Surgery – Instruments – Means for concretion removal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-14
2001-11-06
Hirsch, Paul J. (Department: 3732)
Surgery
Instruments
Means for concretion removal
C606S128000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312434
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of devices for producing shock waves to impact objects and, in particular, to a device and method for crushing stones by a shock wave in the body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stones or calculi are sometimes formed in organs in the body and their presence can cause significant pain and discomfort to an individual. Such stones often form in the urinary system, in areas such as the kidneys, the urinary tracts and in the bladder. The stones may be removed by surgery or by a procedure that involves using a device to crush the stones into small enough pieces so that they may wash out of the urinary system.
One type of device used to break up stones is commonly referred to as a lithotriptor. A lithotriptor uses a transfer media, such as water, or transfer member, such as a probe, to transfer a shock wave to a stone, thereby crushing the stone. In conventional lithotriptors, a striking member, often referred to as a hammer, is used to impact the transfer member to produce the shock wave. A variety of different apparatuses have been used to propel this hammer against the transfer member. Examples of such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,160,336, 5,540,702 and 4,727,875.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object that includes a transfer member. The device has a voice coil assembly including a permanent magnet and a bobbin member, wherein the permanent magnet provides a first magnetic field. A coil is operatively attached to the bobbin member, wherein when a voltage is applied to the coil a second magnetic field is generated that opposes the first magnetic field and thereby propels the bobbin member to contact the transfer member to cause a shock wave to travel along the transfer member.
Further in this aspect of the invention there may be provided a bobbin member comprised of a non-magnetic material, a voice coil assembly that has a hammer comprised of a non-magnetic material to contact the transfer member, a cup positioned inbetween and operatively attached to the bobbin member and the hammer, an o-ring positioned between the hammer and the cup, a transfer member that is a probe, a biasing member to bias the bobbin member in a first position and, a power source operatively attached to the device, the power source being a battery. Also in this aspect, a portion of the bobbin member may be disposed around the permanent magnet when the bobbin member is in a first position.
In a second aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object, that includes a housing having an exit end; a transfer member operatively attached to the exit end of the housing; a hammer movable from a rest position to a second position, wherein when the hammer is in the second position the hammer impacts the transfer member to produce a shock wave that travels along the transfer member; and a battery to power the device.
Further, in this aspect the hammer may be operatively attached to a bobbin member, the bobbin member may be comprised of a non-magnetic material, the hammer may be comprised of a non-magnetic material and the transfer member may be a probe. Also in this aspect there may be provided a cup positioned inbetween and operatively attached to the bobbin member and the hammer, an o-ring positioned between the hammer and the cup and a biasing member to bias the bobbin member in a first position.
In a third aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object that includes a housing having an exit end; a transfer member operatively attached the exit end of the housing; a permanent magnet disposed within the housing proximate the magnet end to provide a first magnetic field; a magnetic field generating member spaced apart from the permanent magnet; and a hammer fixed with the magnetic field generating member, the magnetic field generating member operative to provide a second magnetic field that opposes the first magnetic field to propel the hammer to strike the transfer member thereby causing a shock wave to travel along the transfer member.
Further in this aspect, the magnetic field generating member may be comprised of a non-magnetic material, the hammer may be comprised of a non-magnetic material, the biasing apparatus may be an o-ring and the transfer member may be a probe.
Also in this aspect, there may be a cup positioned inbetween and operatively attached to the magnetic field generating member and the hammer, a biasing apparatus positioned between the hammer and the cup, a biasing member to bias the magnetic field generating member in a first position and a power source operatively attached to the device, the power source being a battery. In addition, the magnetic field generating member may be a bobbin.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object that includes a housing having a magnet end and an exit end, the exit end defining an opening; a probe attached to the housing and extending through the opening; a permanent magnet disposed within the housing proximate the magnet end; a bobbin member located intermediate the permanent magnet and the probe; the bobbin member movable between a first position and a second position; a coil operatively attached to a portion of the bobbin member; and a hammer positioned intermediate the bobbin and the probe, wherein passing an electrical current through the coil results in the bobbin member moving from a first position to a second position causing the hammer to strike the probe, thereby causing a shock wave to travel through the probe.
Further in this aspect, the bobbin member may be comprised of a nonmagnetic material and the hammer may be comprised of a non-magnetic material. Also in this aspect there may be provided a cup positioned inbetween and operatively attached to the bobbin member and the hammer, an o-ring positioned between the hammer and the cup, a biasing member to bias the bobbin member in a first position and a power source operatively attached to the device, the power source being a battery.
In a fifth aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object that includes means for transferring a shock wave to an object; means for providing a first magnetic field; means for generating a second magnetic field to oppose the first magnetic field; and means for impacting the means for transferring, the means for impacting being operatively attached to the means for generating so that when the second magnetic field is generated the means for impacting strikes the means for transferring to produce a shock wave.
In a sixth aspect, the present invention is a method for producing a shock wave, that includes the steps of providing a transfer member; providing a voice coil assembly including a permanent magnet and a bobbin member; providing a first magnetic field providing a hammer attached with the bobbin member; providing a coil operatively attached to the bobbin member; and applying a voltage to the coil to generate a second magnetic field that opposes the first magnetic field thereby propelling the hammer to strike the transfer member.
In a seventh aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object, including a housing having an exit end; and a transfer member operatively attached to the exit end of the housing. The device includes a hammer movable from a rest position to a second position, wherein when the hammer is in the second position the hammer impacts the transfer member to produce a shock wave that travels along the transfer member; and a power supply, supplying a voltage in the range of about 12-57 volts.
In an eighth aspect, the present invention is a device for producing a shock wave to impact an object, including a housing having an exit end; and a transfer member operatively attached to the exit end of the housing. The device includes a hammer movable from a rest position to a sec
Mantell Robert R.
Nowosielski Albert
Sutrina Thomas A.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Hirsch Paul J.
Northgate Technologies Inc.
Priddy Michael B.
LandOfFree
Device for producing a shock wave to impact an object does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for producing a shock wave to impact an object, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for producing a shock wave to impact an object will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2602905