Patents by Inventor Paul R. Romero
Paul R. Romero 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: 8357159Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Paul R. Romero
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Publication number: 20120215242Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LPInventors: Arlen J. Reschke, Daniel A. Joseph, Paul R. Romero
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Publication number: 20120136353Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member defines an arcuate configuration and includes a proximal segment and a distal segment coupled to the proximal segment. The distal segment is moveable with respect to the proximal segment between a use position, wherein the proximal segment and the distal segment cooperate to define the arcuate configuration of the jaw member, and an insertion position, wherein the distal segment is offset relative to the proximal segment to interrupt the arcuate configuration of the jaw member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: 8162965Abstract: A forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Arlen J. Reschke, Daniel A. Joseph, Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: 8162937Abstract: A fluid resistant seal connector for an electrosurgical handpiece includes a housing adapted to be supported within an electrosurgical handpiece. The housing includes opposing half sections each having an inner peripheral surface. The fluid resistant seal further includes a first seal adapted to engage an activation circuit of the handpiece and at least one second seal adapted to engage an electrosurgical supply wire in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. At least one of the first and second seals is configured to complement the inner peripheral surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: James S. Cunningham, Paul R. Romero, Jeffrey M. Roy
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Publication number: 20120059409Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shaft members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue between the jaw members. A first ratchet component is coupled to the first shaft member and defines an engagement plane. A second ratchet component is coupled to the second shaft member and is moveable between a retracted position, wherein the second ratchet component is displaced from the engagement plane, and a deployed position, wherein the second ratchet component is aligned with the engagement plane. When the second ratchet component is in the deployed position, the ratchet components are engageable with one another upon movement of the shaft member(s) to the approximated position to fix the position of the jaw members relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Arlen J. Reschke, Mark J. Huseman, Paul R. Romero, William Robinson
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Patent number: 8070748Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: David Hixson, James D. Allen, IV, Jeremy S. James, Jessica Olson, Paul R. Romero, Chelsea Shields, Jeff Unger
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Publication number: 20110238067Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a cutting slot defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting instrument therealong for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. An actuator advances the cutting instrument from a first position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Michael C. Moses, Paul R. Romero, Kristin D. Johnson, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T. Dycus
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Patent number: 7922718Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a cutting slot defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting instrument therealong for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. An actuator advances the cutting instrument from a first position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Michael C. Moses, Paul R. Romero, Kristin D. Johnson, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T. Dycus
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Publication number: 20110077647Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a first and a second set of needle like structures. Each set of needle like structures is functional for puncturing the skin of a patient on opposing sides of a wound or cut. Each needle comprises a body and a pointed portion at a distal end. The distal end is structured to form a sealing surface with an opposing needle on a needle of the other set. The sealing surfaces are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the sealing surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy therebetween. The first and second set of needle like structures are movable from a first position where the needles are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position where the first and second sets of needles members are closer to one another. A mechanical force applied to or within a housing is utilized to move the needles sets from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Kristel L. Ambrosius, Paul R. Romero, Dylan R. Kingsley, Randel A. Frazier
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Publication number: 20110060356Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Arlen J. Reschke, Daniel A. Joseph, Paul R. Romero
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Publication number: 20110054472Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Paul R. Romero
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Publication number: 20100280515Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: David Hixson, James D. Allen, IV, Jeremy S. James, Jessica Olson, Paul R. Romero, Chelsea Shields, Jeff Unger
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Patent number: 7811283Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting blade therealong. An actuator is included which is operatively connected to one of the shaft members and selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position wherein the cutting blade is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting blade is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Michael C. Moses, Paul R. Romero, Kristin D. Johnson, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T. Dycus
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Patent number: 7766910Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: David Hixson, James D. Allen, IV, Jeremy S. James, Jessica Olson, Paul R. Romero, Chelsea Shields, Jeff Unger
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Patent number: D621507Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventor: Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: D627066Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventor: Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: D628289Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventor: Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: D628290Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventor: Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: D661394Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Paul R. Romero, Andrew P. Roussell