Patents Examined by Robert Long
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Patent number: 10292702Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a handle and an articulating shaft extending from the distal end of the handle. The articulating shaft includes a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section, and an articulating joint. An articulation control element is coupled with the proximal shaft section for articulating the distal shaft section relative to the proximal shaft section via the articulating joint. The applicator instrument includes an incompressible member interconnecting the proximal and distal shaft sections that maintains a fixed distance between the distal end face of the distal shaft section and the distal end of the handle as the articulating shaft moves between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration to ensure a consistent firing stroke.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cardinale, Danial Paul Ferreira, Doug Souls, Simon Cohn, Jianxin Guo
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Patent number: 10285698Abstract: A surgical apparatus including a tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly includes a chip assembly, a staple cartridge body, a support plate, and a jaw member. The chip assembly includes a first projection facilitating alignment and connection with a connector assembly of the jaw. The chip assembly further includes a second projection received in a recess in the staple cartridge body. The connector assembly and chip assembly include an electrical connection therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Kenneth Cappola, Lee Ann Olson, Frank Maffei
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Patent number: 10285694Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Frank J. Viola, Gregg Krehel, Guido Pedros, Michael A. Soltz, Robert DeSantis, Henry E. Holsten, Russell Heinrich, Michael Ingmanson, Philip Irka, David M. McCuen, Gene A. Stellon
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Patent number: 10278695Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a control handle having a forward-extending barrel and a stapling device at the distal end of the barrel, where the stapling device has a stapling head part, a stapler body part, and a hinge connection therebetween such that the stapling head part is pivotable relative to the barrel. The stapling head part has a holder region, opposite the hinge connection, configured for holding a surgical staple during positioning and implanting the staple. The proximal end portion of the stapling head part can be pivoted outwardly relative to the barrel to at least about 15° from an at rest position, juxtaposed with the stapler body part, to an active position for implantation of a staple into tissue in a generally proximal direction toward the control handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Inventor: Simcha Milo
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Patent number: 10271843Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated portion, a head portion, an approximation mechanism, and a lockout mechanism is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises a movable handle and a stationary handle. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, and comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The approximation mechanism comprises a drive member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is configured to longitudinally move the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member. The lockout mechanism is configured to selectively permit actuation of the movable handle to eject fasteners from the second jaw member. The lockout mechanism comprises a pin extending from the movable handle and is slidingly engaged with a slot in the drive member.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Stone Shi, Qianhong Yang, Shunhong Xu
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Patent number: 10273025Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterile filling comprises de-contaminating a needle penetrable surface of a device including a needle penetrable septum and a sealed chamber in fluid communication with the needle penetrable septum. A filling needle penetrates the needle penetrable septum, introduces substance through the filling needle and into the chamber and is, in turn, withdrawn from the septum. A liquid sealant is applied to the penetrated region of the septum. Radiation or energy is applied to the liquid sealant to cure the liquid sealant from a liquid phase to a solid phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: DR. PY INSTITUTE LLCInventor: Daniel Py
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Patent number: 10272557Abstract: A power tool for driving a screwdriver bit and a drill bit. The power tool may include a tool device and a clamping device. The tool device may include a motor, a tool housing for receiving the motor, an outputting shaft forming an insertion hole for being inserted by the screwdriver bit, and a driving shaft configured to drive the outputting shaft to rotate about a center axis and forming an insertion socket. The clamping device may include a clamping head configured to clamp the drill bit, a connector for connecting the clamping head with the tool device detachably, and a transmitting member configured to pass through the insertion hole and insert into the insertion socket so that the driving shaft drives the clamping head rotate.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: CHERVON (HK) LIMITEDInventors: Liang Chen, Wu Chen
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Patent number: 10271840Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes: a handle assembly; a jaw assembly comprising a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing; a drive assembly at least partially located within the handle and connected to the jaw assembly and the lockout mechanism; a motor disposed within the handle assembly and operatively coupled to the drive assembly; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller configured to control supply of electrical current to the motor and to monitor a current draw of the motor, wherein the controller is further configured to terminate the supply of electrical current to the motor in response to a rate of change of the current draw indicative of a mechanical limit of at least one of the jaw assembly, the drive assembly, or the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Parag Sapre
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Patent number: 10271848Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool assembly, the loading adapted to be coupled to the body portion. The instrument also includes a sensor tube movably positioned within the body portion, the sensor tube adapted to engage the loading unit and a load switch coupled to a microcontroller. The load switch is adapted to be actuated by the sensor tube when the sensor tube is engaged by the loading unit being inserted into the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Adam Ross, Michael Zemlok, Stanislaw Marczyk
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Patent number: 10265073Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes an anvil that is configured to form a plurality of staples pressed against the anvil. The first and second jaws are configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The staple cartridge is received within the second jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a plurality of staples. The deck has a plurality of staple openings. The staples are positioned within respective staple openings. At least one of the staple openings obliquely crosses a centerline of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10265070Abstract: A linear stapling and severing apparatus comprises upper and lower jaws, the lower jaw comprises a staple cartridge holder, a staple cartridge is arranged on the staple cartridge holder in a detachable way, and a cutter us movably arranged inside the staple cartridge. The apparatus also comprises a safety piece installed on the staple cartridge in an upper-and-down movable way. The cutter comprises a slot and a butting part. When the cutter is located are a near end of the staple cartridge and in a non-locked state, the safety piece prevents the safety piece from entering the slot. The cutter can complete a stapling and severing process. When the cutter goes back to the near end it is in a locked state, the safety piece is located at a second position that is clamped inside the slot to restrict movement of the cutter.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Suzhou Touchstone International Medical Science Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wangdong Chen, Tuo Shu, Yongwang Pei
