Patents by Inventor Frank J. Viola

Frank J. Viola 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: 20190159777
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Karl H. Ehrenfels, David Ivanko, Randolph Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba L. Rethy, Frank J. Viola
  • Publication number: 20190142424
    Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros
  • Patent number: 10285694
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros, Michael A. Soltz, Robert DeSantis, Henry E. Holsten, Russell Heinrich, Michael Ingmanson, Philip Irka, David M. McCuen, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20190083087
    Abstract: An assembly for joining tissue portions is provided and includes an anvil assembly and a body portion juxtaposed with respect to one another along a shaft and arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another; and an applicator disposed between the body portion and anvil assembly and configured for retaining a wound treatment material therein. The applicator has channels arranged for dispensing the wound treatment material therefrom onto an interface between the tissue portions. A method of joining the tissue portions is also provided and includes the steps of dispensing the wound treatment material from the applicator so as to distribute wound treatment material onto an interface between a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion; and approximating the anvil assembly and the body portion to one another so that the first and second tissue portions are in contact with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Christopher J. Criscuolo, David Fowler, Michael J. Bettuchi, Danyel (Tarinelli) Racenet, Robert Capella, Kevin Sniffin, Ahmad Hadba
  • Patent number: 10231733
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Karl H. Ehrenfels, David Ivanko, Randolph Lehn, Roberto Pedros, Csaba L. Rethy, Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 10188391
    Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros
  • Patent number: 10154840
    Abstract: An assembly for joining tissue portions is provided and includes an anvil assembly and a body portion juxtaposed with respect to one another along a shaft and arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another; and an applicator disposed between the body portion and anvil assembly and configured for retaining a wound treatment material therein. The applicator has channels arranged for dispensing the wound treatment material therefrom onto an interface between the tissue portions. A method of joining the tissue portions is also provided and includes the steps of dispensing the wound treatment material from the applicator so as to distribute wound treatment material onto an interface between a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion; and approximating the anvil assembly and the body portion to one another so that the first and second tissue portions are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Christopher J. Criscuolo, David Fowler, Michael J. Bettuchi, Danyel (Tarinelli) Racenet, Robert Capella, Kevin Sniffin, Ahmad Hadba
  • Patent number: 10105138
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Patent number: 10105137
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Patent number: 10098638
    Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros
  • Patent number: 10022124
    Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 9986985
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed. An actuation mechanism is operable from a proximal portion of the surgical apparatus and a tool assembly is pivotally positioned on a distal portion of the surgical apparatus. The tool assembly is movable between a first position in which the tool assembly is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the surgical apparatus, and a second position in which the tool assembly is pivoted away from the longitudinal axis of the surgical apparatus. An articulation mechanism is positionable to move the tool assembly between the first and second positions. A drive mechanism includes a first shaft operably engaged with a second shaft at an articulation joint. The drive mechanism is configured to transfer rotational motion from the first shaft to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 9987005
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Michael Soltz, Robert J. Desantis, Henry E. Holsten, Russell Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20180085120
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple anvil and a staple cartridge having a working surface, one or more rows of individual staple slots formed in the working surface, a knife track formed along a length of the working surface, and a plurality of surgical staples individually disposed within the individual staple slots. The apparatus further includes an actuation sled having a knife and being configured and adapted to movably position the knife axially within the knife track. The apparatus also includes a wound closure material applicator assembly having a needle secured to the knife to dispense a quantity of wound closure material along a length of the knife track as the actuation sled and knife are moved therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Publication number: 20180000531
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical instrument, a power supply, and an accessory. The surgical instrument has a first induction device positioned therein. The power supply is electrically coupled to the first induction device. The accessory is selectively operably couplable to the surgical instrument. The accessory includes a second induction device that is inductively coupled with the first induction device when the accessory is operably coupled to the surgical instrument such that the power supply provides power to the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 9833129
    Abstract: An endoluminal crawler used in endoscopic procedures includes a body and an actuation unit. The body includes a tubular portion. The actuation unit includes an actuator providing a rotational output and a traction belt. The traction belt includes a traction portion and an engaging portion. The traction portion protrudes out of a slot defined in the tubular portion and the engaging portion operatively engages the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, James M. Power
  • Patent number: 9788884
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical instrument, a power supply, and an accessory. The surgical instrument has a first induction device positioned therein. The accessory is selectively operably couplable to the surgical instrument. The accessory includes a second induction device that is inductively coupled with the first induction device when the accessory is operably coupled to the surgical instrument such that the power supply provides power to the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Publication number: 20170265861
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan
  • Publication number: 20170258468
    Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros
  • Publication number: 20170238923
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Frank J. Viola, Clifford L. Emmons, John W. Beardsley, Russell Heinrich, Nicola Cullinan