Patents by Inventor Grant T. Sims

Grant T. Sims 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: 20250032170
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. A knife deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the first shaft member and includes at least one trigger and at least one linkage coupling the at least one trigger with the knife such that pivoting of the at least one trigger relative to the first shaft member translates the knife between the retracted and extended positions. A knife lockout biased towards a locked position inhibits distal translation of the knife. The knife lockout is movable from the locked position to an unlocked position upon approximation of the jaw members to permit distal translation of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer E. Lee, Robert F. McCullough, JR., Daniel W. Mercier
  • Publication number: 20250032171
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. McCullough, JR., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Patent number: 12133673
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L Rich
  • Patent number: 12127784
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. A knife deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the first shaft member and includes at least one trigger and at least one linkage coupling the at least one trigger with the knife such that pivoting of the at least one trigger relative to the first shaft member translates the knife between the retracted and extended positions. A knife lockout biased towards a locked position inhibits distal translation of the knife. The knife lockout is movable from the locked position to an unlocked position upon approximation of the jaw members to permit distal translation of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer E. Lee, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier
  • Publication number: 20240350158
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to a housing. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. An end effector is supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft about a pivot axis and including a pair of laterally spaced flanges. The pairs of flanges of the jaw members are arranged in an offset configuration such that 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, John R. Twomey, Michael B. Lyons, Jessica E.C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20240315760
    Abstract: A knife configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps having curved jaw members and a method of manufacturing the same. The knife includes a distal body having an inner side and an outer side, a first etching on the outer side of the distal body defining a distal cutting edge and a second etching on the outer side of the distal body extending along a portion of a length of the distal body to define relatively protruded and relatively recessed surfaces extending along a portion of the length of the distal body on the outer side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer E. Lee, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20240268882
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom and configured to support an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon and adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source for delivery thereto upon activation thereof. A sensor is disposed one or both of the tissue sealing plates of the first and second jaw members and is configured to communicate data relating to a location of tissue disposed between the first and second jaw members to the electrosurgical energy source. The electrosurgical energy source, in turn, uses the tissue location data to adjust one or more parameters associated with the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue upon activation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Christopher A. Valentine, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 12059166
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to a housing. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. An end effector is supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft about a pivot axis and including a pair of laterally spaced flanges. The pairs of flanges of the jaw members are arranged in an offset configuration such that 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, John R. Twomey, Michael B. Lyons, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 12053230
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw member having a first electrode plate and a second jaw member having a second electrode plate. A movable handle is operably coupled to the housing. The movable handle is configured to move at least one of the first or second jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A first plate is disposed on the first jaw member. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes an opening defined therein. A bead is disposed on the first plate and is configured to protrude through the opening defined in the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Craig Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20240252232
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members each defining an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members is movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting surfaces. At least one temperature sensor is associated with the end effector assembly. An electrosurgical generator is configured to supply electrosurgical energy for treating tissue grasped between the tissue-contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventor: Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 12011209
    Abstract: A knife configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps having curved jaw members and a method of manufacturing the same. The knife includes a distal body having an inner side and an outer side, a first etching on the outer side of the distal body defining a distal cutting edge and a second etching on the outer side of the distal body extending along a portion of a length of the distal body to define relatively protruded and relatively recessed surfaces extending along a portion of the length of the distal body on the outer side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kelley D. Goodman, David Michael Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer E. Lee, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11944369
    Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20240099765
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a first inner frame. A first jaw member extends distally from the first inner frame. A first outer housing is supported by the first inner frame. The first inner frame includes a first member stamped from sheet metal. A second shaft member includes a second inner frame. A second jaw member extends distally from the second inner frame. A second outer housing is supported by the second inner frame. The second inner frame includes a second member stamped from sheet metal and a rigid filler member disposed on the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Kelley Goodman, Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Craig Krastins, Jennifer Rich
  • Patent number: 11877790
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw member having a first electrode plate and a second jaw member having a second electrode plate. A movable handle is operably coupled to the housing. The movable handle is configured to move at least one of the first or second jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A first plate is disposed on the first jaw member. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes an opening defined therein. A bead is disposed on the first plate and is configured to protrude through the opening defined in the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Craig Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11844562
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a first inner frame. A first jaw member extends distally from the first inner frame. A first outer housing is supported by the first inner frame. The first inner frame includes a first member stamped from sheet metal. A second shaft member includes a second inner frame. A second jaw member extends distally from the second inner frame. A second outer housing is supported by the second inner frame. The second inner frame includes a second member stamped from sheet metal and a rigid filler member disposed on the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kelley Goodman, Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Craig Krastins, Jennifer Rich
  • Publication number: 20230320777
    Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a handle housing. A light source is disposed within the handle housing and is configured to generate light for illuminating a surgical site. A light-transmitting nozzle formed of a resin is disposed in proximity to the light source and defines a fluid lumen in fluid communication with a fluid lumen of the handle housing for suctioning surgical smoke from a surgical site. The light-transmitting nozzle is configured to transmit light generated by the light source. An electrode extends from a distal end portion of the handle housing and through an aperture defined by the light source. The electrode is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Anthony Arnopoulos, Evan Wetzel, Ami Tat, Dexter Budrys, Quinton Uradomo, Landon Cramer, Abhimanyu Kumar, Eric Swanson, Aashay Choksi
  • Patent number: 11779386
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-part sealing plate of a jaw member of an end effector assembly includes: fabricating a series of grooves through an upper plate of a two-part sealing plate of a jaw member; securing a lower plate to a non-tissue engaging side of the upper plate such that an upper surface of the lower plate defines a corresponding bottom surface of at least one of the series of grooves; and securing the seal plate to a support base of the jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Monte S. Fry, Grant T. Sims, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230248418
    Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11628008
    Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11622804
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Kelley D. Goodman, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims