Patents by Inventor Peter M. Mueller
Peter M. Mueller 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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Publication number: 20170238992Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: TONY MOUA, DAVID N. HEARD, JONATHAN A. COE, JOHN J. KAPPUS, PETER M. MUELLER, RAYMOND A. SIRIANNE, RYAN C. ARTALE
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Publication number: 20170231687Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Patent number: 9713479Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking coil disposed about an axis defined by the flexible portion of the elongated shaft. A distal end of the locking coil is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft, and a proximal end of the locking coil is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to laterally approximate the locking coil to flexible portion, and thus frictionally engage the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede articulating motion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Peter M. Mueller
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Patent number: 9668810Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Glenn A. Horner, Duane E. Kerr, Peter M. Mueller, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp, Robert B. Stoddard
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Patent number: 9655637Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, and an end effector supported by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. A tensile member extending through the elongated shaft is coupled to the first actuator and the end effector such that first actuator may be manipulated to induce motion of the end effector. A locking mechanism associated with the tensile member selectively impedes motion of the end effector. The locking mechanism includes a collet disposed about the tensile member and a collet clamp for receiving the collet. Receipt of the collet into the collet clamp induces radial compression of the collet to impede the motion of the tensile member therethrough. An actuation member extending through the elongated shaft induces insertion and withdrawal of the collet from the collet clamp.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Peter M. Mueller
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Publication number: 20170135775Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.m.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: James S. Cunningham, Peter M. Mueller
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Patent number: 9649152Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Tony Moua, David N. Heard, Jonathan A. Coe, John J. Kappus, Peter M. Mueller, Raymond A. Sirianne, Ryan C. Artale
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Patent number: 9636166Abstract: A surgical system includes a portable surgical instrument and a sleeve. The portable surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly and a housing operably coupled to the end effector assembly. The housing includes a generator and a battery assembly coupled thereto and configured to supply energy to the end effector assembly for treating tissue. The sleeve is shaped complementarily to the housing and is removably positionable about the housing. The sleeve is configured to cool the housing and/or remove heat from the housing to inhibit overheating of the generator and/or the battery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Duane E. Kerr, Glenn A. Horner, Paul Hrenchir, Peter M. Mueller, Robert B. Stoddard, Luke Waaler
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Patent number: 9636169Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Publication number: 20170071656Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. The articulating section has a central annulus extending therealong and first and second pluralities of bores. The first plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding tendons therethrough and the second plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding conductive leads therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft including a pair of first and second jaw members. The corresponding conductive leads transition from a first state for enabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second state for disabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: PETER M. MUELLER
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Publication number: 20170065332Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: DAVID M. GARRISON, JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, JEFFREY R. UNGER, DUANE E. KERR, SEAN T. O'NEILL, PETER M. MUELLER, KIM V. BRANDT, JAMES S. CUNNINGHAM, KEIR HART, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, JASON T. SANDERS, ROBERT M. SHARP
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Publication number: 20170049506Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: JAMES D. ALLEN, IV, ROBERT M. SHARP, KRISTEL L. AMBROSIUS, GLENN A. HORNER, DANIEL A. JOSEPH, PETER M. MUELLER, DUANE E. KERR, RYAN C. ARTALE
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Patent number: 9554866Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James S. Cunningham, Peter M. Mueller
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Patent number: 9545245Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. The articulating section has a central annulus extending therealong and first and second pluralities of bores. The first plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding tendons therethrough and the second plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding conductive leads therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft including a pair of first and second jaw members. The corresponding conductive leads transition from a first state for enabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second state for disabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Peter M. Mueller
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Patent number: 9510891Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes. The instrument includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp, Kristel L. Ambrosius, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Peter M. Mueller, Duane E. Kerr, Ryan C. Artale
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Patent number: 9504514Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: David M. Garrison, James D. Allen, IV, Jeffrey R. Unger, Duane E. Kerr, Sean T. ONeill, Peter M. Mueller, Kim. V. Brandt, James S. Cunningham, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 9486220Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. In the approximated position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity that is configured to house tissue grasped between the jaw members. An injectable material configured for injection into the cavity defined by the jaw members is also provided. The injectable material is configured to substantially surround tissue housed within the cavity. The injectable material is transitionable from a first state, facilitating injection of the injectable material into the cavity, to a second state, wherein the injectable material forms about tissue housed within the cavity to occlude tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Kim V. Brandt, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Peter M. Mueller, Jeffrey R. Unger
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Publication number: 20160302852Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a deployment mechanism. The first drive assembly is coupled to a first component and is configured to translate a first longitudinal distance X1 to deploy the first component. The second drive assembly is coupled to a second component and is configured to translate a second longitudinal distance X2 to deploy the second component. The deployment mechanism is operably coupled to both the first and second drive assemblies and is configured to move from a first position to a second position to translate the first and second drive assemblies the respective first and second longitudinal distances X1 and X2 to deploy the first and second components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventor: PETER M. MUELLER
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Publication number: 20160302853Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: JAMES S. CUNNINGHAM, ALLAN J. EVANS, PETER M. MUELLER, NATHAN WHITE, DAVID A. SCHECHTER, STEPHEN EVANS
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Publication number: 20160206368Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: TONY MOUA, DAVID N. HEARD, JONATHAN A. COE, JOHN J. KAPPUS, PETER M. MUELLER, RAYMOND A. SIRIANNE, RYAN C. ARTALE