Patents Examined by Michelle Lopez
  • Patent number: 11806011
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector including a jaw closure actuator which is actuated by an initial stroke of a staple firing drive is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11806012
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a staple pusher, a knife assembly, and a locking device. The locking device is configured to prevent readvancement of the knife assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Sridharan Varadhan, Ping Ren
  • Patent number: 11779331
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports a plurality of staple-forming pockets, a second elongate member having a distal portion that supports a staple cartridge, and a clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together. A clamp lockout feature is supported by the first elongate member and is moveable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature prevents closure of the clamp member, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature permits closure of the clamp member. An actuating feature is supported by the second elongate member and is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to approximation of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brian D. Schings, Jason Jones, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11744586
    Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including a proximal body portion, an end effector, and an imaging device. The end effector is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface. A distal portion of the first jaw member is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. The imaging device is disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and is configured to capture visual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Peter T. Collings, Japhet Colon-Rosario, Michael S. Gallie, Jean Camille Lu Ersando
  • Patent number: 11744582
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly including an anvil and a cartridge assembly that are movable in relation to each other between open and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge that can be replaced after each firing of the stapling device to facilitate reuse of the stapling device. The anvil includes a lockout mechanism that prevents operation of the stapling device when the staple cartridge has been previously fired. The lockout mechanism is adapted to move from a locked position to an unlocked position when the staple cartridge is replaced and the tool assembly is moved from the open position to the clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Suresh Kumar Prema Mohanasundaram, David M. Farascioni
  • Patent number: 11717289
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and an articulation drive system operable to articulate the end effector about an articulation joint is disclosed. The articulation drive system comprises an actuator which indicates whether the articulation drive system is in an operable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Richard L. Leimbach
  • Patent number: 11712741
    Abstract: A drill system including a drill and a secondary computing device. The drill includes a housing, a controller, a wireless transceiver, a motor, and a chuck. The motor, the controller and the wireless transceiver are housed in the housing. The chuck is selectively driven by the motor. The secondary computing device includes a wireless transceiver which allows wireless communication between the drill and the secondary computing device. The secondary computing device further includes a user interface configured to allow an operator to change operating parameters of the drill. The operating parameters are configured to be automatically reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Christopher W. Shook, Wong Kun Ng, Kevin Wenger
  • Patent number: 11696756
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Cappola, Ernie Aranyi
  • Patent number: 11684365
    Abstract: A replaceable staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples, and a staple cartridge tray secured to the staple cartridge body is disclosed. The cartridge body comprises a first longitudinal slot, a deck, and first sides extending downwardly from the deck, wherein an edge is defined between each first side and the deck. The cartridge body further comprises staple cavities defined in said deck and recesses defined in the deck proximal to the staple cavities. The staple cartridge tray comprises a bottom comprising a second longitudinal slot defined therein and second sides extending upwardly from the bottom, wherein each second side comprises a proximal end including a projection, wherein each second side is adjacent to a first side, and wherein each projection wraps around an edge and extends downwardly into a recess defined in the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser
  • Patent number: 11672531
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11648007
    Abstract: Stapling assemblies are provided and can include a cartridge and a knitted adjunct configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. The adjunct includes a first compression zone formed of at least first fibers and second fibers that are interconnected to the first fibers and are arranged in a generally first columnar configuration such that the first compression zone has a first compression strength, and a second compression zone formed of at least the first fibers and third fibers that are different than the second fibers, in which the third fibers are interconnected to the first fibers and arranged in a generally second columnar configuration such that the second compression zone has a second compression strength, in which the first compression strength is different than the second compression strength such that the adjunct has a variable compression strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11642129
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument, such as a tissue sealing instrument, having a staple cartridge with a staple pusher and a staple; and a drive member configured to translate distally through the instrument. The drive member includes a lateral projection configured to engage the staple pusher and drive the staple into tissue. The lateral projection of the drive member has a height substantially less than the height of the staple cartridge, thereby requiring less clearance as it translates through the staple cartridge. In addition, the lateral projection has a smaller footprint than conventional drive members resulting in a more compact distal tip on the staple cartridge, which allows for a more compact and maneuverable surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: William Burbank
  • Patent number: 11618136
    Abstract: A portable device is disclosed for drilling a hole through a plate and into a wooden tie and/or inserting a lag screw into the hole in the plate and into the wooden tie. The portable device may include a handle and a removable drill with a rechargeable battery that provides power to the portable device. In various embodiments, the portable device may include a gear ratio and gear reduction system configured to allow a user to change speed and torque settings for the portable device independent from the battery-powered drill. In some embodiments, the portable device may include a quick connect/disconnect component configured to enable the portable device to be used as a tie drill device or a lag screw inserter device by interchangeably connecting either a drill bit or a lag screw socket to the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: FTS Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Corey Dash, Peter M. Bartek
  • Patent number: 11589871
    Abstract: A laparoscopic stapler for stapling tissue is proved. The laparoscopic stapler comprises a flippable anvil assembly and a flippable staple housing assembly which can be moved with respect to the flippable anvil assembly, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly are respectively configured to be operable in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly both have a low profile so that the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly can be delivered separately through a 12 mm trocar, and in the second configuration, the anvil assembly and the staple housing assembly has a high profile for performing tissue stapling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Mingyang Qin
  • Patent number: 11583988
    Abstract: A hammer drill comprises a drive mechanism including a spindle, a first ratchet coupled for co-rotation with the spindle, a second ratchet rotationally fixed to the housing, and a hammer lockout mechanism adjustable between a first mode and a second mode. The hammer drill further comprises a clutch adjustable between a first state and a second state. The hammer drill further comprises a collar rotatably coupled to the housing and movable between a first rotational position in which the hammer lockout mechanism is in the first mode and the clutch is in the first state, a second rotational position in which the hammer lockout mechanism is in the second mode and the clutch is in the first state, and a third rotational position in which the hammer lockout mechanism is in the second mode and the clutch is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Duncan, Ryan A. Dedrickson
  • Patent number: 11583278
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a shaft, a drive member, a first cable, a second cable, and a third cable is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position, and a staple cartridge comprising staples. The shaft defines first and second articulation joints. The end effector is movable about the first articulation joint in a first articulation plane and about the second articulation joint in a second articulation plane. The drive member traverses the first articulation joint and the second articulation joint and is configured to space the second jaw relative to the first jaw. Actuation of the first and second cables moves the end effector within the first articulation plane. Actuation of the second and third cables moves the end effector within the second articulation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11576670
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that includes a drive assembly having a drive member and a working end. The working end of the drive assembly has a I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a strut interconnecting the first beam and the second beam. The strut defines a slot. The drive member includes a distal portion that is press-fit into the slot in the strut to secure the working end to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11571214
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a handle assembly that supports a drive rack, a motor assembly, a gear assembly, a reload select mechanism, and a safety toggle mechanism. The gear assembly is adapted to facilitate uncoupling of the motor assembly from the drive rack to allow manual movement of the drive rack. The reload select mechanism allows the length of a stroke of the drive rack to be selectively adjusted to allow the stapling device to accommodate different length staple reloads. The safety toggle mechanism is provided to move the stapling device from a non-firing state to a firing state to allow for firing of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Xiaowen Sun, Yezhou Wu, Lin Chen, Fen Du, Shouwei Li
  • Patent number: 11565394
    Abstract: A tool with two sequential gear trains and gear carrier assemblies adapted to be recessed into internal gears. The internal gear assembly also prevents rotation of the internal gear assembly relative to a housing of the tool. For example, the internal gear assembly can include a first gear train and second gear train sequentially coupled to the first gear train, wherein a first ring gear and first planet gears of the first gear train are substantially similar to a second ring gear and second planet gears of the second gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Cyborski, Joshua M. Beer, Matthew D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 11559302
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV