Flexible switch members for hand activation handpiece switches

(19)

(11)

EP 1 199 733 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	24.03.2004 Bulletin 2004/13

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	24.04.2002 Bulletin 2002/17

(21)	Application number: 01308926.3

(22)	Date of filing: 19.10.2001

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: H01H 9/00

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

20.10.2000 US 242272 P
04.06.2001 US 874556

(71)	Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY
	Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-2839 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Donofrio, William T. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (US)

(74)	Representative: Fisher, Adrian John et al
	CARPMAELS & RANSFORD 43 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)

(54)	Flexible switch members for hand activation handpiece switches

(57) Methods of controlling fluid flow (e.g., flow of liquids, water vapor and gases) through switch members, e.g., switch buttons, which are used to seal an interior cavity of a surgical handpiece are provided. The switch members provide improved sealing properties which prevent gas and water vapor transmission across the switch member and into and out of the sealed internal switch chamber. The switch members are also resistant to puncture due to striking by tools or cleaning instruments, or the like.

Search report