US5954731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical instrument with multiple rotatably mounted spreadable end effectors
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-07-29
•
Granted: 1999-09-21
•
Expires: 2017-07-29
Abstract
Abstract An instrument for performing a surgical procedure includes a housing, an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by the housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge, a first end effector assembly protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end, and a second end effector assembly protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end. Distal portions of the first and second end effector assemblies extend laterally outward at an angle from first and second longitudinal axes of the elongate shaft to positions where at least a portion of the corresponding end effectors are spaced laterally outward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft. In addition, the end effector assemblies are rotatable about the first and second longitudinal axes of the elongate shaft to cause the corresponding end effectors to move along first and second arcuate paths. When inserting the surgical instrument through a portal in an endoscopic procedure, the first and second end effector assemblies are preferably moved to undeployed positions where their end effectors are spaced laterally inward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft, for example by rotating the end effector assemblies inwardly or drawing the end effectors proximally into the elongate shaft so that they are straightened. In use, the end effectors can be moved from their undeployed positions to deployed positions disposed laterally outward of the peripheral edge due to the angled configuration of the distal portions of the end effector assemblies.
Inventors
- 👤 Inbae Yoon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/06; A61B17/062; A61B17/0469; A61B17/0491; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2017/2929; A61B2217/00; A61B2217/002; A61B2217/005; A61B2217/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic surgery comprising a housing; an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by said housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a first end effector assembly protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; and a second end effector assembly protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; wherein a distal portion of said first end effector assembly extends laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said corresponding end effector is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft; and wherein said first end effector assembly is rotatable about said first longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to cause said corresponding end effector to move along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic surgery comprising a housing; an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by said housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a first end effector assembly protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; and a second end effector assembly protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; wherein a distal portion of said first end effector assembly extends laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said corresponding end effector is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft; and wherein said first end effector assembly is rotatable about said first longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to cause said corresponding end effector to move along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said end effector of said first end effector assembly is movable between an undeployed position where said end effector is spaced laterally inward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft and a deployed position where at least a portion of said end effector is disposed laterally outward of said peripheral edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 2 wherein said first end effector assembly includes an elongate proximal portion extending at least partly through said shaft in coaxial alignment with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
73 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 3 wherein said first end effector assembly is longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between an axially extended position where said distal portion of said first end effector assembly bends outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said first longitudinal axis and an axially retracted position where said distal portion of said first end effector assembly is drawn laterally inward toward said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 4 wherein said end effector of said first end effector assembly is proximally spaced from said distal end of said shaft in said retracted position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said second end effector assembly extends laterally outward at an angle from a second longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said corresponding end effector is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 6 wherein said second end effector assembly is rotatable about said second longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft to cause said corresponding end effector to move along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 6 wherein said end effector of said second end effector assembly is movable between an undeployed position where said end effector is spaced laterally inward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft and a deployed position where at least a portion of said end effector is disposed laterally outward of said peripheral edge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 8 wherein said second end effector assembly includes an elongate proximal portion extending at least partly through said shaft in coaxial alignment with said second longitudinal axis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 9 wherein said second end effector assembly is longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between an axially extended position where said distal portion of said second end effector assembly bends outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said second axis of rotation and an axially retracted position where said distal portion of said second end effector assembly is drawn inwardly toward said second axis of rotation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 10 wherein said end effector of said second end effector assembly is proximally spaced from said distal end of said shaft in said retracted position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 and further comprising an operating channel defined through said elongate shaft to provide access to the operative site from outside the body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of operating channels defined through said elongate shaft in laterally spaced relation to provide access to the operative site from outside the body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 12 wherein said operating channel extends through said housing to define a longitudinal channel along the length of said instrument, and further comprising a coupling at a proximal end of said channel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 12 wherein said operating channel extends through said housing to define a longitudinal channel along the length of said instrument, and further comprising a valve disposed along said longitudinal channel to control passage of fluids and instruments therethrough.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein an operating channel is defined through one of said end effector assemblies to provide access to the operative site from outside the body.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 16 wherein said end effector assembly having an operating channel defined therethrough includes an elongate proximal portion extending through said elongate shaft and wherein said operating channel terminates distally at an opening adjacent the junction between said proximal and distal portions of said end effector assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
