Patents by Inventor D. Allen

D. Allen 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).

  • SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING TONSILLECTOMY, ADENOIDECTOMY, AND OTHER SURGICAL PROCEDURES
    Publication number: 20210022791
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Craig V. Krastins, James D. Allen, IV, Jessica E.C. Olson, Jason G. Weihe, Purvish Soni
  • ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20210015544
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
  • ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM FOR USE WITH NON-STICK COATED ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20210007789
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument having an electrode with a polymeric dielectric coating; and an electrosurgical generator, which includes a power converter configured to generate RF energy; a sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense a parameter of the RF energy; and a controller coupled to the sensor and the power converter. The controller is configured to control the power converter to output an RF waveform to achieve conductor breakthrough through the polymeric dielectric coating. The controller is further configured to determine whether the conductor breakthrough occurred based on the parameter; and execute a treatment algorithm based on a determination of the conductor breakthrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: TODD W. BOUCHER, WILLIAM E. ROBINSON, MONTE S. FRY, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, JENNIFER R. MCHENRY
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FACILITATING REPROCESSING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Publication number: 20210001443
    Abstract: A method of sharpening a cutting edge of a knife of a surgical instrument includes manipulating an end effector assembly of a surgical instrument such that first and second jaw members of the end effector assembly are disposed in a spaced-apart position, retaining the first and second jaw members in the spaced-apart position, advancing a knife of the surgical instrument to an extended position wherein the knife extends between the first and second jaw members, retaining the knife in the extended position, and sharpening a cutting edge of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV
  • SENSOR SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20200399632
    Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and compositions that provide for improved detection of target molecules in, for example, bioengineering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew R. DUNN, Kristin J. ADOLFSEN, Noah D. TAYLOR, James E. SPOONAMORE, Jay H. KONIECZKA, Caitlin D. ALLEN, Lindong WENG
  • Cutting mechanisms for surgical end effector assemblies, instruments, and systems
    Patent number: 10869682
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an attaching device having an end effector disposed at the distal end thereof. The end effector includes a support member, a wrist pivot pivotably coupling the end effector to the attaching device, and first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another and the support member. A first cable is operably coupled to the wrist pivot and configured to articulate the end effector relative to the attaching device. Second and third cables are operably coupled to the jaw members and configured to pivot the jaw members relative to the support member. A first actuation of the second and third cables collectively pivots the first and second jaw members relative to the support member. A second actuation of the second and third cables pivots the first and second jaw members relative to one another and the support member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, William H. Nau, Jr., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
  • POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)-BLOCK-POLY (PROPYLENE SULFIDE) NANOCARRIER PLATFORM FOR ENHANCED EFFICACY OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE AGENTS
    Publication number: 20200383917
    Abstract: Provided herein are nanocarriers for delivery of immunosuppressive agents. In some embodiments, provided herein are nanocarriers comprising a core comprising a poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene sulfide) copolymer and least one therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the nanocarriers may further comprise a targeting ligand displayed on a surface of the nanocarrier. The at least one therapeutic agent may be an anti-inflammatory agent. The disclosed nanocarriers may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions for use in methods of treating an inflammatory condition or preventing transplantation rejection in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Evan A. Scott, Guillermo A. Ameer, Jacqueline A. Burke, Sean D. Allen, Sijia Yi
  • INNER ROTOR MOTOR WITH HOLLOW WIRING TUBE INSIDE ROTOR SHAFT
    Publication number: 20200389065
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner rotor motor and a stationary wiring conduit. The inner rotor motor includes a stator and a rotor spaced at least in part radially inside the stator. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator about an axis. The rotor includes a rotatable shaft that presents a shaft bore extending axially therethrough. The stationary wiring conduit extends through the shaft bore and is fixed relative to the motor housing. The shaft bore rotatably receives the wiring conduit, such that the wiring conduit is permitted to remain stationary as the shaft rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Allen, Aaron Davies, Daniel J. Suda, Philip S. Johnson, Michael W. Major
  • Surgical instrument housing incorporating a channel and methods of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 10856933
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a housing, at least one electrical wire, a shaft, and an end effector assembly. The housing defines an interior cavity and first and second housing portions. The first and second housing portions are configured to engage one another to enclose the interior cavity. A channel is defined within an outer perimeter of the first and/or second housing portion such that engagement of the first and second housing portions encloses the channel separate from the interior cavity. The electrical wire(s) is housed within the channel and adapted to connect to a source of energy. The shaft is coupled to the housing and extends distally therefrom. The end effector assembly is disposed at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector assembly is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical wire for supplying energy to the end effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: James D. Allen, IV
  • Wheeled platform and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 10850920
    Abstract: A wheeled platform for moveably supporting an object comprises a planar base, at least three straps, and at least three wheels. The base includes (i) at least three slots; and (ii) at least three base apertures extending through the base. Each of the straps includes (i) an end wall including an engagement element configured to engage a part of the object to releasably secure the wheeled platform to the object; and (ii) a strap aperture. Each of the straps is positioned with the end wall of the strap extending through a corresponding one of the slots within the base, such that each strap aperture is aligned with a corresponding one of the base apertures. Each wheel stem is secured extending through a corresponding set of aligned apertures to fix the components of the wheeled platform together in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PRAIRIE VIEW INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. Allen
  • Method of molding a header of an implantable pulse generator
    Patent number: 10850106
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a device housing containing pulse generator circuitry and a header molded to the device housing. The header can be formed of an epoxy header material. A header component can have a first part molded in the header material to fix the header component to the header at a surface of the header and a second part extending out of the header material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Daragh Nolan, James Michael English, John O'Rourke, Sean Walsh, John H. Tangren, Brian D. Allen
  • Method And System For Acoustic Monitoring And Pattern Recognition In Hydrocarbon Management Activities
    Publication number: 20200370414
    Abstract: A method of identifying hydrocarbon production information is disclosed. In in a first hydrocarbon management environment, a first audio signal is detected and a characteristic acoustic fingerprint is identified therefrom. The fingerprint is stored in a memory, along with identifying information associated with the first signal. A second audio signal is detected and a characteristic acoustic fingerprint is identified therefrom. The fingerprints are compared, and if the fingerprints match the identifying information of the first audio signal is assigned to the second audio signal. A notification regarding the matching of the characteristic acoustic fingerprints of the first and second audio signals is issued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: David J. Schmidt, Krishnan Kumaran, D. Allen Burnett
  • MONOPOLAR ELECTRODES FOR USE IN ELECTROSURGERY
    Publication number: 20200360077
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, an elongated electrosurgical blade coupled to the shaft, and a housing. The shaft is coupled to a source of electrical energy and the electrosurgical blade is coupled to the shaft. The electrosurgical blade defines a longitudinally-extending crease and is configured to be manually bent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV
  • Polycarbonate polyol compositions and methods
    Patent number: 10836859
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Aramco Technologies Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Allen, Geoffrey W. Coates, Anna E. Cherian, Chris A. Simoneau, Alexei A. Gridnev, Jay J. Farmer
  • Disassembly methods facilitating reprocessing of multi-function surgical instruments
    Patent number: 10828756
    Abstract: A method of disassembling a surgical instrument includes obtaining a surgical instrument including a housing, an input shaft defining an axis and extending from the housing, and a paddle engaged with the input shaft and configured to pivot about the axis. The method further includes disengaging a cover plate of the paddle from a body of the paddle by providing a force to the cover plate substantially in a direction parallel to the axis and disengaging the body from the input shaft by providing a force to the body substantially in a direction parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV
  • Surgical instruments and methods for performing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures
    Patent number: 10828084
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Craig V. Krastins, James D. Allen, IV, Jessica E. C. Olson, Jason G. Weihe, Purvish Soni
  • Nanostructure enhanced targeting (NSET) of inflammatory cells
    Patent number: 10821078
    Abstract: The present invention provides nanomaterials for the specific targeting of immune cells. Methods of treating cardiac disease and inflammatory disease are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Evan A. Scott, Sijia Yi, Sean D. Allen
  • GAP CONTROL VIA OVERMOLD TEETH AND HARD STOPS
    Publication number: 20200315695
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a stop and a plurality of overmold teeth within at least one jaw member. 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 stop molded within an insulative housing, and an insulator plate with the overmold teeth formed from plastic. The overmold teeth extend through openings within a sealing plate and protrude past the tissue sealing surface of the sealing plate. The stop primarily controls the gap distance between opposing jaw members by bearing most of an applied load and the overmold teeth assist in controlling the gap distance by bearing the remaining applied load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, Dylan R. Kingsley, James D. Allen, IV, Sean T. O'Neill, Jeffrey M. Roy
  • SURGICAL TOOL POSITIONING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20200297988
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided for delivering or guiding a surgical device into a lumen of a body vessel to a position adjacent target tissue. The device includes a housing, an elongate sleeve, and a source of pressurized fluid. The sleeve has a first end coupled to a delivery side of the housing, a second end positioned on a return side of the housing, and an inverted distal portion positioned between the first and second ends. One second end of the sleeve can be furled about a support member supported on the housing. A distal portion of the sleeve defines a cavity that communicates with a pressure chamber within the housing. When pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the cavity of the distal portion of the sleeve to advance the sleeve away from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Jing Zhao
  • SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SENSOR
    Publication number: 20200297407
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft, an actuator operably coupled to the housing, an actuation assembly, and a sensor module. The actuation assembly extends through the housing and the shaft and includes a distal end operably coupled to the end effector or a component associated therewith, a proximal end operably coupled to the actuator, and a spring. Actuation of the actuator manipulates the end effector or deploys the component relative thereto. The sensor module is disposed within the housing and configured to sense a property of the spring indicative of an amount the spring has been compressed. The sensor module is further configured, based upon the sensed property, to determine a condition of the end effector or the relative position of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventor: James D. Allen, IV