Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Drochner
Thomas E. Drochner 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: 11446154Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, Jr., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
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Publication number: 20220273453Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, JR., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
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Patent number: 11304717Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 11253308Abstract: A colpotomy system includes an energy source and a uterine manipulator that is electrically coupled to the energy source. The uterine manipulator supports a colpotomy cup and extends to a conductive distal tip portion. The colpotomy cup includes a conductive surface. One or both of the conductive distal tip portion and the conductive surface of the colpotomy cup are configured to return monopolar energy to the energy source.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Nikolai D. Begg, Jason G. Weihe, James D. Allen, IV, Ansel Dow, Thomas E. Drochner, Stuart R. Hart, Michael B. Lyons, Scott J. Prior, John R. Twomey
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Publication number: 20220039885Abstract: An end effector for a wristed surgical instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member coupled to the first jaw member by a pivot pin, an actuation string, and a blade supported between the first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members are positioned to pivot and articulate about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin. The blade is secured to the actuation string and movable relative to the first and second jaw members to sever tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members in response to actuation of the actuation string.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: John A. Hammerland, III, Thomas E. Drochner
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Publication number: 20220008121Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, JR., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
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Publication number: 20210393250Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, JR., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
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Publication number: 20210353325Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Matthew S. Cowley, Michael B. Lyons
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Publication number: 20210353324Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: James R. Fagan, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons, David J. Van Tol, Matthew S. Cowley
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Patent number: 11141143Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, Jr., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
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Patent number: 11090082Abstract: A colpotomy system includes a colpotomy cup that extends to a distal surface and defines a longitudinal axis. The colpotomy system further includes a cutter operably coupled to the colpotomy cup and configured to travel along an arcuate path defined about the distal surface of the colpotomy cup. The cutter actuatable to separate a uterus from a vagina as the cutter rotates about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Jason G. Weihe, James D. Allen, IV, Ansel Dow, Thomas E. Drochner, Stuart R. Hart, Michael B. Lyons, Scott J. Prior, John R. Twomey
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Publication number: 20210068983Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC.Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
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Patent number: 10869682Abstract: A surgical system includes an attaching device having an end effector disposed at the distal end thereof. The end effector includes a support member, a wrist pivot pivotably coupling the end effector to the attaching device, and first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another and the support member. A first cable is operably coupled to the wrist pivot and configured to articulate the end effector relative to the attaching device. Second and third cables are operably coupled to the jaw members and configured to pivot the jaw members relative to the support member. A first actuation of the second and third cables collectively pivots the first and second jaw members relative to the support member. A second actuation of the second and third cables pivots the first and second jaw members relative to one another and the support member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, James D. Allen, IV, Gary M. Couture, William H. Nau, Jr., Robert M. Sharp, David J. Van Tol
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Patent number: 10863976Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, Jr., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
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Publication number: 20200352560Abstract: A tissue closure system for closing vaginal tissue includes a tissue closure device having an end effector supporting one or more sutures securable to vaginal tissue. The one or more sutures may be separated from the end effector and tied to the vaginal tissue. The tissue closure system may include a tissue approximation device configured to apply negative pressure to vaginal tissue for approximating portions of the vaginal tissue together.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons
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Patent number: 10828174Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, James P. Duncan
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Publication number: 20200297369Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp
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Patent number: 10751044Abstract: A tissue closure system for closing vaginal tissue includes a tissue closure device having an end effector supporting one or more sutures securable to vaginal tissue. The one or more sutures may be separated from the end effector and tied to the vaginal tissue. The tissue closure system may include a tissue approximation device configured to apply negative pressure to vaginal tissue for approximating portions of the vaginal tissue together.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Scott J. Prior, Thomas E. Drochner, Michael B. Lyons
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Publication number: 20200205834Abstract: A surgical instrument for forming an end-to-end anastomosis includes first and second handles each supporting a shaft at a distal end thereof. The proximal ends of each shaft are coupled about a pivot such that movement of the handles correspondingly moves the distal ends of each shaft. A release mechanism is included that is actuatable to pivot a pair of bifurcated legs of each shaft between a first position for receiving first and second vessels and a second position that facilitate release of the respective first and second vessels. First and second posts are supported on each distal end and are configured to support an end of the respective first and second vessels thereon. The posts are adapted to connect to an electrical generator for communicating energy through each end of each respective first and second vessel to form an anastomotic seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventor: Thomas E. Drochner
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Patent number: 10682154Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas E. Drochner, David J. Van Tol, Duane E. Kerr, Gary M. Couture, James D. Allen, IV, Robert M. Sharp