Patents by Inventor Russell D. Hempstead

Russell D. Hempstead 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: 20230346410
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11730504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11707313
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 11523862
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
  • Patent number: 11007000
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Patent number: 11000308
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20210038286
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
  • Publication number: 20200253627
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10729458
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10639053
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10639094
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Eric R. Larson, Russell D. Hempstead, John J. Kappus
  • Publication number: 20190336201
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20190314078
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: KEIR HART, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, EDWARD M. CHOJIN
  • Patent number: 10376306
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Duane E. Kerr, James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Allan J. Evans, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Mark J. Huseman, Daniel A. Joseph, Arlen J. Reschke, Robert M. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10342597
    Abstract: A jaw member includes a seal plate and a jaw housing configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps. The seal plate includes a top surface and a tab. A first portion of the tab extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface and a second portion of the tab extends substantially parallel to the top surface to define a cavity between the tab and the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Edward M. Chojin
  • Patent number: 10335181
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, John J. Kappus, Duane E. Kerr, Eric R. Larson, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross
  • Patent number: 10327834
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joanna Ackley, James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Gary M. Couture, James S. Cunningham, David M. Garrison, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. O'Neill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Publication number: 20180256191
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20180185084
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. DEBORSKI, RUSSELL D. HEMPSTEAD, KEIR HART
  • Patent number: 9987034
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: 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