US4096864A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid carrying surgical instrument of the forceps type
Assignee: Scanlan International Inc
•
Filing: 1976-04-08
•
Granted: 1978-06-27
•
Expires: 1996-04-08
Abstract
Abstract Surgical forceps are disclosed which consist of first and second legs attached at one end in a tweezer-like configuration. One of the legs includes a small conduit which terminates in one or more inlets disposed on the inner and outer surface of the tweezers. The opposite end of the conduit is adapted for connection to a source of vacuum to permit fluid to be drawn away from a surgical area. In an alternative embodiment, a similar conduit is formed in the other forceps leg which is adapted for connection to liquid under pressure, terminating in one or more openings on the inner and outer surface of the tweezer legs to permit cleansing of the surgical area. In either embodiment, the conduits are selectively extendable beyond the tip of the forcep leg by movable tubes which allow the suction of fluid supply to reach into areas removed from the forcep leg. Fluid control means are provided on the tweezers for both the vacuum conduit and the liquid supply conduit.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold D. Kletschka
- 👤 Edson D. Rafferty
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/30; A61B2217/00; A61B2217/002; A61B2217/005; A61B2217/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) a fluid passageway at least a part of which is formed within the first elongated member, the passageway extending through the extreme functional end of the first elongated member to define a fluid opening at the tip thereof; (c) the passageway being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (d) an extensible tube having open first and second ends slideably contained within said passageway, the extensible tube being slideably movable between a retracted position, in which it is contained entirely within the passageway, and an extended position, in which the first open end of the extensible tube is disposed beyond the passageway and the second open end of the extensible tube is contained within the passageway; (e) and tube advance means for slideably moving the extensible tube between said extended and retracted positions to allow pressure transmitted through the passageway to be extended by the extensible tube beyond the extreme functional end of the first elongated member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
229 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) a fluid passageway at least a part of which is formed within the first elongated member, the passageway extending through the extreme functional end of the first elongated member to define a fluid opening at the tip thereof; (c) the passageway being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (d) an extensible tube having open first and second ends slideably contained within said passageway, the extensible tube being slideably movable between a retracted position, in which it is contained entirely within the passageway, and an extended position, in which the first open end of the extensible tube is disposed beyond the passageway and the second open end of the extensible tube is contained within the passageway; (e) and tube advance means for slideably moving the extensible tube between said extended and retracted positions to allow pressure transmitted through the passageway to be extended by the extensible tube beyond the extreme functional end of the first elongated member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 1, wherein: (a) the first elongated member further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on its inner face in fluid communication with said passageway; (b) and the extensible tube comprises at least one fluid opening formed in the side thereof and disposed for registration with the fluid opening in the inner face of the first elongated member with the extensible tube in its extended position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 2, wherein the first elongated member comprises a plurality of said inner face fluid openings, and the side opening of the extensible tube is disposed for registration with at least one of said inner face fluid openings with the extensible tube in its extended position, and for registration with at least one of said inner face fluid openings with the extensible tube in its retracted position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 2, wherein: (a) the first elongated member further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on its outer face in fluid communication with said passageway; (b) and the extensible tube comprises at least one fluid opening formed in the side thereof and disposed for registration with the fluid opening in the outer face of the first elongated member with the extensible tube in its extended position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 1, wherein: (a) the first elongated member further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on its outer face in fluid communication with said passageway; (b) and the extensible tube comprises at least one fluid opening formed in the side thereof and disposed for registration with the fluid opening in the outer face of the first elongated member with the extensible tube in its extended position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 1, wherein the tube advance means comprises: (a) an elongated slot-like opening in the functional end of the first elongated member, said slot-like opening generally adjacent a portion of said extensible tube; (b) and a thumb member attached to said extensible tube and extending through said slot-like opening to allow the movement of said extensible tube the length of said slot-like opening by the urging of said thumb member forward and backwards in said slot-like opening to thereby position the extensible tube in a selected position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
