Patents Examined by Robert Long
  • Patent number: 10231732
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Ralph Stearns, John Beardsley, Philip Roy, Lee Ann Olson
  • Patent number: 10232498
    Abstract: A driving machine is provided to prevent clogging of a fastener in an ejection passage without increasing the total length of the ejection passage. A nail driving machine includes: a nose part forming an upper portion of an ejection passage through which a nail passes; a contact part being slidable along the nose part and forming a lower portion of the ejection passage; a driver blade striking a head part of the nail supplied to the ejection passage; and a guide part disposed in a lower portion of the nose part and guiding the nail passing through the ejection passage. The guide part has a guide surface inclining to protrude from a radial outer side toward a radial inner side of the ejection passage. A housing groove is formed in the contact part and the guide part enters the housing groove when the contact part slides along the nose part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Koki Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Nishida, Yoshimitsu Iijima, Masaya Nagao
  • Patent number: 10231734
    Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector including an anvil, a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples, and a compression mechanism that movably couples the anvil to the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Thompson, Ben Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Mark Steven Ortiz
  • Patent number: 10232966
    Abstract: A packaging machine forms, fills and seals a mixing pouch that includes a first compartment containing a liquid ingredient and a second compartment containing a light powdered ingredient with a breakable seal, preferably formed by an adhesive heat seal, between the two compartments to separate the two ingredients. The machine creates a breakable seal that can be ruptured to form a common interior cavity and allow the mixing of the two ingredients to create a mixed product. One end of the mixing pouch can be formed with a dispenser through which the mixed product is discharged for use. The mixing pouch is a flexible plastic member formed from two opposing plastic sheets, sealed through heat dies and supplied with powdered and liquid components before being completed. The operation of the machine is automated and powered through pneumatic cylinders. Alternatively, the compartments could be filled with different liquid components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Jaouen
  • Patent number: 10227203
    Abstract: A rotary-type film folding machine comprises a feeding mechanism providing a tubular material for a folding mechanism in an axial direction, with a first driving mechanism driving the feeding mechanism to operate; a folding mechanism folding the tubular material delivered by the feeding mechanism, with a second driving mechanism driving the rotation of an outer sheath of the folding mechanism; a pressing mechanism pressing the tubular material folded by the folding mechanism, with a third driving mechanism driving the rotation of a first inner rotor for rotating the pressing mechanism and the folding mechanism; said pressing mechanism being driven by a fourth driving mechanism to move up and down; and the operations of the first, second, third and fourth driving mechanisms are controlled by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TAIZHOU LIFENG MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yu Ye
  • Patent number: 10220493
    Abstract: A power tool is provided that includes a motor housing, an output head, a pinion, at least one pin, and at least first and second rings. The output head includes a rotatable output spindle and extends from the motor housing which extends longitudinally along a first axis. The pinion is located in the output head, is coupled to a drive force, and rotates about the first axis to rotate the rotatable output shaft. The at least one pin is located in the output head. The first ring is coupled to the pinion and rotatable about the first axis with the pinion. The second ring engages, and is movable longitudinally along the first axis relative to, the at least one pin. The second ring is not rotatable about the first axis. Rather, the second ring is movable toward and away from the first ring along the first axis, and selectively engagable with the first ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Warren A. Seith, Aaron Crescenti
  • Patent number: 10213262
    Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10214305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly machine adapted to assemble caps (3) onto spouts (2) and a method of assembling caps onto spouts, wherein use is made of such an assembly machine. The assembly machine comprises a spout supply (10), a cap supply (20) and a frame comprising a cap guide arc (30). The frame further comprises a turret assembly (40) comprising a circular spout transporter (41), a cap positioning element (42) provided above the cap guide arc (30) and a cap assembly unit (43) provided above the spout transporter (41). The cap assembly unit (43) is adapted to pick up the cap at a pick-up position (C) and assemble the cap onto the spout at an assembly position (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
    Inventors: Laurens Last, Willem Jan Adriaan Oosterling
  • Patent number: 10213198
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body having fastener cavities, fasteners removably positioned in the fastener cavities, a layer of material releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, a connector configured to secure the layer of material to the cartridge body at a location distal to at least one fastener cavity, and an actuator. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. When actuated, the actuator can overcome the connector, and can overcome the connector prior to the removal of the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The actuator can be actuated at a location proximal to at least one fastener cavity, and can extend distally past at least one fastener cavity toward the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Michael J. Vendely, Lauren S. Weaner, Brandon J. Lloyd, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10207378
    Abstract: A fluid-powered high-speed spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end defined by a shank and a lower end accepting a tool. The spindle includes a body (120), a rotatable shaft (530) supported by at least one bearing (508) within the body (120), a seal housing (150) connected to the body (120) at the lower end thereof, a cover (180) connected to the seal housing (150) at the lower end thereof, a fluid channel system for directing fluid from an entry port (102) to a nozzle (576) for turning a turbine (570) attached to the shaft (530); and a flinger (660) attached to the shaft (530) and positioned above the turbine (570). The flinger (660) and the seal housing (150) combine to form a non-contact seal (900) configured to impede the flow of fluid toward the at least one bearing (508).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Colibri Spindles Ltd.
    Inventors: Aviad Dotan, Tanya Frumson, Avigdor Angel, Baruch Books, Oren Harpaz, Gil Perlberg
  • Patent number: 10206387
    Abstract: A method for cryopreservation of biological material where a sample of a biological material is inserted into a packaging having two substantially parallel walls spaced from 2.5 mm apart or less, the walls connected to each other along a substantially part of their periphery and including a plurality of internal ridges for directing the flow of material through the packaging. After the material is evenly distributed in the package, the material is frozen for cryopreservation of biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cryogenetics AS
    Inventor: Elisabeth Kommisrud
  • Patent number: 10201893
    Abstract: A striking-mechanism body of a handheld power tool at least a first part of the striking-mechanism body, having an impact surface and/or a lateral surface of a first material, and a second part of the striking-mechanism body of a second material, and the first material being more resistant than the second material in terms of at least one material characteristic, the striking-mechanism body being configured as a one-piece steel body so that the first material and the second material are the same, and the first material of the first part body undergoes a heat treatment that differs from that of the second material of the second part of the striking-mechanism body, or the first and the second materials are different, and the first and the second parts are joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Hauptmann, Horst Stroissnigg
  • Patent number: 10201348
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to clamp tissue. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck, a plurality of staples, and a plurality of staple drivers. The deck faces the anvil. The staples are positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck. The staple drivers are configured to drive the staples out of the staple openings. Each staple driver of the plurality of staple drivers includes a staple driver body. At least a portion of the staple drivers further include a compressible feature extending from the staple driver body toward the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10194912
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue between the anvil and the lower jaw. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck, a plurality of staples, and at least one compressible feature. The deck faces the anvil. The staples are positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck. The at least one compressible feature extends toward the anvil. The at least one compressible feature is positioned along an outer region of the deck. The at least one compressible feature is configured to compress tissue against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10194908
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Duque, Thomas N. McNamara, Jeffrey A. Smith, Bennie Thompson, Ashley Wellman, Donald Frank Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10194913
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a tissue clamping system, a staple firing system, and a tissue cutting system. The systems of the surgical instrument can co-operate with one another to prevent the systems from being operated out of order, and/or prevent the systems from being operated in an undesirable order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Anil K. Nalagatla, Sudhir B. Patel, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10190604
    Abstract: A hydraulic hammer includes a power cell. A work tool is partially received in, and movable with respect to, the power cell. A sleeve is positioned in the power cell that defines a centerline. A piston is concentrically positioned in the sleeve and movable in the sleeve between a first position in contact with the work tool and a second position out of contact with the work tool. A magnetic guide system includes at least one of a first magnetic guide component disposed in the piston and at least one of a second magnetic guide component disposed in the sleeve that interact to produce magnetic repellent forces therebetween to urge the radial position of the piston towards the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dimitar Dostinov
  • Patent number: 10188386
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, and an indicator assembly. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which is operable to translate relative to the body to thereby adjust a gap distance between the anvil and a distal surface of the stapling head assembly. The indicator assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to translate in response to translation of the translating member relative to the body. The second member is configured to remain stationary relative to the body. The indicator assembly is configured to provide feedback indicating whether the gap distance is sized to release tissue from between the anvil and the distal surface based on positioning of the first member in relation to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: John P. Measamer, Christopher C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10188387
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin Sniffin, Mark Russo, Gregory Fischvogt, Jay Breindel
  • Patent number: 10182813
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, a handle assembly, and a latch system configured to operatively couple the shaft and handle assemblies. The latch system includes shaft and a handle lock members respectively connected to the shaft and handle assemblies for inhibiting operative uncoupling of the shaft and handle assemblies. The latch member has a cam surface and a latch member. The latch member is configured to selectively move from a locked position to a released position such that movement of the latch member causes the shaft and handle lock members to disengage and uncouple the shaft and handle assemblies. The latch member is further configured to selectively move from the released position to a removal position such that further movement of the latch member causes the cam surface of the latch member to engage the cam base and urge the shaft assembly in a removal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard L Leimbach, Tony Siebel, Brett E. Swensgard, Bryce Hansen, Mark D. Overmyer, Shane Adams, Brian Schings, Sol Posada