Patents Examined by Robert F Long
  • Patent number: 12290258
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy or tubal ligation, using a stapler apparatus including a handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the handle carrying one or more staples, and an imaging sleeve carried on the shaft. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Inventors: Dinesh Vyas, Anoushka Vyas, Stephane M. Gobron
  • Patent number: 12290259
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector assembly comprises a staple cartridge jaw, a threaded rod, and a replaceable staple cartridge configured to be seated in the staple cartridge jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal slot extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a driver configured to support a staple, wherein the driver comprises a surface facing the threaded rod, wherein the surface comprises a clearance, and wherein at least a portion of the threaded rod is configured to be received in the clearance when the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 12285185
    Abstract: A powered stapling device includes a circular stapling head assembly, an anvil, a trocar coupled to the anvil, and a motor also coupled to the trocar. The motor is configured to advance and retract the trocar. The device further includes a control circuit coupled to the motor, in which the control circuit is configured to determine a position of the trocar in one of a plurality of zones, and set an anvil closure rate based on the determined position of the trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 12285166
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument including an end effector, a drive member movable to effectuate a motion in said end effector, a motor operable to move the drive member to effectuate the motion in the end effector and a bailout assembly operable to perform a mechanical bailout of the surgical instrument in response to a bailout error. The bailout assembly includes a bailout door, a bailout handle accessible through the bailout door. The bailout handle is operable to move the drive member to effectuate a bailout motion in the end effector. A controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to detect the bailout error. The processor is programed to stop the motor in response to the detection of the bailout error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Shane R. Adams, Mark D. Overmyer, Brett E. Swensgard, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 12279768
    Abstract: Surgical instruments with articulation joints that include an articulation linkage assembly comprising a plurality of links configured to operably interface with a proximal joint member for movable travel relative thereto in a first proximal travel path and a second proximal travel path that are transverse to each other. The plurality of links are further configured to operably interface with a distal joint member for movable travel relative thereto in a first distal travel path and a second distal travel path that are transverse each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Spencer J. Witte
  • Patent number: 12275608
    Abstract: Disclosed is a web handling system that includes a spindle having a spindle magnetic coupling portion and a roll core configured for receiving the spindle for mounting thereon and having a roll magnetic coupling portion, wherein the spindle and roll magnetic coupling portions are configured for magnetically attracting each other to hold the roll on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Pregis LLC
    Inventors: George Bertram, Douglas Walker
  • Patent number: 12268388
    Abstract: A staple cartridge including a cartridge body and a first RFID feature. The cartridge body defines a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the cartridge body. The cartridge body is configured to be received within a jaw of a surgical stapler. The cartridge body also defines a plurality of staple apertures that are configured to house staples. The proximal portion of the cartridge body defines a pocket, and the pocket is proximal to a proximal most staple aperture of the plurality of staple apertures. The first RFID feature is fixed within the pocket. The first RFID feature is configured to communicate with a second RFID feature presented by the jaw of the surgical stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Kevin M. Fiebig, Nicholas Fanelli, Shane R. Adams, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 12269630
    Abstract: A device and a production process for capsules, in particular infusion type products, to continuously deliver filters into the capsules, independently of the flow feed rate of the filters and of the cup-shaped containers of the capsules. The device includes: filter delivery devices; a first transport system the delivery devices, continuously moving them along a first closed path; a second transport system of support devices continuously moveable along a second closed path, each support device configured to receive a respective cup-shaped container. The first closed path includes a filter inserting segment superimposed to the second closed path, so that the delivery devices and respective support devices are synchronized with each other, to continuously transfer a filter to a target cup-shaped container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Luca Cavazza, Umberto Zanetti, Enrico Campagnoli, Antonio Gigante
  • Patent number: 12262893
    Abstract: An assembly including an adapter assembly and an extension assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes first and second pusher assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion and a drive member for transferring rotational motion. The extension assembly includes at least one flexible band assembly for transferring the linear motion from the adapter assembly and a trocar assembly configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Also provided is a connection assembly for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ramiro Cabrera, Anne Nelson
  • Patent number: 12252384
    Abstract: A paint can cap remover system and method is provided. The system includes a cap remover and a leverage element. The cap remover and leverage element are either a single unitary item or two separate items. The cap remover includes a main body portion with thumb tabs and a receiving edge. The receiving edge is configured to engage with the cap of a paint can, while the thumb tabs are configured to engage with a paint can cap and translate leveraging forces into rotational movement to assist in dislodging and removing the paint cap. The leverage element includes a handle portion and a connecting portion. The handle portion provides a surface or handle for a user to apply leveraging forces to the leverage element. The connecting portion interfaces with the cap remover to transfer forces applied to the leverage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Inventor: Kevin Ray Stoops
  • Patent number: 12251810
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary hammer mechanism has a motor, a driving mechanism, a tool body that houses the motor and the driving mechanism, a handle having a grip part, and a first operation member. The driving mechanism is configured to operate by power of the motor in an action mode that is selected from a plurality of operation modes including a first mode of at least rotationally driving a tool accessory around a driving axis and a second mode of only linearly driving the tool accessory along the driving axis. The grip part extends in a direction crossing the driving axis and is configured to be held by a user. The first operation member is on the tool body and faces the grip part. The first operation member is configured to be manually operated by the user to change the action mode of the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Iida, Masanori Furusawa, Kei Watanabe
