Patents by Inventor L. Rich

L. Rich 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: 20220331004
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David M. Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Patent number: 11471211
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David M. Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Patent number: 11419665
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife selectively translatable through the first shaft member and the end effector assembly, and a knife deployment mechanism. The second shaft member has a flange extending therefrom toward the first shaft member. The knife deployment mechanism includes a distal extension movably coupled to the first shaft member and configured to engage the flange of the second shaft member when the knife is an extended position and the end effector assembly is in a closed configuration. The engagement between the distal extension and the flange resists movement of the end effector assembly from the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Jennifer L. Rich, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20220257304
    Abstract: A coupling for an electrosurgical cable of a surgical instrument includes insulative contact collars arranged in a stack-like manner, each contact collar having a flange supporting a contact ring thereon. The contact rings configured for electrical engagement with electrical leads of the electrosurgical cable. Contact wires configured to engage corresponding contact rings at one end and a jumper wire at the other end thereof, the jumper wires, in turn, couple to an activation switch of the surgical instrument. A locking bobbin envelops the contact collars to lock contact wires in secure engagement with the contact rings. The locking bobbin locks within the surgical instrument preventing the contact wires from rotating within the surgical instrument while permitting the contact collars, the contact rings and the electrosurgical cable to rotate relative to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer L. Rich, Riley A. Pepia, Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier
  • Patent number: 11382685
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, and a resilient, compressible pivot assembly pivotably coupling the first and second shaft members to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer L. Rich, Kelley D. Goodman
  • Patent number: 11376062
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members and first and second jaw members extending distally from the respective first and second shaft members. A pivot couples the first and second shaft members with one another such that the first and second shaft members are movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the first and second jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The jaw members are configured to facilitate tissue treatment, tissue division, and blunt tissue dissection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Benjamin R. Arts, Kelley D. Goodman, David M. Keffeler, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. McCullough, Jr., Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Patent number: 11350982
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. The knife has a stop to prevent distal movement of the knife beyond the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Jennifer L. Rich, Daniel W. Mercier
  • Patent number: 11304743
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife, and a biasing member. The biasing member is disposed about the knife and configured to resiliently bias the knife toward a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Kelley D. Goodman, Craig V. Krastins, Robert F. Mccullough, Jr., Jennifer L. Rich, Daniel W. Mercier
  • Patent number: 11298181
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A handle of the first shaft member may be moved against a resilient bias of a spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer L. Rich, Kelley D. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20220081630
    Abstract: A method for processing feedstock is described, characterized in that incoming feedstock is processed to selectively recover biogenic carbon material from the incoming feedstock. In some embodiments the incoming feedstock is comprised of mixed solid waste, such as municipal solid waste (MSW). In other embodiments the incoming feedstock is comprised of woody biomass. In some instances, the incoming feedstock is processed to selectively recover biogenic carbon material from the incoming feedstock to produce a processed feedstock having biogenic carbon content of 50% and greater suitable for conversion into biogenic carbon Fischer Tropsch liquids. The high biogenic carbon Fischer Tropsch liquids may be upgraded to biogenic carbon liquid fuels. Alternatively, the incoming feedstock is processed to selectively recover plastic material from the incoming feedstock to produce a processed feedstock having biogenic carbon content of 50% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Peter G. Tiverios, E. James Macias, Stephen H. Lucas, Lewis L. Rich, Gregor A. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20210380893
    Abstract: Processes for producing high biogenic concentration Fischer-Tropsch liquids derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (MSW) feedstock that contains a relatively high concentration of biogenic carbon (derived from plants) and a relatively low concentration of non-biogenic carbon (derived from fossil sources) wherein the biogenic content of the Fischer-Tropsch liquids is the same as the biogenic content of the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Peter G. Tiverios, Stephen H. Lucas, Lewis L. Rich
  • Publication number: 20210338311
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a first inner frame. A first jaw member extends distally from the first inner frame. A first outer housing is supported by the first inner frame. The first inner frame includes a first member stamped from sheet metal. A second shaft member includes a second inner frame. A second jaw member extends distally from the second inner frame. A second outer housing is supported by the second inner frame. The second inner frame includes a second member stamped from sheet metal and a rigid filler member disposed on the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kelley D. Goodman, Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Craig V. Krastins, Jennifer L. Rich
  • Publication number: 20210307807
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a forceps having an end effector at a distal end thereof that includes first and second opposing jaw members electrically conductive plates the jaw members pivotable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. A generator is included that is configured to produce multiple modalities of electrical energy upon activation thereof. A first cable connects to the generator, the first cable including leads disposed therein configured to carry energy to the plates. A first switch is disposed on the forceps. A second cable connects to the electrical generator and to a second switch. Activation of the first switch activates the generator to transmit energy having a first modality through the first cable and to the plates and activation of the second switch activates the generator to transmit electrical energy having a second modality through the first cable to the opposing electrical plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Craig V. Krastins, Grant T. Sims, Daniel W. Mercier, Jennifer L. Rich, Kelley D. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20210282839
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Kelley D. Goodman, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20210282840
    Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Daniel W. Mercier, Kelley D. Goodman, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20210282841
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Kelley D. Goodman, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Publication number: 20210282838
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Kelley D. Goodman, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11098258
    Abstract: Processes for producing high biogenic concentration Fischer-Tropsch liquids derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (MSW) feedstock that contains a relatively high concentration of biogenic carbon (derived from plants) and a relatively low concentration of non-biogenic carbon (derived from fossil sources) wherein the biogenic content of the Fischer-Tropsch liquids is the same as the biogenic content of the feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Tiverios, Stephen H. Lucas, Lewis L. Rich
  • Publication number: 20210230491
    Abstract: Processes for producing high biogenic concentration Fischer-Tropsch liquids derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (MSW) feedstock that contains a relatively high concentration of biogenic carbon (derived from plants) and a relatively low concentration of non-biogenic carbon (derived from fossil sources) wherein the biogenic content of the Fischer-Tropsch liquids is the same as the biogenic content of the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Peter G. Tiverios, Stephen H. Lucas, Lewis L. Rich
  • Patent number: 10975320
    Abstract: Processes for producing high biogenic concentration Fischer-Tropsch liquids derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (MSW) feedstock that contains a relatively high concentration of biogenic carbon (derived from plants) and a relatively low concentration of non-biogenic carbon (derived from fossil sources) wherein the biogenic content of the Fischer-Tropsch liquids is the same as the biogenic content of the feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Tiverios, Stephen H. Lucas, Lewis L. Rich