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).

  • Publication number: 20150171569
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: JANET E. MAASS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, DUANE E. KERR
  • Publication number: 20150148804
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: KATHY E. ROOKS, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, WILLIAM H. NAU, JR., DAVID M. GARRISON, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
  • Patent number: 9039732
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20150094720
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: KATHY E. ROOKS, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, WILLIAM H. NAU, Jr., DAVID M. GARRISON, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
  • Patent number: 8968294
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Janet E. Maass, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 8968359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20150025522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8906018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kathy E. Rooks, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend, William H. Nau, Jr., David M. Garrison, Edward M. Chojin
  • Publication number: 20140128867
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: CHASE COLLINGS, GRANT T. SIMS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND
  • Publication number: 20140052128
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, GRANT T. SIMS, CHASE COLLINGS
  • Patent number: 8628557
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Chase Collings, Grant T. Sims, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20130338693
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: DUANE E. KERR, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, WILLIAM H. NAU, Jr., JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, JEFFREY R. UNGER
  • Patent number: 8568408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Townsend, Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings
  • Publication number: 20130274734
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: JANET E. MAASS, JEFFREY R. TOWNSEND, DUANE E. KERR
  • Patent number: 8469716
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Yevgeniy Fedotov, Joshua M. Rust, Sara K. Little, Kryztopher D. Tung, Ian O. Trucco, Weng-Kai K. Lee, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8425504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: E. Christopher Orton, Michael C. Moses, Amy Denham, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20130018411
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Chase Collings, Grant T. Sims, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20130018372
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings, Jeffrey R. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20120271346
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Townsend, Grant T. Sims, Chase Collings
  • Patent number: 8292886
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, Jeffrey R. Townsend, William H. Nau, Jr., Terrence R. Young