Copyright © Philip M. Parker, INSEAD. Terms of Use.

| Year | Description |
| 1993 | Invention patented by LaVon L. Bennett on November 23th, 1993. Abstract: An improvement in a tissue sampling apparatus of the type comprising (a) an elongate housing, (b) a knob at the first end of the housing, (c) first and second pistons extending from the second end of the housing, (d) connections on the extending ends of the pistons for connecting a biopsy needle, (e) first and second springs in the housing against which the first and second pistons, respectively, are cocked so that the springs apply a biasing force against the respective pistons, (f) a trigger for releasing the first and second pistons to move in successive movements wherein the first piston moves first to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the first spring while the second piston remains in its cocked position, and after the first piston has moved to its fully extended position, the second piston moves to its fully extended position under the biasing force of the second spring. The improvement involves the cocking mechanism wherein the first and second pistons are moved to their cocked positions in separate distinct operations. The improved cocking mechanism comprises an annular ring near the second end of the housing. As the annular ring is rotated, it moves the second piston into its cocked position. The knob on the first end of the housing is pulled in a direction away from the first end of the housing to move the first piston into its cocked position. |
| Source: selected by the editor from original sources. | |
Copyright © Philip M. Parker, INSEAD. Terms of Use.