182 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 1, and further comprising: (a) a second fluid passageway at least part of which is formed within the second elongated member, the passageway extending through the extreme functional end of the second elongated member to define a fluid opening at the tip thereof; (b) the second passageway being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (c) a second extensible tube having open first and second ends slideably contained within said second passageway, the second extensible tube being slideably movable between a retracted position, in which it is contained entirely within the second passageway, and an extended position, in which the first open end of the second extensible tube is disposed beyond the second passageway and the second open end of the second extensible tube is contained within the second passageway; (d) and tube advance means for slideably moving the second extensible tube between said extended and retracted positions to allow pressure transmitted through the second passageway to be extended by the second extensible tube beyond the extreme functional end of the second elongated member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
93 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 7, wherein: (a) the second elongated member further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on its outer face in fluid communication with said second passageway and at least one fluid opening disposed on its inner face in fluid communication with said second passageway; (b) and the second extensible tube comprises at least one fluid opening formed in the side thereof and disposed for registration with the fluid opening in the inner face of the second elongated member with the second extensible tube in its extended position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
136 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) fluid conduit means associated with at least one of the first and second elongated members, the conduit means terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed on the inner face of the first elongated member, and at least one fluid opening disposed on the outer face of the first elongated member; (c) the fluid conduit means being adapted for connection with a source of fluid pressure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
136 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) fluid conduit means associated with at least one of the first and second elongated members, the conduit means terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed on the inner face of the first elongated member, and at least one fluid opening disposed on the outer face of the first elongated member; (c) the fluid conduit means being adapted for connection with a source of fluid pressure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 9, wherein the fluid conduit means terminates in a plurality of fluid openings disposed on the outer face of the first elongated member, one of said fluid openings being disposed at the extreme functional end or tip of the first elongated member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 10, wherein the conduit means defines a passageway part of which is formed within the first elongated member, the passageway extending through the extreme functional end of the first elongated member to define said tip opening, said other openings comprising bore-like passages extending transversely of the passageway from the inner and outer faces, respectively, and in fluid communication therewith.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 11, wherein at least one transverse, bore-like passage extends from the inner face through the passageway to the outer face of the first elongated member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 9, and further comprising adjustable valve means for controlling the magnitude of pressure differential communicated through the first conduit means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 13, wherein the adjustable valve means comprises a valve member rotatably mounted on the first elongated member and extending through the conduit means, the valve member having a fluid passage formed therein which is rotatably registrable with the conduit means to permit the passage of fluid therethrough, and rotatable to a position blocking the passage of fluid through the conduit means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
80 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 9, and further comprising: (a) second fluid conduit means associated with the other of said first and second elongated members, the second fluid conduit means terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed on the inner face of the second elongated member, and at least one fluid opening disposed on the outer face of the second elongated member; (b) the second fluid conduit means being adapted for connection with a source of fluid pressure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 15, wherein the second fluid conduit means terminates in a plurality of fluid openings disposed on the outer face of the second elongated member, one of said fluid openings being disposed at the extreme functional end or tip of the second elongated member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
67 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 16, wherein the second fluid conduit means defines a passageway part of which is formed within the second elongated member, the passageway extending through the extreme functional end of the second elongated member to define said tip opening, said other openings comprising bore-like passages extending transversely of the passageway from the inner and outer faces, respectively, and in fluid communication therewith.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 17, and further comprisng adjustable valve means for controlling the magnitude of pressure differential communicated through the first conduit means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
75 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 18, wherein the adjustable valve means comprises: (a) a slot-like opening formed in the second elongated member and communicating with the second fluid conduit means; (b) and a slide member movably mounted over said slit-like opening for partially covering said slot-like opening to control the magnitude of fluid pressure differential conveyed through the second fluid conduit means, the slide member being movable in response to urging by finger force.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
