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).

  • Publication number: 20190083088
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 10231732
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 10219805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
  • Publication number: 20190001079
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
  • Publication number: 20180369511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
  • Patent number: 10159809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Earl M. Zergiebel, Michael J. Augelli, Kenneth Blier, Ralph Stearns
  • Publication number: 20180353205
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Ralph Stearns
  • Patent number: 10130360
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
  • Publication number: 20180317905
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
  • Publication number: 20180296245
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 10092319
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 10076358
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, Dominick Mastri, Ralph Stearns
  • Publication number: 20180236186
    Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed that includes a device housing supporting a control unit and a filter interface having a seat for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge having a filter housing defining an interior reservoir, wherein sensors are coupled to the control unit for sensing a level of liquid within the reservoir of the filter cartridge to prevent contamination of the device, and wherein a set of blocking valves are provided in the device housing for interacting with the filter cartridge when it is received in the filter interface to control flow through suction and pressure lines of the device, and wherein the control unit is adapted to recognize a characteristic of the filter cartridge received in the filter interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Dennis Feldman, Raymond Yue-Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 10016218
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20180140324
    Abstract: In the Abstract, please include the following paragraph, following the claim set: A surgical access device includes a proximal housing having proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the housing being configured and adapted to engage a proximal portion of a flexible wound retractor. The proximal housing can be provided with a plenum chamber being defined therein, the plenum chamber being in fluid communication with at least one nozzle. The nozzle is preferably configured to direct pressurized fluid in an axial direction from the plenum chamber into a fluid in an axial direction from the plenum chamber into a central bore of the surgical access device to provide a constant gaseous seal around a surgical instrument inserted therethrough, while inhibiting a loss of pressurized fluid from the body cavity therethrough. The plenum chamber can be adapted and configured to receive pressurized fluid and conduct the pressurized fluid to the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, James R. Parys, Kurt Azarbarzin
  • Publication number: 20180116656
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: DAVID RACENET, RALPH STEARNS, JOHN BEARDSLEY, PHILIP ROY, LEE ANN OLSON
  • Patent number: 9950127
    Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed that includes a device housing supporting a control unit and a filter interface having a seat for receiving a filter cartridge, the filter cartridge having a filter housing defining an interior reservoir, wherein sensors are coupled to the control unit for sensing a level of liquid within the reservoir of the filter cartridge to prevent contamination of the device, and wherein a set of blocking valves are provided in the device housing for interacting with the filter cartridge when it is received in the filter interface to control flow through suction and pressure lines of the device, and wherein the control unit is adapted to recognize a characteristic of the filter cartridge received in the filter interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Surgiquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Dennis Feldman, Raymond Y. Tang
  • Publication number: 20180070945
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford Emmons
  • Patent number: 9907569
    Abstract: A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Raymond Yue-Sing Tang, Dominick Mastri
  • Patent number: 9855039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson