Alan R Thomas

US Patent:

50571192, Oct 15, 1991

Filed:

Jan 18, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/642879

Inventors:

Richard J. Clark - Norfolk MA
Alan E. Thomas - Ocean City NJ

Assignee:

Ultracision Inc. - Smithfield RI

International Classification:

A61B 1902
A61B 1700
F16D 702
B25B 23159

US Classification:

606169

Abstract:

A delivery system for attaching and detaching an ultrasonic surgical blade/coupler and an acoustical mount. An adaptor sleeve receives and encapsulates the blade to avoid accidents resulting from the sharp edge of the blade. In a two-piece embodiment hereof, a cylindrical member receives the sleeve and a ratcheting mechanism is provided between the adaptor and member to facilitate rotation of the adaptor and coupler upon rotation of the member up to a predetermined torque, ensuring threaded connection between the coupler and acoustical mount sufficient for transmission of ultrasonic energy. To remove the blade/coupler, the member is rotated in the opposite direction, whereby unlimited torque may be applied through the ratchet mechanism to unthread the coupler from the mount. In a one-piece embodiment hereof, the adaptor integrally carries an element pivotal for movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the sleeve to engage one or the other of projections on the adaptor flange to rotate the adaptor in either direction. In one direction, the element slips past the projection at a predetermined magnitude of torque.

US Patent:

51677253, Dec 1, 1992

Filed:

Aug 1, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/561092

Inventors:

Richard J. Clark - Norfolk MA
Dale E. Whipple - Taunton MA
Alan E. Thomas - Ocean City NJ

Assignee:

Ultracision, Inc. - Smithfield RI

International Classification:

C23C 1400

US Classification:

428680

Abstract:

Ultrasonic blade coupler comprising a blade element composed of a material selected from aluminum and titanium rendered sharpenable by a surface hardening treatment. The blade coupler exhibits improved acoustical properties with reduced energy consumption.

US Patent:

50592106, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

Dec 12, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/448862

Inventors:

Richard J. Clark - Norfolk MA
Alan E. Thomas - Ocean City NJ

Assignee:

Ultracision Inc. - Smithfield RI

International Classification:

A61F 504

US Classification:

606169

Abstract:

A delivery system for attaching and detaching an ultrasonic surgical blade/coupler and an acoustical mount. An adaptor sleeve receives and encapsulates the blade to avoid accidents resulting from the sharp blade edge. A cylindrical member receives the sleeve and a ratcheting mechanism is provided between the adaptor and member to facilitate rotation of the adaptor and coupler upon rotation of the member up to a predetermined torque, ensuring threaded connection between the coupler and acoustical mount sufficient for transmission of ultrasonic energy. To remove the blade/coupler, the member is rotated in the opposite direction, whereby unlimited torque may be applied through the ratchet mechanism to unthread the coupler from the mount.