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Patent number: 10265066Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, a firing assembly, a load sensor, and an indicator. The firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly to drive an annular array of staples through tissue toward the anvil. The load sensor is operable to sense a load in the firing assembly while the firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly. The indicator is operable to provide feedback based on the load sensed by the load sensor. The firing assembly may include a longitudinally translatable member. The instrument may further include a position sensor that is operable to sense a longitudinal position of the translatable member while the firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly. The indicator may be activated based on data from at least one of the sensors indicating completion or failure of a full actuation stroke of the firing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: John P. Measamer, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Brian W. Bear, Brian F. DiNardo, Christopher C. Miller, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10259606Abstract: Method for making a bundle (10) of the type comprising a plurality of containers (11) positioned along at least one row and wound in a heat-shrunk film (12) due to a heat-treatment effect; said method comprising the steps of: a) arranging a heat-shrinkable film (12) around said containers (11) ordered along at least one row in order to obtain an open tunnel (13) along the transverse direction (20) with respect to the longitudinal direction of advancement (20?), said open tunnel (13) identifying along said transverse direction (20) lateral over-edge portions (14) with respect to said containers (11); b) handling said over-edge portions (14); c) supplying said containers (11) and said heat-shrinkable film (12) to a heat-treatment device, so that said over-edge portions (14) are compacted to said containers for heat-shrinking; in which said step of handling said over-edge portions comprises the step of making said over-edge portions (14) at least partially adhere to said containers (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: OCME, S.R.L.Inventor: Carlotta Gatteschi
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Patent number: 10252828Abstract: A plant for filling and capping a container is disclosed. The plant comprises a transfer unit configured to feed the container along a feeding path. The transfer unit is connected to a filling drum via an outlet station, and connected to a capping drum via an inlet station. The transfer unit also has an outlet segment at the outlet station, which is straight and tangent to the filling drum, and an inlet segment at the inlet station, which is straight and tangent to the capping drum.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICOInventors: Federica Sorbi, Massimo Nascimbeni
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Patent number: 10251648Abstract: A surgical staple driver. A driver body is configured to be slidably supported in a surgical staple cartridge. The driver body comprises at least two staple support members. Each staple support member is configured to operably support a corresponding staple thereon. The driver body further comprises a first camming surface and a second camming surface that is spaced from the second camming surface. The driver body further comprises at least one aperture that is configured to slidably receive therein a corresponding driver guide formed in the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10251645Abstract: An end effector for a surgical fastening device is provided. The end effector includes a body defining a longitudinal axis, one or more fasteners, an anvil, and a pusher. Each fastener has an unformed configuration and a formed configuration. Each fastener includes first and second arms that extend in opposite directions. The first arm has first and second elbow segments. The first elbow segment is configured to bend as the fastener is formed. The second elbow segment is configured to remain unbent as the fastener is formed. The pusher is configured to advance the fastener distally through the body and into engagement with the anvil to form the fastener against the anvil.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
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Patent number: 10245030Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. An articulation cable is coupled to the surgical end effector at a point of attachment and is journaled on a proximal pulley that is supported on the elongate shaft assembly. The proximal pulley defines a proximal pulley axis that is located a tension distance from the point of attachment. An articulation driver is coupled to the articulation cable for selectively causing the articulation cable to rotate about the proximal pulley in first and second articulation directions. An adjustable tensioning assembly interfaces with the proximal pulley to selectively adjust the tensioning distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 10245031Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing and an end effector secured to the housing. The housing supports a knife assembly including a knife. The end effector has first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members define a knife channel. The first jaw member defines fastener slots and the second jaw member defines fastener pockets. One or more of the knife channel, the fastener slots, and the fastener pockets includes lateral recesses. Fasteners are disposed in the fastener slots and formed by the fastener pockets. One or more surgical buttresses have a body that overlies one or both of the fastener slots and the fastener pockets. Portions of the body of the one or more surgical buttresses are disposed within the lateral recesses to secure the one or more surgical buttresses to one or both of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Gerald N. Hodgkinson, Scott J. Prior
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Patent number: 10245029Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. The surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector is selectively pivotable about the articulation axis from an unarticulated position wherein the distal end of the surgical end effector is located an unarticulated distance from the articulation axis to articulated positions wherein the distal end of the surgical end effector is located a corresponding articulated distance from the articulation axis that is less than the unarticulated distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Sarah A. Worthington, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Patent number: 10245034Abstract: Tissue adhesions using surgical adjuncts and medicants are provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can have one or more medicants releasably retained therein that are configured to induce tissue adhesions. The adjunct can be configured to be applied to lung tissue in conjunction with surgical staples using a surgical stapler. Pleurodesis can be encouraged through delivery of the adjunct to the lung tissue.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Charles J. Scheib