Stephen Dawes

US Patent:

57328064, Mar 31, 1998

Filed:

Mar 29, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/624171

Inventors:

David L. Foshee - Apex NC
Stephen J. Dawes - Raleigh NC
Jan Steuperaert - Le Faget, FR

Assignee:

Pilling Weck, Incorporated - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

F16D 1100
A61B 17068

US Classification:

192 30R

Abstract:

The present invention provides a surgical instrument which prevents backlash due to reduction of applied force on the handle or trigger of the surgical instrument. The instrument includes a clutch system that is adapted to maintain the position of the portion of the driver that is in mechanical communication with the forming tool upon reduction of the applied force.

US Patent:

55273203, Jun 18, 1996

Filed:

Feb 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/194479

Inventors:

Harold G. Carruthers - Durham NC
Stephen J. Dawes - Raleigh NC
Angela S. Phillips - Raleigh NC
David L. Foshee - Apex NC

Assignee:

Pilling Weck Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

A61B 1700

US Classification:

606143

Abstract:

The surgical instrument system disclosed is particularly useful for endoscopic procedures. In the preferred embodiment, a hemostatic clip applicator can be directly connected to a trigger assembly or indirectly connected to the trigger assembly through the use of an extension. The connection between the extension and the clip applicator is secured to prevent accidental release during the procedure. The applicator receives a longitudinal input and translates the input into relative component motion through the use of gearing to apply the clips. The handle stem assembly in an alternative embodiment has a drive rod configuration that connects to a closure member so as not only to provide the distal biasing force, but also to provide, if needed, a proximal pulling force to assist in release of the jaw if it becomes necessary.

US Patent:

D3792285, May 13, 1997

Filed:

Mar 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

D/020717

Inventors:

Baharam B. Rahimzadeh - Durham NC
Stephen J. Dawes - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Pilling Weck Incorporated - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

2402

US Classification:

D24145

US Patent:

D3770940, Dec 31, 1996

Filed:

Jun 2, 1995

Appl. No.:

D/039814

Inventors:

David L. Foshee - Apex NC
Stephen J. Dawes - Raleigh NC
Bahram B. Rahimzadeh - Durham NC
Jason R. Durkin - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Pilling Weck Incorporated - Research Triangle Park NC

US Classification:

D24143

US Patent:

55826156, Dec 10, 1996

Filed:

Oct 30, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/550461

Inventors:

David L. Foshee - Apex NC
Stephen Dawes - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Pilling Weck, Incorporated - Research Traingle Park NC

International Classification:

A61B 1704

US Classification:

606139

Abstract:

An improved actuator handle for a surgical instrument that can be used in endoscopic surgery with the emphasis on applying hemostatic clips. The instrument receives a longitudinal input from the actuator handle and translates the input into relative component motion to apply the hemostatic clips. The improved handle is fabricated primarily from a reusable, engineering resin having exceptional resistance to degradation by steam sterilization. Other improvements to the actuator handle include a drive stem mechanism of unitary construction that can be removed from the actuator handle as an assembled unit to facilitate sterilization. The actuator handle is provided with a quick release mechanism to facilitate the removal and replacement of the drive stem mechanism. The improved actuator handle also features a ratchet mechanism that enables the user to incrementally adjust the longitudinal input force that is transmitted to the surgical instrument and includes a switch for selective operation of the same. The actuator handle also includes a safety lock mechanism integrated into the drive stem mechanism for selective engagement of the surgical instrument and the actuator handle to prevent accidental disconnection during a surgical procedure.