Patents by Inventor Kenneth Whitfield

Kenneth Whitfield 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: 11766255
    Abstract: An adapter assembly of a surgical instrument includes a cam member defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first articulation shaft, and a second articulation shaft. The first articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second articulation shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam member to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, John W. Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11517322
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Patent number: 11369378
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a cam housing defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first elongate shaft, and a second elongate shaft. The first elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second elongate shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam housing to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Kenneth Whitfield, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Kostrzewski, David Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11350915
    Abstract: A surgical stapler including a shipping lock configured to obstruct movement of a drive member is provided. The surgical stapler includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotally secured to the elongate body, a drive member movable within the tool assembly between retracted and advanced positions, and a shipping lock releasably secured to the elongate body. The shipping lock includes a projection. When the shipping lock is secured to the elongate body, the projection obstructs movement of the drive member to its advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, Jr., Timothy Ebner, Anthony Gaddy
  • Publication number: 20210361282
    Abstract: An adapter assembly of a surgical instrument includes a cam member defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first articulation shaft, and a second articulation shaft. The first articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second articulation shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam member to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, John W. Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11076850
    Abstract: An adapter assembly of a surgical instrument includes a cam member defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first articulation shaft, and a second articulation shaft. The first articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second articulation shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam member to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, John Beardsley
  • Publication number: 20210153863
    Abstract: An adapter assembly of a surgical instrument includes a cam member defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first articulation shaft, and a second articulation shaft. The first articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second articulation shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second articulation shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam member to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth WHITFIELD, Thomas CASASANTA, John BEARDSLEY
  • Patent number: 10849621
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion extending distally from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion supports larger internal components of the device including a lockout assembly adapted to prevent refiring of the stapler to allow the diameter of the small diameter portion of the device to be minimized to facilitate passage of the small diameter portion of the stapler and the tool assembly through an 8 mm trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Anthony Gaddy, Timothy D. Ebner, Thomas Casasanta
  • Publication number: 20200330095
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a cam housing defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first elongate shaft, and a second elongate shaft. The first elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second elongate shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam housing to articulate the surgical loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: John Beardsley, Kenneth Whitfield, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Kostrzewski, David Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20200146687
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Patent number: 10568635
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Publication number: 20190200971
    Abstract: A surgical stapler including a shipping lock configured to obstruct movement of a drive member is provided. The surgical stapler includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotally secured to the elongate body, a drive member movable within the tool assembly between retracted and advanced positions, and a shipping lock releasably secured to the elongate body. The shipping lock includes a projection. When the shipping lock is secured to the elongate body, the projection obstructs movement of the drive member to its advanced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, JR., Timothy Ebner, Anthony Gaddy
  • Publication number: 20180235627
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion extending distally from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion supports larger internal components of the device including a lockout assembly adapted to prevent refiring of the stapler to allow the diameter of the small diameter portion of the device to be minimized to facilitate passage of the small diameter portion of the stapler and the tool assembly through an 8 mm trocar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Anthony Gaddy, Timothy D. Ebner, Thomas Casasanta
  • Patent number: 9936951
    Abstract: A surgical device including an end effector that is configured and adapted to receive an interchangeable tip is disclosed. Also disclosed are several interchangeable tips that are configured and adapted for different surgical procedures. The interchangeable tips facilitate the performance of different surgical procedures while using the same device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth Hufnagel, Gregg Krehel, Jason Iceman, Erik Carlson, Ramiro Cabrera, Kenneth Whitfield
  • Patent number: 9844378
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a tool assembly, at least one surgical buttress, and a resilient, porous material. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly pivotably coupled to the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a first tissue facing surface defining staple retaining slots. The anvil assembly includes a second tissue facing surface defining staple pockets for forming staples expelled from the staple retaining slots of the cartridge assembly. The at least one surgical buttress is releasably disposed on at least one of the first and second tissue facing surfaces. The resilient, porous material is releasably disposable between the first and second tissue facing surfaces and in contact with the at least one surgical buttress. The resilient, porous material is configured to expel a liquid therefrom upon compression thereof by an approximation of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Casasanta, Kenneth Whitfield, Richard Simpson
  • Publication number: 20170340332
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Patent number: 9737310
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Patent number: 9717505
    Abstract: An end effector is provided and includes a distal housing portion and a proximal housing portion interconnected to one another by a knuckle portion, wherein the knuckle portion permits rotation of the distal housing portion relative thereto and articulation of the distal housing portion relative to the proximal housing portion; a jaw assembly supported in the distal end of the distal housing portion, the jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw movable between a spaced apart and an approximated position; and a plurality of fasteners loaded within the distal housing portion, each of the plurality of fasteners defining a fastener axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a pair of legs thereof, each of the plurality of fasteners being arranged within the base portion such that the fastener axis is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Publication number: 20150305743
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a tool assembly, at least one surgical buttress, and a resilient, porous material. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly pivotably coupled to the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a first tissue facing surface defining staple retaining slots. The anvil assembly includes a second tissue facing surface defining staple pockets for forming staples expelled from the staple retaining slots of the cartridge assembly. The at least one surgical buttress is releasably disposed on at least one of the first and second tissue facing surfaces. The resilient, porous material is releasably disposable between the first and second tissue facing surfaces and in contact with the at least one surgical buttress. The resilient, porous material is configured to expel a liquid therefrom upon compression thereof by an approximation of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Casasanta, Kenneth Whitfield, Richard Simpson
  • Publication number: 20150164511
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy