Patents by Inventor Robert B. Stoddard
Robert B. Stoddard 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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Patent number: 11974771Abstract: The ultrasonic surgical device includes a power source configured to generate power, an ultrasonic transducer having a first resonant frequency, the ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the power source and configured to generate ultrasonic motion in response to the generated power, an ultrasonic probe configured to be mechanically couplable to the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic probe having a second resonant frequency when the ultrasonic probe is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, and a controller configured to determine whether the ultrasonic probe is properly coupled to the ultrasonic transducer based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David J. Van Tol, Robert B. Stoddard
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Publication number: 20230346410Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
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Patent number: 11730504Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
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Publication number: 20230249007Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a blade that treats tissue and a fluid control system to cool the blade by pumping cooling fluid through the blade. The blade defines a blade lumen in fluid contact with an inflow and return conduit of the fluid control system. The fluid control system may further include a fluid reservoir holding the cooling fluid and a pump. The pump is configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the inflow conduit and the blade lumen, and into return conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson
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Patent number: 11654306Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a blade that treats tissue and a fluid control system to cool the blade by pumping cooling fluid through the blade. The blade defines a blade lumen in fluid contact with an inflow and return conduit of the fluid control system. The inflow conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the distal end of the blade lumen and the return conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the proximal end of the blade lumen. The fluid control system may further include a fluid reservoir holding the cooling fluid and an inflow pump. The inflow pump is configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the inflow conduit and the blade lumen, and into return conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson
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Publication number: 20220387097Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body and first and second electrodes disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and extending longitudinally along a majority of a length of the ultrasonic blade body. The ultrasonic blade body is adapted to receive ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic waveguide. The first and second electrodes taper in width proximally to distally and are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Rachael L. Kabala, Anthony B. Ross, David J. Van Tol, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert B. Smith
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Patent number: 11478267Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces, and a second jaw member positioned including an ultrasonic blade body and defining at least one electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. The second jaw member is movable relative to the first jaw member between a first configuration, to facilitate transmission of ultrasonic energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members, and a second configuration, to facilitate conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas W. Meiser, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert M. Sharp, James E. Thompson
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Patent number: 11446079Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body and first and second electrodes disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and extending longitudinally along a majority of a length of the ultrasonic blade body. The ultrasonic blade body is adapted to receive ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic waveguide. The first and second electrodes taper in width proximally to distally and are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Rachael L. Kabala, Anthony B. Ross, David J. Van Tol, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert B. Smith
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Patent number: 11304719Abstract: A method for ultrasonically treating tissue includes accessing a surgical site with an ultrasonic surgical instrument, dissecting tissue with a first portion of the blade, and sealing tissue with a second portion of the blade. The instrument includes a blade that defines a longitudinal axis. The blade is configured to oscillate along the longitudinal axis to ultrasonically treat tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: David J. Van Tol, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard
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Patent number: 11219433Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a switch base, a power bus coupled to the switch base, an electrical lead coupled to the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, a membrane, and a housing. The switch base has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The membrane is disposed over the top surface of the switch base and over the power bus to seal the top surface of the switch base. The housing defines proximal and distal ends and a switch base cavity between the proximal and distal ends. The housing includes bulkheads that form a plurality of fluid impermeable seals that are disposed adjacent one of the proximal and distal ends. The fluid impermeable seals are configured to deter fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which the electrical lead is coupled to the power bus.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Ian C. McEachern, Michael J. Brown
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Patent number: 11147580Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a waveguide defining a blade at a distal end thereof and a lumen extending through a portion of the blade. The blade is configured to receive ultrasonic energy for treating tissue. The instrument further includes first and second conduits each defining a proximal end and a distal end. The second conduit is coaxially disposed about the first conduit. The distal ends of the first and second conduits extend into the lumen. The distal end of the first conduit extends further distally into the lumen than the distal end of the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson, Scott E. M. Frushour, David N. Heard
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Patent number: 11000308Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Arlen K. Ward
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Publication number: 20210038292Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body and first and second electrodes disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and extending longitudinally along a majority of a length of the ultrasonic blade body. The ultrasonic blade body is adapted to receive ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic waveguide. The first and second electrodes taper in width proximally to distally and are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Rachael L. Kabala, Anthony B. Ross, David J. Van Tol, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert B. Smith
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Publication number: 20200253627Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, JR., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
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Patent number: 10729458Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. At least one sensor is configured to sense at least one operational parameter of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. At least one controller in operable communication with the at least one sensor is configured to terminate delivery of ultrasonic energy to the cutting blade when the at least one sensor senses the at least one operational parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
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Patent number: 10639053Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
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Publication number: 20200094081Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a blade that treats tissue and a fluid control system to cool the blade by pumping cooling fluid through the blade. The blade defines a blade lumen in fluid contact with an inflow and return conduit of the fluid control system. The inflow conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the distal end of the blade lumen and the return conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the proximal end of the blade lumen. The fluid control system may further include a fluid reservoir holding the cooling fluid and an inflow pump. The inflow pump is configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the inflow conduit and the blade lumen, and into return conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson
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Patent number: 10485996Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a blade that treats tissue and a fluid control system to cool the blade by pumping cooling fluid through the blade. The blade defines a blade lumen in fluid contact with an inflow and return conduit of the fluid control system. The inflow conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the distal end of the blade lumen and the return conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the proximal end of the blade lumen. The fluid control system may further include a fluid reservoir holding the cooling fluid and an inflow pump. The inflow pump is configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the inflow conduit and the blade lumen, and into return conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson
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Publication number: 20190343549Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided, including a handpiece, a lever operably coupled to the handpiece and movable between first, second, and third positions, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handpiece, and an ultrasonic waveguide extending through the shaft assembly and defining a fixed jaw member at a distal end portion thereof. An outlet at the distal end of the fixed jaw member provides irrigation of fluid. The waveguide functions as an aspirator well as a transector/dissector of tissue. A movable jaw member is disposed towards a distal end portion of the shaft assembly and is operably coupled to the lever such that movement of the lever between the first, second, and third positions moves the movable jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member between a retracted position, an extended open position, and an extended closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: SCOTT D. UHLRICH, ANTHONY B. ROSS, ROBERT B. STODDARD, ERIC R. LARSON
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Patent number: 10456156Abstract: A surgical system includes an ultrasonic surgical instrument and a cooling module. The instrument includes a waveguide defining a blade and having a lumen, an inflow conduit disposed in communication with the lumen and configured to supply fluid to the lumen, and a return conduit disposed in communication with the lumen and configured to receive fluid from the lumen. The cooling module includes a pump assembly operably coupled to the inflow and return conduits and configured to pump fluid through the inflow conduit, into the lumen, and back through the return conduit for cooling the blade. The cooling module also includes at least one sensor configured to sense a property of the fluid pumped into the inflow conduit and/or a property of the fluid returned from the return conduit, and a controller configured to control the pump assembly according to the sensed property(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Robert B. Stoddard, Eric R. Larson, Scott E. M. Frushour, David N. Heard