Patents by Inventor Joel A. Helfer

Joel A. Helfer 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: 8317690
    Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer and a portal member positionable within a longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition and a second compressed condition. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member that may be disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The restraining member is adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to transition to the compressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Ransden, Leland R. Adams, Joel A. Helfer, Alan B. Bachman, Adam I. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20100286506
    Abstract: A method for determining the depth, direction, and/or angle of an instrument inserted into a cavity in which a user compares the light output of a light source assembly at a distal end of the instrument with known light outputs for that light source assembly. The instrument may include a plurality of light source assemblies having light outputs of different colors and intensities. The instrument may be an introducer that enables a port, e.g., a foam port, to be accurately positioned within an incision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Ransden, Joel A. Helfer