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: 20200179003Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: 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: 10588661Abstract: 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: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: 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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Publication number: 20190290267Abstract: 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 7, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: 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: 10383754Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Michael S. Cropper, Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, John V. Hunt, Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, Andrew M. Zwolinski
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Patent number: 10363031Abstract: Tissue thickness compensators for use with circular surgical staplers. Various tissue thickness compensators are disclosed for deployment between a stapler head of a surgical circular stapler and an anvil attached thereto to accommodate variances in tissue thickness during stapling. Some tissue thickness compensator arrangements include means and configurations for deploying healing agents for enhancing the healing process.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Johnny H. Alexander, III, Cortney E. Henderson, Christopher C. Miller, John P. Measamer, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Bret W. Smith, Michael S. Cropper
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Publication number: 20190038287Abstract: 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: August 8, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
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Patent number: 10123798Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a first layer comprising a first biocompatible material sealingly enclosed in a water impermeable material and a second layer comprising a second biocompatible material comprising at least one encapsulation, wherein the first biocompatible material expands when contacted with a fluid. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a haemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, anti-microbial agent, an anti-adhesion agent, an anti-coagulant agent, a medicament, and/or pharmaceutically active agent. The encapsulation may comprise a biodegradable material to degrade in vivo and/or in situ. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a hydrogel. The reaction product may comprise a fluid-swellable composition. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: 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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Publication number: 20180280055Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Ethicon LLCInventors: 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: 10045781Abstract: 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: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
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Patent number: 10016215Abstract: 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: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20180008337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: 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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Patent number: 9833238Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Katherine J. Schmid, Jerome R. Morgan, Charles J. Scheib, Michael S. Cropper, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Steven G. Hall, Richard W. Timm, Matthew M. Lang
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Patent number: 9795383Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph H. Contiliano, Michael S. Cropper, Eugene L. Timperman, Cortney E. Henderson, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20170224409Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: 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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Patent number: 9687272Abstract: 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: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: 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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Publication number: 20170119433Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: 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: 9610114Abstract: 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: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, 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: 20170007253Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph H. Contiliano, Michael S. Cropper, Eugene L. Timperman, Cortney E. Henderson, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20160345976Abstract: 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: August 10, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: 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: 9486241Abstract: A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar has a hollow cannula with a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar also has a housing with a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall has an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes a first substantially rigid ring, a second substantially rigid ring, and a plurality of layered elastomeric members compressed therebetween. The first ring has a plurality of distally extending protrusions extending from a distal surface thereof, and the second ring has a plurality of proximally extending protrusions extending from a proximal surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Paul T. Franer, Michael S. Cropper, Thomas A. Gilker, Geoffrey C. Hueil, David K. Norvell, Brian J. Thompson, Aaron C. Voegele