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).
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Patent number: 9820748Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas Wenchell, Philip C. Roy
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Publication number: 20170296318Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
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Publication number: 20170224514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Henry HOLSTEN, Thomas WENCHELL
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Publication number: 20170196563Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge, the cartridge and anvil sections clamping tissue therebetween. The first and second cam members are movable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners. A cam member supporting member fixed within the cartridge section has an upper surface on which the cam members are slidable. The upper surface of the cam member supporting member has a first upper surface portion on a first plane and a second lower surface portion in a different substantially parallel second plane such that the first and second cam members slide in offset planes on the upper surface to fire the fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Publication number: 20170172577Abstract: 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. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
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Patent number: 9655709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: William T. Kelly, Jason T. Iceman, Jay Breindel, Erik Carlson, Thomas Wenchell, Kayla Cloutier, Shane Reardon
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Patent number: 9636111Abstract: There is provided a variable size, uniform compression staple assembly for use in stapling differing thicknesses of tissues. The staple assembly includes a staple and a staple block for receipt of tissue penetrating tips of the staple. Upon assembly through tissue, the tissue penetrating tips of the staple lodge within the staple block to a depth inversely proportional to the thickness of the tissues being stapled. There is also disclosed an anvil configured for use with the staple assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9636010Abstract: An anoscope kit includes an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region. The distal region includes an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region. The intermediate region has an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9636113Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge, the cartridge and anvil sections clamping tissue therebetween. The first and second cam members are movable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners. A cam member supporting member fixed within the cartridge section has an upper surface on which the cam members are slidable. The upper surface of the cam member supporting member has a first upper surface portion on a first plane and a second lower surface portion in a different substantially parallel second plane such that the first and second cam members slide in offset planes on the upper surface to fire the fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9629741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Henry Holsten, Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9615827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
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Publication number: 20170020528Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Danyel Racenet, Thomas Wenchell, Keith L. Milliman
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Patent number: 9532781Abstract: An anvil and anvil delivery system is provided which includes a head assembly and a center rod defining a longitudinal axis. The head assembly defines a transverse axis and is pivotally secured to the rod and movable from an operative position wherein the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tilted position wherein the transverse axis defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A flexible tube is secured to the center rod which includes gradations along the length of the tube. The gradations are positioned to provide an indication of a length of the tube remaining in a patient during removal of the tube from the patient. An adapter is secured to one end of the flexible tube and to the center rod. The adapter is configured to secure the anvil assembly to the flexible tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas Wenchell, Philip C. Roy
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Patent number: 9463023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Danyel Racenet, Thomas Wenchell, Keith L. Milliman
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Publication number: 20160278766Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Roberto Pedros, Johana Molina
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Publication number: 20160278767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9421013Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nihir Patel, Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9364231Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Thomas Wenchell
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Patent number: 9358010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Thomas Wenchell, Roberto Pedros, Johana Molina
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Patent number: 9358006Abstract: A surgical stapling device an elongated body portion having proximal and distal portions, and a head portion positioned adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion. The head portion includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly between un-approximated and approximated positions. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head connected to the center rod. The center rod includes at least one aperture extending transversely therethrough and configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such that the flexible member extends transversely through the center rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Keith L. Milliman, Thomas R. Hessler, Thomas Wenchell