Patents by Inventor Allan J. Evans

Allan J. Evans 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: 20150133929
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including 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 a jaw frame including an engagement recess defined on each lateral side thereof and a replaceable component configured for slidable positioning about the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an outer jaw housing having an engagement tang disposed on each lateral side thereof. The engagement tangs are configured to engage the engagement recesses of the jaw frame upon slidable positioning of the replaceable component about the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate engaged to the outer jaw housing to define a tissue sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: ALLAN J. EVANS, PETER M. MUELLER, PETER D. GADSBY
  • Patent number: 9028495
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a proximal structural member and a proximal drive member that is selectively movable with respect to the proximal structural member. A modular end effector is removably coupled to the elongated shaft, and has a distal structural member and a distal drive member that is operatively coupled to a pair of jaw members. A separable joint is defined between the elongated shaft and the end effector. The separable joint includes laterally prominent and laterally indented portions of each of the proximal and distal structural members and of each of the proximal and distal drive members. The structural members are interlocked to resist longitudinal separation and permit lateral separation. The drive members are movable relative to structural members to move the separable joint to a locked configuration wherein the drive members prohibit lateral separation of the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Peter M. Mueller, Allan J. Evans
  • Patent number: 9028492
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. A pair of opposed jaw members is operatively coupled to a distal end of the handle such that the jaw members selectively move between open and closed positions. A base supported on one of the jaw members includes a mechanical mating feature and an electrically conductive region in electrical communication with the source of electrosurgical energy. A selectively removable seal plate includes a complementarily engaging a mechanical mating feature and an electrically conductive region positioned to contact the electrically conductive region of the base when the mechanical mating features of the base and seal plate are engaged. The complimentarily-engaging mechanical mating features include a pair of spaced protrusions and a pair of spaced recesses open to opposing sides of the base or the seal plate such that the seal plate may be twisted onto the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Allan J. Evans, Arlan J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, Jr., Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman
  • Publication number: 20150066076
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: DUANE E. KERR, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, ALLAN J. EVANS, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, GLENN A. HORNER, MARK J. HUSEMAN, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, ARLEN J. RESCHKE, ROBERT M. SHARP
  • Patent number: 8968307
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second 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 a longitudinally-extending blade channel defined therein. An electrical cutting insert is releasably engageable within the blade channel of the jaw member such that the jaw member is transitionable between a mechanical cutting mode, wherein the electrical cutting insert is disengaged from the jaw member to permit reciprocation of a knife blade through the blade channel for mechanically cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members, and an electrical cutting mode, wherein the electrical cutting insert is engaged within the blade channel of the jaw member for electrically cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Patent number: 8968317
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including 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 a jaw frame including an engagement recess defined on each lateral side thereof and a replaceable component configured for slidable positioning about the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an outer jaw housing having an engagement tang disposed on each lateral side thereof. The engagement tangs are configured to engage the engagement recesses of the jaw frame upon slidable positioning of the replaceable component about the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate engaged to the outer jaw housing to define a tissue sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Patent number: 8864795
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlan J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20140221999
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JAMES S. CUNNINGHAM, ALLAN J. EVANS, PETER M. MUELLER, NATHAN WHITE, DAVID A. SCHECHTER, STEPHEN EVANS
  • Patent number: 8685056
    Abstract: 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 a jaw frame and a replaceable component engageable with the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes one or more engagement members configured to engage a corresponding engagement member(s) disposed on the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The engagement member(s) is transitionable from a new state to a used state, wherein, in the used state, the engagement member(s) is incapable of reengaging the corresponding engagement member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Publication number: 20130138129
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough and having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes first and second shaft components that are releasably engageable with one another. A drive sleeve is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft to transition the end effector assembly between a first state and a second state. The drive sleeve includes first and second drive sleeve components that are releasably engageable with one another. A coupling mechanism includes one or more shaft cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second shaft components to one another and one or more drive sleeve cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second drive sleeve components to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, Edward M. Chojin, Duane E. Kerr, Peter M. Mueller, Allan J. Evans, James D. Allen, IV
  • Publication number: 20130085516
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlan J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20130046337
    Abstract: 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 a jaw frame and a replaceable component engageable with the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes one or more engagement members configured to engage a corresponding engagement member(s) disposed on the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The engagement member(s) is transitionable from a new state to a used state, wherein, in the used state, the engagement member(s) is incapable of reengaging the corresponding engagement member(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Publication number: 20130046295
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. A pair of opposed jaw members is operatively coupled to a distal end of the handle such that the jaw members selectively move between open and closed positions. A base supported on one of the jaw members includes a mechanical mating feature and an electrically conductive region in electrical communication with the source of electrosurgical energy. A selectively removable seal plate includes a complementarily engaging a mechanical mating feature and an electrically conductive region positioned to contact the electrically conductive region of the base when the mechanical mating features of the base and seal plate are engaged. The complimentarily-engaging mechanical mating features include a pair of spaced protrusions and a pair of spaced recesses open to opposing sides of the base or the seal plate such that the seal plate may be twisted onto the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Allan J. Evans, Arlan J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp, William H. Nau, JR., Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman
  • Publication number: 20130046303
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second 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 a longitudinally-extending blade channel defined therein. An electrical cutting insert is releasably engageable within the blade channel of the jaw member such that the jaw member is transitionable between a mechanical cutting mode, wherein the electrical cutting insert is disengaged from the jaw member to permit reciprocation of a knife blade through the blade channel for mechanically cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members, and an electrical cutting mode, wherein the electrical cutting insert is engaged within the blade channel of the jaw member for electrically cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Publication number: 20130046306
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including 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 a jaw frame including an engagement recess defined on each lateral side thereof and a replaceable component configured for slidable positioning about the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an outer jaw housing having an engagement tang disposed on each lateral side thereof. The engagement tangs are configured to engage the engagement recesses of the jaw frame upon slidable positioning of the replaceable component about the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate engaged to the outer jaw housing to define a tissue sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Allan J. Evans, Peter M. Mueller, Peter D. Gadsby
  • Publication number: 20110319888
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a proximal structural member and a proximal drive member that is selectively movable with respect to the proximal structural member. A modular end effector is removably coupled to the elongated shaft, and has a distal structural member and a distal drive member that is operatively coupled to a pair of jaw members. A separable joint is defined between the elongated shaft and the end effector. The separable joint includes laterally prominent and laterally indented portions of each of the proximal and distal structural members and of each of the proximal and distal drive members. The structural members are interlocked to resist longitudinal separation and permit lateral separation. The drive members are movable relative to structural members to move the separable joint to a locked configuration wherein the drive members prohibit lateral separation of the structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Peter M. Mueller, Allan J. Evans
  • Patent number: 4976065
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for controlling the rate of motion of a door is disclosed which includes a shaft connected with the door by a gear train for causing rotation of the shaft at a preselected relative rate of rotation related to the rate of motion of the door by a preselected ratio, a braking assembly including a brake drum spaced from the shaft and first and second brake shoes pivotably connected at one end thereof with a carrying member attached to the shaft and having a single biasing spring adjustably connected between the other ends thereof, the brake shoes having a contact surface made of a non-asbestos friction material for contacting the brake drum when a selected rate of rotation of the shaft is exceeded, and an improved housing which is more efficiently sealable against invasion of moisture into the housing and the escape of lubricants from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: BC Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Beran, Allan J. Evans
  • Patent number: D369417
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Boral Resources (QLD) Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Allan J. Evans