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: 20140358070Abstract: 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: May 2, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
-
Publication number: 20140336567Abstract: A system for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure. The system includes a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The fluid pump is adapted and configured to circulate insufflation fluid through the system. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with an output of the fluid pump and configured and adapted for delivering pressurized insufflation fluid to an output port of the control unit. The return conduit is in fluid communication with an input of the fluid pump for delivering insufflation fluid to the fluid pump and is configured and adapted for returning insufflation fluid from an input port of the control unit. The pressure-controlled is in fluid communication with the supply conduit and the return conduit, and is adapted and configured to receive a control signal and respond to the control signal by opening, thereby fluidly connecting the supply conduit and the return conduit with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
-
Publication number: 20140309583Abstract: 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: June 6, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
-
Patent number: 8795223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Raymond Yue-Sing Tang, Dominick Mastri
-
Patent number: 8770459Abstract: 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: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph Stearns, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson
-
Publication number: 20140188038Abstract: A trocar for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an elongated body, nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The elongated body has a generally tubular configuration with coaxially arranged inner and outer walls and longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions, with the inner wall defining a lumen to accommodate passage of an instrument therethrough. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the inner wall of the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region extending from a location adjacent a distal end portion of the lumen to a location adjacent a proximal end portion of the lumen, to form a fluid seal around an instrument passing therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Jack B. Stubbs
-
Patent number: 8715219Abstract: 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: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Kurt Azarbarzin, Timothy J. Nolan
-
Publication number: 20140088491Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods for performing surgery. In a first aspect, the system includes a trocar having in a nested configuration, an outer cannula, an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula, the inner cannula defining the central longitudinal lumen at least in part to provide access through the trocar, a tube center component disposed within the outer cannula, and a ring jet assembly disposed within the outer cannula. In a further aspect, the system includes an instrument guide disposed in the central longitudinal lumen of the trocar. The instrument guide has a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of channels defined through the instrument guide from the proximal end to the distal end, each channel being adapted and configured to receive a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Azarbarzin, Ralph Stearns
-
Publication number: 20140074015Abstract: A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling configured and adapted to couple to a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid and a second coupling to couple to a secondary trocar assembly. A third coupling is provided to couple to a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings. Also provided is at least one valve member adapted and configured to be operable in at least first and second operating positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Dominick Mastri, Raymond Y. Tang, Ralph Stearns, Kenneth Blier
-
Patent number: 8652151Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns
-
Publication number: 20140025047Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted and configured for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a shaft, an end effector and a proximal handle. The longitudinal shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The distal end effector is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. The proximal handle portion is operably connected to the proximal end portion of the longitudinal shaft and has an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector. The distal end portion of the shaft can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft and/or have one or more bends or curves formed therein. The proximal portion of the shaft can include at least one bend to allow for comfortable positioning of a surgeon's hands.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: SURGIQUEST, INC.Inventors: Kurt Azarbarzin, Dominick Mastri, Ralph Stearns
-
Patent number: 8596513Abstract: 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: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford L. Emmons
-
Publication number: 20130284791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford J. Emmons
-
Publication number: 20130231606Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: SURGIQUEST, INC.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Dennis Feldman, Raymond Yue-Sing Tang
-
Patent number: 8424739Abstract: 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: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph Stearns, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson
-
Patent number: 8408442Abstract: A surgical device comprising an anvil, a cartridge assembly, a dynamic clamping member, a clamp ring and a drive mechanism is disclosed. The cartridge assembly is configured to house a plurality of fasteners at least partially therein. The anvil and cartridge assembly are movable in relation to each other between open and approximated positions. The dynamic clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the cartridge assembly to eject fasteners therefrom. The dynamic clamping member engages the anvil and the cartridge assembly. The clamp ring is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position at least partially encircling proximal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly from exceeding a predetermined distance. The drive mechanism includes a single actuator for driving both the clamp ring and the dynamic clamping member.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
-
Publication number: 20130012782Abstract: 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 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, James R. Parys, Kurt Azarbarzin
-
Patent number: 8336753Abstract: 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: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
-
Publication number: 20120286022Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Ralph Stearns, David C. Racenet, Clifford L. Emmons
-
Patent number: RE44972Abstract: Disclosed is multi-flow filter cartridge assembly that includes an elongated housing that has axially opposed proximal and distal ends and defines an interior cavity and first, second and third flow paths which extend from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end. The cartridge assembly also includes first, second and third filter elements. The first filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the first flow path from a first inlet port to a first outlet port. The second filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the second flow path from a second inlet port to a second outlet port. Lastly, the third filter element is also disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the third flow path from a third inlet port to a third outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Dominick Mastri, James R. Parys, Ralph Stearns, Johnnie H. Copley, Christopher Estkowski