Patents by Inventor Keir Hart

Keir Hart 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: 9186165
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members moveable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. A drive bar is translatable between a distal and a proximal position for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A lever is moveable between an initial position and an actuated position for translating the drive bar between the distal and proximal positions. A sleeve disposed about the drive bar includes an annular track having a substantially radial segment(s) and a substantially longitudinal segment(s). A collar interdisposed between the sleeve and the drive bar includes a stop member(s) extending radially outwardly therefrom. The stop member(s) is engaged within the track and is translatable from a first position, wherein the stop member is positioned within the longitudinal segment, to a second position, wherein the stop member is engaged within the radial segment, to lock the lever in the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Publication number: 20150320487
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. DEBORSKI, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, KEIR HART
  • Publication number: 20150250529
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a forceps includes providing first and second jaw members and depositing an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate atop each jaw member via vapor deposition. The jaw members are then coupled to one another to permit movement of one (or both) of the jaw members relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue sealing plates thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, KEIR HART
  • Publication number: 20150245866
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each of the proximal flanges defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange component of the first jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the second jaw member via a first protrusion-aperture coupling. The first flange component of the second jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the first jaw member via a second protrusion-aperture coupling different from the first protrusion-aperture coupling. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second protrusion-aperture couplings between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN R. TWOMEY, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, KIM V. BRANDT, KEIR HART, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, JEFFREY R. UNGER
  • Patent number: 9113897
    Abstract: A surgical instrument a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Publication number: 20150173823
    Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID M. GARRISON, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, JEFFREY R. UNGER, DUANE E. KERR, SEAN T. ONEILL, PETER M. MUELLER, KIM V. BRANDT, JAMES S. CUNNINGHAM, KEIR HART, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, JASON T. SANDERS, ROBERT M. SHARP
  • Patent number: 9034009
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each of the proximal flanges defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange component of the first jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the second jaw member via a first protrusion-aperture coupling. The first flange component of the second jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the first jaw member via a second protrusion-aperture coupling different from the first protrusion-aperture coupling. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second protrusion-aperture couplings between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Kim V. Brandt, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Publication number: 20150066026
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable to grasp tissue therebetween. One or both jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue grasped and one or both of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for electrically cutting tissue. A first switch assembly is selectively activatable for supplying energy to treat tissue. A second switch is selectively activatable for supplying energy to electrically cut tissue. The tactile feel and range of motion during actuation of the second switch assembly mimics the tactile feel and range of motion of activation of a mechanical actuator that advances a cutting blade between the jaw members to mechanically cut tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Keir HART, Kelley D. GOODMAN, Diana GUNNARSON, Susan HIEBERT, Scott N. LACOSTA, Weng-Kai K. LEE, Prakash MANLEY, Charles MYERS, Kenneth E. NETZEL, Arlen J. RESCHKE, Paul R. ROMERO, Amanda K. WHITE
  • Patent number: 8968360
    Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David M. Garrison, James D. Allen, IV, Jeffrey R. Unger, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T. O'Neill, Peter M. Mueller, Kim V. Brandt, James S. Cunningham, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140353869
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector assembly including first and second energizable portions configured to supply energy to tissue is provided. The method includes forming a substrate including first and second portions interconnected by a connector portion. The substrate is formed as a single integrated component. The method further includes engaging the substrate with an insulative member, and removing the connector portion of the substrate to electrically insulate the first and second portions from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: KELLEY D. GOODMAN, KEIR HART, SUSAN HIEBERT, GENEVA LADTKOW, WENG-KAI K. LEE, PRAKASH MANLEY, ARLEN J. RESCHKE, AMANDA K. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20140336635
    Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a proximal portion having a handle at a proximal end thereof and a distal portion having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The proximal and distal portions are pivotable between an aligned position and an angled position. A second shaft member includes a jaw member at a distal end thereof and a handle at a proximal end thereof. The shaft members are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. The proximal portion of the first shaft member is pivoted relative to the distal portion of the first shaft member from the aligned position to the angled position upon movement of the first and second shaft members towards the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: KEIR HART, MARK J. HUSEMAN
  • Publication number: 20140330308
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly, first and second handles, and a drive assembly. The handles are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The drive assembly includes a drive bar and a biasing member. The drive bar is coupled to the end effector assembly such that translation of the drive bar effects movement of the end effector assembly between first and second positions. First and second ends of the biasing member are coupled to the respective first and second handles. An intermediate portion of the biasing member is coupled to the drive bar such that movement of the handles from the spaced-apart to the approximated position displaces the intermediate portion and urges the drive bar to translate relative to the end effector assembly to effect movement of the end effector assembly between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: KEIR HART, MARK J. HUSEMAN
  • Publication number: 20140284313
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaft of a surgical instrument including forming a proximal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a first component of the surgical instrument, forming a distal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a second component of the surgical instrument and forming an intermediate segment of the shaft. The proximal segment is welded to a proximal end of the intermediate segment; and the distal segment is welded to a distal end of the intermediate segment. The proximal and distal segments are welded to the intermediate segment such that the one or more features thereof are aligned in a pre-determined orientation relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, KIM V. BRANDT, MONTE S. FRY, KEIR HART, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, PETER M. MUELLER, JEFFREY R. UNGER
  • Publication number: 20140284841
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: JOANNA ACKLEY, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, RYAN C. ARTALE, KIM V. BRANDT, DENNIS W. BUTCHER, EDWARD M. CHOJIN, GARY M. COUTURE, JAMES S. CUNNINGHAM, DAVID M. GARRISON, KEIR HART, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, GLENN A. HORNER, DUANE E. KERR, DYLAN R. KINGSLEY, PETER M. MUELLER, JESSICA E. C. OLSON, SEAN T. ONEILL, JASON T. SANDERS, ROBERT M. SHARP, JOHN R. TWOMEY, JEFFREY R. UNGER
  • Patent number: 8840639
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle having a mechanical interface disposed thereon. An end effector assembly connected to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members movable relative to one another from an open to a clamping position. A drive assembly includes a resilient member. A lock assembly is pivotably coupled to the housing and in operative communication with the movable handle. The lock assembly is movable with the handle assembly. The mechanical interface moves along the lock assembly when the movable handle is moved proximally causing the lock assembly to rotate about the pivot point and into communication with the resilient member such that the resilient member is prevented from moving distally against the bias provided therefrom such that the first and second jaw members remain in the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gerhardt, Jr., Wayne Siebrecht, Keir Hart
  • Publication number: 20140276803
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members having proximal and distal ends. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clamping configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade that is translatable within the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping configuration. The knife blade assembly includes a knife blade stop configured to contact at least a portion of the proximal end of the second jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the open configuration to limit translation of the knife blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: KEIR HART
  • Patent number: D726910
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott N. Lacosta, Keir Hart, Kenneth E. Netzel, Duane E. Kerr, Geneva Ladtkow
  • Patent number: D728786
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keir Hart, Mark J. Huseman
  • Patent number: D736920
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Weng-Kai K. Lee, Kelley D. Goodman, Keir Hart, Duane E. Kerr, Scott N. LaCosta, Geneva Ladtkow, Kenneth E. Netzel, Jeffrey R. Townsend, Robert M. Sharp