Patent US6504985B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6504985B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated surgical retractor
Assignee: Lumitex Inc
•
Filing: 2000-12-12
•
Granted: 2003-01-07
•
Expires: 2020-12-12
Abstract
Abstract An illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle having an elongated first blade portion connected at one end to one end of the handle and an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of the first blade portion. One end of the second blade portion defines an illumination input end to which a connector is coupled. The connector is shaped to optically couple the illumination input end to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of the first and second blade portions is illuminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffery R. Parker
- 👤 Jeffrey B. Williams
- 👤 Robert Caywood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:40
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0033; G02B6/0035; G02B6/0036; A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; G02B6/0005; G02B6/0008; G02B6/001; G02B6/0038; A61B90/00; A61B90/30; A61B2090/309; F; F21; F21V; F21V21/00; F21V21/40; F21V21/403; H; H01; H01H; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/054; H01H2219/062; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/07; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S385/00; Y10S385/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having first and second end portions, an elongated first blade portion having one end connected to said second end portion of said handle and another end remote from said one end, an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of said first blade portion, said second blade portion having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector being shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of said first and second blade portions is illuminated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having first and second end portions, an elongated first blade portion having one end connected to said second end portion of said handle and another end remote from said one end, an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of said first blade portion, said second blade portion having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector being shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of said first and second blade portions is illuminated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion is substantially transparent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said illuminated portion of one of said first and second blade portions is oriented at an angle with respect to the handle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion forms a light pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 4 wherein said second blade portion has a printed pattern on a surface thereof for causing light to be emitted from at least a portion of said second blade portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 5 wherein said printed pattern is selected to produce a predetermined light output from said second blade portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 5 wherein said first blade portion acts as a back reflector for said second blade portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising attachment means for attaching said second blade portion to said first blade portion such that said blade portions are substantially parallel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 8 wherein said attachment means comprises clips on one of said blade portions for removably engaging the other of said blade portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said first blade portion includes a generally curved cross-section.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion comprises a light emitter, and said connector connects said light emitter to a light distributor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 11 wherein said light distributor comprises an optic light guide cable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 12 wherein said cable is rigid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 12 wherein said cable is flexible.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 further comprising clips for attaching said second blade portion to said first blade portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said first blade portion comprises a retractor blade and said second blade portion comprises a light emitter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
206 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion, an elongated first blade section having a first blade proximal end portion and a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, an elongated second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion and a second blade distal end portion with a second blade outer surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated substantially the entire length thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
206 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion, an elongated first blade section having a first blade proximal end portion and a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, an elongated second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion and a second blade distal end portion with a second blade outer surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated substantially the entire length thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said first blade section includes a generally curved cross-section.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 17 wherein the handle and the first blade section are oriented generally at an angle with respect to each other.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 17 wherein said second blade section is substantially transparent.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 17 wherein said second blade section forms a light pipe.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 21 wherein said second blade section has a printed pattern on one of said second blade outer surface and said second blade inner surface for causing light to be emitted along substantially the entire length of said second blade section.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 22 wherein said printed pattern produces a predetermined light output from said second blade section.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 17 wherein said first blade section acts as a back reflector for said second blade section.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 17 further comprising attachment means for attaching said first and second blade sections such that said first and second blade sections are substantially parallel.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 25 wherein said attachment means comprises clips on one of said first and second blade sections for removably engaging the other of said first and second blade sections.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
225 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion and a gripping surface for contact with the hand of the user, an elongated first blade section having a generally planar lengthwise dimension and a generally curved cross-sectional shape and a first blade proximal end portion at a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, a second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion, a second blade distal end portion, a second blade outer surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
225 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion and a gripping surface for contact with the hand of the user, an elongated first blade section having a generally planar lengthwise dimension and a generally curved cross-sectional shape and a first blade proximal end portion at a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, a second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion, a second blade distal end portion, a second blade outer surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 27 wherein said second blade section is substantially transparent.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 27 wherein said second blade section forms a light pipe.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 29 wherein said second blade section has a predetermined pattern on one of said second blade outer and inner surfaces for producing a predetermined light output from at least a portion of said second blade section.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 30 wherein said first blade section acts as a back reflector for said second blade section.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
214 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion, an elongate first blade section having a first blade proximal end portion and a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, an elongate second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion and a second blade distal end portion with a second blade outer surface extending generally parallel to said first blade section and between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated substantially the entire length thereof.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
214 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle having a first handle end portion and a second handle end portion, an elongate first blade section having a first blade proximal end portion and a first blade distal end portion with a first blade inner surface extending between the first blade proximal end portion and the first blade distal end portion, the second handle end portion of said handle connected to the first blade distal end portion of said first blade section, an elongate second blade section having a second blade proximal end portion and a second blade distal end portion with a second blade outer surface extending generally parallel to said first blade section and between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion and a second blade inner surface extending between the second blade proximal end portion and the second blade distal end portion, the second blade distal end portion of said second blade section defining an illumination input end portion, and a connector coupled to the illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple the illumination input end portion to a source of illumination so that at least one of said first blade section and said second blade section is illuminated substantially the entire length thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
106 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle, an elongated blade portion having one end connected to said handle and another end remote from said one end, an elongated substantially transparent light emitter extending along the length of said blade portion, said light emitter having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said first end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination for emitting light along at least a portion of the length of said light emitter.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
106 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle, an elongated blade portion having one end connected to said handle and another end remote from said one end, an elongated substantially transparent light emitter extending along the length of said blade portion, said light emitter having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said first end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination for emitting light along at least a portion of the length of said light emitter.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
112 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle, an elongated blade portion having one end connected to said handle and another end remote from said one end, said blade portion including a generally curved cross-section, an elongated light emitter extending along the length of said blade portion, said light emitter having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said first end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination for emitting light along at least a portion of the length of said light emitter.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
112 words
An illuminated surgical retractor comprising a handle, an elongated blade portion having one end connected to said handle and another end remote from said one end, said blade portion including a generally curved cross-section, an elongated light emitter extending along the length of said blade portion, said light emitter having a first end portion defining an illumination input end portion and a second end portion remote from said first end portion, and a connector coupled to said illumination input end portion, said connector shaped to optically couple said illumination input end portion to a source of illumination for emitting light along at least a portion of the length of said light emitter.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion is disposable, further comprising an attachment member for removably attaching said second blade portion to said first blade portion to permit said second blade portion to be removed and replaced.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
55 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said source of illumination includes at least one of: an incandescent bulb, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a lens end bulb, a line light, a halogen lamp, an arc lamp, an xexon lamp, a light emitting diode, a laser diode, a plasma light, and a laser.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion emits directional light.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said second blade portion emits diffuse non-directional light and directional light.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
77 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein said source of illumination includes a light guide that receives light from a remote light source, and said second blade portion comprises a light emitting panel having a greater width than thickness and top and bottom surfaces, said panel having one or more light emitting areas along the length of one of said surfaces from which light is emitted for illuminating a viewing area in proximity of said retractor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
54 words
The illuminated surgical retractor of claim 1 wherein multiple light extracting deformities are provided on a surface of said second blade portion for directing light toward a viewing area in proximity of said retractor and reducing the intensity of a directional component of the light toward a viewing angle of a user of said
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-01-06 | 2006-07-08 | 2007-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-01-06 | 2010-07-08 | 2011-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-01-06 | 2014-07-08 | 2015-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |