US5632746A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device or apparatus for manipulating matter
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1992-02-28
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Granted: 1997-05-27
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Expires: 2012-02-28
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee M. Middleman
- 👤 Walter R. Pyka
- 👤 Michael Buhler
- 👤 Philippe Poncet
- 👤 Karl van Dyk
- 👤 James E. Jervis
- 👤 Reza Zadno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B17/00234; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B17/06; A61B17/062; A61B17/0625; A61B17/08; A61B17/10; A61B17/12; A61B17/12009; A61B17/12013; A61B17/22; A61B17/221; A61B17/295; A61B17/32; A61B17/320016; A61B17/3205; A61B17/32056; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/08; A61B18/082; B; B25; B25B; B25B9/00; B26; B26B; B26B13/00; B26B13/26; A61B10/06; A61B17/30; A61B17/3201; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B18/10; A61B2017/00287; A61B2017/00349; A61B2017/00353; A61B2017/00367; A61B2017/00371; A61B2017/0038; A61B2017/0042; A61B2017/00455; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B17/0401; A61B2017/0409; A61B2017/06052; A61B17/06166; A61B2017/06171; A61B2017/22072; A61B2017/2901; A61B2017/2905; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2017/2932; A61B2017/2933; A61B2017/2936; A61B2017/2937; A61B2017/2943; A61B2017/303; A61B2017/320064; A61B17/3209; A61B17/3211; A61B2017/32113; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1407; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30092; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0019
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A device having a distal end and a proximal end for surgical manipulation of matter within a living body comprising: (i) manipulator means having a distal end, said distal end at least partly constructed of at least one bent or twisted elongate metallic member having pseudoelasticity at a intended manipulation temperature, (ii) a hollow housing or cannula which initially holds said distal end in a relatively straightened state, and (iii) a proximal end and actuating means operable from said proximal end of the device for extending the distal end from the housing to manipulate matter within a living body and for withdrawing the distal end into the housing, wherein the distal end is deformable to bend or twist pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense so as to manipulate the matter on extension from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and said distal end becoming relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
156 words
A device having a distal end and a proximal end for surgical manipulation of matter within a living body comprising: (i) manipulator means having a distal end, said distal end at least partly constructed of at least one bent or twisted elongate metallic member having pseudoelasticity at a intended manipulation temperature, (ii) a hollow housing or cannula which initially holds said distal end in a relatively straightened state, and (iii) a proximal end and actuating means operable from said proximal end of the device for extending the distal end from the housing to manipulate matter within a living body and for withdrawing the distal end into the housing, wherein the distal end is deformable to bend or twist pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense so as to manipulate the matter on extension from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and said distal end becoming relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, which is a surgical instrument comprising handle means, coupled to at least one of said cannula or housing and said at least one member, said means for manually inserting said member through said cannula or housing to distally extend said distal segment from a bore of said cannula or housing, and for withdrawing said distal segment into the bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said proximal end and said distal end are of unitary construction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said distal end structure and said at least one member are of unitary construction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said distal end structure has a substantially blunted shape, and has a lateral dimension substantially equal to a lateral dimension of said cannula or housing, and is coupled to a distal end of said at least one member such that a curved surface of said distal end structure is distal facing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said distal end structure comprises a non-elastic structure separate from, and coupled to, said at least one member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said distal end structure is a pointed tip of said distal end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one member is disposed within said cannula or housing and oriented such that said elastic distal end exits said cannula or housing in a predetermined lateral orientation; and the apparatus further comprises means for indicating said predetermined lateral orientation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for preventing said at least one member from rotating within said cannula or housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said distal segment is composed of a nickel-titanium based pseudoelastic alloy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the distal end is composed of a pseudoelastic ahoy which assumes a first shape h a substantially austenitic phase when extended from the housing or cannula, and assumes a second shape containing more martensite phase when withdrawn into the housing or cannula.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including means for indicating the orientation of the pseudoelastically deformable distal end when extended from the housing or cannula.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said manipulation is dissection.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the pseudoelasticity is linear pseudoelasticity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
87 words
A remotely operated surgical device comprising (a) a substantially linear housing having a distal deployment opening; (b) a curved pseudoelastic blade, said blade constrainable in a relatively straightened shape within the housing; and (c) remote means for projecting and retracting the pseudoelastic blade relative to the distal deployment opening between a first position wherein the pseudoelastic blade is constrained in a relatively straightened shape within the housing, and a second position wherein the psendoelastic blade is not constrained by the housing and assumes a relatively curved shape.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
87 words
A remotely operated surgical device comprising (a) a substantially linear housing having a distal deployment opening; (b) a curved pseudoelastic blade, said blade constrainable in a relatively straightened shape within the housing; and (c) remote means for projecting and retracting the pseudoelastic blade relative to the distal deployment opening between a first position wherein the pseudoelastic blade is constrained in a relatively straightened shape within the housing, and a second position wherein the psendoelastic blade is not constrained by the housing and assumes a relatively curved shape.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 15 which comprises an endoscopic device, a catheter, or a laparoscopic device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the pseudoelastic blade comprises at least one cutting edge.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 17 wherein said at least one cutting edge is constructed of a material which is different from that of the pseudoelastic blade.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
59 words
An instrument device comprising (a) a distal bladed element having a first pivoted blade, and a second opposing blade; (b) an elastically deformable stem connected to the bladed element; (c) a proximal blade actuator means for causing pivotal motion of the pivotable blade; and (d) a stem deformation control means for controlling the deformation of the elastically deformable stem.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
59 words
An instrument device comprising (a) a distal bladed element having a first pivoted blade, and a second opposing blade; (b) an elastically deformable stem connected to the bladed element; (c) a proximal blade actuator means for causing pivotal motion of the pivotable blade; and (d) a stem deformation control means for controlling the deformation of the elastically deformable stem.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device according to claim 19 wherein the elastically deformable stem comprises an elastic member which is substantially straight when it is constrained, and assumes a bent or curved shape when it is unconstrained; and the stem deformation control means comprises a longitudinally slidable substantially straight constraining member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device according to claim 20, comprising an elongate housing and wherein the elastic member is moveable between a first position wherein the elastic member is constrained within the housing, and a second position wherein the elastic member is deployed from the housing and assumes an unconstrained shape.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 21 wherein said elongate housing comprises a rigid elongate tube.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 19 further comprising an elongate housing including a flexible polymeric tube.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
55 words
A device according to claims 19 wherein at least one of the first blade and the second blade includes a grasping surface which can be used to grasp an object, or wherein at least one of the first blade and the second blade includes a cutting edge which can be used to cut an object.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 19, wherein the first blade is moveable between a closed position wherein the axes of the blades are substantially parallel, and an open position, wherein the axes of the blades are deflected from the parallel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
49 words
