Patents by Inventor Dale R. Schulze
Dale R. Schulze 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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Patent number: 5728109Abstract: An improved method of forming a non-slip surgical knot for fastening tissue, and the knot prepared by the improved method, are disclosed. A partially tied knot which has a first loop and knot loops formed about the first loop to create a common loop core receiving the first loop is initially provided. The distal end of the suture filament from which the partially tied knot is made is passed through the tissue, and it is then fed through the first loop to form a tissue-fastening loop. The improvement involves pulling the first loop and a portion of the suture filament through the common loop core, thus eliminating the first loop and forming a distal loop positioned adjacent the common loop core. When this improved method is used to form the non-slip knot, a knot with a consistently high knot security can be formed without the need to provide a tension on the suture filament which exceeds the breaking strength of the suture.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Troy A. McMillen
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Patent number: 5704534Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument which has an articulation transmission assembly for remotely articulating an end effector of the instrument is disclosed. Ratcheting rotation of a compressible deck within a detent housing of the assembly from a first locked position to a second locked position causes axial movement of an elongated transmission member for the articulation of the end effector from a first position to a second position angled from the first position. Also disclosed is a flexible neck assembly for articulating the end effector of the surgical instrument. Neck ribs, each having an interior plate and an exterior dish, extend from a central longitudinal rib separating a pair of flexible neck portions of the assembly. A pair of transmission band assemblies, each having an interior articulation band and an attached exterior reinforcement band, reciprocate in opposite directions within side slots of the neck ribs in response to actuation of the articulation transmission assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Anil K. Nalagatla, Dale R. Schulze
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Patent number: 5697542Abstract: A surgical stapler having an end effector with a reduced stacking height for its components to decrease the diameter of a trocar cannula or other access device during minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The end effector includes an elongated channel containing a staple cartridge and an anvil movable toward and away from the channel. The anvil is movable to first, second and third fixed positions relative to the channel. The first fixed position is a closed position which eliminates clearance between the anvil and cartridge. The second fixed position is an open position for inserting tissue between the anvil and cartridge. The third fixed position is a clamped position where a tissue-clamping gap exists between the anvil and cartridge to properly clamp tissue. The elimination of clearance between the anvil and cartridge of the first fixed position of the anvil reduces the stacking height, and therefore enables the user to insert the stapler through a smaller diameter access opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Tim Knodel, Bryan D. Knodel, Anil Nalagatla, Dale R. Schulze
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Patent number: 5693051Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedance, thickness, compressibility, density, vascularity, etc., especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument provides two electrodes of different electrical potentials. One electrode is moveable with respect to the other electrode to vary the distances between the electrodes and thus the impedance of the tissue as presented to the generator. The electrode distances may be varied by an automated or user controlled device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, William D. Fox, David Yates, Anil Nalagatla
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Patent number: 5692668Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5680982Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Ethicon ENdo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5673841Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5673840Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5669544Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5653721Abstract: A surgical instrument which has override protection when excessively thick tissue is attempted to be clamped between opposed jaws of an end effector is disclosed. The instrument includes a frame, a shaft extending from the frame, an end effector connected to the shaft distal end which includes movable, opposed jaws for clamping tissue therebetween, a clamping trigger, a resilient spring element fixed to the trigger, an actuator which translates movement from the clamping trigger to the movable jaws for clamping tissue, and an engaging element which is biased by the spring element against the actuator. When routine forces are applied by the user as the clamping trigger is moved to clamp tissue between the jaws, the engaging element causes the actuator to move in a forward direction for corresponding movement of the jaws from an open to a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Ben Thompson, Dale R. Schulze
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Patent number: 5632432Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Joseph Paraschac, William D. Fox, Michael E. Setser, Kenneth S. Wales, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 5599350Abstract: An electrosurgical hemostatic instrument is provided in which the coagulation status of tissue engaged by two elements delivering an electrosurgical energy to tissue may be observed, and in which damage from thermal spread may be minimized. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a bipolar endoscopic clamping, coagulation and cutting device. The coagulation may be observed by exposed electrode tips at the distal end of the instrument, an open knife slot which permits the escape of vapor, plume, steam or smoke from the coagulation process, windows located in the first or second element through which coagulating tissue may be observed, indentation in one of the elements which exposes a tissue contacting surface of the other element; a temperature indication strip located on the distal end of the instrument, or a current indicator located on the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, James Giordano, David Yates
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Patent number: 5553765Abstract: A surgical instrument, illustrated as an endoscopic surgical stapler, includes first and second operating linkages respectively operatively connected with first and second operating levers pivotally mounted on a frame of the instrument. An improved mounting arrangement is provided for the operating levers in the form of first and second mounting bosses. The mounting bosses are formed separately in order to isolate forces exerted thereon by the operating levers attendant to use of the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Dale R. Schulze, Richard P. Nuchols
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Patent number: 5275323Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved surgical stapler that prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge. More specifically, this invention includes a simple, inexpensive mechanical locking mechanism which prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge by blocking the path of the firing and/or cutting means of the stapler.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Jon A. Sherman
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Patent number: 5209736Abstract: Trocar assembly devices that include trocar tubes of different diameters to accommodate small and large diameter implements for providing communication into an anatomical cavity and a unique method of utilizing such devices. The trocar assembly devices include an outer or larger diameter trocar tube and an inner or smaller diameter trocar tube. A distal end portion of the inner trocar tube is tapered and extends distally beyond a distal end portion of the outer trocar tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Randy R. Stephens, Dale R. Schulze, Gregory D. Bishop, Narinderjit Sambi, John M. Collins, George E. Selecman, Randall Sword
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Patent number: 5174487Abstract: A unique hernia repair stapler is described which allows the forming of staples to attach prosthetics to tissue, or to approximate herniated tissue. The staple is useful in endoscopic operations and may be rotatable or stationary. The stapler has a unique forming and ejecting mechanism; as well, there is the availability of a loading mechanism useful for both cartridges and magazines of staples. An improved staple shape allows for better staple alignment, especially in a multiple load device.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Rothfuss, Dale R. Schulze, Michael Moore, John MacLees, Paul A. Coletti
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Patent number: 5129570Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved surgical stapler that prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge. More specifically, this invention includes a simple, inexpensive mechanical locking mechanism which prevents refiring of a spent staple cartridge by blocking the path of the firing and/or cutting means of the stapler.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Jon A. Sherman
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Patent number: 5065929Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved two-piece surgical stapler having first and second mated pieces, and including a first and a second locking means that insure that the two pieces are mated when staples are being ejected.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1991Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Schulze, Jon A. Sherman, W. Michael Mereness