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).
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Publication number: 20240024021Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11779385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210259763Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210204969Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
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Patent number: 11000330Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10980557Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
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Publication number: 20210065335Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, THOMAS W. MEISER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, STEVEN E. BUTCHER, DENNIS W. BUTCHER
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Publication number: 20200323578Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10729488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10327834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10327836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
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Publication number: 20190167341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20190172185Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, THOMAS W. MEISER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, STEVEN E. BUTCHER, DENNIS W. BUTCHER
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Patent number: 10201384Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10188450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
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Publication number: 20180042666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9795439Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20170231687Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9655672Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9636169Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: 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