US005873881A [ii] Patent Number: 5,873,881 [45] Date of Patent: Feb. 23, 1999
[54] LINEAR DRIVE DERMATOME
[76] Inventors: James Allen McEwen, 10551
Bamberton Drive, Richmond, Canada,
V7A 1K6; Geoffrey Fletcher
Auchinleck, Suite 302, 1233 Beach
Avenue, Vancouver B.C., Canada, V6E
1V4
[21] Appl. No.: 680,590
[22] Filed: Jul. 12, 1996
Related U.S. Application Data
[63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 567,526, Dec. 5, 1995, abandoned.
[51] Int. C I. A61B 17 50
[52] U.S. CI 606/132; 606/131; 30/43.7;
30/182
[58] Field of Search 606/131, 132,
606/82; 30/43.7, 373, 374, 375, 182, 185
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
The dermatome includes a blade assembly comprising a metal blade with fixedly attached thermoplastic carrier. The assembly is releasably mounted to the dermatome housing. A linear drive mechanism-that includes guide members and spring biasing ol the blade assembly ensures linear, reciprocating blade movement that prolongs blade life. The linear drive mechanism is housed in a manner that facilitates cleaning and sterilization of the dermatome.
4 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
