Patents by Inventor Duane E. Kerr
Duane E. Kerr has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11324545Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David M. Garrison, James D. Allen, IV, Jeffrey R. Unger, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T O'Neill, Peter M. Mueller, Kim V. Brandt, James S. Cunningham, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 11304717Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 11278345Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The end effector is movable between open and closed configurations. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. The surgical instrument further includes a driving assembly that induces motion in the end effector between open and closed configuration and maintains a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2 between aligned and articulated configurations of the elongated shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 11224476Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to releasably couple to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Weijiang Ding, Peixiong Yi, Xiucheng Shen, Duane E. Kerr, Sarfraz A. Syed
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Publication number: 20220008121Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, JR., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20210361347Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Barbara R. Tyrrell, Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 11116565Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, Glenn A. Horner
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Publication number: 20210267667Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Glenn A. Horner
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Patent number: 11103302Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David M. Garrison, Jeffrey M. Roy, Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 11076907Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Barbara R. Tyrrell, Duane E. Kerr
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Publication number: 20210212750Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is associated with the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A switch is configured to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrodes. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Weng-Kai K. Lee, Scott N. Lacosta, Kelley D. Goodman, Keir Hart, Duane E. Kerr, Geneva Ladtkow, Kenneth E. Netzel, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Raghavendra L. Bhandari, Peixiong Yi
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Publication number: 20210177498Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: David M. Garrison, Jeffrey M. Roy, Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 11007006Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, Glenn A. Horner
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Patent number: 11000308Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Arlen K. Ward
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Patent number: 10959770Abstract: A method of assembling an electrosurgical instrument includes coupling first and second shafts to each other about a pivot. Each of the shafts has an interior side facing the other shaft and an exterior side opposite the interior side. The method also includes disposing a knife blade at least partially through a passageway defined through the pivot from the exterior side of the first shaft and coupling a knife actuation mechanism to the first shaft from the exterior side of the first shaft. The knife actuation mechanism is configured to move the knife blade through the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Weng-Kai K. Lee, Scott N. Lacosta, Kelley D. Goodman, Keir Hart, Duane E. Kerr, Geneva Ladtkow, Kenneth E. Netzel, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Raghavendra L. Bhandari, Peixiong Yi
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Patent number: 10918435Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position wherein the movable jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to each other to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis and the drive flange is located generally along the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr, Darion R. Peterson
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Publication number: 20210038308Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: William H. Nau, JR., Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, Nathaniel M. Fried, Thomas C. Hutchens, Thomas W. Meiser, Luke A. Hardy
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Publication number: 20210030473Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: William H. Nau, JR., Craig A. Keller, Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 10893901Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, Jr., Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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Patent number: D956973Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Sean T. Dycus, Duane E. Kerr, Darion R. Peterson