Patents by Inventor Scott J. Prior

Scott J. Prior 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: 20210244460
    Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, a return lead, an electrical insulator, a center pin, and an active lead. The center pin extends from the base portion and through a lumen of the electrical insulator. The active lead is securely fixed to the base portion and extends between the base portion and a distal portion of the center pin such that a portion of the active lead extends around the distal portion of the center pin and first and second segments of the active lead are spaced apart from the return lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Brian J. Creston, Christopher M. Meehan, Amy Kung, Ernest A. Addi, Jacob C. Baril, Thomas A. Zammataro, Saumya Banerjee, Ronald L. Green
  • Patent number: 11083443
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes a tubular body defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the tubular body, and a specimen bag affixed to a support mechanism at the distal portion of the inner shaft. In embodiments, the specimen bag has an opening capable of being closed by linkage assembly after placement of tissue therein, but prior to removal of the device from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 11083490
    Abstract: A system includes an access cannula, a deployment cannula having a plurality of engagement arms, and a containment bag. The deployment cannula is slidable within the access cannula between an initial condition, wherein the engagement arms are retained in a contracted configuration, and a deployed condition, wherein the engagement arms are disposed in an expanded configuration. The containment bag includes an open end portion configured to receive the first elongated tubular member and the second elongated tubular member. In the initial condition, a portion of the containment bag towards the open end portion is positioned adjacent at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member. In the deployed condition, the portion of the containment bag is expanded such that the portion of the containment bag is spaced-apart from the at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Paul D. DiCesare, Richard A. Cronenberg
  • Publication number: 20210236188
    Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, an electrical insulator extending distally from the base portion, a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal. The return lead is movably supported on the electrical insulator. The active lead is fixed to the electrical insulator. The return lead is rotatable about a pivot and translatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the electrical insulator and the active lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Matthew A. Dinino, Justin Thomas, Roy J. Pilletere, Saumya Banerjee, Thomas A. Zammataro, Scott J. Prior, Brian J. Creston
  • Patent number: 11076848
    Abstract: A guide member is configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11065051
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device for extraction of tissue includes a port having a specimen bag attached thereto. The specimen bag includes two openings: one opening attached to the port, and the other opening spaced from the first opening, which may remain open in a patient's body to permit introduction of a tissue specimen therein. The second opening may be closed after introduction of a tissue specimen into the specimen bag, and the tissue within the specimen bag may be broken up as it is passes out of the specimen bag and through the port of the specimen retrieval device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 11064984
    Abstract: A specimen containment device includes an actuation assembly, a bag assembly, a bag locking mechanism, and an articulation locking mechanism. The actuation assembly includes a handle assembly, an elongated member, a release rod, and a holding assembly. The bag locking mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and enables the actuation assembly to selectively retain the bag assembly. The articulation locking assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is configured to selectively lock the holding assembly in a first position where at least a portion of the holding assembly is disposed along a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Saumya Banerjee, Justin J. Thomas, Matthew A. Dinino, Roy J. Pilletere, George S. Matta, Christopher M. Meehan, Amy L. Kung, Scott J. Prior
  • Patent number: 11051795
    Abstract: A tissue retrieval bag includes a brim selectively transitionable between a first configuration in which a bag mouth is biased open and a second configuration in which the brim is compressed. A bag body extends from the brim and defines a pouch for holding a tissue specimen. The bag body includes at least one spine operably associated with the brim. The spine reversibly furls and unfurls the bag body. A first release tab is operably coupled to the brim to contain the brim in the second configuration. The first release tab, upon release thereof, transitions the brim from the second configuration to the first configuration. At least one second release tab is operably coupled to the brim to maintain the bag body furled about the brim. Upon release of the at least one second release tab, the at least one spine unfurls the bag body from the brim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Saumya Banerjee, Scott J. Prior
  • Publication number: 20210153900
    Abstract: A uterine manipulator includes a cervical cup assembly having a cervical cup with an adjustable diameter to facilitate use of the uterine manipulator with patients having a wide range of cervical sizes. In embodiments, the cervical cup is formed from a plurality of slats that are connected to a base member by a living hinge. An actuator is positioned in relation to the cervical cup to move the slats towards or away from adjacent slats to vary the diameter of the cervical cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Danial P. Ferreira, Paul C. DiCesare
  • Patent number: 10980571
    Abstract: An occlusion device includes a body having a plurality of layers and defining a first diameter. Each layer of the plurality of layers is releasably coupled to a respective inwardly-adjacent layer. An outermost layer of the plurality of layers is removable from the respective inwardly-adjacent layer. Removal of the outermost layer reduces an outer diameter of the body from the first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Danial P. Ferreira, Paul C. DiCesare, Walter S. Shunaula
  • Patent number: 10980540
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly. The anvil retainer is movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions. A tube surrounds a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Scott J. Prior
  • Publication number: 20210100569
