Patents by Inventor Edward M. Chojin
Edward M. Chojin 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: 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: 9717549Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
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Publication number: 20170181790Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: JOHN R. TWOMEY, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
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Patent number: 9668806Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jeffrey R. Unger, John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Dylan R. Kingsley, Kristel L. Ambrosius
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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
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Patent number: 9610116Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: John R. Twomey, Edward M. Chojin
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Publication number: 20170071657Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 9504519Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
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Publication number: 20160287318Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, JOSEPH D. BUCCIAGLIA
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Patent number: 9375263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
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Patent number: 9375266Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. Each jaw member has a jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. The first jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the first jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the first jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Dylan R. Kingsley, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Patent number: 9370393Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Edward M. Chojin, David M. Garrison, Jennifer S. Harper, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jessica E. C. Olson, Kathy E. Rooks, Geneva Ladtkow
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Patent number: 9364247Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a proximal flange having an inwardly-facing surface. The proximal flanges are coupled to one another for moving the jaw members relative to one another between a first position and a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The inwardly-facing surfaces of the proximal flanges are disposed in abutting relation relative to one another. A knife is configured to move along a knife path defined along an outwardly-facing surface of one of the proximal flanges. The knife is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joesph D. Bucciaglia, Edward M. Chojin, Glenn A. Horner
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Publication number: 20160151104Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: KEIR HART, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
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Publication number: 20160100881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: 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: 9265569Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Edward M. Chojin
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Publication number: 20160045251Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. Each jaw member has a jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. The first jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the first jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the first jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: JOHN R. TWOMEY, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, JEFFREY R. UNGER
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Publication number: 20160000496Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 9211657Abstract: 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: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: 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. Oneill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Publication number: 20150327879Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough and having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes first and second shaft components that are releasably engageable with one another. A drive sleeve is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft to transition the end effector assembly between a first state and a second state. The drive sleeve includes first and second drive sleeve components that are releasably engageable with one another. A coupling mechanism includes one or more shaft cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second shaft components to one another and one or more drive sleeve cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second drive sleeve components to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: DAVID M. GARRISON, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, DUANE E. KERR, PETER M. MUELLER, ALLAN J. EVANS, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV