Patents by Inventor Gene A. Stellon

Gene A. Stellon 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: 8652151
    Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns
  • Patent number: 8622970
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 8579914
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes an applicator. A specimen retrieval pouch operably is disposed within the applicator and deployable therefrom. The specimen retrieval pouch defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes a closed bottom portion and an open upper portion. The closed bottom portion includes a plurality of spikes configured to grasp a specimen positioned within the confines closed bottom portion. The upper closed portion includes one or more axial folds that are movable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration when a predetermined force is applied to a portion of the specimen retrieval pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Gene A. Stellon
  • Patent number: 8414485
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Paul D. Richard, Gene A. Stellon, Sally Carter, Brian Rockrohr, Elias Hartoumbekis
  • Publication number: 20120310164
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 8267898
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20120232423
    Abstract: A removal pouch that is utilized for removing body tissue from the interior of the body as part of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The specimen removal pouch includes an elongated body and a gas vent. The elongated body has an interior portion to collect specimen from a body cavity of a patient. The gas vent is configured to allow passage of gas from the interior portion of the elongated body to an external environment during removal of the pouch from within the body cavity of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Gene A. Stellon
  • Patent number: 8262620
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Publication number: 20120158010
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes an applicator. A specimen retrieval pouch operably is disposed within the applicator and deployable therefrom. The specimen retrieval pouch defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes a closed bottom portion and an open upper portion. The closed bottom portion includes a plurality of spikes configured to grasp a specimen positioned within the confines closed bottom portion. The upper closed portion includes one or more axial folds that are movable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration when a predetermined force is applied to a portion of the specimen retrieval pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20120150120
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Patent number: 8192405
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20120078058
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Paul D. Richard, Gene A. Stellon, Sally Carter, Brian Rockrohr, Elias Hartoumbekis
  • Patent number: 8092430
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Paul D. Richard, Gene A. Stellon, Sally Carter, Brian Rockrohr, Elias Hartoumbekis
  • Patent number: 8002934
    Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon, William J. Vumback, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Publication number: 20110196207
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20110190590
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Publication number: 20110184459
    Abstract: An articulation mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly, a plurality of cables, and a trigger. The cables are coupled to the articulation assembly at a proximal end thereof and extend distally therefrom. The cables are configured to engage an end effector assembly of the surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. The trigger is coupled to the articulation assembly and is selectively moveable from a shipping position to a use position. In the shipping position, the cables are substantially un-tensioned. In the use position, the cables are disposed in an initial tensioned position. In the use position, the trigger is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the cables are selectively tensionable to articulate the end effector assembly. In the locked position, the tensions on the cables are maintained to lock the end effector assembly in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Ramiro Cabrera, Richard Fortier, Andrew Ziegler, Amos Cruz, Gene A. Stellon, Steve Evans
  • Patent number: 7951117
    Abstract: An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wingardner, III, Gene A. Stellon, Robert J. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 7951118
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, David C. Racenet, Gene A. Stellon
  • Publication number: 20110112552
    Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns