Patents by Inventor Michael S. Cropper
Michael S. Cropper 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: 20240032922Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Charles J. Scheib, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, John L. Stammen, Mark H. Ransick, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Gary W. Knight, Michael S. Cropper, Sean P. Conlon, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 11883025Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Hamilton E. González, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Michael S. Cropper, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 11812965Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Charles J. Scheib, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, John L. Stammen, Mark H. Ransick, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Gary W. Knight, Michael S. Cropper, Sean P. Conlon, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 11801071Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
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Patent number: 11801049Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second elongate members, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The slider includes inner and outer engagement features. The actuator includes inner and outer engagement features. The inner engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage with the inner engagement feature of the slider at a first interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider. The outer engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage the outer engagement feature of the slider at a second interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Publication number: 20230190271Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
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Patent number: 11672536Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed height, a compressed height, an outer encasement, and tubular structures aligned along the longitudinal axis. The tubular structures are configured to collapse when pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Charles J. Scheib, Michael S. Cropper, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Hamilton E. Gonzalez, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 11547410Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
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Patent number: 11464508Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The first elongate member includes a distal portion that supports an anvil surface that includes a plurality of staple forming pockets. The second elongate member includes a distal portion that is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator. The slider includes a first coupling feature. The actuator is configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The actuator includes a second coupling feature that is configured to generally surround the first coupling feature of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Publication number: 20220039794Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second elongate members, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The slider includes inner and outer engagement features. The actuator includes inner and outer engagement features. The inner engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage with the inner engagement feature of the slider at a first interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider. The outer engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage the outer engagement feature of the slider at a second interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Patent number: 11166715Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second elongate members, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The slider includes inner and outer engagement features. The actuator includes inner and outer engagement features. The inner engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage with the inner engagement feature of the slider at a first interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider. The outer engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage the outer engagement feature of the slider at a second interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Publication number: 20210259687Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Hamilton E. González, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Michael S. Cropper, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 10987102Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Hamilton E. González, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Michael S. Cropper, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 10945782Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first handle, and a second handle. The second jaw is pivotally coupled with the first jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to grasp tissue. The jaws provide offset electrode surfaces that are operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. The apparatus is further operable to sever tissue. A lockout feature selectively prevents tissue severing, based on an energization state of the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, David C. Yates, Katherine J. Schmid, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Michael S. Cropper, Jerome R. Morgan, Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20210007743Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
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Publication number: 20200360015Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second elongate members, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The slider includes inner and outer engagement features. The actuator includes inner and outer engagement features. The inner engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage with the inner engagement feature of the slider at a first interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider. The outer engagement feature of the actuator is configured to engage the outer engagement feature of the slider at a second interface when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Publication number: 20200360014Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The first elongate member includes a distal portion that supports an anvil surface that includes a plurality of staple forming pockets. The second elongate member includes a distal portion that is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator. The slider includes a first coupling feature. The actuator is configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The actuator includes a second coupling feature that is configured to generally surround the first coupling feature of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Nicholas D. Courtwright, Barry Thomas Jamison, Michael S. Cropper, Bradley A. Arnold
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Patent number: 10813683Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first handle, and a second handle. The second jaw is pivotally coupled with the first jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to grasp tissue. The jaws provide offset electrode surfaces that are operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. The apparatus is further operable to sever tissue. A lockout feature selectively prevents tissue severing, based on an energization state of the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, David C. Yates, Katherine J. Schmid, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Michael S. Cropper, Jerome R. Morgan, Chad P. Boudreaux, Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20200330092Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Charles J. Scheib, Michael S. Cropper, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Hamilton E. Gonzalez, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 10729441Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel