Patents by Inventor Dennis W. Butcher

Dennis W. Butcher 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: 20240024021
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 11779385
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Publication number: 20210259763
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Publication number: 20210204969
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Patent number: 11000330
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 10980557
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20210065335
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, THOMAS W. MEISER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, STEVEN E. BUTCHER, DENNIS W. BUTCHER
  • Publication number: 20200323578
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 10729488
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 10327834
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joanna Ackley, James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Gary M. Couture, James S. Cunningham, David M. Garrison, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 10327836
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20190167341
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, JEFFREY M. ROY, TONY MOUA, DENNIS W. BUTCHER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, LUKE WAALER, CYNTHIA M. PERRY, MEGHAN COLLINS LONG
  • Publication number: 20190172185
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, THOMAS W. MEISER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, STEVEN E. BUTCHER, DENNIS W. BUTCHER
  • Patent number: 10201384
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 10188450
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20180042666
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, JEFFREY M. ROY, TONY MOUA, DENNIS W. BUTCHER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, LUKE WAALER, CYNTHIA M. PERRY, MEGHAN COLLINS LONG
  • Patent number: 9795439
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Publication number: 20170231687
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 9655672
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Jeffrey M. Roy, Tony Moua, Dennis W. Butcher, William J. Dickhans, Daniel A. Joseph, Luke Waaler, Cynthia M. Perry, Meghan Collins Long
  • Patent number: 9636169
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger