Patents by Inventor Todd W. Sharratt

Todd W. Sharratt 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: 20200281683
    Abstract: An instrument that includes forceps. The forceps include a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a gripping section, and the second jaw includes a gripping section. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw is electrically conductive, the second jaw is electrically conductive, or both the first jaw and the second jaw are electrically conductive. The first jaw includes a first tissue stop that is centered on a medial plane of the first jaw. The tissue stop extends from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The first tissue stop is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of the gripping section of the first jaw, a proximal end of the gripping section of the second jaw, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Zane R. Ward, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 10722317
    Abstract: An instrument that includes forceps. The forceps include a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a gripping section, and the second jaw includes a gripping section. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw is electrically conductive, the second jaw is electrically conductive, or both the first jaw and the second jaw are electrically conductive. The first jaw includes a first tissue stop that is centered on a medial plane of the first jaw. The tissue stop extends from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The first tissue stop is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of the gripping section of the first jaw, a proximal end of the gripping section of the second jaw, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Zane R. Ward, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 10413683
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20170196648
    Abstract: An instrument that includes forceps. The forceps include a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a gripping section, and the second jaw includes a gripping section. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw is electrically conductive, the second jaw is electrically conductive, or both the first jaw and the second jaw are electrically conductive. The first jaw includes a first tissue stop that is centered on a medial plane of the first jaw. The tissue stop extends from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The first tissue stop is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of the gripping section of the first jaw, a proximal end of the gripping section of the second jaw, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Zane R. Ward, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20160038693
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 9174001
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20140121698
    Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing first and second fluids, comprising a cartridge, further comprising a barrel having a wall, a proximal end and a distal end. A first piston is disposed within the wall, extending distally from the proximal end. A delivery tube is disposed within the wall and fluidicly communicates with a first outlet. A first fluid chamber is disposed between the first piston and the delivery tube and fluidicly communicates with the first outlet. A second piston is disposed between the wall and the delivery tube. A second fluid chamber is between the second piston and the distal end, the second fluid chamber fluidity communicating with a second outlet. A transmission structure is operative to transmit force from the first piston to the second piston to thereby dispense the first and second fluids from the first and second outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20140114261
    Abstract: A method and device for dispensing a liquid from a tip includes a support structure, a cartridge, and a drive unit. The support structure is adapted for supporting a collapsible container having a connector end and a closed end. The support structure includes a liquid passage adapted for fluid communication with the collapsible container for selectively discharging the liquid. The cartridge includes an actuator selectively movable from a first position to the second position via the operatively connected drive unit. At least a portion of the actuator moves toward the connector end when moving from the first position to the second position. The actuator is adapted for gradually compressing the collapsible container from the closed end toward the connector end in order to discharge liquid droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin C. Geppert, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20140046294
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 8439929
    Abstract: A method of preparing a graft material for a bone surface at a surgical site includes providing a first syringe having continuous side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the syringe has a first end and a second end wherein the inner surface defines a chamber. An adapter is removably attached to the distal end of the syringe wherein the adapter has a throughbore in fluid communication with the chamber. A first selected amount of solid bone graft material is disposed within the chamber. A plunger is inserted into the chamber to define a selected volume between a distal end of the plunger and the second end of the first syringe. A second syringe containing a selected amount of a liquid biomaterial is attached to the adapter wherein the second syringe is in fluid communication with the adapter and the first syringe such that the liquid biomaterial is transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Sharratt, Cathy Miller
  • Patent number: 8303531
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a spray to a selected site on a patient includes a sheath having a through bore extending from a first end to a second end. A flexible multi-lumen tube is secured within the sheath and has a distal portion that extends beyond the second end of the sheath. A malleable wire is positioned within at least the distal portion of the multi-lumen tube wherein manual force is exerted upon the distal portion to position the distal end in a selected position by bending the malleable wire. A housing is attached to the rigid outer sheath and has a plurality of ports for engaging a multi-tube syringe and a port for injecting a gas into the selected site wherein each port is in communication with at least one lumen. A spray nozzle is removably attached to the distal end of the multi-lumen tube wherein the at least one liquid and the gas are discharged from the multi-lumen tube and into the spray nozzle such that the aerosol exiting the spray nozzle is effective in treating the selected site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 7753844
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical retractor comprises a support handle and a surgical retractor holding element pivotally attached to the support handle. A rod engages the retractor holder element at a position spaced from the pivotal attachment to the support handle with the rod being movable thereby pivoting the holding element to move the position of the retractor blade of the surgical retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Sharratt, Todd M. Bjork, Robert J. Ballantine
  • Publication number: 20090199848
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a spray to a selected site on a patient includes a sheath having a through bore extending from a first end to a second end. A flexible multi-lumen tube is secured within the sheath and has a distal portion that extends beyond the second end of the sheath. A malleable wire is positioned within at least the distal portion of the multi-lumen tube wherein manual force is exerted upon the distal portion to position the distal end in a selected position by bending the malleable wire. A housing is attached to the rigid outer sheath and has a plurality of ports for engaging a multi-tube syringe and a port for injecting a gas into the selected site wherein each port is in communication with at least one lumen. A spray nozzle is removably attached to the distal end of the multi-lumen tube wherein the at least one liquid and the gas are discharged from the multi-lumen tube and into the spray nozzle such that the aerosol exiting the spray nozzle is effective in treating the selected site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MICROMEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 7458933
    Abstract: A method of performing knee-joint surgery includes positioning the tibia and the femur such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is mounted to a surgical table. The skin and flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a retractor that is attached to the retractor support which is mounted to a surgical table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. LeVahn, Robert Ballantine, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 7320666
    Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg
  • Patent number: 7297107
    Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg
  • Patent number: 7264589
    Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 7125379
    Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg, Walter J. Dobrovolny
  • Publication number: 20040082838
    Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt
  • Publication number: 20040077932
    Abstract: An illuminating system emits light through a retractor. The system includes a tubular retractor and fiberoptic cable that is positioned in the tubular retractor and the fiberoptic cable is capable of illuminating at least an entire circumference of a distal end of the tubular retractor when attached to a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt