Patents by Inventor Patrick J. Minnelli
Patrick J. Minnelli 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: 20160135872Abstract: Devices and methods for applying energy to tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a monopolar end effector, a cannulated, insulated outer sheath, a translating nozzle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, and a handle portion coupled to a proximal end of the end effector. Various translating means, such as switches, thumbwheels, rings, and buttons, are associated with the handle portion, and are effective to advance the outer sheath to cover a distal end of the end effector and retract the outer sheath to expose the distal end of the end effector. The translating means are configured in a manner that allows a user to operate the translating means without having to adjust a location of the user's hand on the device. A variety of translating means are provided for, as are methods for cutting, coagulating, irrigating, and suctioning tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Adam Brown, Terry McFarland
-
Patent number: 9254171Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft, and a handpiece. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The shaft is in communication with the end effector. The shaft includes a firing beam operable to actuate a portion of the end effector. The handpiece comprises a pivoting trigger that is operable to distally advance a firing beam driver to advance the firing beam. The handpiece also comprises an activation button and lockout assembly. The lockout assembly is movable between a locked and unlocked state. In the locked state, the lockout assembly blocks a portion of the firing beam driver from advancing. In the unlocked state, the lockout assembly allows the firing beam driver to advance. The activation button switches is operable to unlock the lockout assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Randolph C. Stewart, Alex W. Kiturkes, William A. Crawford, Patrick J. Minnelli
-
Patent number: 9033929Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
-
Patent number: 8870747Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Daniel H. Duke, Paul H. Kistler
-
Publication number: 20140121465Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery
-
Publication number: 20140088637Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the elongate shaft. The end effector comprises an outer casing comprising a mating feature adapted to attach to the distal end of the outer tube; an inner shuttle axially moveable relative the outer casing, the shuttle comprising a magnetic material providing provisional engagement to the distal end of the inner rod; a pair of surgical jaws having an opened position and closed position dependant on the relative axial position of the shuttle and casing. The surgical device may further comprise a collet on the distal end of the inner rod adapted to lock onto the shuttle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Patrick J. Minnelli, Foster B. Stulen
-
Patent number: 8636686Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery
-
Patent number: 8579807Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer, Daniel H. Duke, Mark J. Bookbinder
-
Patent number: 8568362Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
-
Patent number: 8517931Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, a surgical retractor device is provided that includes a flexible fabric tissue retractor configured to support tissue. At least one grasping element can be coupled to a perimeter of the flexible fabric, and the grasping elements can be manipulated to couple the flexible fabric to a surgical port, e.g., a trocar, inserted through a body wall and extending into a body cavity. The grasping element can also be configured to move the flexible fabric and thereby move the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Gregory W. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20120330099Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
-
Patent number: 8273060Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
-
Patent number: 8128559Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in the retractor and to move the retractor to relocate tissue to one or more convenient locations during a surgical procedure. The retractor can be configured from a pliable state to a substantially rigid state to hold the retractor and the tissue in a substantially fixed position during the procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. Minnelli
-
Patent number: 8075482Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Patrick J. Minnelli, Anthony T. Nguyen, Chester O. Baxter, III, Michele D'Arcangelo
-
Patent number: 8070770Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Patrick J. Minnelli, Anthony T. Nguyen, Chester O. Baxter, III, Michele D'Arcangelo
-
Publication number: 20110184311Abstract: A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a tubular member, a resilient member, and a retrieval bag. The resilient member is associated with a distal end of the tubular member. The bag is secured to the resilient member. The resilient member is compressible such that the resilient member and bag fit within a hollow interior portion of the tubular member. A rod may advance the resilient member and bag out of the tubular member. Alternatively, the tubular member may comprise a sheath that is retractable to reveal the resilient member and bag. The resilient member may have a hoop, spiral, or rolled strip configuration. The resilient member may alternatively comprise telescoping arms. The resilient member opens the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed relative to the tubular member. The resilient member may also unfurl the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Patrick J. Minnelli, Gregory W. Johnson, Mark J. Bookbinder, Nabeel M. Jadeed, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
-
Publication number: 20110046449Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery
-
Patent number: D700326Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery
-
Patent number: D735852Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery
-
Patent number: D736926Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Kevin M. Montgomery