A device according to claim 19 in which at least the bladed element is readily removable from the device and wherein said bladed element is capable of integrating with the blade actuator means, and wherein the elastically deformable stem is capable of integrating with the stem deformation control means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the elastically deformable distal stem is composed of pseudoelastic material or superelastic material under the intended conditions of use.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect the object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another, wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect the object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another, wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
94 words
A device for gasping or cutting an object comprising at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
94 words
A device for gasping or cutting an object comprising at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
107 words
A device for grasping or cutting an object comprising: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable towards one another to grasp or cut said object; and b. actuating means for said elongate elements; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
107 words
A device for grasping or cutting an object comprising: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable towards one another to grasp or cut said object; and b. actuating means for said elongate elements; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
146 words
A device for grasping or cutting an object comprising: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for slaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end notions being movable towards one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
146 words
A device for grasping or cutting an object comprising: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for slaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end notions being movable towards one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
87 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint for dissecting the object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another; and b. actuating means for said elongate elements; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
87 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint for dissecting the object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another; and b. actuating means for said elongate elements; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device as claimed in claim 29, claim 30, or claim 31, which further comprises at least one of (i) a cutting edge of a material other than a pseudoelastic alloy, and (ii) a grasping surface.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
126 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect said object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another; wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
126 words
A device for dissecting an object comprising: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect said object from surrounding material; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another; wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device as claimed in claim 34 or claim 31, wherein one or both of (i) said elongate elements and (ii) the end portions thereof splay apart when they are not deformed within the hollow component and said elongate elements are moved toward one another when they are drawn into the hollow component, or when the hollow component is passed over said elongate elements.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
49 words
A device as claimed in claim 34 or claim 31, wherein the end portion of at least one of said elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material and is curved at a predetermined angle with respect to the hollow component when said end portion is extruded from the component.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 34 or 31 which includes an actuating means which (i) actuates a linkage to splay apart the elongate elements and (ii) extrudes the elongate elements from, and withdraws the elongate elements into, the component.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as claimed in claim 34 or 31, wherein each elongate member is attached to a longitudinal member and which can be rotated relative to each other.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device as claimed in claim 28, claim 29, claim 32, claim 30, claim 34, or claim 31, in which the end portions of the elements are pivotally connected to one another towards their free ends.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device as claimed in claim 28, claim 29, claim 32, claim 30, claim 34 or claim 31, which includes a flexible component that extends between the end portions of the elements so as, together with the end portions of the elements, to form a closed loop.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device as claimed in claim 28, claim 29, claim 32, claim 30, claim 34, or claim 31, in which the body portions of the elements are attached to one another, so that they are moved together in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements splaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect said object from surrounding material; and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning end portions adjacent the object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements splaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint to dissect said object from surrounding material; and wherein a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning end portions adjacent the object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, which comprises: A. providing a device which comprises a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements slaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint; and b. actuating means for said end portions; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said end portions adjacent said object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, which comprises: A. providing a device which comprises a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements slaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint; and b. actuating means for said end portions; wherein a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said end portions adjacent said object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, comprising; A. providing a device which comprises: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements slaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint; and wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said end portions adjacent said object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of dissecting an object from surrounding material, comprising; A. providing a device which comprises: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements slaying apart from one another when free of transverse constraint; and wherein the elements and the component are longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said end portions adjacent said object; and C. causing said end portions to splay apart so as to dissect said object from surrounding material.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of grasping or cutting an object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting gasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning the object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to grasp or cut said object.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of grasping or cutting an object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting gasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning the object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to grasp or cut said object.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of grasping or cutting at, object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; and b. actuating means for said end portions; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to gasp or cut said object.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of grasping or cutting at, object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. at least two elongate elements, positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion, the end portions of the elements: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; and b. actuating means for said end portions; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the elements and/or said actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to gasp or cut said object.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
186 words
A method of grasping or cutting an object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein the elements and the component axe longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and where, at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to grasp or cut said object.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
186 words
A method of grasping or cutting an object, comprising: A. providing a device which comprises: a. a hollow elongate component; and b. at least two elongate elements, at least part of which are positioned within said component, said elements being positioned alongside one another, each having a body portion and an end portion: i. means for splaying the end portions apart from one another when free of transverse constraint and presenting grasping or cutting surfaces to an object to be grasped or cut that is placed between them; and ii. said end portions being movable toward one another to grasp or cut said object; wherein the elements and the component axe longitudinally slideable relative to one another so that at least a portion of the elements can be slid into and out of said component and where, at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material; B. positioning said object between the splayed apart end portions of the elements; and C. causing said end portions to move toward one another so as to grasp or cut said object.
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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) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-11-25 | 2001-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-26 | 2004-11-25 | 2005-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-26 | 2008-11-25 | 2009-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |