Patents by Inventor Ralph Stearns
Ralph Stearns 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: 20230149640Abstract: An insufflation and smoke evacuation system for use during laparoscopic surgical procedures in an abdominal cavity of a patient is disclosed that includes a pump for circulating pressurized gas within the system, and a dual lumen cannula configured to provide access to the abdominal cavity of a patient, which includes a first lumen communicating with a source of insufflation fluid and a second lumen communicating with the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: Conmed CorporationInventors: Raymond Yue-Sing Tang, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Dominick Mastri
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Patent number: 11559301Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David Racenet, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Philip Roy, John Beardsley
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Patent number: 11517310Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
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Patent number: 11399824Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
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Patent number: 11357502Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph A. Stearns, Philip C. Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee A. Olson
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Publication number: 20220117629Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: Conmed CorporationInventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
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Publication number: 20220062567Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Conmed CorporationInventors: Dominick Mastri, Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
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Publication number: 20220054773Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a gas delivery device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a gas delivery lumen extending therefrom, a gaseous sealing module communicating with a distal end of the gas delivery lumen and configured to generate a gaseous seal within a gas sealed lumen extending therefrom, and an access port communicating with a distal end of the gas sealed lumen so as to provide sealed instrument access to the surgical cavity and maintain a stable pressure within the surgical cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicant: Conmed CorporationInventors: Mikiya Silver, Michael J. Augelli, Ralph Stearns, Michael J. Kane
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Patent number: 11224430Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
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Patent number: 11224429Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
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Patent number: 11202656Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Conmed CorporationInventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
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Patent number: 11202870Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Conmed CorporationInventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 11197968Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a gas delivery device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized gas to a gas delivery lumen extending therefrom, a gaseous sealing module communicating with a distal end of the gas delivery lumen and configured to generate a gaseous seal within a gas sealed lumen extending therefrom, and an access port communicating with a distal end of the gas sealed lumen so as to provide sealed instrument access to the surgical cavity and maintain a stable pressure within the surgical cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Conmed CorporationInventors: Mikiya Silver, Michael J. Augelli, Ralph Stearns, Michael J. Kane
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Publication number: 20210298752Abstract: A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 11045196Abstract: A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
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Publication number: 20210177414Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
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Publication number: 20210169479Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
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Patent number: 10959723Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
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Patent number: 10960150Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 10893886Abstract: An access device for surgical procedures is disclosed which includes a multiport end cap including a plurality of separate access ports for accommodating the introduction of individual surgical instruments into a body cavity or lumen of a patient, and a coupling for operatively connecting the multiport end cap to a tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Conmed CorporationInventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Ralph Stearns