Patents by Inventor Nicolette R. LaPierre

Nicolette R. LaPierre 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: 11839395
    Abstract: A three-prong grasper for laparoscopic procedures includes an elongate body having a sleeve with a distal portion, and an end effector supported on the distal portion. The end effector includes a first prong assembly with a first base member and a first prong member pivotally secured to the first base member, a second prong assembly with a second base member and a second prong member pivotally secured to the second base member, and a third prong assembly with a third base member and a third prong member pivotally secured to the third base member. The first, second, and third prong members move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A method of grasping tissue also includes pivoting first, second, and/or third prong members relative to respective first, second, and third base members to cause the grasping of tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Roy J. Pilletere, Matthew A. Dinino, Justin Thomas, Garrett P. Ebersole
  • Publication number: 20230346426
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a housing, a tubular member, and a valve assembly. The tubular member extends from the housing. The valve assembly is positioned in the housing and includes a centering mechanism, a guard assembly disposed on a first side of the centering mechanism, and an instrument seal disposed on a second side of the centering mechanism. The instrument seal including petals that are arrange in an overlapping arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Garrett P. Ebersole, Eric Brown, Matthew A. Dinino, Jacob C. Baril, Richard C. Hart, Justin Thomas, Nicolette R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 11751906
    Abstract: An evacuation adapter for use with a surgical access device includes a distal section selectively engageable with a proximal section. The distal section and the proximal section each include a base, an outer ring, and an inner ring. Each base defines a central opening. Each outer ring defines at least one opening. Each inner ring defines at least one opening. The outer ring of the proximal section includes a port. The proximal section is rotatable relative to the distal section between a first position where fluid is able to flow from the central opening of the distal section through the port, and a second position where fluid is blocked from flowing from the central opening of the distal section through the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Jacob C. Baril, Justin Thomas, Matthew A. Dinino, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Saumya Banerjee, Roy J. Pilletere
  • Patent number: 11751908
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes an instrument valve housing defining a cavity, and a seal assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The seal assembly includes a flange seal member and a centering mechanism. The flange seal member includes an annular member, a flange portion extending from the annular member, and a seal portion supported by the annular member and defining an opening dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument in a sealing relation. The flange portion includes first and second arcuate portions adjustably engaging the instrument valve housing in a sealing relation. The first and second arcuate portions have a parabolic profile. The centering mechanism maintains the seal assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Garrett P. Ebersole, Justin Thomas, Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 11672556
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw member and a second jaw member movably coupled to one another; a wrist assembly having a distal end portion supporting the end effector; and a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and have a distal end supporting the wrist assembly. The wrist assembly includes a plurality of joint members rotatably connected to one another in tip-to-tail fashion, wherein each joint member defines a central rotational axis, and wherein adjacent joint members are rotatably connected to one another in a plane which is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the central rotational axes of the adjacent joint members. The wrist assembly includes also includes a plurality of concentric drive tubes extending through the plurality of joint members, wherein each drive tube includes a distal end keyed to a respective joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Matthew A. DiNino
  • Patent number: 11642153
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a housing, a tubular member, and a valve assembly. The tubular member extends from the housing. The valve assembly is positioned in the housing and includes a centering mechanism, a guard assembly disposed on a first side of the centering mechanism, and an instrument seal disposed on a second side of the centering mechanism. The instrument seal including petals that are arrange in an overlapping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Garrett P. Ebersole, Eric Brown, Matthew A. Dinino, Jacob C. Baril, Richard C. Hart, Justin Thomas, Nicolette R. LaPierre
  • Patent number: 11607247
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a mounting assembly for securing a recording device relative to a cannula assembly. The mounting assembly includes a cradle member configured to releasably retain the recording device and a support member including an elongate body. The elongate body has first and second ends. The first end includes a connecting portion for connecting the cradle member to the support member and the second end includes an engaging portion for securing the support member to the cannula assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Matthew A. Dinino, Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Garrett P. Ebersole, Eric Brown
  • Publication number: 20230040118
    Abstract: Access assemblies includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the seal assembly and guard assembly centered within a cavity of the instrument valve. In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a plurality of seal sections that are movable from an unfolded configuration to folded configuration in which the seal assembly forms a hexagonal member defining an opening to facilitate sealed passage of a surgical instrument. The seal sections may include a tapered inner edge for engaging a surgical instrument inserted through the instrument valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Matthew A. Dinino, Garrett P. Ebersole, Kevin Desjardin, Justin Thomas, Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Eric Brown
  • Publication number: 20230015252
    Abstract: A fixation device for folding a seal member includes a frame having a horizontal portion and an upright portion, a press assembly secured to the upright portion of the frame, and a nest assembly secured to the horizontal portion of the frame. The press assembly includes a handle assembly and an anvil assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. The nest assembly includes a clamping assembly, a folding assembly supported on the clamping assembly, a support assembly supported on the folding assembly, and a nest member. The support assembly includes a support plate and a seal clamp for securing a seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Jason Mickus, Matthew A. Dinino, Eric Brown, Nicolette R. Lapierre, Jacob C. Baril, Justin Thomas
  • Patent number: 11541218
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seal assembly for a surgical access assembly includes forming a seal assembly having a monolithic construction. The seal assembly includes a support member, seal sections connected to the support member, bridges disposed between adjacent seal sections and interconnecting the adjacent seal sections, and a plurality of standoffs extending from each seal section. The method also includes placing the seal assembly into a treatment bath, cutting the bridges, and folding the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Jason Mickus, Eric Brown, Justin Thomas, Matthew A. Dinino, Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11471191
