Patents by Inventor Thomas Wenchell

Thomas Wenchell 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: 11559327
    Abstract: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 11464614
    Abstract: A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
  • Patent number: 11337696
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Patent number: 11311401
    Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 11051805
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a testing systems and methods for testing a powered surgical instrument. The powered surgical instrument includes a processor configured to control operation of the powered surgical instrument, a memory configured to store a tissue compression program, a reload configured to clamp tissue, a motor configured to control the reload to apply a compressive force to the tissue by the reload, and at least one sensor configured to measure a current draw on the motor. The processor executes the simulation program to measure the current draw on the motor through a nominal thickness firing and the measured current draw is used to adjust the tissue compression program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
  • Publication number: 20200188153
    Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
  • Publication number: 20200187941
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Publication number: 20200187980
    Abstract: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 10653421
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion device including a shaft with a head supported on a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a proximal end with an engagement member that is configured to frictionally engage a distal end of a surgical fastening apparatus such that an interference fit is created therebetween to facilitate selective detachment of the insertion device from the surgical fastening apparatus. The head has an atraumatic configuration, and is dimensioned to be received in a body orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas Wenchell, Philip C. Roy
  • Patent number: 10617415
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a body portion, a tool assembly, a mounting assembly, a retaining member, and an articulation member that is coupled to the tool assembly for articulating the tool assembly in relation to the body portion. The retaining member is engaged with the articulation member to prevent movement of the articulation member until the articulation member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Patent number: 10610258
    Abstract: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 10575977
    Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Henry Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
  • Publication number: 20190307542
    Abstract: A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
  • Patent number: 10376352
    Abstract: A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
  • Publication number: 20190053929
    Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Henry Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 10111772
    Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 10105135
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier is disclosed and includes a handle portion, a tubular member extending from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a drive member rotatably supported in the tubular member and in the handle portion, and a plurality of fasteners. The drive member is configured to rotate while in a deflected condition with respect to the longitudinal axis. The drive member includes a proximal portion, a central portion, and a distal portion, the central portion being relatively more flexible configuration as compared to at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion. The plurality of fasteners is disposed within the tubular member and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member such that rotational motion of the drive member causes distal advancement of at least one fastener of the plurality of fasteners through the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Roberto Pedros, Johana Molina
  • Patent number: 10092294
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Danyel Racenet, Thomas Wenchell, Keith L. Milliman
  • Publication number: 20180070947
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion device including a shaft with a head supported on a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a proximal end with an engagement member that is configured to frictionally engage a distal end of a surgical fastening apparatus such that an interference fit is created therebetween to facilitate selective detachment of the insertion device from the surgical fastening apparatus. The head has an atraumatic configuration, and is dimensioned to be received in a body orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas Wenchell, Philip C. Roy
  • Publication number: 20170360472
    Abstract: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert C. Smith, Thomas Wenchell