Ethicon, Gmbh

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support

Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc.

Robert G Cook

Edward A Rhad

Darrel M Powell

Kashi Banerjee

Charles Blumenschein

Matthew R Otten

Todd J Olson

John Charles Schrader

Ronald R VanOverloop

Gary Steed

Eric Huffman

Ralph Chen

Dan Meiser

Thomas Knodell

Richard F Schwemberger

David A Witt

William T Donofrio

Ashvani K Madan

Robert Perrin Gill

Joseph Charles Hueil

Richard W Flaker

Kirk M Nicola

Stephen C Robinson

Charles D Blumenschein

K Madan Ashvani

A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Process for reducing the sulfate concentration in a wastewater stream by employing regenerated gibbsite

A method of reducing a sulfate concentration in wastewater comprises directing the wastewater stream to a precipitation reactor and mixing the wastewater stream with a calcium source and a calcium salt seed material to precipitate calcium sulfate. The precipitated calcium sulfate is then separated from a treated effluent and directed to a settling tank where the precipitated calcium sulfate is separated into heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and lighter calcium sulfate precipitants. The heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and the lighter calcium sulfate precipitants are separately recirculated to the precipitation reactor. A predetermined mass ratio of solids is maintained in the precipitation reactor.

Process for reducing the sulfate concentration in a wastewater stream

The present invention provides a surgical handpiece having a switch end cap detachably and rotatably connected to the handpiece body. A surgical instrument is inserted within the handpiece body so that a portion thereof extends beyond the handpiece body and is actuated to perform a surgical operation. The switch end cap includes a switch mechanism having one or more switch button members for selectively signaling the level of power to be delivered to the handpiece from a power source. According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism within the switch end cap is electrically connected to the handpiece body in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body, while still maintaining the electrical connection therebetween. This is accomplished by having conductive finger members and complementary conductive members provide the electrical connection between the switch end cap and the handpiece body. This permits a user to position the switch end cap in a desired location relative to the handpiece body and the instrument.

Ring contact for rotatable connection of switch assembly for use in a surgical system

A linear surgical stapler having clamping and firing triggers pivotally mounted to the frame of the instrument for pivotal rotation toward a hand grip is disclosed. The clamping trigger is positioned between the firing trigger and the hand grip. Each of the triggers are pivotally mounted to pivot pins spaced from each other within the body portion of the frame. Pivotal rotation of the first trigger is independent of pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the clamping trigger is pivotally rotated toward the hand grip, the clamping and firing transmission assemblies move distally in tandem. Before the first trigger is pivoted, the firing transmission assembly blocks pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the first trigger is pivoted, the initial distal movement of the firing transmission assembly enables the firing trigger to be in a position to pivotally rotate, and therefore cause the firing of staples. Additionally, a feature enabling the retention of the clamping trigger in intermediate and fully clamped positions is disclosed, where upon release of the retention feature, the clamping trigger can return to its original position by overriding the intermediate position. Finally, although the invention is described with particular reference to a linear stapler containing clamping and firing triggers, it has broader applicability to any surgical instrument which has first and second triggers pivotally actuated to transmit work to an end effector for performing first and second surgical functions during a desired surgical procedure.

Trigger mechanism for surgical instruments

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Linear stapling mechanism with cutting means

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before actuation of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism. Furthermore, the stapler mechanism contains means for obstructing the flow of insufflation gasses or bodily fluid from the surgical site through the instrument during endoscopic surgery.

Growing community of inventors

Mason, OH, United States of America

Robert G Cook