252 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures comprising a housing; an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by said housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a first end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a first longitudinal axis, a distal portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal portion, said proximal portion of said first end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said first end effector assembly along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis; and a second end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a second longitudinal axis laterally spaced from said first longitudinal axis, a distal portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal portion, said proximal portion of said second end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said second end effector assembly along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis; wherein said first arcuate path has a radius of curvature causing at least a portion of said end effector of said first end effector assembly to extend outwardly of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
252 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures comprising a housing; an elongate shaft having a proximal end mounted by said housing and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a first end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a first longitudinal axis, a distal portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal portion, said proximal portion of said first end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said first end effector assembly along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis; and a second end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a second longitudinal axis laterally spaced from said first longitudinal axis, a distal portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal portion, said proximal portion of said second end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said second end effector assembly along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis; wherein said first arcuate path has a radius of curvature causing at least a portion of said end effector of said first end effector assembly to extend outwardly of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 18 wherein said second arcuate path has a radius of curvature causing at least a portion of said end effector of said second end effector assembly to extend outwardly of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 18 wherein said respective end effectors of said first and second end effector assemblies are movable between undeployed positions where said end effectors are spaced laterally inward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft and deployed positions where at least a portion of each of said end effectors is disposed laterally outward of said peripheral edge.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
76 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 18 wherein said first and second end effector assemblies are longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between respective axially extended positions where respective distal portions of said first and second end effector assemblies bend outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said first and second longitudinal axes, respectively, and respective axially retracted positions where said distal portions are drawn inwardly toward said first and second longitudinal axes, respectively.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 21 wherein said end effectors of said first and second end effector assemblies are proximally spaced from said distal end of said elongate shaft in said respective retracted positions.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure in an anatomical cavity comprising the steps of introducing a surgical instrument having an elongate shaft into the anatomical cavity, the surgical instrument including first and second end effector assemblies protruding distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first end effector assembly including a distal portion extending laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to an end effector disposed at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft; and operating on tissue within the anatomical cavity by rotating the first end effector assembly about the first longitudinal axis.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure in an anatomical cavity comprising the steps of introducing a surgical instrument having an elongate shaft into the anatomical cavity, the surgical instrument including first and second end effector assemblies protruding distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first end effector assembly including a distal portion extending laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to an end effector disposed at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft; and operating on tissue within the anatomical cavity by rotating the first end effector assembly about the first longitudinal axis.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising, prior to said operating step, the step of moving the first end effector assembly laterally outward from an undeployed position spaced laterally inward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft to a deployed position spaced laterally outward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising, prior to said operating step, the step of moving the first end effector assembly distally relative to the elongate shaft from an axially retracted position within the elongate shaft to an axially extended position protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 wherein the second end effector assembly includes a distal portion extending laterally outward at an angle from a second longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to an end effector disposed at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by rotating the second end effector assembly about the second longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by moving the second end effector assembly axially relative to the first end effector assembly.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by moving the first end effector assembly axially relative to the second end effector assembly.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by rotating the shaft.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 26 wherein said steps of operating on the tissue are conducted simultaneously.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising an operating mechanism coupled to said first arm and said second arm for creating synchronized movement of said end effectors and a push button for actuating said ope rating mechanism.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
165 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a handle coupled to said proximal end of said shaft; a first arm protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; and a second arm protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; wherein said first arm extends laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis within said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said end effector of said first arm is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft; and wherein said first arm is rotatable about said first longitudinal axis to cause said end effector of said first arm to move along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
165 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a handle coupled to said proximal end of said shaft; a first arm protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; and a second arm protruding from said distal end of said elongate shaft and having an end effector at a distal end; wherein said first arm extends laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis within said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said end effector of said first arm is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft; and wherein said first arm is rotatable about said first longitudinal axis to cause said end effector of said first arm to move along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
63 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein said end effector of said first arm is movable between an undeployed position where said end effector is spaced laterally inward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft and a deployed position where at least a portion of said end effector of said first arm is disposed laterally outward of said peripheral edge.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 2, wherein said first arm is coupled to an elongate proximal member extending at least partly through said shaft in coaxial alignment with said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
59 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 3, wherein said first arm is longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between an axially extended position where said first arm extends outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said first longitudinal axis and an axially retracted position where said first arm is moved laterally inward toward said first longitudinal axis.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 4, wherein said end effector of said first arm is proximally spaced from said distal end of said shaft in said retracted position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
55 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein said second arm extends laterally outward at an angle from a second longitudinal axis within said elongate shaft to a position where at least a portion of said end effector of said second arm is spaced laterally outward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 6, wherein said second arm is rotatable about said second longitudinal axis to cause said end effector of said second arm to move along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
59 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 6, wherein said end effector of said second arm is movable between an undeployed position where said end effector is spaced laterally inward of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft and a deployed position where at least a portion of said end effector is disposed laterally outward of said peripheral edge.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 8, wherein said second arm is coupled to an elongate proximal member extending at least partly through said shaft in coaxial alignment with said second longitudinal axis.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
68 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 9, wherein said second arm is longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between an axially extended position where said distal portion of said second arm extends outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said second longitudinal axis and an axially retracted position where said distal portion of said second end effector assembly is moved inwardly toward said second longitudinal axis.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 10, wherein said end effector of said second arm is proximally spaced from said distal end of said shaft in said retracted position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 and further comprising an operating channel defined through said elongate shaft to provide access to an operative site in a patients' body into which the distal end of the elongate shaft is inserted.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
47 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of operating channels defined through said elongate shaft in laterally spaced relation to provide access to an operative site in a patients' body into which the distal end of the elongate shaft is inserted.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 12 further comprising a coupling at a proximal end of said operating channel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 12 and further comprising a valve disposed along said operating channel to control passage of fluids and instruments therethrough.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
40 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein an operating channel is defined through one of said arms to provide access to an operative in a patients' body into which the distal end of the elongate shaft is inserted.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
49 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 16, wherein said arm having an operating channel defined therethrough is coupled to an elongate proximal member extending through said elongate shaft and wherein said operating channel terminates distally at an opening adjacent the junction between said arm and said proximal member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
