Patents by Inventor THOMAS W. MEISER

THOMAS W. MEISER 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: 20240041523
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: William H. Nau, JR., Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, Nathaniel M. Fried, Thomas C. Hutchens, Thomas W. Meiser, Luke A. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20230200838
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative surface. A second jaw member of the end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative surface of the first jaw member, and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and positioned to oppose the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, respectively, of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas W. Meiser, David J. Van Tol, Daniel A. Friedrichs, Rachael L. Kabala
  • Publication number: 20230124774
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative tissue-contacting surface. A second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to apply a first grasping force to tissue disposed therebetween. A slider is movable, independent of the first jaw member, between a retracted position, wherein the slider is disposed proximally of the first and second jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the slider extends about the first jaw member and urges the first jaw member from the approximated position further towards the second jaw member to apply a second, greater grasping force to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Thomas W. Meiser
  • Patent number: 11596476
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: Covidien LP, THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CARLOINA AT CHARLOTTE
    Inventors: William H. Nau, Jr., Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, Nathaniel M. Fried, Thomas C. Hutchens, Thomas W. Meiser, Luke A. Hardy
  • Patent number: 11589889
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative surface. A second jaw member of the end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative surface of the first jaw member, and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and positioned to oppose the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, respectively, of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas W. Meiser, David J. Van Tol, Daniel A. Friedrichs, Rachael L. Kabala
  • Patent number: 11564733
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative tissue-contacting surface. A second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to apply a first grasping force to tissue disposed therebetween. A slider is movable, independent of the first jaw member, between a retracted position, wherein the slider is disposed proximally of the first and second jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the slider extends about the first jaw member and urges the first jaw member from the approximated position further towards the second jaw member to apply a second, greater grasping force to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David J. Van Tol, Thomas W. Meiser
  • Patent number: 11490920
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The movable handle includes first and second cantilever spring arms and is movable relative to the housing between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The first cantilever spring arm is flexed upon movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position to bias the movable handle towards the spaced-apart position. The drive assembly is operably coupled between the movable handle and the end effector such that movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position moves the end effector from an open position towards a clamping position for clamping tissue. The second cantilever spring arm is flexed upon application of a threshold pressure to tissue clamped by the end effector to control an amount of pressure applied to tissue clamped by the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jason L. Craig, Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt
  • Patent number: 11478267
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces, and a second jaw member positioned including an ultrasonic blade body and defining at least one electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. The second jaw member is movable relative to the first jaw member between a first configuration, to facilitate transmission of ultrasonic energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members, and a second configuration, to facilitate conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas W. Meiser, Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard, Robert M. Sharp, James E. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210204969
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Patent number: 10980557
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20210065335
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: RYAN C. ARTALE, THOMAS W. MEISER, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, STEVEN E. BUTCHER, DENNIS W. BUTCHER
  • Publication number: 20210038308
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: William H. Nau, JR., Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, Nathaniel M. Fried, Thomas C. Hutchens, Thomas W. Meiser, Luke A. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20210007771
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The movable handle includes first and second cantilever spring arms and is movable relative to the housing between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The first cantilever spring arm is flexed upon movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position to bias the movable handle towards the spaced-apart position. The drive assembly is operably coupled between the movable handle and the end effector such that movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position moves the end effector from an open position towards a clamping position for clamping tissue. The second cantilever spring arm is flexed upon application of a threshold pressure to tissue clamped by the end effector to control an amount of pressure applied to tissue clamped by the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jason L. Craig, Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10813695
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William H. Nau, Jr., Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, Nathaniel M. Fried, Thomas C. Hutchens, Thomas W. Meiser, Luke A. Hardy
  • Patent number: 10792064
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The movable handle includes first and second cantilever spring arms and is movable relative to the housing between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The first cantilever spring arm is flexed upon movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position to bias the movable handle towards the spaced-apart position. The drive assembly is operably coupled between the movable handle and the end effector such that movement of the movable handle from the spaced-apart position towards the approximated position moves the end effector from an open position towards a clamping position for clamping tissue. The second cantilever spring arm is flexed upon application of a threshold pressure to tissue clamped by the end effector to control an amount of pressure applied to tissue clamped by the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jason L. Craig, Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20190216531
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative tissue-contacting surface. A second jaw member includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to apply a first grasping force to tissue disposed therebetween. A slider is movable, independent of the first jaw member, between a retracted position, wherein the slider is disposed proximally of the first and second jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the slider extends about the first jaw member and urges the first jaw member from the approximated position further towards the second jaw member to apply a second, greater grasping force to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: DAVID J. VAN TOL, THOMAS W. MEISER
  • Publication number: 20190216491
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces, and a second jaw member positioned including an ultrasonic blade body and defining at least one electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. The second jaw member is movable relative to the first jaw member between a first configuration, to facilitate transmission of ultrasonic energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members, and a second configuration, to facilitate conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: THOMAS W. MEISER, ANTHONY B. ROSS, ROBERT B. STODDARD, ROBERT M. SHARP, JAMES E. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20190216492
    Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative surface. A second jaw member of the end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative surface of the first jaw member, and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and positioned to oppose the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, respectively, of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas W. MEISER, David J. VAN TOL, Daniel A. FRIEDRICHS, Rachael L. KABALA
  • Patent number: 10327836
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Patent number: D938408
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: POPSOCKETS LLC
    Inventors: Altan Nahum, Thomas W Meiser