Patents by Inventor Dale E. Whipple
Dale E. Whipple 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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Publication number: 20240164909Abstract: An implant system comprising a staple and a cage is disclosed. The implant system is secured to the bone by moving the staple rotationally and longitudinally whereby tines of the staple and opposing tines frictionally and mechanically engage or embed themselves in the bone side walls. For vertebral applications, the cage defines an upper surface plane, a lower surface plane and a cage surface angle between these two planes whereby the cage surface angle may alter an endplate surface plane of one or more vertebral body when the cage is implanted in a vertebral body. Implant systems may be configured for use as an interbody or intrabody implant system. The implant system may also be configured for use in arthrodesis procedures with other joints within the body. The implant system may further comprise an anchor frame or plate to further secure the cage and staple to the anatomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Applicant: Foundation Surgical Group, Inc.Inventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple, Michael Sherman, Charlie Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Marc Burel
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Publication number: 20240081794Abstract: An assembly of a surgical instrument includes an outer component of a first material and having an interior surface, an inner component of a second, different material and having an exterior surface, and a bonding agent. The inner component is inserted at least partially into the outer component to define a volume between the interior surface of the outer component and the exterior surface of the inner component. The volume includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the volume and a plurality of annular channels extending about at least a portion of a circumference of the volume. The bonding agent at least partially fills each longitudinal channel of the plurality of longitudinal channels and each annular channel of the plurality of annular channels to bond the first component with the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2022Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Andrew P. Bolognese, Ryan M. McEvoy, Dale E. Whipple
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Patent number: 11883300Abstract: An orthopedic implant system is disclosed comprising a staple and a coupling device configured to position tines on the staple relative to a bone to secure an orthopedic implant device to the bone. The orthopedic implant system may comprise the orthopedic implant device also having a wedge and a plate having an external surface configuration. The coupling device may couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the orthopedic implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tines are configured to engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the implant device may be used as an arthrodesis device, an intravertebral device or an intervertebral implant device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: NOFUSCO CORPORATIONInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20230414929Abstract: A surgical stimulation system includes a sleeve configured for releasable positioning about a portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument. The sleeve includes a sleeve body and a plurality of electrodes disposed on or within the sleeve body. A stimulation generator is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to generate electrical stimulation energy and transmit the electrical stimulation energy to the plurality of electrodes for stimulating tissue in contact with the plurality of electrodes. A surgical system includes the surgical stimulation system and the surgical instrument and a surgical method utilizes the surgical stimulation system to facilitate insertion of the surgical instrument through an opening in tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventor: Dale E. Whipple
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Patent number: 11849924Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a drive assembly coupled to an inner cutting shaft and configured to drive translation and/or rotation of the inner cutting shaft, a trigger coupled to the drive assembly and configured for manual actuation to drive the drive assembly, a vacuum generator configured to generate vacuum to suction cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator, and a tissue collection cartridge configured to engage the housing. The tissue collection cartridge defines a port configured to communicate with the vacuum generator such that the vacuum generator urges cut tissue from the vacuum generator through the port into the tissue collection cartridge. The tissue collection cartridge may include at least one histological agent disposed therein, may include a fill indicator configured to indicate a fill level of tissue within the tissue collection cartridge, and/or may include a latch configured to seal the port closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Dalia P. Leibowitz, Dale E. Whipple, Timothy J. Wood
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Patent number: 11806247Abstract: A vertebral implant device is described comprising a wedge, a plate having an external surface configuration and one or more plate tine, a staple having one or more staple tine and a coupling device. The coupling devices is configured to couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the vertebral implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tine are configured to frictionally engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the coupling device is a screw and a nut. In some embodiments, interchangeable wedges are used to provide multiple implant device configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: NOFUSCO CORPORATIONInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Patent number: 11806036Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes an end effector assembly including a proximal hub housing and a cutting member extending distally from the proximal hub housing, and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a handle housing, a drive casing extending distally from the handle housing, a drive rotor extending through and distally from the drive casing, and a seal ring disposed about the drive rotor. In an at-rest position, the seal ring is sealingly engaged between the drive casing and the drive rotor to inhibit fluid ingress into the annular space. Upon engagement of the end effector assembly with the handpiece assembly, a portion of the proximal hub housing is configured to urge the seal ring from the at-rest position to a displaced position wherein the seal ring is displaced from the drive rotor to reduce friction therebetween upon rotation of the drive rotor relative to the drive casing.