Patents by Inventor Thomas Gilker

Thomas 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).

  • Patent number: 11123104
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David Keith Norvell
  • Publication number: 20190223907
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David Keith Norvell
  • Patent number: 10265095
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David Keith Norvell
  • Publication number: 20170189062
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David Keith Norvell
  • Patent number: 9486241
    Abstract: A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar has a hollow cannula with a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar also has a housing with a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall has an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes a first substantially rigid ring, a second substantially rigid ring, and a plurality of layered elastomeric members compressed therebetween. The first ring has a plurality of distally extending protrusions extending from a distal surface thereof, and the second ring has a plurality of proximally extending protrusions extending from a proximal surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Paul T. Franer, Michael S. Cropper, Thomas A. Gilker, Geoffrey C. Hueil, David K. Norvell, Brian J. Thompson, Aaron C. Voegele
  • Patent number: 9358041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Paul T. Franer
  • Patent number: 9033929
    Abstract: 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 a sorbent 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8870747
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay, Daniel H. Duke, Paul H. Kistler
  • Patent number: 8771307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker
  • Patent number: 8672890
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Rosemarie Elefante, Daniel J. Mumaw
  • Patent number: 8579807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: 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, Daniel H. Duke, Mark J. Bookbinder
  • Patent number: 8568362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20130030372
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David K. Norvell
  • Publication number: 20120330099
    Abstract: 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 a sorbent 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8273060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar E. Moreno, Jr., Patrick J. Minnelli, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel J. Mumaw, Rebecca J. Mollere, Randall Tanguay
  • Patent number: 8257315
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David K Norvell
  • Patent number: 8206411
    Abstract: A trocar sleeve includes a trocar cannula and a trocar housing having a housing member base and a housing member cover. The trocar cannula and trocar housing are mechanically interfitted to form a trocar sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the trocar cannula sits within the housing member base with the housing member cover sitting over the trocar cannula for securing the at least a portion of the trocar cannula within the housing member base. The trocar sleeve also includes a stop-cock valve mechanically interfitted between the trocar cannula and the trocar housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Thompson, Mark S. Zeiner, Thomas A. Gilker, Daniel H. Duke
  • Publication number: 20120116313
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. FRANER, Thomas A. Gilker
  • Publication number: 20120089094
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Paul T. Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Mark Tsonton, David K. Norvell
  • Patent number: 8147457
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Cropper S. Michael, Paul Franer, Thomas A. Gilker, Geoffrey C. Hueil, David K. Norvell, Brian J. Thompson, Aaron C. Voegele, Mark S. Zeiner