  • Patent number: 12251811
    Abstract: A linerbolt removal tool, including: a housing; a moil supported for reciprocating movement by the housing; an inertial body located within the housing; a gas charged accumulator extending from the inertial body away from the moil; a piston moveable within the inertial body between a striking position at which the piston strikes the moil and a retracted position, whereby firing the piston from its retracted position to its striking position includes causing pressurised gas within the accumulator to accelerate the piston toward the moil, wherein the piston has a striking end for striking the moil and an opposing rear end; and a piston cap that encloses the rear end of the piston, wherein during firing, the piston and the piston cap initially accelerate together and prior to the piston reaching its striking position the piston cap separates from the piston, whereby the piston cap isolates the piston from the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Russell Mineral Equipment Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David Groves, Peter John Rubie
  • Patent number: 12246427
    Abstract: The power tool includes: a handle; a biasing member for biasing the handle in a direction away from a final output shaft in the axial direction; at least one guiding member disposed between a housing and a first part of the handle so as to extend in the axial direction and configured to slidably guide relative movement between the handle and the housing; and at least one elastic member disposed at least one of between the at least one guiding member and the housing and between the at least one guiding member and the first part of the handle. The at least one guiding member is disposed so as to be movable relative to the housing or the handle in a crossing direction that crosses the axial direction by elastic deformation of the at least one elastic member in the crossing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Machida, Kazuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 12246422
    Abstract: A driving tool has a configuration for preventing deviation of a driving posture of driving members from intended position during a use. The driving tool has a guide member supplied to a driving passage and a relief passage for an engagement portion of a driver to pass. The relief passage is therefore blocked by the guide member, stabilizing a driving posture of the driving member. The guide member is then pushed by a lowermost engagement portion of the driver so as to be retreaded from the relief passage, thereby allowing the engagement portion to move downward in the relief passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hoshiyama, Masaya Nagao
  • Patent number: 12232725
    Abstract: A cartridge for use with a surgical instrument includes a curved body and a deck defined by the curved body and configured to clamp tissue against an anvil. A plurality of staple openings is formed in the deck and is configured to house a plurality of staples. An arcuate slot is formed in the deck and is configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough. The deck includes a sloped deck portion that slopes away from the arcuate slot in a direction transverse to a length of the arcuate slot. The sloped deck portion is configured to provide varied compression of tissue across a width of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan P. Posey, Nicholas D. Courtwright, Stephen D. Geresy, Kevin D. Sackett, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 12232728
    Abstract: A method of surgical stapling that uses a surgical instrument operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip extends distally from one of the jaws of the end effector. The method includes positioning the end effector at a desired site for surgical stapling. The method also includes controlling one or more of the jaws of the end effector to place the end effector in an open position. The method also includes positioning the end effector such that tissue is located between the jaws. The method also includes clamping the tissue between the jaws by moving at least one of the jaws toward the other jaw. The method also includes advancing a firing beam of the apparatus from a proximal position to a distal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hilary A. Reinhardt, Christopher J. Hess, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Daniel L. Baber
  • Patent number: 12233525
    Abstract: A working apparatus has a manual operating region, a tubular part extending away from the manual operating region, and an electric cable arrangement in the tubular part. The working apparatus includes a rod-shaped cable holder, which is inserted into and held in the tubular part and has a cable holding arrangement, by which the cable arrangement is held in a pre-mounted manner on the cable holder. An assembly method secures the cable arrangement on the cable holder by the cable holding arrangement, and inserts the cable holder, with the cable arrangement held thereon, into the tubular part. The working apparatus may be a battery-operated, hand-guided garden or forestry working apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Luecke, Jens-Peter Kern, Johanna Koch, Matthias Maier
  • Patent number: 12226881
    Abstract: A power tool with an impact mechanism and that is controlled based on a drive angle from impacting. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor within the housing, an impact mechanism, and an output drive device. The brushless DC motor includes a rotor coupled to a motor shaft to produce a rotational output. The impact mechanism includes a hammer coupled to the motor shaft, and an anvil that receives impacts from the hammer and drives an output device. The power tool further includes a position sensor that senses a position of the rotor and a controller coupled to the position sensor. The controller detects an impact of the impact mechanism, calculates a drive angle of the anvil caused by the impact based on output from the position sensor, and controls the brushless DC motor based on the drive angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Dey, IV, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz
  • Patent number: 12228003
    Abstract: A pulsating hammer tool providing longer, stronger and frequent shock waves is disclosed. Selective closure of a poppet valve and interruptions of fluid flow through sliding valve assemblies and a flow regulator valve, generates shock waves and induces opening of the poppet valve. Shock waves generated by the sliding valve assemblies and the flow regulator valve combine with those generated by opening/closing of the poppet valve resulting in waves with increased amplitude. Shape, dimensions and orientations of flow paths through flow regulator valve are chosen to impart desired frequency and magnitude to generated shock waves. Similarly, the frequency of shock waves generated by the valve assemblies can be controlled by varying lengths of the valve mid-sections and/or wash pipes, or by adjusting fluid pressure or the number and size of vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Texas Oilwell Partners LLC
    Inventor: Jason Swinford
  • Patent number: 12227328
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strap-segment-cutting system for locating and removing strap segments from an object, such as a metal coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Bongcheon Song, Yongho Shin, Junyeong Kim, Taewon Kang