Patents by Inventor Robert J. Behnke
Robert J. Behnke 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: 20240008846Abstract: A system includes a treatment probe, a first tracking sensor configured to track a location of the treatment probe, an ultrasound imager, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imager, and a tracking system. The ultrasound imager generates real-time ultrasound images. The tracking system receives location information from the first and second tracking sensors, tracks the location of the treatment probe and the location of the ultrasound imager, and displays the real-time ultrasound images and a representation of the treatment probe in one or more pre-stored images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Morgan L. Hill, Eric W. Larson, Casey M. Ladtkow, Nikhil P. Mankar, Arlen J. Reschke, Jeetendra Bharadwaj, Robert J. Behnke, II, William J. Dickhans
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Patent number: 11771401Abstract: A system includes a treatment probe, a first tracking sensor configured to track a location of the treatment probe, an ultrasound imager, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imager, and a tracking system. The ultrasound imager generates real-time ultrasound images. The tracking system receives location information from the first and second tracking sensors, tracks the location of the treatment probe and the location of the ultrasound imager, and displays the real-time ultrasound images and a representation of the treatment probe in one or more pre-stored images.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Morgan L. Hill, Eric W. Larson, Casey M. Ladtkow, Nikhil P. Mankar, Arlen J. Reschke, Jeetendra Bharadwaj, Robert J. Behnke, II, William J. Dickhans
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Publication number: 20230190372Abstract: The modular microwave ablation system of the present disclosure includes a microwave instrument, a microwave generator, and one or more auxiliary modules that include circuitry for performing functions related to the operation of the microwave generator. The one or more auxiliary modules are removably connected to the microwave generator. The microwave generator includes a microwave signal generator that generates a microwave signal; a microwave generator controller in communication with the microwave signal generator; one or more terminals that connect to the one or more auxiliary modules, respectively; and a power supply and/or a power distribution module coupled to the microwave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, and the one or more terminals. The one or more terminals provide (1) power from the power supply and/or power distribution module to the one or more respective auxiliary modules and (2) communication signals to and from the one or more respective auxiliary modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 11583336Abstract: The modular microwave ablation system of the present disclosure includes a microwave instrument, a microwave generator, and one or more auxiliary modules that include circuitry for performing functions related to the operation of the microwave generator. The one or more auxiliary modules are removably connected to the microwave generator. The microwave generator includes a microwave signal generator that generates a microwave signal; a microwave generator controller in communication with the microwave signal generator; one or more terminals that connect to the one or more auxiliary modules, respectively; and a power supply and/or a power distribution module coupled to the microwave signal generator, the microwave generator controller, and the one or more terminals. The one or more terminals provide (1) power from the power supply and/or power distribution module to the one or more respective auxiliary modules and (2) communication signals to and from the one or more respective auxiliary modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 11369434Abstract: A method of determining the status of a fluid cooled microwave ablation system is provided including providing an electrical current to a pump to pump fluid through an ablation system along a fluid path to cool the ablation system, measuring an electrical current drawn by the pump, and determining a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current. In another aspect of the disclosure, an ablation system is provided including an ablation probe defining a fluid path for circulation of fluid therethrough, a generator configured to supply energy to the ablation probe for treating tissue, a pump configured to pump fluid through the fluid path of the ablation probe to cool the ablation probe, a sensor configured to measure an electrical current drawn by the pump, and a computing device configured to determine a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 11076906Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an RF output stage, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, first and second log amplifiers, and a controller. The RF output stage is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of the electrosurgical energy and generate a current signal corresponding to the current of the electrosurgical energy. The first log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the current signal. The voltage sensor is configured to sense a voltage of the electrosurgical energy and generate a voltage signal in response thereto. The second log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the voltage signal. The controller is configured to receive the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal and operatively control the generation of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Donald W. Heckel, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 11039885Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Mani N. Prakash, Jeffrey L. Jensen, Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan
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Publication number: 20210100477Abstract: A system includes an energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy, a treatment probe, an ultrasound imaging device configured to generate ultrasound images, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imaging device, and a tracking system configured to receive location information from the first and second tracking sensors and to overlay the ultrasound images with a graphical representation of the treatment probe on a display based on the location information. The treatment probe includes an antenna configured to treat tissue with the therapeutic energy and a first tracking sensor integrated in the antenna and configured to track a location of a distal tip of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Morgan L. Hill, Jeetendra S. Bharadwaj, Flor De Maria R. Nonalaya, Eric W. Larson, Kathy E. Rooks, Richard A. Willyard, Robert J. Behnke, II, Nikhil P. Mankar, Darren G. Girotto
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Publication number: 20210068784Abstract: A system includes a treatment probe, a first tracking sensor configured to track a location of the treatment probe, an ultrasound imager, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imager, and a tracking system. The ultrasound imager generates real-time ultrasound images. The tracking system receives location information from the first and second tracking sensors, tracks the location of the treatment probe and the location of the ultrasound imager, and displays the real-time ultrasound images and a representation of the treatment probe in one or more pre-stored images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Morgan L. Hill, Eric W. Larson, Casey M. Ladtkow, Nikhil P. Mankar, Arlen J. Reschke, Jeetendra Bharadwaj, Robert J. Behnke, II, William J. Dickhans
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Publication number: 20210038301Abstract: A microwave ablation system for treating tissue includes an antenna adapted for insertion into tissue, a microwave output stage, and a sensor component. The microwave output stage is adapted to generate microwave energy and is operatively coupled to the antenna to transmit the microwave energy into the tissue. The sensor component is operatively coupled to the antenna and operatively monitors the microwave energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventor: Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 10874327Abstract: A system includes an energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy, a treatment probe, an ultrasound imaging device configured to generate ultrasound images, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imaging device, and a tracking system configured to receive location information from the first and second tracking sensors and to overlay the ultrasound images with a graphical representation of the treatment probe on a display based on the location information. The treatment probe includes an antenna configured to treat tissue with the therapeutic energy and a first tracking sensor integrated in the antenna and configured to track a location of a distal tip of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Morgan L. Hill, Jeetendra S. Bharadwaj, Flor De Maria R. Nonalaya, Eric W. Larson, Kathy E. Rooks, Richard A. Willyard, Robert J. Behnke, II, Nikhil P. Mankar, Darren G. Girotto
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Patent number: 10869650Abstract: A system includes a treatment probe, a first tracking sensor configured to track a location of the treatment probe, an ultrasound imager, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imager, and a tracking system. The ultrasound imager generates real-time ultrasound images. The tracking system receives location information from the first and second tracking sensors, tracks the location of the treatment probe and the location of the ultrasound imager, and displays the real-time ultrasound images and a representation of the treatment probe in one or more pre-stored images.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Morgan L. Hill, Eric W. Larson, Jeetendra Bharadwaj, Nikhil P. Mankar, Robert J. Behnke, II, Casey M. Ladtkow, William J. Dickhans, Arlen J. Reschke
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Patent number: 10828100Abstract: A microwave ablation system for treating tissue includes at least first and second antennas, a microwave output stage, and a sensor component. The at least first and second antennas are adapted for insertion into tissue. The microwave output stage is adapted to generate microwave energy and is operatively coupled to at least the first antenna to transmit the microwave energy into the tissue. The sensor component is operatively coupled to the first and second antennas and operatively monitors the microwave energy therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Robert J. Behnke
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Publication number: 20200268446Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes a generator including a first energy source, a second energy source and a diplexer, the diplexer multiplexes a first energy from the first energy source and a second energy from the second energy source. The system also includes a cable including a center conductor and an outer sheath where the multiplexed energy is transmitted through the center conductor. In addition an antenna is provided that is operable to receive the multiplexed energy from the center conductor and to deliver the multiplexed energy to a region of tissue. The outer sheath acts as a return path of the second energy to the second energy source. A sensor is also provided that measures at least one parameter of the second energy generated by the second energy source and the second energy returned from the region of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventor: Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 10682173Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to measure, collect and record data pertaining to a characteristic of tissue as the tissue is being electrosurgically treated. A tuner configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator includes a tuning circuit providing a load having a variable complex impedance for the electrosurgical generator when the electrosurgical generator is connected thereto. A controller including stored data pertaining to impedance values is in operable communication with the electrosurgical generator for retrieving the recorded data pertaining to the characteristic of tissue. The controller is in operable communication with the tuner for varying a complex impedance of the load. The controller configured to compare the recorded data pertaining to the at least one characteristic of tissue with the stored data pertaining to the plurality of impedance values and to adjust the tuner to one of the plurality of impedance values.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Peter L. Valentyik, Scott E.M. Frushour
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Patent number: 10675090Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes a generator including a first energy source, a second energy source and a diplexer, the diplexer multiplexes a first energy from the first energy source and a second energy from the second energy source. The system also includes a cable including a center conductor and an outer sheath where the multiplexed energy is transmitted through the center conductor. In addition an antenna is provided that is operable to receive the multiplexed energy from the center conductor and to deliver the multiplexed energy to a region of tissue. The outer sheath acts as a return path of the second energy to the second energy source. A sensor is also provided that measures at least one parameter of the second energy generated by the second energy source and the second energy returned from the region of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Robert J. Behnke, II
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Publication number: 20190350637Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an RF output stage, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, first and second log amplifiers, and a controller. The RF output stage is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of the electrosurgical energy and generate a current signal corresponding to the current of the electrosurgical energy. The first log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the current signal. The voltage sensor is configured to sense a voltage of the electrosurgical energy and generate a voltage signal in response thereto. The second log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the voltage signal. The controller is configured to receive the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal and operatively control the generation of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Donald W. Heckel, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 10376301Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an RF output stage, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, first and second log amplifiers, and a controller. The RF output stage is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of the electrosurgical energy and generate a current signal corresponding to the current of the electrosurgical energy. The first log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the current signal. The voltage sensor is configured to sense a voltage of the electrosurgical energy and generate a voltage signal in response thereto. The second log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the voltage signal. The controller is configured to receive the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal and operatively control the generation of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Donald W. Heckel, Robert J. Behnke, II
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Patent number: 10338115Abstract: A digital measurement system includes an oscillator, a mixer, and a controller coupled to each other. The oscillator provides a reference signal having a second frequency. The mixer generates a down-converted signal based on the output signal and the reference signal. The controller then determines a characteristic of the output signal (e.g., frequency or phase) based on the down-converted signal. An analog measurement system includes a filter having a center frequency, a rectifier, and a controller. The filter filters the output signal and the rectifier rectifies the filtered signal. The controller samples the rectified signal and determines a characteristic of the output signal based on the level of the rectified signal. The reference signal controller may adjust a characteristic of the output signal based on the determined frequency and/or phase of the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Wayne L. Moul, Robert J. Behnke, II, Scott E. M. Frushour, Jeffrey L. Jensen
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Publication number: 20190004099Abstract: A digital measurement system includes an oscillator, a mixer, and a controller coupled to each other. The oscillator provides a reference signal having a second frequency. The mixer generates a down-converted signal based on the output signal and the reference signal. The controller then determines a characteristic of the output signal (e.g., frequency or phase) based on the down-converted signal. An analog measurement system includes a filter having a center frequency, a rectifier, and a controller. The filter filters the output signal and the rectifier rectifies the filtered signal. The controller samples the rectified signal and determines a characteristic of the output signal based on the level of the rectified signal. The reference signal controller may adjust a characteristic of the output signal based on the determined frequency and/or phase of the output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: WAYNE L. MOUL, ROBERT J. BEHNKE, II, SCOTT E.M. FRUSHOUR, JEFFREY L. JENSEN