US6350229B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
•
Filing: 2000-01-28
•
Granted: 2002-02-26
•
Expires: 2020-01-28
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart. The suction device is further fixed or immobilized to a stationary object, such as an operating table or a sternal or rib retractor. Thus, the local area of the heart near the suction device is temporarily fixed or immobilized relative to the stationary object while suction is maintained. In such a fashion, the coronary artery may be immobilized even though the heart itself is still beating so that a bypass graft may be performed. In addition the suction device may be used in either a conventional, open-chest environment or in a minimally-invasive environment, e.g. endoscopic.
Inventors
- 👤 Cornelius Borst
- 👤 Hendricus J. Mansvelt Beck
- 👤 Paul F. Gründeman
- 👤 Erik W. L. Jansen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B90/00; A61B90/50; A61B17/0206; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00681; A61B2017/00694; A61B2017/00703; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/0243; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306; A61B18/00; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 102
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for immobilizing an area of tissue comprising: a retractor; a first member having a suction port along a first plane; a second member having a suction port along the first plane, the second member positioned apart from the first member such that an immobilized area is defined between; a securing device to fix the first member and the second member to the retractor, the securing device coupled to the first member and the second member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A device for immobilizing an area of tissue comprising: a retractor; a first member having a suction port along a first plane; a second member having a suction port along the first plane, the second member positioned apart from the first member such that an immobilized area is defined between; a securing device to fix the first member and the second member to the retractor, the securing device coupled to the first member and the second member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the securing device comprises a first variable friction arm having at a first lockable elbow joint and a second variable friction arm having at a second lockable elbow joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a first suction source coupled to the first member and communicating with the suction port of the first member and a second suction source coupled to the second member and communicating with the suction port of the second member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
114 words
Surgical apparatus for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart, the apparatus comprising: a retractor adapted to be mounted to a portion of the patient's skeletal system; a first device including a first arm mounted on the retractor and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart and a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface; and, a second device including a second arm mounted on the retractor and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
114 words
Surgical apparatus for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart, the apparatus comprising: a retractor adapted to be mounted to a portion of the patient's skeletal system; a first device including a first arm mounted on the retractor and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart and a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface; and, a second device including a second arm mounted on the retractor and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a suction source coupled to the first member and communicating with the suction conduit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a first clamp for mounting the first device on the retractor, and a second clamp for mounting the second device on the retractor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction conduit and positioned along the first contact surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the suction port is generally cone-shaped.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the suction port is generally dome-shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the suction port is generally cylindrical-shaped.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second member includes a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising one or more suction source(s) in fluid communication with the suction lumen of the first member and the suction member of the second member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the second member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction lumen and positioned along the second contact surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the suction port is generally cone-shaped.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the suction port is generally dome-shaped.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the suction port is generally cylindrical-shaped.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a suture fixation member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first or second contact surface include one or more electrodes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a pulse generator and lead, the electrodes being coupled by the lead to the pulse generator.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least one of the first and second devices further comprises a means for dispensing or removing a fluid along the surface of the heart.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least one of the first and second devices further comprises a means for delivering light to the surface of the heart.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the first member to swivel relative to the first arm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the second member to swivel relative to the second arm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least one of the first and second arms is bendable.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least one of the first and second arms includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first or second arm is a variable friction arm.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the ball and socket arm comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket arm into a rigid position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 32 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and a first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the first or second arm comprising: a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
230 words
A medical device to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed on a beating heart comprising: a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction member having a first contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface, the first suction member coupled to a first arm; a first suction line coupled to the suction conduit wherein suction to the first suction line is communicated to the suction conduit; a first securing device coupled to the first arm; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second suction member, the second suction member having a second contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the second suction member having a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface, the second suction member coupled to a second arm; a second suction line coupled to the suction lumen wherein suction to the second suction line is communicated to the suction lumen; a second securing device coupled to the second arm; and, a retractor coupled to the first and second securing devices for fixing the first and second suction devices to a portion of a patient's skeletal system.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
230 words
A medical device to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed on a beating heart comprising: a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction member having a first contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface, the first suction member coupled to a first arm; a first suction line coupled to the suction conduit wherein suction to the first suction line is communicated to the suction conduit; a first securing device coupled to the first arm; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second suction member, the second suction member having a second contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the second suction member having a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface, the second suction member coupled to a second arm; a second suction line coupled to the suction lumen wherein suction to the second suction line is communicated to the suction lumen; a second securing device coupled to the second arm; and, a retractor coupled to the first and second securing devices for fixing the first and second suction devices to a portion of a patient's skeletal system.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second arm is bendable.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second arm includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second arm is a variable friction arm.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
79 words
The medical device of claim 41 wherein the ball and socket arm comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket arm into a rigid position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The medical device of claim 42 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
77 words
The medical device of claim 43 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and a first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
102 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the arm comprising: a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
38 words
The medical device of claim 45 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first securing device or second securing device comprises a clamp adapted to be coupled to the retractor.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein at least one of the first and second suction devices further comprises a means for dispensing or removing a fluid along the surface of the heart.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
30 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein at least one of the first and second suction devices further comprises a means for delivering light to the surface of the heart.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
The medical device of claim 37 further comprising a suture fixation member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first or second contact surface comprises one or more electrodes.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
The medical device of claim 51 wherein the electrodes are coupled by a lead to a pulse generator.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
40 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
The medical device of claim 53 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medical device of claim 53 wherein the hinge or joint includes a pin permitting the first member to swivel relative to the first arm.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
40 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The medical device of claim 56 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medical device of claim 56 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin permitting the second member to swivel relative to the second arm.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medical device of claim 58 wherein the second suction member comprises a neck which is used to couple the second suction member to the second arm.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
The medical device of claim 59 wherein the neck of the second suction member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medical device of claim 60 wherein the suction lumen of the second suction member extends through the neck of the second suction member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 61 wherein the neck of the second suction member is bendable.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medical device of claim 61 wherein the neck of the second suction member is rigid.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
34 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first securing device includes a first clamp for clamping on the retractor, and the second securing device includes a second clamp for clamping on the retractor.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first suction member is coupled relatively perpendicular to the first arm, and the second suction member is coupled relatively perpendicular to the second arm.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medical device of claim 37 wherein the first and second suction lines are coupled to a suction source.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
242 words
A system comprising a patient having a beating heart, and a medical device to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed on the beating heart, the medical device comprising: a suction source; a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction device having a first arm and a first suction member, the first suction member coupled to the first arm, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through a first contact surface in engagement with the first area of tissue, the suction conduit coupled to the suction source; a first securing device coupled to the first arm; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second arm and a second suction member, the second suction member movably coupled to the second arm such that the second suction member is free to move relative to the second arm, the second suction member having a lumen open to the atmosphere through a second contact surface in engagement with the second area of tissue, the lumen coupled to the suction source; a second securing device coupled to the second arm; and, a retractor coupled to the first and second securing devices and a portion of the patient's skeletal system for fixing the first and second suction devices relative to a portion of the patient's skeletal system.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
242 words
A system comprising a patient having a beating heart, and a medical device to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed on the beating heart, the medical device comprising: a suction source; a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction device having a first arm and a first suction member, the first suction member coupled to the first arm, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through a first contact surface in engagement with the first area of tissue, the suction conduit coupled to the suction source; a first securing device coupled to the first arm; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second arm and a second suction member, the second suction member movably coupled to the second arm such that the second suction member is free to move relative to the second arm, the second suction member having a lumen open to the atmosphere through a second contact surface in engagement with the second area of tissue, the lumen coupled to the suction source; a second securing device coupled to the second arm; and, a retractor coupled to the first and second securing devices and a portion of the patient's skeletal system for fixing the first and second suction devices relative to a portion of the patient's skeletal system.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
123 words
A surgical apparatus for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart, of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a retractor adapted to be mounted on a portion of the patient's skeletal system; a first device including a first arm mounted on the retractor and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface contacting the surface of the heart and a suction conduit open through the first contact surface to apply suction to the surface of the beating heart; and, a second device including a second arm mounted on the retractor and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface contacting the surface of the heart.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
123 words
A surgical apparatus for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart, of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a retractor adapted to be mounted on a portion of the patient's skeletal system; a first device including a first arm mounted on the retractor and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface contacting the surface of the heart and a suction conduit open through the first contact surface to apply suction to the surface of the beating heart; and, a second device including a second arm mounted on the retractor and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface contacting the surface of the heart.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 68 further comprising a suction source coupled to the first member and communicating with the suction conduit.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 68 further comprising a first clamp for mounting the first device on the retractor, and a second clamp for mounting the second device on the retractor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction conduit and positioned along the first contact surface.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 71 wherein the suction port is generally cone-shaped.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 71 wherein the suction port is generally dome-shaped.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 71 wherein the suction port is generally cylindrical-shaped.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the second member includes a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 75 further comprising one or more suction source(s) in fluid communication with the suction conduit of the first member and the suction lumen of the second member.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 76 wherein the second member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction lumen and positioned along the second contact surface.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 68 further comprising a suture fixation member.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second contact surface include one or more electrodes.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 79 further comprising a pulse generator and lead, the electrodes being coupled by the lead to the pulse generator.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 68 wherein at least one of the first and second members further comprise a means for dispensing or removing fluid along the surface of the heart.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 68 wherein at least one of the first and second devices further comprises a means for delivering light to the surface of the heart.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 83 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by hinge or joint permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 85 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second arm is bendable.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second arm includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second arm is a variable friction arm.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
104 words
The system of claim 68 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the first or second arm comprising: a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 91 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for immobilizing an area of tissue on a beating heart, the device comprising: a retractor; a first member having a first suction port; a second member having a second suction port, the second member positioned apart from the first member such that an immobilized area is defined between; a securing device to secure the first member and the second member to the retractor, the securing device coupled to the first member and the second member; and a means for spreading the first member apart from the second number.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for immobilizing an area of tissue on a beating heart, the device comprising: a retractor; a first member having a first suction port; a second member having a second suction port, the second member positioned apart from the first member such that an immobilized area is defined between; a securing device to secure the first member and the second member to the retractor, the securing device coupled to the first member and the second member; and a means for spreading the first member apart from the second number.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 93 further comprising a means for spreading the first member apart from the second member.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device of claim 94 wherein the means for spreading the first member apart from the second member comprise a first bar fixed to the first member and a second bar coupled to the second member, the first having a linear slot and the second bar having means for engaging the linear slot and fixing the second bar to the first bar.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
74 words
The device of claim 95 wherein the means for spreading the first member apart from the second member comprise motor means coupled to the first member and the second member to cause the first member to move apart from the second member, power means coupled to the motor means to power the motor means, and control means couple to the motor means and the power means to control the operation of the motor means.
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EP0808606A1
Cited
US5875782A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-02-25 | 2005-08-27 | 2006-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | 2010-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-02-25 | 2013-08-27 | 2014-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |