Patents by Inventor Jeffrey R. Townsend
Jeffrey R. Townsend 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: 20150171569Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and including a receptacle having at least one mechanical interface. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument adapted to connect to the electrosurgical generator and configured to deliver energy to tissue. Further, a plug is provided to engage the receptacle to electrically couple the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator. The plug includes a terminal electrically coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and a prong electrically coupled to the terminal that includes a recess defined therein and is configured to receive the at least one mechanical interface. When the plug is disengaged from the receptacle, the at least one mechanical interface cooperates with the recess to uncouple the prong from the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: JANET E. MAASS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, DUANE E. KERR
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Publication number: 20150148804Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: KATHY E. ROOKS, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, WILLIAM H. NAU, JR., DAVID M. GARRISON, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
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Patent number: 9039732Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a jaw frame fixedly engaged to the first shaft member and a disposable jaw housing releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The disposable jaw housing includes a knife assembly disposed therein. The knife assembly includes a knife blade biased toward an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within the jaw housing. The knife blade is moveable between the initial position and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends at least partially from the jaw housing to cut tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20150094720Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: KATHY E. ROOKS, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, WILLIAM H. NAU, Jr., DAVID M. GARRISON, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
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Patent number: 8968294Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and including a receptacle having at least one mechanical interface. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument adapted to connect to the electrosurgical generator and configured to deliver energy to tissue. Further, a plug is provided to engage the receptacle to electrically couple the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator. The plug includes a terminal electrically coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and a prong electrically coupled to the terminal that includes a recess defined therein and is configured to receive the at least one mechanical interface. When the plug is disengaged from the receptacle, the at least one mechanical interface cooperates with the recess to uncouple the prong from the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Janet E. Maass, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Duane E. Kerr
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Patent number: 8968359Abstract: A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A cutting member having a plurality of cutting edges symmetrically-disposed about a longitudinal axis thereof is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting member extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween when in the extended position. The cutting member is fixedly-oriented with respect to the shaft and is configured for translation between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween when the jaw members are rotated with respect to the shaft between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees in at least one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20150025522Abstract: A system includes an energy source and a surgical device. The energy source has a receptacle configured to delivery energy to the surgical device through a receptacle. The surgical device is configured to deliver the energy to tissue. The surgical device includes a plug selectively engagable to the receptacle to couple the surgical device to the energy source. The plug includes a prong configured to mechanically transition from a condition permitting engagement of the plug and the receptacle to another condition inhibiting engagement of the plug with the receptacle upon reaching a predetermined usage threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: KEIR HART, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, WENG-KAI K. LEE, PRAKASH MANLEY, GENEVA LADTKOW, ARLEN J. RESCHKE, DIANA GUNNARSON, SCOTT N. LACOSTA, KELLEY D. GOODMAN, KENNETH E. NETZEL, SUSAN HIEBERT
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Patent number: 8906018Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Kathy E. Rooks, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend, William H. Nau, Jr., David M. Garrison, Edward M. Chojin
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Publication number: 20140128867Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: CHASE COLLINGS, GRANT T. SIMS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND
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Publication number: 20140052128Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, GRANT T. SIMS, CHASE COLLINGS
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Patent number: 8628557Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Chase Collings, Grant T. Sims, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20130338693Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventors: DUANE E. KERR, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, WILLIAM H. NAU, Jr., JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, JEFFREY R. UNGER
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Patent number: 8568408Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Jeffrey R. Townsend, Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings
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Publication number: 20130274734Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and including a receptacle having at least one mechanical interface. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument adapted to connect to the electrosurgical generator and configured to deliver energy to tissue. Further, a plug is provided to engage the receptacle to electrically couple the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator. The plug includes a terminal electrically coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and a prong electrically coupled to the terminal that includes a recess defined therein and is configured to receive the at least one mechanical interface. When the plug is disengaged from the receptacle, the at least one mechanical interface cooperates with the recess to uncouple the prong from the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LPInventors: JANET E. MAASS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, DUANE E. KERR
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Patent number: 8469716Abstract: A surgical simulation system for demonstrating a laparoscopic surgical instrument includes a frame defining an internal cavity for supporting an object simulative of human tissue. A wall is coupled to the frame and obstructs a view of the cavity from a surgical vantage point. The wall is constructed of three adjacent layers including an outer layer simulative of skin tissue coupled to the frame by a first fastener, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer simulative of abdominal tissue. The inner layer is coupled to the intermediate layer by a second fastener such that the inner layer is removable from the intermediate layer independently of the outer layer. At least one aperture is defined through the wall to provide entry of the endoscopic surgical instrument into the cavity. A camera captures images from within the cavity transmits the images to a monitor visible from the surgical vantage point.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Yevgeniy Fedotov, Joshua M. Rust, Sara K. Little, Kryztopher D. Tung, Ian O. Trucco, Weng-Kai K. Lee, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Patent number: 8425504Abstract: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: E. Christopher Orton, Michael C. Moses, Amy Denham, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20130018411Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Chase Collings, Grant T. Sims, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20130018372Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a jaw frame fixedly engaged to the first shaft member and a disposable jaw housing releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The disposable jaw housing includes a knife assembly disposed therein. The knife assembly includes a knife blade biased toward an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within the jaw housing. The knife blade is moveable between the initial position and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends at least partially from the jaw housing to cut tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings, Jeffrey R. Townsend
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Publication number: 20120271346Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Jeffrey R. Townsend, Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings
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Patent number: 8292886Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend, William H. Nau, Jr., Terrence R. Young