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20230346570Abstract: An orthopedic implant system is disclosed comprising a staple and a coupling device configured to position tines on the staple relative to a bone to secure an orthopedic implant device to the bone. The orthopedic implant system may comprise the orthopedic implant device also having a wedge and a plate having an external surface configuration. The coupling device may couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the orthopedic implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tines are configured to stabilize the implant device in the bone with a compressive force. In some embodiments, the implant device may be used as an arthrodesis device, an intravertebral device or an intervertebral implant device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Foundation Surgical Group, Inc.Inventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20230329877Abstract: A vertebral implant system is provided comprising an upper staple, a lower staple and a vertical member. In some embodiments, the vertical member is a plate. In some embodiments, the plate further comprises an offset guide that defines an offset dimension to contribute to a correction of an alignment of a vertebral body. In some embodiments, the staple defines an offset dimension to contribute to a correction of an alignment of a vertebral body. In some embodiments, the vertebral implant system is configured to be installed from an anterior, oblique, or lateral angle to the vertebral body. In some embodiments, a self adjusting screw plate alignment system is provided comprising a bone screw having threaded and tip portions, a plate with a through hole, a locking element and a securing element configured to frictionally anchor the tip portion of the bone screw in the plate through hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: NOFUSCO CorporationInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20230310169Abstract: An implant system comprising a staple and a cage is disclosed. The implant system is secured to the bone by moving the staple rotationally and longitudinally whereby tines of the staple and opposing tines frictionally and mechanically engage or embed themselves in the bone side walls. For vertebral applications, the cage defines an upper surface plane, a lower surface plane and a cage surface angle between these two planes whereby the cage surface angle may alter an endplate surface plane of one or more vertebral body when the cage is implanted in a vertebral body. Implant systems may be configured for use as an interbody or intrabody implant system. The implant system may also be configured for use in arthrodesis procedures with other joints within the body. The implant system may further comprise an anchor frame or plate to further secure the cage and staple to the anatomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: NOFUSCO CORPORATIONInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple, Charlie Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Michael Sherman, Marc Burel
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Patent number: 11723778Abstract: A vertebral implant system is provided comprising a staple and a vertical member. In some embodiments, the vertical member is an adjustable member. In some embodiments, the adjustable member is configured to be adjusted by a small diameter tool or an electromagnetic mechanism. In some embodiments, the adjustable member is a strain inducer adjusted by a radio frequency receiver and transmitter. In some embodiments, the vertical member is a plate or a bracket. In some embodiments, the vertebral implant system is configured to be installed from an anterior, oblique, or lateral angle to the vertebral body. In some embodiments, a self adjusting screw plate alignment system is provided comprising a bone screw having threaded and tip portions, a plate with a through hole, a locking element and a securing element configured to frictionally anchor the tip portion of the bone screw in the plate through hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: NOFUSCO CORPORATIONInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20230091542Abstract: An orthopedic implant system is disclosed comprising a staple and a coupling device configured to position tines on the staple relative to a bone to secure an orthopedic implant device to the bone. The orthopedic implant system may comprise the orthopedic implant device also having a wedge and a plate having an external surface configuration. The coupling device may couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the orthopedic implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tines are configured to engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the implant device may be used as an arthrodesis device, an intravertebral device or an intervertebral implant device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: NOFUSCO CorporationInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20220338896Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a drive assembly coupled to an inner cutting shaft and configured to drive translation and/or rotation of the inner cutting shaft, a trigger coupled to the drive assembly and configured for manual actuation to drive the drive assembly, a vacuum generator configured to generate vacuum to suction cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator, and a tissue collection cartridge configured to engage the housing. The tissue collection cartridge defines a port configured to communicate with the vacuum generator such that the vacuum generator urges cut tissue from the vacuum generator through the port into the tissue collection cartridge. An auxiliary vacuum source is configured to selectively provide additional vacuum to increase suctioning of cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Nikolai D. Begg, Dale E. Whipple