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a first shaft and a second shaft telescopically movable relative to the first shaft. The second shaft supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a tissue specimen bag supported by a first bag arm and a second bag arm. The first and second bag arms open the tissue specimen bag when the second shaft is in the deployed position. An insertion cap extends outwardly from the tissue specimen bag. The insertion cap retains the first and second bag arms at distal ends thereof. The insertion cap includes a release mechanism. The release mechanism releases the first and second bag arms from the insertion cap upon retraction of the second shaft from the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, AMY L. KUNG, MATTHEW A. DININO, BRIAN J. CRESTON, SAUMYA BANERJEE, THOMAS A. ZAMMATARO, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20210100540
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending therearound. A flexible bag brim is disposed within the cuff and is transitionable between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The flexible bag brim includes a cross section configured to facilitate both furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim when the bag brim is disposed in the second, expanded configuration and securing the tissue specimen bag in a desired furled configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, GEORGE S. MATTA, AMY L. KUNG, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, JASON T. MICKUS, SCOTT J. PRIOR, THOMAS A. ZAMMATARO
  • Patent number: 10932818
    Abstract: A removable seal assembly configured to engage an access device includes a body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The proximal portion defines an annular distally-oriented surface and the distal portion defines an annular proximally-oriented surface. The body is configured for positioning within an access device such that the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface engage opposing surfaces of the access device therebetween. An O-ring disposed about the body between the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface. The O-ring is configured to establish a fluid tight-seal between the body and the access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Saumya Banerjee, George S. Matta, Scott J. Prior, Christopher M. Meehan, Amy L. Kung
  • Patent number: 10918409
    Abstract: A morcellator include a housing, a knife, and a first auger. The housing defies a longitudinal axis and has an inner wall that defines a passage along the longitudinal axis. The knife is disposed about an inner wall of the housing and is secured to a distal portion of the housing. The knife extends distally from the distal portion of the housing. The first auger is disposed within the housing and has a first auger shaft and a first auger blade. The first auger shaft extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The first auger is configured to rotate relative to the housing such that the first auger blade moves tissue proximally through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Danial P. Ferreira, Henry E. Holsten, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10912586
    Abstract: A uterine manipulator includes a cervical cup assembly having a cervical cup with an adjustable diameter to facilitate use of the uterine manipulator with patients having a wide range of cervical sizes. In embodiments, the cervical cup is formed from a plurality of slats that are connected to a base member by a living hinge. An actuator is positioned in relation to the cervical cup to move the slats towards or away from adjacent slats to vary the diameter of the cervical cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Danial P. Ferreira, Paul C. DiCesare
  • Publication number: 20210030406
    Abstract: A tissue retrieval bag includes a brim selectively transitionable between a first configuration in which a bag mouth is biased open and a second configuration in which the brim is compressed. A bag body extends from the brim and defines a pouch for holding a tissue specimen. The bag body includes at least one spine operably associated with the brim. The spine reversibly furls and unfurls the bag body. A first release tab is operably coupled to the brim to contain the brim in the second configuration. The first release tab, upon release thereof, transitions the brim from the second configuration to the first configuration. At least one second release tab is operably coupled to the brim to maintain the bag body furled about the brim. Upon release of the at least one second release tab, the at least one spine unfurls the bag body from the brim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, SCOTT J. PRIOR
  • Publication number: 20210015508
    Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly extending from the outer shaft, an actuator associated with the housing, and an articulation mechanism operably coupled between the actuator and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation block supporting the end effector assembly thereon and is rotatable between first and second orientations to articulate the end effector assembly. A spring biases the articulation block towards the second orientation. An actuation sleeve is slidable relative to the articulation block, in response to actuation of the actuator, from an engaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is disposed about and retains the articulation block in the first orientation, to a disengaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is spaced from the articulation block such that the articulation block rotates to the second orientation to articulate the end effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Nikolai D. Begg
  • Publication number: 20200405371
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator having active and return terminals, an electrosurgical instrument including an active electrode, a return instrument including a return electrode, an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal of the generator, a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal of the generator, an active cable extending from the return plug to the electro surgical instrument, a return cable extending from the return plug to the return instrument, a connector cable extending from the active plug to the return plug, and a mechanical switch mechanism disposed within the return plug. The mechanical switch mechanism has a disengaged position in which the active plug is electrically disconnected from the active cable and an engaged position in which the active plug is in electrical communication with the active cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: SCOTT J. PRIOR, JACOB C. BARIL, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, SAUMYA BANERJEE, AMY L. KUNG, THOMAS A. ZAMMATARO, ERNEST A. ADDI
  • Publication number: 20200405372
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an active terminal, a return terminal, an active electrode, a return electrode, an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal, and a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal. The return plug is coupled to the return electrode and coupled between the active plug and the active electrode. The return plug is configured to break an electrical connection between the active plug and the active electrode when the return plug is not connected to the return terminal and to establish an electrical connection between the active plug and the active electrode when the return plug is connected to the return terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: JACOB C. BARIL, SAUMYA BANERJEE, CHRISTOPHER M. MEEHAN, AMY L. KUNG, SCOTT J. PRIOR