Patents by Inventor Rebecca J. Mollere
Rebecca J. Mollere 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: 9358041Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
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Patent number: 9138210Abstract: A fistula cleaning and repairing device comprises a device for cleaning a fistula and a device for repairing a fistula. Some versions of the device for cleaning a fistula comprise a rotary device with ah head configured to debride a fistula. Some versions of the device for cleaning comprise an abrasive catheter. Some versions of the device for cleaning comprise a plurality of abrasive beads. Some versions of the device for repairing a fistula comprise an implantable stent. Some versions of the device for repairing a fistula comprise an implantable mesh. Some versions of the device for repairing a fistula comprise a swab configured to deliver a medical fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: John B. Schulte, Rebecca J. Mollere, Patrick D. Dugan, Michael D. Cronin, Jerome R. Morgan, Joanne Hull, Wells D. Haberstich, James A. Woodard, Jr., Peter K. Shires, Barbara L. Mattson
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Patent number: 9033929Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
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Patent number: 8926598Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
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Patent number: 8870747Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Daniel H. Duke, Paul H. Kistler
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Patent number: 8646674Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a knife member. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. A tissue treatment member is positionable between the first and second tissue clamping members. The tissue treatment member comprises a rupturable pouch or baffle that is configured to receive a medical fluid including at least one tissue cell. The tissue treatment member may have a spiral shape, an annular disc shape, or an elongate sleeve shape. The tissue treatment member may also include outwardly extending tabs. The tissue treatment member may also include an injection port. In use, the staples and/or the knife pierce the tissue treatment member to release at least a portion of the medical fluid held by the tissue treatment member.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: John B. Schulte, Rebecca J. Mollere, Patrick D. Dugan, Michael D. Cronin, Jerome R. Morgan, Stuart K. Morgan, Gary B. McAlister, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, Stephen J. Balek, Joseph P. Schowalter, David A. Witt, Prasanna Malaviya, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 8641641Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. A tissue processor is operable to mince tissue severed by the tissue cutting member. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. The medical fluid mixture may be expelled through an applier tip coupled with the body. The tissue processor may comprise a mincing die such that tissue specimens are minced upon being extruded through the mincing die. The tissue processor may comprise a blade that cooperates with a sliding press. The tissue processor may comprise auger blade sections that cooperate with inwardly extending pins. A mixing piston may mix the minced tissue with the medical fluid component.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Cronin, Patrick D. Dugan, Shelby L. Cook Kornbluth, Donna L. Korvick, Rebecca J. Mollere, Jerome R. Morgan, Shailendra K. Parihar, John B. Schulte, Richard W. Timm
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Patent number: 8579807Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer, Daniel H. Duke, Mark J. Bookbinder
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Patent number: 8568362Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
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Patent number: 8491526Abstract: A surgical device comprises a housing, a bioprocessing module, an end effector, and a pumping device. The bioprocessing module comprises media reservoirs, fluid conduits in communication with the reservoirs, and a port through which media is expelled. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen and delivering a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit extending therethrough and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit in the first end effector is in fluid communication with the port on the bioprocessing module. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the first end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Cronin, Jerome R. Morgan, Patrick D. Dugan, Rebecca J. Mollere, John B. Schulte, David A. Witt, Joseph P. Schowalter, Eugene L. Timperman, Prasanna Malaviya, Shailendra K. Parihar, Shelby L. Cook Kornbluth, Richard W. Timm, Donna L. Korvick, James A. Woodard, Jr., Peter K. Shires, Barbara L. Mattson, Matthew C. Miller, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 8464925Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Joanne Hull, Wells D. Haberstich, Steven G. Hall, John A. Hibner, Julia J. Hwang, Yolanda F. Carter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John B. Schulte, Rebecca J. Mollere, Patrick D. Dugan, Michael D. Cronin, Jerome R. Morgan
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Patent number: 8366634Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide a passageway through the targeting cube. The body of the targeting cube is at least partially comprised of elastomeric material to allow for compression of the body. The elastomeric material may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Rebecca J. Mollere, Eric B. Smith
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Publication number: 20120330099Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
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Patent number: 8273060Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
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Publication number: 20120239009Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
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Patent number: 8241302Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a probe and other components, which selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The faces of the targeting cube comprise a tapered profile from a proximal end to a distal end. The tapered profile of the targeting cube may be created by the faces themselves or by protruding elements from the faces. The body of the targeting cube and/or the protruding elements may be at least partially comprised of an elastomeric material.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Eric B. Smith, Rebecca J. Mollere
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Patent number: 8206314Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a biopsy device and a localization grid plate, which is configured to localize part of a patient and defines a plurality of round openings. A probe of the biopsy device and/or other associated other components may be inserted through a selected one of the openings. The grid plate may thus guide the probe and/or other components as such components are inserted into the localized part of the patient; and may further support the probe and/or other components after insertion. The grid plate may thus be used without a targeting cube or other inserted guide. Alternatively, the openings of the grid plate may be configured to receive a targeting guide having a cylindraceous body. The guide body may define passageways for inserting a probe or other components, and may be rotatable to position the passageways to selectively define an insertion axis for the probe.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventor: Rebecca J. Mollere
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Patent number: 8197495Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The intersections of the faces of the targeting cube comprise edges that are comprised of elastomeric material. The elastomeric edges allow for compression and may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Rebecca J. Mollere, Eric B. Smith
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Publication number: 20110282242Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. A tissue processor is operable to mince tissue severed by the tissue cutting member. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. The medical fluid mixture may be expelled through an applier tip coupled with the body. The tissue processor may comprise a mincing die such that tissue specimens are minced upon being extruded through the mincing die. The tissue processor may comprise a blade that cooperates with a sliding press. The tissue processor may comprise auger blade sections that cooperate with inwardly extending pins. A mixing piston may mix the minced tissue with the medical fluid component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Michael D. Cronin, Patrick D. Dugan, Shelby L. Cook Kornbluth, Donna L. Korvick, Rebecca J. Mollere, Jerome R. Morgan, Shailendra K. Parihar, John B. Schulte, Richard W. Timm
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Publication number: 20110282381Abstract: A surgical device comprises a housing, a bioprocessing module, an end effector, and a pumping device. The bioprocessing module comprises media reservoirs, fluid conduits in communication with the reservoirs, and a port through which media is expelled. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen and delivering a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit extending therethrough and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit in the first end effector is in fluid communication with the port on the bioprocessing module. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the first end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Michael D. Cronin, Jerome R. Morgan, Patrick D. Dugan, Rebecca J. Mollere, John B. Schulte, David A. Witt, Joseph P. Schowalter, Eugene L. Timperman, Prasanna Malaviya, Shailendra K. Parihar, Shelby L. Cook Kornbluth, Richard W. Timm, Donna L. Korvick, James A. Woodard, JR., Peter K. Shires, Barbara L. Mattson, Matthew C. Miller, Frederick E. Shelton, IV