Patents by Inventor Nicole McKenna
Nicole McKenna 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).
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Patent number: 11497547Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20190223942Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: NICOLE MCKENNA, ROBERT H. WHAM
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Patent number: 10245104Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20170035494Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: NICOLE MCKENNA, ROBERT H. WHAM
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Patent number: 9474570Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Patent number: 9247988Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20150327914Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: NICOLE MCKENNA, ROBERT H. WHAM
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Patent number: 9113905Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Publication number: 20140288549Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: NICOLE MCKENNA, ROBERT H. WHAM
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Patent number: 8764749Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: CovidienInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Patent number: 8685016Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Publication number: 20130282010Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: NICOLE MCKENNA, ROBERT H. WHAM
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Patent number: 8469956Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive elements of the sealing plates have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Patent number: 8434486Abstract: According to various embodiments, an endotracheal tube ventilating device with a sealing cuff includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device may be secured to the tube above the sealing cuff and extend outwardly from the tubular body. In addition, the anchoring device may be configured to be positioned completely within the hypopharynx of a patient, in contact with the piriform fossa and a laryngeal surface of the epiglottis without creating an airtight seal of the hypopharynx or the esophagus.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lockett E. Wood, Nicole McKenna
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Patent number: 8357158Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Robert H. Wham
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Patent number: 8251994Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Nicole McKenna, Geneva Wilkesanders, J. Bruce Dunne
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Patent number: 8216223Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Patent number: 8147485Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
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Publication number: 20110146690Abstract: According to various embodiments, an endotracheal tube ventilating device with a sealing cuff includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device may be secured to the tube above the sealing cuff and extend outwardly from the tubular body. In addition, the anchoring device may be configured to be positioned completely within the hypopharynx of a patient, in contact with the piriform fossa and a laryngeal surface of the epiglottis without creating an airtight seal of the hypopharynx or the esophagus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Lockett E. Wood, Nicole McKenna
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Publication number: 20100256635Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Nicole McKenna, Geneva Wilkesanders, J. Bruce Dunne