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).

  • Patent number: 9358041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
  • Patent number: 9138210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9033929
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8926598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8870747
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8646674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8641641
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8579807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8568362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8491526
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8464925
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8366634
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Rebecca J. Mollere, Eric B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120330099
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8273060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Publication number: 20120239009
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8241302
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Eric B. Smith, Rebecca J. Mollere
  • Patent number: 8206314
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca J. Mollere
  • Patent number: 8197495
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica P. Leimbach, Rebecca J. Mollere, Eric B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110282242
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    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
  • Publication number: 20110282381
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    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