Patent US5160334A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5160334A
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US
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Electrosurgical generator and suction apparatus
Assignee: Utah Medical Products Inc
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Filing: 1991-04-30
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Granted: 1992-11-03
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Expires: 2011-04-30
Abstract
Abstract An electrosurgical unit which combines an electrosurgical power generator and a filtered smoke removal system into a single compact instrument comprising an electrosurgical generator module and a smoke removal module. The electrosurgical generator module is designed specifically to accommodate an electrosurgical tool during LEEP or LLETZ procedures. The electrosurgical generator module provides power to the electrosurgical tool at a predetermined level. The smoke removal module removes and filters smoke from the site of the electrosurgery. A switching circuitry activates the smoke removal module substantially simultaneous to the activation of the electrosurgical tool so that the smoke removal module is activated automatically whenever the electrosurgical tool is activated. The switching circuitry also delays the deactivation of the smoke removal module for a predetermined amount of time after the electrosurgical tool has been deactivated. The electrosurgical tool alternatively can be connected, concentrically or in parallel, to a smoke evacuation tube in communication with the smoke removal module.
Inventors
- 👤 R. Gail Billings
- 👤 William D. Wallace
- 👤 Christopher A. Cutler
- 👤 B. Tod Cook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/14; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1407; A61B90/00; A61B90/06; A61B2090/062; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/007; A61B2218/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
An apparatus for operating an electrosurgical tool during electrosurgery, comprising: a generator means for providing power to the electrosurgical tool; a smoke removal means for removing and filtering smoke from the site of the electrosurgery; and, a switching means for activating said smoke removal means substantially simultaneous to the activation of the electrosurgical tool by said generator means, such that said smoke removal means is activated automatically whenever the electrosurgical tool is activated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
An apparatus for operating an electrosurgical tool during electrosurgery, comprising: a generator means for providing power to the electrosurgical tool; a smoke removal means for removing and filtering smoke from the site of the electrosurgery; and, a switching means for activating said smoke removal means substantially simultaneous to the activation of the electrosurgical tool by said generator means, such that said smoke removal means is activated automatically whenever the electrosurgical tool is activated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said generator means comprises a power level selection means for setting the power within a range of power levels, whereby the level of power supplied to the electrosurgical tool is determined prior to activating the electrosurgical tool by selecting a setting corresponding to the level of power desired.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said generator means further comprises a display for displaying visually the level of power selected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said display is digital.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the range of power levels available for selection has a maximum of 100 watts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said generator means comprises a mode selection means for setting the mode of operation of the electrosurgical tool from among a plurality of modes of operation, whereby the mode of operation of the electrosurgical tool is determined prior to activating the electrosurgical tool by selecting a setting corresponding to the mode of operation desired.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein one of said modes of operation is a cutting mode whereby the power supplied to the electrosurgical tool is supplied in a continuous, unmodulated waveform.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein at least one of said modes of operation is a blend mode whereby the power supplied to the electrosurgical tool is supplied in a modulated waveform.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said generator means has a plurality of active lead jacks for accommodating various types of electrosurgical tool leads.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said generator means further comprises a hand switch and at least one of the active lead jacks is responsive to said hand switch for activating and deactivating the electrosurgical tool.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said generator means further comprises a foot switch and at least one of the active lead jacks is responsive to said foot switch for activating and deactivating the electrosurgical tool.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said generator means has a plurality of passive lead jacks for accommodating various types of dispersive electrode leads.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
59 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said generator means comprises a dispersive lead fault detector for detecting a break in the continuity of the power returning to the generator means, said dispersive lead fault detector activates an alarm means which provides a signal in the even a break in the continuity of the power is detected.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said smoke removal means comprises a vacuum means which draws air by suction and a plurality of filters.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein at least one of said filters is a two-stage filter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein one of the stages of said two-stage filter comprises a particulate filter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein one of the stages of said two-stage filter comprises an activated charcoal filter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said two-stage filter is disposable.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said two-stage filter is a HEPA filter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a housing for said vacuum means and said two-stage filter is connected to said housing in threaded engagement.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein at least one of said filters is a third-stage particulate filter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said third-stage particulate filter is replaceable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a delay means for delaying deactivation of said smoke removal means for a predetermined amount of time after the electrosurgical tool has been deactivated.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
90 words
An system for performing electrosurgery, comprising: an electrosurgical tool; a generator means for providing power to said electrosurgical tool at a predetermined level; a smoke removal means for removing and filtering smoke from the site of the electrosurgery, said smoke removal means comprising a smoke evacuator tube connected to said electrosurgical tool; and, a switching means for activating said smoke removal means substantially simultaneous to the activation of said electrosurgical tool by said generator means, such that said smoke removal means is activated automatically whenever said electrosurgical tool is activated.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
90 words
An system for performing electrosurgery, comprising: an electrosurgical tool; a generator means for providing power to said electrosurgical tool at a predetermined level; a smoke removal means for removing and filtering smoke from the site of the electrosurgery, said smoke removal means comprising a smoke evacuator tube connected to said electrosurgical tool; and, a switching means for activating said smoke removal means substantially simultaneous to the activation of said electrosurgical tool by said generator means, such that said smoke removal means is activated automatically whenever said electrosurgical tool is activated.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 24, wherein said switching means comprises a delay means for delaying deactivation of said smoke removal means for a predetermined amount of time after the electrosurgical tool has been deactivated.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as set forth in claim 24, wherein said smoke evacuator tube is connected to said electrosurgical tool in parallel disposition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as set forth in claim 24, wherein said electrosurgical tool is connected to said smoke evacuator tube in concentric disposition.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as set forth in claim 24, wherein said electrosurgical tool is an electrosurgical loop comprising a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, said shaft having a wire loop disposed on the distal end of said shaft.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system as set forth in claim 28, wherein said electrosurgical loop further comprises a depth gauge disposed in slidable engagement with said electrosurgical loop, whereby the amount of the wire loop exposed for making an electrosurgical excision is predetermined by sliding said depth gauge along the electrosurgical loop.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus capable of electrical connection to an electrosurgical unit and air flow connection to a smoke removal system for performing electrosurgery and evacuating smoke resulting from the electrosurgery, comprising: an electrosurgical tool comprising an electrosurgical loop having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, said shaft having a wire loop disposed on the distal end of said shaft; a depth gauge disposed in slidable engagement with said electrosurgical loop, whereby the amount of said wire loop exposed for making an electrosurgical excision is predetermined by sliding said depth gauge along said electrosurgical loop; and a smoke evacuator tube connected to said electrosurgical tool.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus capable of electrical connection to an electrosurgical unit and air flow connection to a smoke removal system for performing electrosurgery and evacuating smoke resulting from the electrosurgery, comprising: an electrosurgical tool comprising an electrosurgical loop having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, said shaft having a wire loop disposed on the distal end of said shaft; a depth gauge disposed in slidable engagement with said electrosurgical loop, whereby the amount of said wire loop exposed for making an electrosurgical excision is predetermined by sliding said depth gauge along said electrosurgical loop; and a smoke evacuator tube connected to said electrosurgical tool.
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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) | 1995-11-03 | 1996-05-04 | 1996-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-03 | 2000-05-04 | 2000-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-03 | 2004-05-04 | 2004-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |