Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A surgical aspirator cannula comprising: an elongated body member having a distal end and a proximal end, said body member defining an aspiration conduit passing therethrough generally between said distal and proximal ends, said proximal end being operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, said body member defining at said distal end a distal end port having a threaded opening, a removable securing means for removably securing a proximal end of an elongated cannula to said distal end port so that a longitudinal passageway of the cannula which engages the cannula proximal end is in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit, said securing means comprising an adaptor having distal and proximal threaded male connectors and a nut secured between them, and an adaptor passageway extending therethrough, said proximal threaded male connector threadably engaging in said threaded opening by rotating said adaptor nut relative to said body member, a ferrule means fitting in said distal threaded male connector, and a cannula nut positionable around the cannula and when tightened causing said ferrule means to grip the cannula end and thereby secure the cannula to said distal end, and said ferrule means comprising a cone-shaped first ferrule fitting into said distal threaded male connector and a second ferrule fitting into said first ferrule and have a distal rim which said cannula nut engages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A surgical aspirator cannula comprising: an elongated body member having a distal end and a proximal end, said body member defining an aspiration conduit passing therethrough generally between said distal and proximal ends, said proximal end being operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, said body member defining at said distal end a distal end port having a threaded opening, a removable securing means for removably securing a proximal end of an elongated cannula to said distal end port so that a longitudinal passageway of the cannula which engages the cannula proximal end is in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit, said securing means comprising an adaptor having distal and proximal threaded male connectors and a nut secured between them, and an adaptor passageway extending therethrough, said proximal threaded male connector threadably engaging in said threaded opening by rotating said adaptor nut relative to said body member, a ferrule means fitting in said distal threaded male connector, and a cannula nut positionable around the cannula and when tightened causing said ferrule means to grip the cannula end and thereby secure the cannula to said distal end, and said ferrule means comprising a cone-shaped first ferrule fitting into said distal threaded male connector and a second ferrule fitting into said first ferrule and have a distal rim which said cannula nut engages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 1 wherein said cannula nut has a multi-sided circumferential surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 2 wherein said securing means comprises a cannula key having a body portion with a multi-sided opening therethrough and a pair of ears projecting from said body portion, and said body portion fits around said cannula nut such that when rotated by grasping and turning said ears the surface of said multi-sided opening engages and turns said multi-sided circumferential surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 2 wherein said cannula nut threads onto said distal male connector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 1 wherein the proximal portion of the cannula end has a generally smooth circumferential surface and fits into said ferrule means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 1 further comprising a valve assembly positioned at least partially in said body member and in said aspiration conduit, and said valve assembly being positionable in a first valve position closing said conduit so that the source of vacuum is blocked relative to said distal end port, and in a second valve position opening said conduit so that the source of vacuum communicates with said distal end port.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 6 further comprising a hand-operated means supported by said body member and operatively connected to said valve assembly for moving said valve assembly between said first and second valve positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 7 wherein said hand-operated means includes a lever supported by said body member, and a biasing means for biasing said lever.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 1 wherein said aspiration conduit defines a straight line between said distal and proximal ends and through said body
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical aspirator cannula of claim 1 wherein said cannula nut threads onto said distal male connector.