    Abstract: Access assemblies includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the seal assembly and guard assembly centered within a cavity of the instrument valve. In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a plurality of seal sections that are movable from an unfolded configuration to folded configuration in which the seal assembly forms a hexagonal member defining an opening to facilitate sealed passage of a surgical instrument. The seal sections may include a tapered inner edge for engaging a surgical instrument inserted through the instrument valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LLP
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Matthew A. Dinino, Garrett P. Ebersole, Kevin Desjardin, Justin Thomas, Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Eric Brown
  • Patent number: 11446058
    Abstract: A fixation device for folding a seal member includes a frame having a horizontal portion and an upright portion, a press assembly secured to the upright portion of the frame, and a nest assembly secured to the horizontal portion of the frame. The press assembly includes a handle assembly and an anvil assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. The nest assembly includes a clamping assembly, a folding assembly supported on the clamping assembly, a support assembly supported on the folding assembly, and a nest member. The support assembly includes a support plate and a seal clamp for securing a seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Jason Mickus, Matthew A. Dinino, Eric Brown, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Jacob C. Baril, Justin Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220133350
    Abstract: An evacuation adapter for use with a surgical access device includes a distal section selectively engageable with a proximal section. The distal section and the proximal section each include a base, an outer ring, and an inner ring. Each base defines a central opening. Each outer ring defines at least one opening. Each inner ring defines at least one opening. The outer ring of the proximal section includes a port. The proximal section is rotatable relative to the distal section between a first position where fluid is able to flow from the central opening of the distal section through the port, and a second position where fluid is blocked from flowing from the central opening of the distal section through the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Jacob C. Baril, Justin Thomas, Matthew A. Dinino, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Saumya Banerjee, Roy J. Pilletere
  • Publication number: 20220088361
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a check valve having baffling discs, a tube, and a housing. The housing has first and second housing halves. Baffling discs are configured to form a lumen. Each baffling disc is a conical annulus and is stacked adjacent to another baffling disc and spaced apart via spacers disposed on each baffling disc. The spacers help define a first gap between adjacent baffling discs for defining a first fluid path. A cover is coupled to the housing and permits access to the surgical access device. The housing is configured to receive the tube and the baffling discs, and the baffling discs are spaced apart from the first and second housing halves defining a second gap therebetween for defining a second fluid path. The first and second gaps form fluid convection channels for guiding fluid flowing in a proximal direction back into itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Garrett P. Ebersole, Jacob C. Baril, Matthew A. Dinino, Justin Thomas, Saumya Banerjee, Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre
  • Publication number: 20220039912
    Abstract: A cleaning device enables cleaning of a lens of an endoscope during a surgical procedure to maintain a clear image without having to remove the endoscope from the patient's body. The cleaning device is disposed on an elongate shaft of a surgical instrument such that a lens of an endoscope may be wiped against the cleaning device to remove debris from the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Justin J. Thomas, Jacob C. Baril, Matthew A. Dinino, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Roy J. Pilletere, Saumya Banerjee, Garrett P. Ebersole
  • Publication number: 20210393290
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes an instrument valve housing defining a cavity, and a seal assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The seal assembly includes a flange seal member and a centering mechanism. The flange seal member includes an annular member, a flange portion extending from the annular member, and a seal portion supported by the annular member and defining an opening dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument in a sealing relation. The flange portion includes first and second arcuate portions adjustably engaging the instrument valve housing in a sealing relation. The first and second arcuate portions have a parabolic profile. The centering mechanism maintains the seal assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Garrett P. Ebersole, Justin Thomas, Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre
  • Publication number: 20210361310
    Abstract: A three-prong grasper for laparoscopic procedures includes an elongate body having a sleeve with a distal portion, and an end effector supported on the distal portion. The end effector includes a first prong assembly with a first base member and a first prong member pivotally secured to the first base member, a second prong assembly with a second base member and a second prong member pivotally secured to the second base member, and a third prong assembly with a third base member and a third prong member pivotally secured to the third base member. The first, second, and third prong members move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A method of grasping tissue also includes pivoting first, second, and/or third prong members relative to respective first, second, and third base members to cause the grasping of tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Roy J. Pilletere, Matthew A. Dinino, Justin Thomas, Garrett P. Ebersole
  • Publication number: 20210299416
    Abstract: A balloon cannula includes a housing defining a cavity, a cannula member extending from the housing and defining a lumen in communication with the cavity of the housing, an expandable balloon assembly disposed along the cannula member, and a fluid port adapted to be coupled to a fluid source. The expandable balloon assembly includes a plurality of balloons in a superposed relation. Each balloon of the plurality of balloons is in fluid communication with an adjacent balloon of the plurality of balloons. The fluid port is in fluid communication with the expandable balloon assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew A. Dinino, Jacob C. Baril, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Saumya Banerjee
  • Publication number: 20210298867
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a mounting assembly for securing a recording device relative to a cannula assembly. The mounting assembly includes a cradle member configured to releasably retain the recording device and a support member including an elongate body. The elongate body has first and second ends. The first end includes a connecting portion for connecting the cradle member to the support member and the second end includes an engaging portion for securing the support member to the cannula assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew A. Dinino, Roy J. Pilletere, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Garrett P. Ebersole, Eric Brown
  • Publication number: 20210298787
    Abstract: A fixation device for folding a seal member includes a frame having a horizontal portion and an upright portion, a press assembly secured to the upright portion of the frame, and a nest assembly secured to the horizontal portion of the frame. The press assembly includes a handle assembly and an anvil assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. The nest assembly includes a clamping assembly, a folding assembly supported on the clamping assembly, a support assembly supported on the folding assembly, and a nest member. The support assembly includes a support plate and a seal clamp for securing a seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Roy J. Pilletere, Jason Mickus, Matthew A. Dinino, Eric Brown, Nicolette R. LaPierre, Jacob C. Baril, Justin Thomas