Patents by Inventor Alexander J. Hart

Alexander J. Hart 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: 12133651
    Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Haley Strassner, David E. Valentine, Alexander J. Hart, Stephen R. Casey, Sonya A. Bader, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Drew R. Seils, Steven H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 12029428
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system includes an adapter assembly, a trocar assembly attachable to the adapter assembly, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the trocar assembly to move relative to the adapter assembly and determine whether the trocar assembly is properly attached to the adapter assembly. Such determination is based on an amount of force applied between the trocar assembly and the adapter assembly, an amount of current detected in the surgical stapling system, or an amount of time the trocar assembly moves relative to the adapter assembly without an indication that the amount of force is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David E. Valentine, Charles R. Kollar, Alexander J. Hart, Drew R. Seils, Stephen R. Paul, Joseph T. Eisinger
  • Publication number: 20240032929
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a power source, a motor coupled to the power source, and a controller configured to control the motor. The device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly, the adapter assembly including a stapling transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device also includes a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of staples ejectable from the reload by the stapling transmission assembly. The device also includes an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly, the anvil assembly being movable relative to the reload, where the controller may be further configured to control the motor to move the stapling transmission assembly to eject the staples while compensating for mechanical losses of the stapling transmission assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Valentine (Deceased), Jr., Charles R. Kollar, Alexander J. Hart, James P. Delbo, Haley E. Strassner
  • Publication number: 20240023967
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a power source; a motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly; a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of fasteners; and an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly, the anvil assembly being movable relative to the reload. The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the anvil assembly from a starting position to a compressed position thereby compressing tissue at a target clamping force between the anvil assembly and the reload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Valentine (Deceased), Jr., Alexander J. Hart, Charles R. Kollar, Haley E. Strassner, James P. Delbo, Steven H. Joyce, Stephen R. Casey
  • Patent number: 11832823
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a reload assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly movable relative to the reload assembly. The device also includes a power source and a motor coupled to the power source. The device further includes a transmission assembly movable by the motor and configured to move the anvil assembly relative to the reload assembly. The device additionally includes a strain sensor configured to measure strain imparted on the transmission assembly. The device also includes a controller configured to determine whether the anvil assembly is adhered to tissue grasped between the reload assembly and the anvil assembly based on the measured strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Charles R. Kollar
  • Patent number: 11819208
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes a motor and a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The surgical device also includes a force sensor configured to measure force imparted on the transmission assembly. The device may also include a controller configured to: control the motor to move the transmission assembly to a starting position, interrogate the force sensor to receive a sensor signal, compare the sensor signal to a threshold, and determine whether the force sensor is faulty based on the comparison of the sensor signal to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Alexander J. Hart, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Haley E. Strassner
  • Publication number: 20230355241
    Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Haley Strassner, David E. Valentine, Alexander J. Hart, Stephen R. Casey, Sonya A. Bader, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Drew R. Seils, Steven H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 11771432
    Abstract: A powered surgical device includes a power source and a motor coupled to the power source. The device may also include a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device may also include a sensor configured to monitor operation of the transmission assembly and output sensor data. The device may also include a controller configured to: determine position of the transmission assembly and operate the motor based on the position of the transmission assembly and an interruption in the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Charles R. Kollar, James P. Delbo, Steven H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 11744592
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a motor and a reload having a plurality of staples. The surgical device also includes an anvil assembly movable relative to the reload by the motor to clamp tissue therebetween. The device further includes a force sensor configured to measure force imparted on the anvil assembly. The device additionally includes a controller configured to compare the measured force to a target force, determine a distance at which the measured force matches the target force, and output the distance and the target force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Patrick D. Mozdzierz, Alexander J. Hart, Michael S. Gallie
  • Publication number: 20230248365
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a reload assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly movable relative to the reload assembly. The device also includes a power source and a motor coupled to the power source. The device further includes a transmission assembly movable by the motor and configured to move the anvil assembly relative to the reload assembly. The device additionally includes a strain sensor configured to measure strain imparted on the transmission assembly. The device also includes a controller configured to determine whether the anvil assembly is adhered to tissue grasped between the reload assembly and the anvil assembly based on the measured strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Charles R. Kollar
  • Publication number: 20230240683
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system includes an adapter assembly, a trocar assembly attachable to the adapter assembly, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the trocar assembly to move relative to the adapter assembly and determine whether the trocar assembly is properly attached to the adapter assembly. Such determination is based on an amount of force applied between the trocar assembly and the adapter assembly, an amount of current detected in the surgical stapling system, or an amount of time the trocar assembly moves relative to the adapter assembly without an indication that the amount of force is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: David E. Valentine, Charles R. Kollar, Alexander J. Hart, Drew R. Seils, Stephen R. Paul, Joseph T. Eisinger
  • Publication number: 20230200812
    Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device, capable of effectuating a surgical procedure, includes a handle assembly having a power source; at least one motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device includes an adapter assembly having an electrical assembly having a proximal end in communication with the controller of the handle assembly. The surgical device includes a reload configured to selectively connect to a distal end of the adapter assembly. The reload includes an annular array of staples; an annular staple pusher for ejecting the staples; and a data storage device selectively connectable to a distal end of the electrical assembly. The data storage device receives and stores performance data of the surgical device from the controller of the handle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Anthony Sgroi, JR., James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, John J. Hryb, IV, Scott G. Firth, David E. Valentine, JR., Paul D. Richard, Stephen R. Paul, Steven H. Joyce, Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11684362
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having: a power source, a motor coupled to the power source, and a controller configured to control the motor. The device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly. The adapter assembly includes a clamping transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device also includes a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of staples ejectable from the reload. The device further includes an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly and movable relative to the reload. The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the clamping transmission assembly to move the anvil assembly from a distal clamp position to a proximal clamp position and then distally from the proximal clamp position to reduce clamp force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert H. Knapp, Alexander J. Hart, Alexander W. Caulk, Haley E. Strassner
  • Publication number: 20230172609
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a power source, a motor coupled to the power source, and a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device also includes a reload coupled to the transmission assembly. The reload includes a plurality of staples ejectable by the transmission assembly. The device further includes a distance sensor configured to monitor operation of the transmission assembly and output distance data. The device additionally includes a controller configured to operate the motor to move the transmission assembly proximally from a distal position until a hard stop is reached, and determine whether the plurality of staples have been previously ejected based on the distance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander J. Hart, Charles R. Kollar, James P. Delbo, Haley E. Strassner, Steven H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 11653925
    Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Haley Strassner, David E. Valentine, Alexander J. Hart, Stephen R. Casey, Sonya A. Bader, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Drew R. Seils, Steven H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 11607224
    Abstract: A method for powered surgical stapling instrument rotation adjustment includes measuring a change in position of a first motor shaft of the surgical stapling instrument relative to a stored rotation verification position of the first motor shaft resulting from manual rotation of an adapter assembly of the surgical stapling instrument in relation to a handle assembly of the surgical stapling instrument, determining a distance traveled by a first drive assembly of the adapter assembly of the surgical stapling instrument resulting from the change in position of the first motor shaft, comparing the determined distance traveled to a first stored rotation verification position of the first motor shaft, determining if the compared distance falls into a predetermined acceptable range of rotation positions, and adjusting the position of the drive shaft if the compared distance is not within the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDEN LP
    Inventors: David E. Valentine, Jr., Charles R. Kollar, Alexander J. Hart, Justin Williams, Haley E. Strassner, James P. Delbo
  • Publication number: 20230070137
    Abstract: A powered surgical device includes a power source and a motor coupled to the power source. The device may include a reload having a plurality of staples. The device may also include a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device may also include a sensor configured to monitor operation of the transmission assembly and output sensor data. The device may also include a controller configured to: determine a position of the transmission assembly, and operate the motor based on the position of the transmission assembly to advance the transmission assembly to eject the plurality of staples from the reload. The controller is further configured to stop the motor once the plurality of staples is ejected from the reload for a preset period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander J. Hart, Haley E. Strassner, Charles Kollar
  • Patent number: 11596400
    Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device, capable of effectuating a surgical procedure, includes a handle assembly having a power source; at least one motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device includes an adapter assembly having an electrical assembly having a proximal end in communication with the controller of the handle assembly. The surgical device includes a reload configured to selectively connect to a distal end of the adapter assembly. The reload includes an annular array of staples; an annular staple pusher for ejecting the staples; and a data storage device selectively connectable to a distal end of the electrical assembly. The data storage device receives and stores performance data of the surgical device from the controller of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, John J. Hryb, IV, Scott G. Firth, David E. Valentine, Jr., Paul D. Richard, Stephen R. Paul, Steven H. Joyce, Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Joseph Eisinger
  • Publication number: 20230038322
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes a motor and a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The surgical device also includes a force sensor configured to measure force imparted on the transmission assembly. The device may also include a controller configured to: control the motor to move the transmission assembly to a starting position, interrogate the force sensor to receive a sensor signal, compare the sensor signal to a threshold, and determine whether the force sensor is faulty based on the comparison of the sensor signal to the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander J. Hart, James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, Haley E. Strassner
  • Publication number: 20230039459
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a motor and a reload having a plurality of staples. The surgical device also includes an anvil assembly movable relative to the reload by the motor to clamp tissue therebetween. The device further includes a force sensor configured to measure force imparted on the anvil assembly. The device additionally includes a controller configured to compare the measured force to a target force, determine a distance at which the measured force matches the target force, and output the distance and the target force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick D. Mozdzierz, Alexander J. Hart, Michael S. Gallie