Ralph A Stearns

This inventor holds 100 USPTO granted patents and 10 published patent applications, plus 12 CIPO patents and 49 EPO patents, primarily in Surgical Devices (CPC class A61B17-3474). Top assignees: Covidien LP, Surgiquest, Incorporated, Tyco Healthcare Group LP. Active years: 1989-2025.

USPTO Granted Patents = 100 (Patent Applications = 10)

% Patents Active = 81.0

CIPO Patents = 12 (Patent Applications = 1)

EPO Patents = 49 (Patent Applications = 33)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.5

ph-index = 46

Forward Citations = 45,508(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 44,433(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

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Company Filing History:

Surgiquest, Incorporated

patents

21 out of 1,159

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

United States Surgical Corporation

patents

6. 3 out of 8

Spirol International Corporation

8. 1 out of 834,307

Other

patents

Years Active: 1989-2025

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Areas of Expertise:

Surgical Trocars

Gas Recirculation

Surgical Stapling

Smoke Evacuation

Gaseous Seal

Minimally Invasive

Filter Assembly

Multi-Port Access

Pneumatic Sealing

Surgical Gas Delivery

Automated Surgery

Tool Assembly

100 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 12357346 - System and method for improved gas recirculation in surgical trocars with pneumatic sealing (2025-07-15),

2. 12053573 - Multipath filter assembly with integrated gaseous seal for multimodal surgical gas delivery system (2024-08-06),

3. 12005183 - Systems and methods for conducting smoke evacuation during laparoscopic surgical procedures (2024-06-11),

4. 11559301 - Surgical stapling device (2023-01-24),

5. 11517310 - Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device (2022-12-06),

6. 11399824 - Surgical stapler with universal articulation and tissue pre-clamp (2022-08-02),

7. 11357502 - Surgical stapling device with independent tip rotation (2022-06-14),

8. 11224430 - Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device (2022-01-18),

9. 11224429 - Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device (2022-01-18),

10. 11202870 - Multipath filter assembly with integrated gaseous seal for multimodal surgical gas delivery system (2021-12-21),

11. 11202656 - System and method for improved gas recirculation in surgical trocars with pneumatic sealing (2021-12-21),

12. 11197968 - Surgical gas delivery device with internal gaseous sealing module and filtered tube set therefor (2021-12-14),

13. 11045196 - Staple drive assembly (2021-06-29),

14. 10960150 - Multipath filter assembly with integrated gaseous seal for multimodal surgical gas delivery system (2021-03-30),

15. 10959723 - Surgical stapler with universal articulation and tissue pre-clamp (2021-03-30),

Ralph Stearns, a resident of Bozrah, CT (US), is a highly accomplished inventor with an impressive number of 91 patents to his name. His latest patents demonstrate his expertise in the field of surgical devices.

One of his recent inventions is a surgical stapling device, which includes a handle portion, a central body portion, and a Specific Universal Linkage Unit (SULU). The SULU comprises various pivot points and articulation links, enabling the tool assembly to articulate around different axes. The handle portion incorporates a drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member in the tool assembly, making it a versatile and efficient surgical tool.

Another notable patent of Ralph Stearns is a tool assembly for a surgical stapling device. This device consists of jaw members, a clamping member with a knife blade, and a clamp apparatus. The clamping member can slide through the first jaw member, engaging both jaw members and enabling tissue cutting using the knife blade. The clamp apparatus ensures precise approximation of the jaw members, preventing any gaps beyond a specified distance.

Throughout his career, Ralph Stearns has worked with reputable companies in the medical field, including Covidien LP and CONMED Corporation. Collaborating with skilled professionals like Lee Ann Olson and David C. Racenet, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of surgical techniques.

Ralph Stearns' innovative patents in the surgical device field reflect his dedication to improving medical instruments and techniques. With a remarkable track record, his contributions have undoubtedly had a positive impact on the medical community.