Patents by Inventor Anton Keller

Anton Keller 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: 11696794
    Abstract: A device for controlling the energy supply to a medical instrument contains the medical instrument and an energy supply device. The energy supply device has at least a first and a second energy supply mode that can be preselected on the energy supply device and which supplies energy to the medical instrument according to a preselected energy supply mode. The energy supply device additionally has a third mode which differs from the at least two energy supply modes, can be preselected on the energy supply device, can detect an actuation of an energy supply operating element arranged on the medical instrument, and can carry out the supply of energy to the medical instrument in the first or second mode based on the detected actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Erik Walberg, Stefan Eick, Anton Keller
  • Patent number: 11547461
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a treatment procedure includes a treatment tool, an energy source, and a controller. The controller controls the energy source such that in a first treatment phase, power fed into the material to be treated is controlled with an increasing course. An impedance detector determines the impedance course and/or the present impedance of the material to be treated, and recognizes the achievement of an impedance minimum. A timer is started upon recognition of an impedance minimum, and upon recognition of a further impedance minimum within the specific time interval, the timer is reset. If no new impedance minimum is detected within the specific time interval and the time interval expires, the controller switches the power control to constant power or to a power course with an altered gradient. Upon fulfilling a specific criterion, there is a switchover from power control to voltage control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Anton Keller, Stefan Eick, Thomas Maser
  • Patent number: 10828041
    Abstract: A surgical clip device is provided for closing vessels, for example in neurosurgery. The surgical clip device is provided with at least two electrically conductive clip parts that are electrically isolated from each other and are arranged at a predetermined distance opposite each other. Each of the two clip parts may be held with a first free end thereof on an electrically isolating holding part in one of a U-shaped or a V-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Anton Keller
  • Patent number: 10772679
    Abstract: A surgical system for connecting body tissue is provided. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument having two tool elements movable relative to each other, each of which comprises a high-frequency electrode. The high-frequency electrodes, in an approach position of the tool elements, define a minimum distance from each other, lying opposite each other and facing each other. The instrument has a shaft at the distal end of which at least a first one of the tool elements is arranged or formed. A second tool element is movable from an operating position, in which it is adapted for movement into the approach position, into a removal position and/or vice versa. A surface area of a perpendicular projection of the second tool element onto a projection plane extending perpendicularly to a shaft direction in a region of the second tool element is smaller in the removal position than in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Patent number: 10687885
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electrosurgical HF apparatus, as well as an HF apparatus, includes an electrosurgical instrument and an HF generator for generating an HF current. The HF generator is in a locked state in which its activation is not possible. An application to be carried out is to be selected prior to a user-side activation of the HF generator, whereby the HF generator is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: Thomas Maser, Heiko Reichle, Anton Keller, Stefan Eick
  • Patent number: 10433823
    Abstract: A medical device includes two device units having two functional units that can be coupled to each other to actuate the second functional unit via the first functional unit. The first functional unit has a mechanical coupling segment which can be brought into a coupling position to couple with the second functional unit. A detector for detecting a relative position of the two device units or a distance between the two device units is provided on at least one device unit. The electrical or electronic control of the first functional unit is configured such that the mechanical coupling segment of the first functional unit can be brought into the coupling position only if the two device units are in a certain position with respect to each other or fall below a minimum distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Thomas Maser, Heiko Reichle, Dominik Seyfried, Anton Keller
  • Publication number: 20190159824
    Abstract: A device for controlling the energy supply to a medical instrument contains the medical instrument and an energy supply device. The energy supply device has at least a first and a second energy supply mode that can be preselected on the energy supply device and which supplies energy to the medical instrument according to a preselected energy supply mode. The energy supply device additionally has a third mode which differs from the at least two energy supply modes, can be preselected on the energy supply device, can detect an actuation of an energy supply operating element arranged on the medical instrument, and can carry out the supply of energy to the medical instrument in the first or second mode based on the detected actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: ERIK WALBERG, STEFAN EICK, ANTON KELLER
  • Patent number: 10244946
    Abstract: In order to provide a temperature sensor or a temperature measuring apparatus having a temperature sensor, which enables direct temperature measurement, in particular even during treatment, in particular even with HF surgical devices, it is proposed that the temperature sensor includes a sensor element with a medium which can be excited to luminescence, in particular fluorescence, and an optical waveguide which is optically connected to the sensor element and is intended to supply light to the medium at an excitation wavelength and/or to pick up and conduct light at a luminescence wavelength of the medium which can be excited to luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Anton Keller, Stefan Eick, Thomas Maser, Christoph Rothweiler, Sebastian Langen, Raimund Hibst, Oliver Fugger, Detlef Russ
  • Publication number: 20170333110
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a treatment procedure includes a treatment tool, an energy source, and a controller. The controller controls the energy source such that in a first treatment phase, power fed into the material to be treated is controlled with an increasing course. An impedance detector determines the impedance course and/or the present impedance of the material to be treated, and recognizes the achievement of an impedance minimum. A timer is started upon recognition of an impedance minimum, and upon recognition of a further impedance minimum within the specific time interval, the timer is reset. If no new impedance minimum is detected within the specific time interval and the time interval expires, the controller switches the power control to constant power or to a power course with an altered gradient. Upon fulfilling a specific criterion, there is a switchover from power control to voltage control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Anton Keller, Stefan Eick, Thomas Maser
  • Publication number: 20170303929
    Abstract: A surgical clip device is provided for closing vessels, for example in neurosurgery. The surgical clip device is provided with at least two electrically conductive clip parts that are electrically isolated from each other and are arranged at a predetermined distance opposite each other. Each of the two clip parts may be held with a first free end thereof on an electrically isolating holding part in one of a U-shaped or a V-shaped configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventor: Anton Keller
  • Publication number: 20170245844
    Abstract: A medical device includes two device units having two functional units that can be coupled to each other to actuate the second functional unit via the first functional unit. The first functional unit has a mechanical coupling segment which can be brought into a coupling position to couple with the second functional unit. A detector for detecting a relative position of the two device units or a distance between the two device units is provided on at least one device unit. The electrical or electronic control of the first functional unit is configured such that the mechanical coupling segment of the first functional unit can be brought into the coupling position only if the two device units are in a certain position with respect to each other or fall below a minimum distance from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Vogtherr, Thomas Maser, Heiko Reichle, Dominik Seyfried, Anton Keller
  • Patent number: 9730752
    Abstract: In order to provide a surgical clip device with which the closure of vessels is successfully achieved even more safely, particularly in neurosurgery, it is proposed that the surgical clip device be provided with at least two electrically conductive clip parts that are electrically isolated from each other (by an element) and are arranged at a predetermined distance opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Anton Keller
  • Patent number: 9603655
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end having a jaw member assembly at the distal end including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative thereto. The jaw members can be transferred relative to each other from an opening position into a gripping position in which they are arranged to be closer to each other than in the opening position. Each jaw member has at least one electrode connectable to an electric power source and electrodes of both jaw members being adapted to interact for sealing body tissue held between the jaw members in the gripping position, actuating means for transferring the jaw members from the opening position into the gripping position and means for limiting the closing width of the jaw members, when they are transferred from the opening position into the gripping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Anton Keller, Dieter Weisshaupt, Stefan Eick, Christoph Rothweiler, Eugen Herner
  • Publication number: 20170071666
    Abstract: A surgical system for connecting body tissue is provided. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument having two tool elements movable relative to each other, each of which comprises a high-frequency electrode. The high-frequency electrodes, in an approach position of the tool elements, define a minimum distance from each other, lying opposite each other and facing each other. The instrument has a shaft at the distal end of which at least a first one of the tool elements is arranged or formed. A second tool element is movable from an operating position, in which it is adapted for movement into the approach position, into a removal position and/or vice versa. A surface area of a perpendicular projection of the second tool element onto a projection plane extending perpendicularly to a shaft direction in a region of the second tool element is smaller in the removal position than in the operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Patent number: 9492172
    Abstract: In order to so improve a surgical system for connecting body tissue, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements movable relative to each other, each of which comprises a high-frequency electrode, the high-frequency electrodes, in an approach position of the tool elements, defining a minimum distance from each other, lying opposite each other and facing each other, that an overstretching of connections of parts of body tissue, in particular, made by a flow of current, is avoided when removing the surgical instrument, it is proposed that the instrument comprise a shaft at the distal end of which at least a first one of the tool elements is arranged or formed, and that a second tool element be adapted to be moved from an operating position, in which it is adapted for movement into the approach position, into a removal position and/or vice versa, a surface area of a perpendicular projection of the second tool element onto a projection plane extending perpendicularly to the shaft direction in the re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Publication number: 20160220299
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electrosurgical HF apparatus, as well as an HF apparatus, includes an electrosurgical instrument and an HF generator for generating an HF current. The HF generator is in a locked state in which its activation is not possible. An application to be carried out is to be selected prior to a user-side activation of the HF generator, whereby the HF generator is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Maser, Heiko Reichle, Anton Keller, Stefan Eick
  • Patent number: 9339273
    Abstract: The invention relates to improving a surgical system for bonding bodily tissue, comprising a surgical instrument having a bonding device for bonding bodily tissue, said bonding device comprising two tool elements displaceable relative to each other, wherein the instrument comprises a cutting device having a cutting element for cutting through tissue, and the cutting element is displaceably disposed relative to at least one of the tool elements, such that the cutting device is implemented in the form of an HF cutting device, wherein the cutting element comprises a cutting edge defining a cutting plane at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the instrument in the region of the bonding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Publication number: 20150289767
    Abstract: In order to provide a temperature sensor or a temperature measuring apparatus having a temperature sensor, which enables direct temperature measurement, in particular even during treatment, in particular even with HF surgical devices, it is proposed that the temperature sensor includes a sensor element with a medium which can be excited to luminescence, in particular fluorescence, and an optical waveguide which is optically connected to the sensor element and is intended to supply light to the medium at an excitation wavelength and/or to pick up and conduct light at a luminescence wavelength of the medium which can be excited to luminescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Anton Keller, Stefan Eick, Thomas Maser, Christoph Rothweiler, Sebastian Langen, Raimund Hibst, Olivier Fugger, Detlef Russ
  • Patent number: 9138231
    Abstract: The invention relates to improving a surgical system for connecting bodily tissues, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements displaceable relative to each other, each comprising an HF electrode defining a minimum distance from each other, opposite each other, and facing one another in an approach setting of the tool elements, wherein in order for simple and secure connecting of the tissue parts to be connected to each other, the invention proposes that at least one of the HF electrodes is divided into at least two electrode segments and that the at least two electrode segments are electrically insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Publication number: 20140309635
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end having a jaw member assembly at the distal end including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative thereto. The jaw members can be transferred relative to each other from an opening position into a gripping position in which they are arranged to be closer to each other than in the opening position. Each jaw member has at least one electrode connectable to an electric power source and electrodes of both jaw members being adapted to interact for sealing body tissue held between the jaw members in the gripping position, actuating means for transferring the jaw members from the opening position into the gripping position and means for limiting the closing width of the jaw members, when they are transferred from the opening position into the gripping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Anton Keller, Dieter Weisshaupt, Stefan Eick, Christoph Rothweiler, Eugen Herner