Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Gerhardt

Thomas J. Gerhardt 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: 12402932
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20230165626
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 11576715
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator mounted for manipulation through an actuation stroke. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator through the actuation stroke. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator about a first circumference to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member about a second circumference such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20190239940
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator mounted for manipulation through an actuation stroke. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator through the actuation stroke. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator about a first circumference to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member about a second circumference such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventor: THOMAS J. GERHARDT
  • Patent number: 10265118
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator mounted for manipulation through an actuation stroke. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator through the actuation stroke. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator about a first circumference to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member about a second circumference such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 8670814
    Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
  • Patent number: 8529566
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
  • Patent number: 8430876
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120283729
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
  • Patent number: 8246619
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
  • Patent number: 8229533
    Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
  • Publication number: 20120123278
    Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
  • Publication number: 20110276049
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator mounted for manipulation through an actuation stroke. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator through the actuation stroke. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator about a first circumference to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member about a second circumference such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20110054469
    Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110054471
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle movable relative to a fixed handle operable to impart movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A rotating assembly is configured for rotating one of the shaft and end effector assembly about the longitudinal axis. The rotating assembly is supported in the housing and includes first and second drive. Each of the first and second drive wheels are selectively movable relative to the housing and configured such that rotation of the first drive wheel causes rotation of the second drive wheel and the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gerhardt, John J. Kappus, Larry Johnson, Wayne Siebrecht
  • Publication number: 20100324551
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle and an elongated shaft extending distally from the handle. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion coupled to the handle and a distal portion pivotally coupled to the proximal portion. An end effector is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft and is articulatable relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the instrument. A cam member is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis and configured to impart a force to the distal portion of the elongated shaft upon rotation of the cam member to effect pivotal motion of the distal portion of the elongated shaft, and thus articulation of the end effector. An articulation actuator is supported on the handle and is operable to impart rotational motion to the cam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20090143657
    Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
  • Patent number: 7483730
    Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
  • Patent number: 7340287
    Abstract: A flex circuit optical sensor has an integrated Faraday shield. A conductive trace layer disposed on a substrate is used to form a conductive grid which shields the face of a photodetector. A conductive ink layer is formed on a substrate side opposite the trace layer. The back and sides of the detector are shielded by flex circuit flaps that have the conductive ink layer but substantially exclude the trace layer so as to fold over and closely adhere to the detector body. The shielded substrate flaps advantageously eliminate a separate detector shield, which is typically fabricated with an etched copper part that must be attached to a flex circuit before mounting the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Gene Mason, Ammar Al-Ali, Thomas J. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 6985764
    Abstract: A flex circuit optical sensor has an integrated Faraday shield. A conductive trace layer disposed on a substrate is used to form a conductive grid which shields the face of a photodetector. A conductive ink layer is formed on a substrate side opposite the trace layer. The back and sides of the detector are shielded by flex circuit flaps that have the conductive ink layer but substantially exclude the trace layer so as to fold over and closely adhere to the detector body. The shielded substrate flaps advantageously eliminate a separate detector shield, which is typically fabricated with an etched copper part that must be attached to a flex circuit before mounting the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Gene Mason, Ammar Al-Ali, Thomas J. Gerhardt