Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Gilker
Thomas A. Gilker 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: 8100929Abstract: Seal assemblies, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for selectively promoting movement of fluid away from a central portion of the seal assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of a seal body of the seal assembly is configured to selectively promote such movement of fluid away from the central portion of the seal body toward a peripheral portion of the seal body. While various configurations, geometries, and dimensions are discussed, one example of such a configuration includes locating a central portion of the seal body at a more proximal position than a peripheral portion of the seal body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20110257598Abstract: Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Cesar E. Moreno, Rosemarie Elefante, Daniel J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 7976501Abstract: Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Rosemarie Elefante, Daniel J. Mumaw
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Patent number: 7918826Abstract: Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a trocar assembly is provided that can include a housing having a cannula that extends therefrom to define a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. The trocar assembly can also include a seal unit that is disposed in the housing. The seal unit can be generally configured to allow off-axis insertion of an instrument through the working channel without lateral movement of the seal unit. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the seal unit can be rotatably disposed in the housing and have at least one seal element that is adapted to selectively seal the working channel. The seal unit can also be adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the assembly and an axis perpendicular thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Glen A. Armstrong, Thomas A. Gilker
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Patent number: 7833199Abstract: A trocar comprising an alignment channel and an instrument seal comprising a bending portion and a base portion. The bending and base portions of the instrument seal are spaced relative the alignment channel such that when a surgical instrument is retracted the bending portion inverts and the lip does not enter the alignment channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David K Norvell
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Patent number: 7677392Abstract: A packaging device for a trocar assembly includes a housing member having a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member. The first sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. The second sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20100022958Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, JR., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
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Publication number: 20090270685Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer, Daniel H. Duke, Mark J. Bookbinder
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Publication number: 20090270817Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
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Publication number: 20090270686Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for maintaining visibility during surgical procedures. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a surgical instrument to maintain visibility during a surgical procedure using a protective element coupled to the surgical instrument. The protective element can protect a viewing element on the surgical instrument while the surgical instrument is being passed through an introducer device into or out of a body cavity (e.g., during insertion and/or withdrawal). The protective element can also optionally protect the surgical instrument's viewing element while at least a portion of the surgical instrument is disposed in a body cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel H. Duke, Mark J. Bookbinder, Randall Tanguay, Brian K. Farison, Daniel J. Mumaw, Cesar E. Moreno, Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20090270813Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, IncInventors: Cesar E. Moreno, JR., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
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Publication number: 20090270681Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Daniel H. Duke
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Patent number: 7597701Abstract: A lock assembly for use in conjunction with a trocar sleeve includes a lock assembly housing having an aperture extending therethrough. The lock assembly also includes a cam lever and an elastomeric block positioned within the lock assembly housing. The cam lever includes a first end pivotally secured to the lock assembly housing and a free second end that is adapted for user actuation, wherein rotation of the cam lever brings the elastomeric block into engagement with an instrument passing through the lock assembly housing for locking an instrument relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Ethican Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey C. Hueil, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20090149813Abstract: Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Cesar E. Moreno, Rosemarie Elefante, Daniel J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20090076456Abstract: Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a trocar assembly is provided that can include a housing having a cannula that extends therefrom to define a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. The trocar assembly can also include a seal unit that is disposed in the housing. The seal unit can be generally configured to allow off-axis insertion of an instrument through the working channel without lateral movement of the seal unit. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the seal unit can be rotatably disposed in the housing and have at least one seal element that is adapted to selectively seal the working channel. The seal unit can also be adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the assembly and an axis perpendicular thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Glen A. Armstrong, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20090005799Abstract: Seal assemblies, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for selectively promoting movement of fluid away from a central portion of the seal assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of a seal body of the seal assembly is configured to selectively promote such movement of fluid away from the central portion of the seal body toward a peripheral portion of the seal body. While various configurations, geometries, and dimensions are discussed, one example of such a configuration includes locating a central portion of the seal body at a more proximal position than a peripheral portion of the seal body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker
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Publication number: 20080171987Abstract: A trocar comprising an alignment channel and an instrument seal comprising a bending portion and a base portion. The bending and base portions of the instrument seal are spaced relative the alignment channel such that when a surgical instrument is retracted the bending portion inverts and the lip does not enter the alignment channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David K. Norvell
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Publication number: 20080097504Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip positioned at the distal end of the shaft, the tip including a distally extending blade structure adapted to reduce penetration forces required during insertion of the trocar obturator. The blade structure includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Keshava Datta, Thomas Gilker, Michael Cronin
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Publication number: 20070185453Abstract: A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar includes a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall having an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a first seal disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming conical shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: Cropper Michael, Paul Franer, Thomas Gilker, Geoffrey Hueil, David Norvell, Brian Thompson, Mark Zeiner, Aaron Voegele
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Patent number: D541417Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Thomas A. Gilker