Patents by Inventor Jennifer S. Harper

Jennifer S. Harper 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).

  • Publication number: 20220313350
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 11389229
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 11154345
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
  • Publication number: 20190282296
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
  • Patent number: 10335226
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Publication number: 20180338788
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
  • Patent number: 10039588
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to tissue. The energy source includes a microprocessor configured to execute a tissue treatment algorithm configured to control the supply of electrosurgical energy to tissue and process a configuration file including at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm. The at least one parameter is adjustable to effect a tissue seal result. The microprocessor generates a target impedance trajectory based on at least one parameter of the tissue treatment algorithm and is further configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the supply of energy to tissue to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, Meghan Marie Collins Long
  • Patent number: 9839467
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 9370393
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
  • Publication number: 20150282875
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
  • Patent number: 9060798
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Publication number: 20140155893
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: EDWARD M. CHOJIN, DAVID M. GARRISON, JENNIFER S. HARPER, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JESSICA E.C. OLSON, KATHY E. ROOKS, GENEVA LADTKOW
  • Publication number: 20140107648
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JENNIFER S. HARPER, J. BRUCE DUNNE
  • Patent number: 8685016
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Patent number: 8647343
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8556929
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne
  • Patent number: 8216223
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Patent number: 8147485
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20110319886
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
  • Publication number: 20110190653
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Harper, J. Bruce Dunne