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: 20120245511Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SurgiQuest, IncInventors: Ralph Stearns, Raymond Yue-Sing Tang, Dominick Mastri
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Publication number: 20120150101Abstract: The subject multimodal surgical gas delivery system configured to couple to one or more surgical devices providing access into a patient body cavity includes a computer-controlled control unit configured and adapted to provide at least one of the following modes of operation. A first mode of operation for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid from an insufflation gas source into a surgical device for providing and maintaining sealable access to the body cavity in a surgical device. A second mode of operation for performing smoke evacuation in a filter element from insufflation fluid caused to recycle through the multimodal system from the body cavity via a surgical device. A third mode of operation for providing insufflation fluid from the insufflation gas source into the body cavity for creating and maintaining insufflation of the body cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Dennis Feldman, Raymond Y. Tang
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Publication number: 20120138523Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Dominick Mastri, James R. Parys, Ralph Stearns, Johnnie H. Copley, Christopher Estkowski
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Patent number: 8167186Abstract: 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: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John W. Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
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Publication number: 20120055971Abstract: 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: March 14, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 8127975Abstract: 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: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 8118207Abstract: 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: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John W. Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
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Publication number: 20120018326Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
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Publication number: 20120012640Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
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Publication number: 20120000962Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: David C. Racenet, Ralph Stearns, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson
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Patent number: 8088189Abstract: 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: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Dominick Mastri, James Raymond Parys, Ralph Stearns, Johnnie H. Copley, Christopher Estkowski
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Patent number: 8075481Abstract: An internal retraction system for use in minimally-invasive surgical procedures includes, among other features, an elongated applicator that has proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the applicator includes a grasper and the proximal end includes a mechanism or actuator for moving the grasper from an open position to a closed position. A plurality of anchor clips are slidably mounted on the elongated applicator and are initially in a stored position. Each clip includes spring biased upper and lower jaws for grasping tissue. The internal retraction system also includes a structure associated with the applicator for deploying the anchor clips from the stored position to a deployed position at a desired location. Moreover, the internal retraction system includes a mechanism associated with the applicator for removing the anchor clips from the deployed position and returning the clips to the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Adrian E. Park, Charles F. Knapp, Patrick N. Gutelius, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 8061577Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
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Publication number: 20110266211Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Dominick Mastri, James R. Parys, Ralph Stearns, Johnnie H. Copley, Christopher Estkowski
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Patent number: 8033442Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Tyco Heathcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons
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Patent number: 7997469Abstract: 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: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns
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Patent number: 7976598Abstract: 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: October 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: SurgiQuest, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Matula, Dominick Mastri, James R. Parys, Ralph Stearns, Johnnie H. Copley, Christopher Estkowski
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Publication number: 20110125084Abstract: 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: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Ralph Stearns, Jack B. Stubbs
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Publication number: 20110112552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LPInventors: Adam Lehman, Gene Stellon, Ramiro Cabrera, Ralph A. Stearns
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Publication number: 20110079628Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John W. Beardsley, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons