(19)
(11) EP 1 236 439 B8

(12) CORRECTED EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
Note: Bibliography reflects the latest situation

(15) Correction information:
Corrected version no 1 (W1 B1)

(48) Corrigendum issued on:
25.04.2007 Bulletin 2007/17

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
24.01.2007 Bulletin 2007/04

(21) Application number: 01308892.7

(22) Date of filing: 19.10.2001
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61B 17/32(2006.01)

(54)

Finger operated switch for controlling a surgical handpiece

Fingerschalter für chirurgisches Handstück

Bouton-poussoir pour piece à main chirurgicale

(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE ES FR GB IT NL

(30) Priority: 20.10.2000 US 242159
11.06.2001 US 879319

(43) Date of publication of application:
04.09.2002 Bulletin 2002/36

(73) Proprietor: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Donofrio, William T.
    Cincinnati, OH 45249 (US)
  • Harper, Richard M.
    Cincinnati, OH 45242 (US)
  • Born, Jason A.
    Atlanta, GA 30307 (US)
  • Schwemberger, Richard F.
    Cincinnati, OH 45247 (US)
  • Gill, Robert P.
    Mason, OH 5040 (US)
  • Schramm, Mary E.
    Cincinnati, OH 45243 (US)

(74) Representative: Fisher, Adrian John et al
CARPMAELS & RANSFORD 43-45 Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
London WC1A 2RA (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
GB-A- 2 326 346
US-A- 6 037 724
 US-A- 6 013 048
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).