Patents by Inventor Emily A. Schellin

Emily A. Schellin 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).

  • Patent number: 10624634
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise, one, a surgical instrument including a handle, a shaft comprising a distal end, and a trigger and, two, an end effector attachable to the shaft. The instrument can further include a firing member and a motor configured to move the firing member toward the distal end, wherein the trigger is configured to operate the motor. The surgical instrument system can further include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more error conditions, a plurality of indicators, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the indicators, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the indicators to indicate the error conditions detected. A surgical instrument can comprise a plurality of actuators and a plurality of actuator locks, wherein the controller can actuate one or more of the actuator locks to indicate the error condition detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Steven G. Hall, Richard L. Leimbach, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10617418
    Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer including a plurality of foam fragments, wherein the foam fragments are fused together to form a unitary body. The implantable layer can further include a plurality of intrastitial voids intermediate the foam fragments and/or a plurality of interstitial voids within the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler is also disclosed. The method can include the steps of obtaining a plurality of foam fragments, heating the foam fragments, and compressing the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler can also include lyophilizing a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Trevor J. Barton, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Emily A. Schellin, Lauren S. Weaner
  • Publication number: 20200107829
    Abstract: A control system having speed management control. The control system can be in signal communication with a battery, and the battery can be coupled to a motor. The speed management control can include a pulse width modulation circuit, which can control the duration of pulses supplied from the battery to the motor. The motor can include a primary set of coils and a secondary set of coils. The control system can direct surplus current to the secondary set of coils to maximize the torque generated by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10603039
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed comprising, one, a plurality of staples removably stored within a surgical staple cartridge and, two, an implantable adjunct. The implantable adjunct is configured to be progressively released from the surgical staple cartridge during a firing progression of a firing assembly configured to travel through the surgical staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20200085442
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. A method of operating the surgical instrument includes providing the lockout assembly in a first state to permit translation of the translating member. The translating member is then translated. The lockout assembly is then transitioned to a second state to prevent further translation of the translating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Brian W. Bear, Matthew H. Bolton, Rodney V. Clingaman, Brian F. DiNardo, William D. Fox, Kevin L. Houser, John P. Measamer, Christopher C. Miller, Mark D. Overmyer, Kevin D. Sackett, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Craig S. Smith, Omar J. Vakharia, Jason E. Zerkle
  • Patent number: 10588612
    Abstract: A surgical stapler configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a housing, a shaft, a staple cartridge, an expandable anvil, and a distal head portion. The shaft extends from the housing and comprises three concentric actuators. The three concentric actuators are operable independently of each other. The three concentric actuators are actuatable relative to the housing and are configured to perform three separate and distinct end effector functions. The staple cartridge comprises a unitary cartridge body. The distal head portion is configured to rotate relative to the shaft. One of the separate and distinct end effector functions comprises rotating the distal head portion to expand the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Kreena R. Modi, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10561422
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a plurality of cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. Some of the cavities can have fasteners removably stored therein. Other cavities can have deployable tissue engaging members stored therein which are movable from an undeployed position to a deployed position to engage tissue. In some instances, the fastener cartridge can include at least one longitudinal row of cavities which each include a deployable tissue engaging member. Such rows of cavities can comprise the outer-most rows of cavities in the fastener cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Charles J. Scheib, Nicholas Fanelli, Cortney E. Henderson, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20200029962
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10542988
    Abstract: An end effector can comprise, one, a fastener cartridge including a plurality of fasteners stored therein and, two, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners. The anvil can further comprise extensions extending therefrom which can control the flow of tissue relative to the fastener cartridge and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cartridge. The extensions can having different sizes and/or configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Bret W. Smith, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Jerome R. Morgan, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton
  • Patent number: 10524788
    Abstract: A compressible adjunct is used with a surgical instrument including a staple cartridge deck. The compressible adjunct includes a first biocompatible material, a second biocompatible material with a lower melting temperature than the first biocompatible material, and a body including a face positionable against a length of the staple cartridge deck. The face includes a plurality of attachment regions spaced apart from one another, wherein the plurality of attachment regions include the second biocompatible material, wherein the face is selectively attachable to the staple cartridge deck at said plurality of attachment regions, and a plurality of non-attachment regions extending between the plurality of attachment regions, wherein the second biocompatible material is selectively disposed outside said non-attachment regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton, Lauren S. Weaner, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20190380706
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 10499918
    Abstract: A staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples and a deck defining a plurality of openings. Each opening of the plurality of openings is associated with a corresponding staple of the plurality of staples, such that each staple is configured to pass through a corresponding opening of the plurality of openings. The deck further includes a first mechanical coupling feature and a buttress assembly. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a second mechanical coupling feature. The second mechanical coupling feature is configured to engage the first mechanical coupling feature to releasably couple the buttress body to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Trevor J. Barton, Prudence A. Turner, Michael J. Vendely, Mark S. Zeiner, Charles J. Scheib, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10478189
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. A method of operating the surgical instrument includes providing the lockout assembly in a first state to permit translation of the translating member. The translating member is then translated. The lockout assembly is then transitioned to a second state to prevent further translation of the translating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Bear, Matthew H. Bolton, Rodney V. Clingaman, Brian F. DiNardo, William D. Fox, Kevin L. Houser, John P. Measamer, Christopher C. Miller, Mark D. Overmyer, Kevin D. Sackett, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Craig S. Smith, Omar J. Vakharia, Jason E. Zerkle
  • Patent number: 10470761
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Publication number: 20190314016
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Publication number: 20190314017
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Publication number: 20190314018
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 10433839
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a buttress body, an adhesive material, and a containment sheet. The buttress body is sized to fit on an anvil or a staple cartridge deck of a surgical stapler. The adhesive material is disposed on the buttress body. The adhesive material is configured to flow across the buttress body in response to a temperature exceeding a melting temperature. The containment sheet is disposed on the adhesive material. The containment sheet is secured relative to the buttress body such that the containment sheet is configured to contain the adhesive material on the buttress body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Trevor J. Barton, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris, Prudence A. Turner, Mark S. Zeiner, Emily A. Schellin
  • Publication number: 20190298338
    Abstract: A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Trevor J. Barton, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Prudence A. Turner, Steven G. Hall, Victoria Dalessandro, Jackie Donners, Mark Timmer, Rao S. Bezwada, Aidan Craigwood, Caroline Hagerman, Ashley Easter, Kathrin Holtzmann, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 10426481
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple cartridge and a compressible tissue thickness compensator. The staple cartridge defines a longitudinal axis. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body and a plurality of staples stored in the cartridge body. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprises a deck-facing side, a tissue-facing side, a first portion, and a second portion. The second portion comprises a curved depression on the tissue-facing side of the compressible tissue thickness compensator. The curved depression partially extends through the second portion of the compressible tissue thickness compensator. The curved depression is transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Mark S. Zeiner