260 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a handle coupled to said proximal end of said shaft; a first end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a first longitudinal axis, a distal arm portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal arm portion, said proximal portion of said first end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said first end effector assembly along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis; a second end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a second longitudinal axis laterally spaced from said first longitudinal axis, a distal arm portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and an end effector mounted on said distal arm portion, said proximal portion of said second end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said second end effector assembly along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis; and wherein said first arcuate path has a radius of curvature causing at least a portion of said end effector of said first end effector assembly to extend outwardly of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
260 words
A surgical instrument for use in open and endoscopic procedures, comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a peripheral edge; a handle coupled to said proximal end of said shaft; a first end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a first longitudinal axis, a distal arm portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and a end effector mounted on said distal arm portion, said proximal portion of said first end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said first end effector assembly along a first arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said first longitudinal axis; a second end effector assembly having a proximal portion extending at least part way through said elongate shaft along a second longitudinal axis laterally spaced from said first longitudinal axis, a distal arm portion extending laterally outward from said proximal portion at an angle, and an end effector mounted on said distal arm portion, said proximal portion of said second end effector assembly being rotatably mounted within said elongate shaft to move said end effector of said second end effector assembly along a second arcuate path having a center of curvature coaxial with said second longitudinal axis; and wherein said first arcuate path has a radius of curvature causing at least a portion of said end effector of said first end effector assembly to extend outwardly of said peripheral edge of said elongate shaft.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
78 words
A surgical instrument as recited in claim 18, wherein said first and second end effector assemblies are longitudinally movable relative to said elongate shaft between respective axially extended positions where respective distal arm portions of said first and second end effector assemblies bend outwardly in a lateral direction relative to said first and second longitudinal axes, respectively, and respective axially retracted positions where said distal arm portions are drawn inwardly toward said first and second longitudinal axes, respectively.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure in an anatomical cavity, comprising the steps of: introducing a surgical instrument having an elongate shaft into the anatomical cavity, the surgical instrument including first and second arms protruding distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first arm extending laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis within the elongate shaft and having an end effector thereon disposed at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft; and operating on tissue within the anatomical cavity by rotating the first arm about the first longitudinal axis.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure in an anatomical cavity, comprising the steps of: introducing a surgical instrument having an elongate shaft into the anatomical cavity, the surgical instrument including first and second arms protruding distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first arm extending laterally outward at an angle from a first longitudinal axis within the elongate shaft and having an end effector thereon disposed at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft; and operating on tissue within the anatomical cavity by rotating the first arm about the first longitudinal axis.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising, prior to said operating step, the step of: moving the first arm laterally outward from an undeployed position spaced laterally inward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft to a deployed position spaced laterally outward of the peripheral edge of the elongate shaft.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising, prior to said operating step, the step of: moving the first arm distally relative to the elongate shaft from an axially retracted position within the elongate shaft to an axially extended position protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23, wherein the second arm extends laterally outward at an angle from a second longitudinal axis within the elongate shaft and has an end effector disposed thereon at least partly outside a peripheral edge of the elongate shaft and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by rotating the second arm about the second longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by moving the second arm axially relative to the elongate shaft.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method of performing a surgical procedure as recited in claim 23 and further comprising the step of operating on the tissue by moving the first arm axially relative to the elongate shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US919138A
Cited
US1037864A
Cited
US1131163A
Cited
US1155378A
Cited
US1449087A
Cited
US1822330A
Cited
US1916722A
Cited
US2213830A
Cited
US2580964A
Cited
US2601564A
Cited
US2646045A
Cited
US2959172A
Cited
US3090386A
Cited
US3139089A
Cited
US3349772A
Cited
US3470875A
Cited
US3842840A
Cited
US3946740A
Cited
US4109658A
Cited
US4164225A
Cited
US4257420A
Cited
US4440171A
Cited
US4557265A
Cited
US4621640A
Cited
US4635638A
Cited
US5244948A
Cited
US4935027A
Cited
US5037433A
Cited
US5224948A
Cited
US5211650A
Cited
US5100421A
Cited
US5181919A
Cited
US5171257A
Cited
US5147373A
Cited
US5209741A
Cited
US5389103A
Cited
US5234443A
Cited
GB2260704B
Cited
US5454823A
Cited
US5562640A
Cited
US5152769A
Cited
US5320632A
Cited
US5281238A
Cited
US5300082A
Cited
US5261917A
Cited
US5403328A
Cited
US5662663A
Cited
US5626588A
Cited
US5336231A
Cited
US5364409A
Cited
US5389098A
Cited
US5305121A
Cited
US5395367A
Cited
US5308353A
Cited
US5540704A
Cited
US5364408A
Cited
US5403329A
Cited
US5222508A
Cited
US5545148A
Cited
US5336230A
Cited
US5304185A
Cited
US5356424A
Cited
US5474057A
Cited
US5374275A
Cited
US5477794A
Cited
US5496334A
Cited
US5503634A
Cited
US5462562A
Cited
US5520703A
Cited
US5582617A
Cited
US5569269A
Cited
US5462561A
Cited
US5578048A
Cited
US5470338A
Cited
US5478344A
Cited
US5674230A
Cited
US5591181A
Cited
US5474568A
Cited
US5632752A
Cited
US5468251A
Cited
US5397325A
Cited
US5569164A
Cited
US5376096A
Cited
US5437681A
Cited
US5603718A
Cited
US5607435A
Cited
US5562703A
Cited
US5573542A
Cited
US5478345A
Cited
US5601575A
Cited
US5562685A
Cited
US5609601A
Cited
US5496310A
Cited
US5480406A
Cited
US5702407A
Cited
US5569270A
Cited
US5713908A
Cited
US5643292A
Cited
US5709694A
Cited
US5562686A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-20 | 2003-03-22 | 2003-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-20 | 2007-03-22 | 2007-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-20 | 2011-03-22 | 2011-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |