Patents by Inventor Terry A. McFarland
Terry A. McFarland 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: 10136939Abstract: Devices and methods for applying energy to tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a monopolar end effector, a cannulated, insulated outer sheath, a translating nozzle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, and a handle portion coupled to a proximal end of the end effector. Various translating means, such as switches, thumbwheels, rings, and buttons, are associated with the handle portion, and are effective to advance the outer sheath to cover a distal end of the end effector and retract the outer sheath to expose the distal end of the end effector. The translating means are configured in a manner that allows a user to operate the translating means without having to adjust a location of the user's hand on the device. A variety of translating means are provided for, as are methods for cutting, coagulating, irrigating, and suctioning tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Adam Brown, Terry McFarland
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Patent number: 9861428Abstract: A medical device includes an end effector configured to apply bipolar energy to target tissue along a working portion thereof and a fluid control system to control the flow of a fluid produced when the end effector applies the bipolar energy to heat the target tissue. The fluid control system includes a fluid path element defining a fluid path, a distal fluid port configured to intake the fluid adjacent to the working portion of an end effector for transport through the fluid path, and a proximal fluid port configured to intake the fluid transported through the fluid path and to exhaust the transported fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Gregory A. Trees, Susan G. Arshonsky, Jonathan T. Batross, Chad P. Boudreaux, Edward G. Chekan, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig T. Davis, Alex W. Kiturkes, Terry A. McFarland, David A. Monroe, John M. Sarley, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John B. Schulte, Foster B. Stulen, Aaron C. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Tamara Widenhouse, David A. Witt
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Patent number: 9757186Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a feedback system. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector during a closure stroke between an open configuration, a first approximated configuration, and a second approximated configuration. The feedback system includes an indicator, the indicator transitionable between a first indicator position, a second indicator position, and a third indicator position, wherein the indicator is in the first indicator position when the end effect is in the open configuration, wherein the indicator is in the second indicator position when the end effector is in the first approximated configuration, and wherein the indicator is in the third indicator position when the end effector is in the second approximated configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, David A. Monroe, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Foster B. Stulen, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Catherine A. Corbett, Terry A. McFarland
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Patent number: 9566110Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, an actuator, and a spring assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw that pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The actuator is coupled with the second jaw to pivot the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The spring assembly is coupled with the actuator and is adjustable from a first position to a second position. The spring assembly compresses to resiliently bias the actuator to pivot the second jaw to the open position when the spring assembly is in the first position. The spring assembly compresses a smaller amount when the spring assembly is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventor: Terry A. McFarland
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Publication number: 20160166275Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Nicholas I. Kroscher, Tracy D. Lopes, Terry A. McFarland, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Neurohr, Daniel W. Price, Kip M. Rupp, Aaron C. Voegele, John A. Weed, III, Scott A. Woodruff
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Publication number: 20160135872Abstract: Devices and methods for applying energy to tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a monopolar end effector, a cannulated, insulated outer sheath, a translating nozzle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, and a handle portion coupled to a proximal end of the end effector. Various translating means, such as switches, thumbwheels, rings, and buttons, are associated with the handle portion, and are effective to advance the outer sheath to cover a distal end of the end effector and retract the outer sheath to expose the distal end of the end effector. The translating means are configured in a manner that allows a user to operate the translating means without having to adjust a location of the user's hand on the device. A variety of translating means are provided for, as are methods for cutting, coagulating, irrigating, and suctioning tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Patrick J. Minnelli, Adam Brown, Terry McFarland
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Publication number: 20150297286Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a feedback system. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector during a closure stroke between an open configuration, a first approximated configuration, and a second approximated configuration. The feedback system includes an indicator, the indicator transitionable between a first indicator position, a second indicator position, and a third indicator position, wherein the indicator is in the first indicator position when the end effect is in the open configuration, wherein the indicator is in the second indicator position when the end effector is in the first approximated configuration, and wherein the indicator is in the third indicator position when the end effector is in the second approximated configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, David A. Monroe, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Foster B. Stulen, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Catherine A. Corbett, Terry A. McFarland
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Publication number: 20150080879Abstract: A medical device includes an end effector configured to apply bipolar energy to target tissue along a working portion thereof and a fluid control system to control the flow of a fluid produced when the end effector applies the bipolar energy to heat the target tissue. The fluid control system includes a fluid path element defining a fluid path, a distal fluid port configured to intake the fluid adjacent to the working portion of an end effector for transport through the fluid path, and a proximal fluid port configured to intake the fluid transported through the fluid path and to exhaust the transported fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Susan G. Arshonsky, Jonathan T. Batross, Chad P. Boudreaux, Edward G. Chekan, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig T. Davis, Alex W. Kiturkes, Terry A. McFarland, David A. Monroe, John M. Sarley, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John B. Schulte, Foster B. Stulen, Aaron C. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Tamara Widenhouse, David A. Witt
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Publication number: 20150080876Abstract: A medical device includes an end effector and a fluid control system configured to control fluid generated when the end effector applies energy to target tissue and includes a fluid path element having one or more fluid paths. The one or more fluid paths include a distal fluid port positioned adjacent to a working portion of the end effector and a proximal fluid port fluidically coupled to a supply and transport element. The supply and transport element is configured to one of evacuate and supply fluid adjacent to the working portion of the end effector. The supply element may be operatively coupled to an activation element configured to activate the supply and transport element when end effector applies energy to the target tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Ethoicon Endo-Surgery, IncInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Scott R. Bingham, Craig T. Davis, Terry A. McFarland, John B. Schulte, William B. Weisenburgh, II
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Patent number: 8906016Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable relative to the other to clamp tissue intermediate the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The instrument can further include an electrode configured to generate heat when electrical energy is supplied to the electrode and, in addition, at least one steam path within the electrode, wherein the at least one steam path is configured to vent steam generated when the tissue is heated by the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Terry A. McFarland
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Publication number: 20140336628Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, an actuator, and a spring assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw that pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The actuator is coupled with the second jaw to pivot the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The spring assembly is coupled with the actuator and is adjustable from a first position to a second position. The spring assembly compresses to resiliently bias the actuator to pivot the second jaw to the open position when the spring assembly is in the first position. The spring assembly compresses a smaller amount when the spring assembly is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Terry A. McFarland
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Publication number: 20140222054Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Nicholas I. Kroscher, Tracy D. Lopes, Terry A. McFarland, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Neurohr, Daniel W. Price, Kip M. Rupp, Aaron C. Voegele, John A. Weed, III, Scott A. Woodruff
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Publication number: 20110087209Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable relative to the other to clamp tissue intermediate the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The instrument can further include an electrode configured to generate heat when electrical energy is supplied to the electrode and, in addition, at least one steam path within the electrode, wherein the at least one steam path is configured to vent steam generated when the tissue is heated by the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Terry A. McFarland
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Patent number: 7591716Abstract: A notch-locating fixture for forming notches at predetermined locations along a needle wire used in a surgical suturing apparatus includes a base having at least one semi-circular recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the needle wire. The fixture also includes a cover member including at least one aligned slot formed therein in a manner providing a grinding wheel with access to needle wire held between the base and the cover member. The fixture further includes a securing structure selectively coupling the base to the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William A. Crawford, Kenneth V. Moran, Terry A. McFarland
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Publication number: 20080200940Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Nicholas I. Kroscher, Tracy D. Lopes, Terry A. Mcfarland, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Neurohr, Daniel W. Price, Kip M. Rupp, Aaron C. Voegele, John A. Weed, Scott A. Woodruff, Cory G. Kimball
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Publication number: 20070277363Abstract: A notch-locating fixture for forming notches at predetermined locations along a needle wire used in a surgical suturing apparatus includes a base having at least one semi-circular recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the needle wire. The fixture also includes a cover member including at least one aligned slot formed therein in a manner providing a grinding wheel with access to needle wire held between the base and the cover member. The fixture further includes a securing structure selectively coupling the base to the cover member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: William A. Crawford, Kenneth V. Moran, Terry A. McFarland