145 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (c) first and second fluid conduit means respectively associated with the first and second elongated members, each of said conduit means terminating in an opening in the distal outer face of the associated elongated member at the extreme functional end thereof; (c) said first fluid conduit means being adapted for connection to a source of negative fluid pressure; (d) and the second fluid conduit means being adapted for connection to a source of positive fluid pressure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
145 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (c) first and second fluid conduit means respectively associated with the first and second elongated members, each of said conduit means terminating in an opening in the distal outer face of the associated elongated member at the extreme functional end thereof; (c) said first fluid conduit means being adapted for connection to a source of negative fluid pressure; (d) and the second fluid conduit means being adapted for connection to a source of positive fluid pressure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 20, wherein each of said first and second elongated members further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on the inner face thereof in fluid communication with the associated conduit means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 20, wherein each of said first and second elongated members comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on the outer face thereof in fluid communication with the associated conduit means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 22, wherein each of said first and second elongated members further comprises at least one fluid opening disposed on the inner face thereof in fluid communication with the associated conduit means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 20, and further comprising first and second adjustable valve means respectively associated with said first and second fluid conduit means for controlling the magnitude of fluid pressure communicated therethrough.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
76 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 24, wherein the first adjustable valve means comprises: (a) a slot-like opening formed in the second elongated member and communicating with the second fluid conduit means; (b) and a slide member movably mounted over said slot-like opening for partially covering said slot-like opening to control the magnitude of fluid pressure differential conveyed through the second fluid conduit means, the slide member being movable in response to urging by finger force.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 24, wherein the second adjustable valve means comprises adjustable valve means for controlling the magnitude of pressure differential communicated through the first conduit means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
144 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) first conduit means associated with the first elongated member and terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed in the outer face at the distal end thereof; (c) second fluid conduit means associated with the first elongated member and terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed in the outer face at the distal end thereof; (d) the first and second fluid conduit means being adapted for connection with a source of fluid pressure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
144 words
Surgical forceps of a tweezer-like configuration, comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from the fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) first conduit means associated with the first elongated member and terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed in the outer face at the distal end thereof; (c) second fluid conduit means associated with the first elongated member and terminating in at least one fluid opening disposed in the outer face at the distal end thereof; (d) the first and second fluid conduit means being adapted for connection with a source of fluid pressure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 27, wherein the second fluid conduit means comprises a plurality of fluid openings disposed on the outer face of said first elongated member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical forcep defined by claim 27, wherein the first and second fluid conduit means are respectively connected to sources of positive and negative fluid pressure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 29, and further comprising first and second adjustable valve means respectively associated with the first and second fluid conduit means for controlling the magnitude of fluid pressure communicated therethrough.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
68 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 30, wherein the first adjustable valve means comprises a valve member rotatably mounted on the first elongated member and extending through the conduit means, the valve member having a fluid passage formed therein which is rotatably registrable with the conduit means to permit the passage of fluid therethrough, and rotatable to a position blocking the passage of fluid through the conduit means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
76 words
The surgical forceps defined by claim 30, wherein the second adjustable valve means comprises: (a) a slot-like opening formed in the second elongated member and communicating with the second fluid conduit means; (b) and a slide member movably mounted over said slot-like opening for partially covering said slot-like opening to control the magnitude of fluid pressure differential conveyed through the second fluid conduit means, the slide member being movable in response to urging by finger force.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
168 words
A suction surgical instrument comprising: (a) at least one elongated leg member of predetermined length and having a functional end constructed to perform a surgical function; (b) a fluid conduit tube externally affixed to at least a portion of said elongated leg member, said fluid conduit tube being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (c) said fluid conduit tube terminating in an open end of predetermined cross sectional size disposed proximate the extreme functional end of said one elongated member, said open end lying in a substantially oblique plane which transects the fluid conduit tube, whereby the cross sectional size of the open end is greater than the internal perpendicular cross sectional size of the fluid conduit tube; (d) and first and second transverse openings formed through the wall of the fluid conduit tube in a position spaced from said open end, said transverse openings being of lesser cross sectional size than said open end and disposed on opposite sides of the fluid conduit tube.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
168 words
A suction surgical instrument comprising: (a) at least one elongated leg member of predetermined length and having a functional end constructed to perform a surgical function; (b) a fluid conduit tube externally affixed to at least a portion of said elongated leg member, said fluid conduit tube being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (c) said fluid conduit tube terminating in an open end of predetermined cross sectional size disposed proximate the extreme functional end of said one elongated member, said open end lying in a substantially oblique plane which transects the fluid conduit tube, whereby the cross sectional size of the open end is greater than the internal perpendicular cross sectional size of the fluid conduit tube; (d) and first and second transverse openings formed through the wall of the fluid conduit tube in a position spaced from said open end, said transverse openings being of lesser cross sectional size than said open end and disposed on opposite sides of the fluid conduit tube.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 33, wherein the fluid conduit tube is circular in cross section, and the open end is elliptical in shape.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 33, wherein the oblique plane in inclined toward the extreme end of said one elongated member so that the end of the fluid conduit tube tapers relative to said one elongated member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 33, wherein said transverse openings are disposed in transverse alignment and are respectively accessible from opposite sides of said one elongated member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
158 words
A suction surgical instrument comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from a fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) a fluid conduit tube affixed to at least a portion of one of said elongated leg members, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (c) said fluid conduit tube terminating in an open end of predetermined cross sectional size disposed proximate the extreme functional end of said one elongated member; (d) and at least one transverse opening formed through the wall of the fluid conduit tube at a point spaced from said open end, said transverse opening being of lesser cross sectional size than said open end.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
158 words
A suction surgical instrument comprising: (a) first and second elongated leg members of essentially the same length and having functional ends defining opposed inner and outer faces, said inner faces being substantially adjacent each other in the closed position, the leg members being commonly affixed and projecting from a fixed point in cantilever fashion with the functional ends normally biased apart and cooperable to perform forceps functions; (b) a fluid conduit tube affixed to at least a portion of one of said elongated leg members, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (c) said fluid conduit tube terminating in an open end of predetermined cross sectional size disposed proximate the extreme functional end of said one elongated member; (d) and at least one transverse opening formed through the wall of the fluid conduit tube at a point spaced from said open end, said transverse opening being of lesser cross sectional size than said open end.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
59 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 37, wherein the fluid conduit tube is externally affixed to the first elongated member over substantially the entirety of its length, and further comprising a fluid connector member integrally affixed to the forceps and communicating with the fluid conduit tube, the connector member being adapted for connection with the source of fluid pressure.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
112 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 37, and further comprising: (a) a second fluid conduit tube externally affixed to at least a portion of the other of said first and second elongated members, said second conduit tube being adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure; (b) the second fluid conduit tube terminating in an open end of predetermined cross sectional size disposed proximate the extreme functional end of the second elongated member; (c) and at least one transverse opening formed through the wall of the second fluid conduit tube at a point spaced from said open end, said transverse opening being of lesser cross sectional size than said open end.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 37, wherein the open end of the fluid conduit tube lies essentially in an oblique plane which transects the fluid conduit tube, whereby the oblique cross sectional size of the open end is greater than the internal perpendicular cross sectional size of the fluid conduit tube.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 40, wherein the fluid conduit tube is circular in cross section, and the open end is elliptical in shape.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 40, wherein the oblique plane is inclined toward the extreme end of said one elongated member so that the end of the fluid conduit tube tapers relative to said one elongated member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 37, in which two such transverse openings are formed through the wall of the fluid conduit tube and disposed on opposite sides thereof.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical instrument defined by claim 43, wherein said transverse openings are disposed in transverse alignment and respectively accessible from opposite sides of said one elongated member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-06-26 | 1981-12-26 | 1982-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-26 | 1985-12-26 | 1986-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-26 | 1989-12-26 | 1990-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |