Patents by Inventor Daniel Friedrichs

Daniel Friedrichs 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: 12514631
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2026
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20240408385
    Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue are disclosed. A method for ablating tissue includes applying a first radio frequency ablation current to a target tissue and applying a second radio frequency ablation current to the target tissue. Additionally, the ratio of the frequency of the first radio frequency ablation current to the second radio frequency ablation current is in the range of 1:2 to 1:400.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: MINNETRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: LORI LUCKE, VLAD BLUVSHTEIN, DANIEL FRIEDRICHS
  • Patent number: 12064622
    Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue are disclosed. A method for ablating tissue includes applying a first radio frequency ablation current to a target tissue and applying a second radio frequency ablation current to the target tissue. Additionally, the ratio of the frequency of the first radio frequency ablation current to the second radio frequency ablation current is in the range of 1:2 to 1:400.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: MINNETRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Lori Lucke, Vlad Bluvshtein, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20220071691
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 10729484
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided. The electrosurgical generator includes: a non-resonant radio frequency output stage configured to output a substantially square electrosurgical waveform; and a controller coupled to the non-resonant radio frequency output stage, the controller configured to adjust a crest factor of the substantially square electrosurgical waveform on a cycle-by-cycle basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel Friedrichs, James A. Gilbert, Steven C. Rupp
  • Patent number: 10610285
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided. The electrosurgical generator includes at least one converter configured to output a DC waveform and a nonlinear carrier control current. At least one boost inverter is coupled to the at least one converter and is configured to convert the DC waveform to generate at least one electrosurgical waveform. At least one inductor is connected in series with the at least one converter and at least one boost inverter and is configured to output an inductor current. A controller is coupled to the at least one converter and the at least one boost inverter and is configured to maintain the inductor current at a predetermined value by controlling a pulse duration of a duty cycle of the at least one converter based on a comparison of inductor current and the nonlinear control current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Daniel Friedrichs, James A. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20190298994
    Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue are disclosed. A method for ablating tissue includes applying a first radio frequency ablation current to a target tissue and applying a second radio frequency ablation current to the target tissue. Additionally, the ratio of the frequency of the first radio frequency ablation current to the second radio frequency ablation current is in the range of 1:2 to 1:400.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: MINNETRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: LORI LUCKE, VLAD BLUVSHTEIN, DANIEL FRIEDRICHS
  • Patent number: 10271896
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 9877772
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert Erickson, Daniel Friedrichs, James Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20170000557
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: JOE D. SARTOR, DANIEL FRIEDRICHS
  • Publication number: 20160302847
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Erickson, Daniel Friedrichs, James Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9445865
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joe D. Sartor, Daniel Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 9379643
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel Friedrichs, Robert Erickson, James Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20150080880
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft, and an end-effector assembly. The proximal end of the shaft is operably associated with the housing. The end-effector assembly is operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a sealing plate and a bipolar electrode. Either one or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from a position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The electrosurgical instrument includes a semiconductor switch operably coupled to at least one of the sealing plates and at least one of the bipolar electrodes. The semiconductor switch is configured to enable user selection between energizing the at least one sealing plate or the at least one bipolar electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JOE D. SARTOR, DANIEL FRIEDRICHS
  • Publication number: 20150025521
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided. The electrosurgical generator includes at least one converter configured to output a DC waveform and a nonlinear carrier control current. At least one boost inverter is coupled to the at least one converter and is configured to convert the DC waveform to generate at least one electrosurgical waveform. At least one inductor is connected in series with the at least one converter and at least one boost inverter and is configured to output an inductor current. A controller is coupled to the at least one converter and the at least one boost inverter and is configured to maintain the inductor current at a predetermined value by controlling a pulse duration of a duty cycle of the at least one converter based on a comparison of inductor current and the nonlinear control current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: DANIEL FRIEDRICHS, JAMES A. GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20150025523
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided. The electrosurgical generator includes: a non-resonant radio frequency output stage configured to output a substantially square electrosurgical waveform; and a controller coupled to the non-resonant radio frequency output stage, the controller configured to adjust a crest factor of the substantially square electrosurgical waveform on a cycle-by-cycle basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: DANIEL FRIEDRICHS, JAMES A. GILBERT, STEVEN C. RUPP
  • Publication number: 20140228833
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma system including an electrosurgical generator; an ionizable media source; and a plasma instrument. The plasma instrument includes a housing having a lumen defined therein terminating in an opening at a distal end thereof, the lumen being in fluid communication with an ionizable media source and a pair of electrodes coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The plasma system also includes a return electrode pad configured to couple to a patient; and a polarization controller electrically coupled to the return electrode, the polarization controller configured to adjust conductive coupling of the return electrode pad to the electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: DANIEL FRIEDRICHS, JOE D. SARTOR
  • Publication number: 20120215216
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Daniel Friedrichs, Robert Erickson, James Gilbert