Patents by Inventor Megan A. O'Connor

Megan A. O'Connor 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: 20220389601
    Abstract: An electrochemical deposition apparatus and method for the selective recovery of metal. The electrochemical deposition apparatus comprises a porous cathodic material, an anode, an inter-electrode region formed by the anode and cathode, and a gas release channel. The method may comprise passing a solution comprising a metal into a cavity, changing an oxidation state of a metal, and selectively depositing the metal onto a porous cathodic material. The electrochemical deposition apparatus may recover metal from metal feed in the form of metal hydroxides. The recovered metal may be from any source including, but not limited to, minerals, electronic waste, and black mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Nth Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad David Vecitis, Christopher James Moore, Emily Willett Jennings, Megan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20210322998
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel filtration apparatus for the selective separation of metals from a mixture thereof. The invention also provides a method for the separation and isolation of metals from a sample using electrochemical precipitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Megan O'Connor, Desiree Plata
  • Patent number: 11103878
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel filtration apparatus for the selective separation of metals from a mixture thereof. The invention also provides a method for the separation and isolation of metals from a sample using electrochemical precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Megan O'Connor, Desiree Plata
  • Patent number: 11000694
    Abstract: A method for treating a subject having a diseased or atrophic state of fibrotic tissue, kidney disease and associated nerve endings, or for promoting tissue regeneration in muscle tissue is accomplished through exposing the tissue with a laser light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 700 nm, or more preferably having a wavelength of about 405 nm, about 532 nm, about 635 nm, or a combination thereof. Subsequent to exposure, mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to the subject. After the administration of mesenchymal stem cells, the tissue is further exposed to laser light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 700 nm, or a laser light having a single wavelength of about 400 nm to about 700 nm. The mesenchymal cells can be interferon gamma activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventors: Amelia Bartholomew, Megan O'Connor, Rachana Patil
  • Publication number: 20190209201
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph C. Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10201365
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20180318843
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel filtration apparatus for the selective separation of metals from a mixture thereof. The invention also provides a method for the separation and isolation of metals from a sample using electrochemical precipitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Megan O'CONNOR, Desiree PLATA
  • Patent number: 10092292
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Charles J. Scheib, Douglas B. Hoffman, Janna B. Volz, Megan O'Connor, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Robert P. Kruth
  • Patent number: 9629648
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a body, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a compression member, and a firing beam. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close along a first plane. The end effector is capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue. The compression member is configured to drive the jaws to a closed position once the compression member has been distally driven into the end effector. The compression member is substantially inflexible along the first plane yet is flexible along a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. The firing beam is operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The compression member may be actuated distally to close the jaws upon tissue and provide uniform compression of the tissue along the length of the jaws before the firing beam is advanced through the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Megan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8926598
    Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140336629
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a body, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a compression member, and a firing beam. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close along a first plane. The end effector is capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue. The compression member is configured to drive the jaws to a closed position once the compression member has been distally driven into the end effector. The compression member is substantially inflexible along the first plane yet is flexible along a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. The firing beam is operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The compression member may be actuated distally to close the jaws upon tissue and provide uniform compression of the tissue along the length of the jaws before the firing beam is advanced through the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Megan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140239037
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Charles J. Scheib, Douglas B. Hoffman, Janna B. Volz, Megan O'Connor, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Robert P. Kruth
  • Publication number: 20140114327
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130296843
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a first arm, a second arm, a firing beam, a lockout feature, and a scissor grip portion. The first and second arms include first and second jaws, respectively. The jaws each include a respective electrode operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue. The firing beam is operable to translate distally through the first and second jaws to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature is operable to selectively prevent translation of the firing beam. The scissor grip portion is operable to pivot the first arm toward the second arm. The apparatus may include a disposable cartridge assembly removably coupled with a reusable grip assembly. The cartridge assembly may include the first and second jaws. A sliding actuator may be used to translate a firing beam. A lockout feature may selectively restrict translation of the sliding actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Zhifan F. Huang, Matthew C. Miller, Megan A. O'Connor, Christopher A. Papa, John B. Schulte, Richard W. Timm, David A. Witt, Aron O. Zingman
  • Publication number: 20120239009
    Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20120234895
    Abstract: Surgical staple cartridges and end effectors for assessing a size of tissue stapled by the staple cartridge or otherwise manipulated by the end effector. In various forms, the staple cartridge has at least one series of measurement indicia on the deck base that may be viewed from above the deck surface when the anvil is clamping the tissue onto the staple cartridge. Other embodiments include structure for forming a mark on the cartridge deck that corresponds to a size of the tissue supported thereon. Methods for severing and stapling tissue are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Megan A. O'Connor, Robert P. Kruth, Jeffrey S. Swayze