cup-shaped implements are mounted. These implements are concave at their mutually facing central regions. The perimeters of the implements from cutting edges that are capable of being brought into mutual contact throughout to entrap loose nuclear fragments therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Michael A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5133712
    Abstract: A hair grasping device includes a pair of hair engaging surfaces spring biased to a closed or engaged position in which a hair is grasped therebetween. The device further includes a first clamping member which is pivotally disposed with respect to a housing. The first clamping member includes the first hair engaging surface. A spring disposed within the housing biases the first hair engaging surface toward the second hair engaging surface of a second clamping member. A thumb wheel is employed to pivot the first clamping member against the bias of the spring. The thumb wheel is also used to actuate a switch which connects a high frequency energy source to one of the hair engaging surfaces to destroy the papilla area of a grasped hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Selvac Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce McPherson
  • Patent number: 5116347
    Abstract: A simple hand-held implement for removing ticks and other ectoparasites or small undesirable objects from the cutaneous areas and clothing of humans and animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Robert B. Butler
  • Patent number: 5108392
    Abstract: Tweezers or forceps, in particular coagulation forceps, comprising two forcep arms which each have a free gripping end and which delimit a slit-like space, preferably tapering from the gripping ends in the rest position, and which can be moved resiliently towards each other and which extend from a common closed zone, and a gripping element, is to be produced in a simple and inexpensive manner and is to provide a variety of uses. For that purpose the forceps comprise at least two shaped parts which subdivide the closed zone in the longitudinal direction and which are connected together with their inside surfaces bearing against each other. In addition the forceps are to be divided on their longitudinal axis and each of the shaped parts which are preferably of the same configuration comprise one half of both forcep arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf A. Spingler
  • Patent number: 5089007
    Abstract: A surgical tool for cutting, shearing or clamping has a body formed of a single length of flexible steel and a collet mounted perpendicularly between the leaves of the body and affixed between the leaves near their rearward ends. The leaves are normally bowed outward, so that squeezing them together lengthens the body, thus producing relative displacement between the forward ends of the body and collet, respectively. The bifurcated forward end of the collet, which extends through an aperture in a bridge joining the leaves, terminates at a pair of jaws having inwardly working surfaces and outwardly facing cam surfaces. The cams are engaged by the sides of the aperture, which drive the jaws together when the leaves are squeezed toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: The University of New Mexico
    Inventors: Wolff M. Kirsch, Yong H. Zhu, Robert B. Cushman
  • Patent number: 5078729
    Abstract: A pair of elongated interlocked pivotal clamping members having opposing, normally closed, openable jaws structured for enclosing the body of an embedded tick within a cavity formed between the closed jaws. One jaw has a semicircular notch centered with the cavity. The notch forms an aperture when the jaws are closed. The aperture is sized for snug fitting placement over the neck of the tick to hold and prevent severing of the tick's neck. One clamping memer is affixed with a compression spring which abuts the opposing clamping member to maintain the jaws in a normally closed position. Both clamping members gradually widen from the jaw end to the oppositely disposed ends thereof, which are affixed with widened finger or gripping plates for easy handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Heino F. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 5047046
    Abstract: A forceps includes elongated arms with proximal and distal sections, the distal sections extending to the forceps tips. The arms are arranged and interconnected to enable appositional movement of the tips in order to enable a user to grip an object between the tips and thereby apply a component of force to the object that is generally perpendicular to the direction of such appositional movement. The proximal and distal sections of the first arm are connected with a break-away joint that is arranged to quickly reduce the amount of coupling when the component of force being applied to the object exceeds a predetermined level. Joints enabling pivotal or linear movement of the distal sections relative to the proximal sections may be provided, spring-biased mechanical break-away components or strain-gauge-based electrical break-away components may be used, and a human sensible signal indicating when the force exceeds the predetermined level may be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Rodger D. Bodoia
  • Patent number: 5047049
    Abstract: An improved hand held medical instrument having an instrument tip having a preferred orientation, and rotatable to at least one other orientation, the tip being attached to an instrument handle adapted to be held in the hand of the user, the handle having at least one substantially round body portion for facilitating rotation of the instrument, and an at least generally flat reference surface on the body portion, the reference surface engagable by the hand of the user for orienting the instrument in the preferred orientation, or as a reference point in facilitating rotation to another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Diane L. Salai
  • Patent number: 5019091
    Abstract: A method for making molded plastic forceps comprising two opposing elongate arms joined together at one end thereof including the steps of assembling a three-part mold consisting of a first part substantially in the plane of the first arm of the forceps, a second part substantially in the plane of the second arm of the forceps, and a third part between the two arms and defining thereon the construction of the inner surface of the forceps, for example, on one side thereof a mold for a male engagement element and on the other side thereof a mold for a non-apertured female engagement element, injecting a plastics material into the mold, waiting until the plastics material has cooled and contracted, opening the mold by moving first the first part and then the third part, whereby the forceps remains in engagement with the third part, and removing the forceps from the third part by pressing the inside of the joined end away from the mold. The invention also relates to forceps made by this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventors: Michael Porat, Amir Porat
  • Patent number: 5002323
    Abstract: A tweezer for removal of ticks has two legs (10, 12), connected at one end (11) by a loop formed spring, pinched together partly within a movable cylinder (26), which through the action of a coil spring (24) is pushed against the bent portions of the legs' (10, 12) end parts in order to exert a preset squeezing force between the end parts and their sharp edged gripping points (19). By retracting the cylinder (26) the gripping points (19) are opened and when the cylinder (26) is released, the legs' (10, 12) end portions and their gripping points (19) can grasp the tick (40) and its head (38) with such a predetermined force that the tweezer will lose its grip if the tick's head (38) has not first been loosened by turning. The turning is brought about by turning the cylinder (26), which maintains the predetermined pinching force by the help of the coil spring (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Instruments of Sweden, Inc.
    Inventor: Ake Idsund
  • Patent number: 5002561
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to hand forceps usable by medical personnel, and others, to protect them from incurring injury and contamination when handling intravenous (IV) needles, suture needles, scalpels, and vessels containing body fluids, during surgical procedures and otherwise. The forceps comprises thumb and index finger encasing portions hinged together. A skirt area extends over a portion of the back of a user's hand from the base of the thumb and index finger encasing portions. The forceps can be made of various plastics, metals, and the like and can be coated with a trauma preventing, invasive device snagging layer of latex or similar material. Outwardly extending protective flanges can be provided longitudinally disposed on the thumb and index finger encasing portions. A central shield can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Frank E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4994061
    Abstract: A hair grasping device includes a pair of hair engaging surfaces spring biased to a closed or engaged position in which a hair is grasped therebetween. The device further includes a first clamping member which is slidably disposed with respect to the housing. The first clamping member includes the first hair engaging surface. A spring disposed within the housing biases the first hair engaging surface toward the second hair engaging surface of a second clamping member. High frequency electrical energy is applied to one of the hair engaging surfaces to destroy a grasped hair in the papilla area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Selvac Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce McPherson