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Patent number: 11439809Abstract: Methods for effectuating ovarian denervation include advancing a disruptor intravaginally to access an ovarian nerve and applying the disruptor to the ovarian nerve to denervate the ovarian nerve to limit ovarian sympathetic neural activity and control hormonal secretion.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Dale E. Whipple, Mireille K. Akilian, Nikolai D. Begg, Chad A. Pickering
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Patent number: 11413057Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a drive assembly coupled to an inner cutting shaft and configured to drive translation and/or rotation of the inner cutting shaft, a trigger coupled to the drive assembly and configured for manual actuation to drive the drive assembly, a vacuum generator configured to generate vacuum to suction cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator, and a tissue collection cartridge configured to engage the housing. The tissue collection cartridge defines a port configured to communicate with the vacuum generator such that the vacuum generator urges cut tissue from the vacuum generator through the port into the tissue collection cartridge. An auxiliary vacuum source is configured to selectively provide additional vacuum to increase suctioning of cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nikolai D. Begg, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20220211515Abstract: A vertebral implant device is described comprising a wedge, a plate having an external surface configuration and one or more plate tine, a staple having one or more staple tine and a coupling device. The coupling devices is configured to couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the vertebral implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tine are configured to frictionally engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the coupling device is a screw and a nut. In some embodiments, interchangeable wedges are used to provide multiple implant device configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Applicant: NOFUSCO CorporationInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20220104844Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece including a housing and a motor disposed in the housing. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to the handpiece. The motor actuates the end effector assembly. A temperature measurement assembly is in the housing. The temperature measurement assembly measures a temperature of the motor. The temperature measurement assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including an orifice extending through the PCB. An infrared (IR) sensor is on the PCB. The IR sensor transmits IR light to a temperature measurement location of the motor through the orifice of the PCB. The IR sensor detects IR light reflected from the temperature measurement location of the motor to determine a temperature of the temperature measurement location of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Aleksandar Marinkovic, Dale E. Whipple, Jordan A. Whisler
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Patent number: 11259936Abstract: A vertebral implant device is described comprising a wedge, a plate having an external surface configuration and one or more plate tine, a staple having one or more staple tine and a coupling device. The coupling devices is configured to couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the vertebral implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tine are configured to frictionally engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the coupling device is a screw and a nut. In some embodiments, interchangeable wedges are used to provide multiple implant device configurations.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: NOFUSCO CORPORATIONInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20210386556Abstract: A vertebral implant device is described comprising a wedge, a plate having an external surface configuration and one or more plate tine, a staple having one or more staple tine and a coupling device. The coupling devices is configured to couple the wedge, the plate and the staple whereby when the vertebral implant is secured in a vertebral body, the external surface configuration of the plate alters the relative orientation of a superior endplate surface plane and an inferior endplate surface plane of the vertebral body and alters the alignment of the spine. In some embodiments, plate tines and staple tine are configured to frictionally engage the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the coupling device is a screw and a nut. In some embodiments, interchangeable wedges are used to provide multiple implant device configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Applicant: NOFUSCO CorporationInventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple
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Publication number: 20210307958Abstract: A surgical system includes a fluid source including a fluid inflow tube, a fluid delivery device coupled to the fluid inflow tube and configured to deliver fluid from the fluid source into a patient, a surgical instrument, and a control box coupled to the surgical instrument. The control box includes one or more waste heat-generating electronic components and a heat pipe assembly disposed in thermal communication with the one or more waste heat-generating electronic components. The fluid inflow tube is disposed in thermal communication with the heat pipe assembly of the control box such that the heat pipe assembly conducts heat away from the one or more waste heat-generating electronic components and heats fluid flowing through the fluid inflow tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Paul F. Prokop, Jordan A. Whisler, Dale E. Whipple