US5360428A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laparoscopic instrument with electrical cutting wires
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-07-22
•
Granted: 1994-11-01
•
Expires: 2012-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A laparoscopic surgical cutting tool has a handle attached to a hollow tube. A tube end segment is pivotally attached to the tube. A linkage connects the handle to the end segment to allow the surgeon to adjust the angle between the end segment and tube, using the handle. A step projects upwardly at an angle at the distal end of the end segment. A lip attached to the end segment extends in a plane generally parallel to the axis of the end segment. Electrifiable cutting wires extend from an upper inside surface of the end segment to the lip.
Inventors
- 👤 William B. Hutchinson, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:58
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1482; A61B18/08; A61B18/082; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00595; A61B2018/00601
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A laparoscopic cutting tool comprising: a substantially inflexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the tube; a generally flat lip extending from a lower surface of the distal end of the tube; and a pair of spaced apart electrically conducting cutting wires extending from an upper surface of the distal end of the tube to the lip; and means for providing electrical energy to the cutting wires.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A laparoscopic cutting tool comprising: a substantially inflexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the tube; a generally flat lip extending from a lower surface of the distal end of the tube; and a pair of spaced apart electrically conducting cutting wires extending from an upper surface of the distal end of the tube to the lip; and means for providing electrical energy to the cutting wires.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the cutting wires extend concavely from the lip to the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the tube is rotatably attached to the handle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tool of claim 1 further comprising a pivot joint dividing the tube into a handle segment and an end segment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The laparoscopic tool of claim 1 wherein the cutting wires are fixed in position relative to the lip and distal end of the tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
122 words
A laparoscopic cutting tool comprising: a tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle attached substantially perpendicular to the proximal end of the tube; a pivot segment having a front end and a back end with the back end of the pivot segment pivotally attached to the distal end of the tube; a pivot linkage mechanism coupled between the handle and the pivot segment for pivoting the pivot segment via the handle; a generally flat lip attached to the front end of the pivot segment; a pair of spaced apart electrically conducting cutting elements fixed in position relative to the lip and the front end of the pivot segment; and means for providing electric power to the cutting elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
122 words
A laparoscopic cutting tool comprising: a tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle attached substantially perpendicular to the proximal end of the tube; a pivot segment having a front end and a back end with the back end of the pivot segment pivotally attached to the distal end of the tube; a pivot linkage mechanism coupled between the handle and the pivot segment for pivoting the pivot segment via the handle; a generally flat lip attached to the front end of the pivot segment; a pair of spaced apart electrically conducting cutting elements fixed in position relative to the lip and the front end of the pivot segment; and means for providing electric power to the cutting elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The laparoscopic tool of claim 6 wherein the cutting elements extend concavely in a radius between the lip and the pivot segment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-10-31 | 1998-05-02 | 1998-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-31 | 2002-05-02 | 2002-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-31 | 2006-05-02 | 2006-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |