Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Hessler

Thomas R. Hessler 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).

  • Publication number: 20240023956
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) including a housing, elongated member, and a reload is disclosed. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 11717287
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20230047701
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) includes a replaceable cartridge assembly (44) having knife assembly (80) and an anvil assembly (42) including a cutting plate (52). The cutting plate (52) is configured be durable to maintain performance of the stapling device (10) over multiple firings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Xini Zhang, Thomas R. Hessler
  • Publication number: 20210212680
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10959726
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10575847
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hessler, Keith Milliman
  • Publication number: 20190150919
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10182815
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9888921
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9814463
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20170181748
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hessler, Keith Milliman
  • Publication number: 20170181741
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical stapler for applying a suture to tissue including an elongated tubular member, a first jaw positioned at the distal end portion of the tubular member and having a longitudinal axis, and a second jaw disposed in substantially parallel relation to the first jaw at the distal end portion of the tubular member. The second jaw is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis toward the first jaw, while maintaining the substantially parallel relation between the first and second jaws. A stapling assembly is disposed in each of the first and second jaws and configured to apply surgical staples to the tissue such that a suture, in combination with the surgical staples, forms a purse string with the tissue when the surgical stapler is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 9668728
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 9668729
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20170143345
    Abstract: A shroud is provided which includes a rounded atraumatic distal configuration. The shroud is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on the distal end portion of a surgical instrument. The shroud is movable between a first position in which a distal portion of the shroud extends beyond a distal end of a tool assembly of the surgical instrument and a second position in which the distal portion of the shroud is positioned proximal to the distal end of the tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 9629621
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical stapler for applying a suture to tissue including an elongated tubular member, a first jaw positioned at the distal end portion of the tubular member and having a longitudinal axis, and a second jaw disposed in substantially parallel relation to the first jaw at the distal end portion of the tubular member. The second jaw is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis toward the first jaw, while maintaining the substantially parallel relation between the first and second jaws. A stapling assembly is disposed in each of the first and second jaws and configured to apply surgical staples to the tissue such that a suture, in combination with the surgical staples, forms a purse string with the tissue when the surgical stapler is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 9629624
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hessler, Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 9597080
    Abstract: A shroud is provided which includes a rounded atraumatic distal configuration. The shroud is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on the distal end portion of a surgical instrument. The shroud is movable between a first position in which a distal portion of the shroud extends beyond a distal end of a tool assembly of the surgical instrument and a second position in which the distal portion of the shroud is positioned proximal to the distal end of the tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas R. Hessler
  • Patent number: 9566064
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Publication number: 20160157863
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna, Lee Ann Olson, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth M. Cappola, Thomas R. Hessler, Ernest Aranyi, Stanislaw Kostrzewski