Patents Examined by Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 11622763
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11622804
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rich, Craig V. Krastins, Kelley D. Goodman, Daniel W. Mercier, Grant T. Sims
  • Patent number: 11612395
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are control systems for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11607216
    Abstract: In general, adaptive responses from smart packaging of drug delivery absorbable adjuncts and methods of using smart packaging of drug delivery absorbable adjuncts are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Krulevitch, Francesco N. Albertini, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 11607218
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector, a shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis extending proximally from the end effector, a first drive operatively connected to a first portion of at least one of the end effector or the shaft assembly, and an activating mechanism operatively connected to the first drive. The first drive longitudinally translates relative to the longitudinal axis from a first drive position toward a second drive position to respectively actuate the first portion from a first portion position toward a second portion. The activating mechanism selectively direct translation of the first drive from the first drive position toward the second drive position by rotating from a first rotational body position toward a second rotational body position or translating from a first translational body position toward a second translational body position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 11607772
    Abstract: A quick clamping device for a portable machine tool includes at least one drive shaft, at least one clamping unit, and at least one operating unit. The clamping unit has, for tool-less fastening of an insertion tool on the drive shaft, at least one clamping element for exerting a clamping force on the insertion tool in a clamping position. The operating unit is configured to move the clamping element into a release position, and includes at least one operating element, in particular an operating lever. The operating element has at least one activation surface for movement of the clamping element into the release position. The activation surface is arranged such that at least one force initiation point of the operating element is movable, upon interaction with a contact surface of an actuating element of the operating unit, as a factor of movement of the operating element on the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Luescher, Andreas Zurbruegg, David Winistoerfer, Alexander Wuensche, Marcus Schuller
  • Patent number: 11602342
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly or a heating assembly along with an anvil assembly, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a working member and a laser probe that is pivotally supported on the working member and emits a laser beam. The laser probe is positioned between the cartridge and anvil assemblies such that the laser beam extends across a tissue gap of the tool assembly when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: AVVLN Srinivasa Murthy Aravalli, Jitendra Bhargava Srinivas, Suresh Kumar Prema Mohanasundaram, Roanit A. Fernandes, N V Siva Raju Sabbineni
  • Patent number: 11596400
    Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device, capable of effectuating a surgical procedure, includes a handle assembly having a power source; at least one motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device includes an adapter assembly having an electrical assembly having a proximal end in communication with the controller of the handle assembly. The surgical device includes a reload configured to selectively connect to a distal end of the adapter assembly. The reload includes an annular array of staples; an annular staple pusher for ejecting the staples; and a data storage device selectively connectable to a distal end of the electrical assembly. The data storage device receives and stores performance data of the surgical device from the controller of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, John J. Hryb, IV, Scott G. Firth, David E. Valentine, Jr., Paul D. Richard, Stephen R. Paul, Steven H. Joyce, Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11589883
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing, a movable handle, and a spring. The movable handle is configured to move between a first position as an opened position and a second position as a closed position with respect to the housing. The spring is provided between the housing and the movable handle. The spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the housing or the movable handle. The spring is provided to alleviate an increase in the biasing force generated in the spring in response to the movable handle moving from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Yanagi
  • Patent number: 11589863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling staple firing include an end effector, a drive system configured to apply a force or torque to cause staple firing to occur, and a processor. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw holding staples. The processor is configured to monitor the applied force or torque to cause staple firing to occur and maintain application of clamping by the first jaw and the second jaw while suspending application of the force or torque that causes the staple firing, when the applied force or torque is outside an acceptable range of force or torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11583441
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vitrectomy probe may include an inner cutting tube reciprocating in an outer tube. The outer tube includes a side port and the inner tube includes a distal cutting port, and, in some embodiments, an additional side port. In some embodiments, the inner tube may also include a flat upper edge that cuts across the outer tube side port. In some embodiments, a diaphragm drives the inner tube and may have an open-stroke side with a lower hardness material than a closed-stroke side. In some embodiments, an aspiration tube coupled to the vitrectomy probe may include a first aspiration tubing and a second aspiration tubing with a lower hardness than the first aspiration tubing. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy probe may be coupled to pneumatic tubing that is stepped or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Lopez, Matthew Douglas McCawley, Brian William McDonell, Timothy C. Ryan, John R. Underwood, Salomon Valencia, Jack Robert Auld
  • Patent number: 11583279
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Patent number: 11576696
    Abstract: A method for attaching a drive rod to a knife includes: forming a knife having proximal and distal ends; forming an aperture within the proximal end of the knife, the aperture including a series of fins disposed therein; weaving a distal end of a knife rod through the series of fins in an alternating manner; and engaging a cap onto the distal end of the knife drive rod to secure the knife drive rod within the aperture of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: David D. Brause
  • Patent number: 11576672
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to said first jaw, and jaw drive system is disclosed. The jaw drive system comprises a drive screw and a closure member threadably engaged with the drive screw configured to close the second jaw. The jaw drive system further comprises an opening link connecting the closure member to the second jaw which acts to open the second jaw when the closure member is driven in an opposite direction. In the event that the second jaw is not opened by the closure link, the jaw drive system further comprises a pull member which is pushed by the closure member to dislodge the second jaw into its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Seth D. Holdmeyer
  • Patent number: 11571212
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a firing member, a motor, and a control system is disclosed. The end effector comprises an elongate channel, a staple cartridge, and an anvil. The staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. The elongate channel and the anvil are configurable in a closed configuration to capture tissue therebetween. The anvil comprises an impedance sensor configured to sense an impedance of the tissue. The firing member is moveable between a starting position and an ending position. The staples are deployable from the staple cartridge based on the firing member moving toward the ending position. The motor is configured to drive the firing member toward the ending position. The control system comprises a multiplexer configured to control the impedance sensor. The control system is configured to interrogate the impedance sensor to determine the impedance and control the motor based on the determined impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11571191
    Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece including a housing, a printed circuit board, a sensor, and an actuator assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the housing. The printed circuit board has a first face and a second opposing face. The first and second faces extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sensor is coupled to the first face of the printed circuit board. The sensor is centered along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a lever and an actuator. The lever is pivotally coupled to the housing. The lever maintains a magnet slidably positionable along the lever. The magnet is positionable to be proximal to the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Vikram Garadi, Manfred K. Luedi, Larry Dale Estes
  • Patent number: 11564679
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11564685
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a housing containing a compartment therein, an elongated member extending distally from the housing and first and second jaws. A firing mechanism is positioned within the housing movable to a second position to effect firing of fasteners. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having one or both of a) a first motor and a first engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism; and b) a second motor and a second engagement member removably engageable with an articulating mechanism in the housing of the surgical fastener applier to effect movement of an articulation mechanism to effect articulation. One or both of a firing position and an articulation position are tracked during the surgical procedure. Sensors are provided to detect select parameters and instrument functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: REVMEDICA, INC.
    Inventors: C. Robert Satti, III, Thomas G. Wenchell, Jr., Peter Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11564682
    Abstract: A surgical stapler device comprising an end effector, a shaft, and a firing assembly is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable from the end effector. The firing assembly comprises a firing member, a drive bar, and a compliant portion. The firing member comprises a first camming portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second camming portion configured to engage the second jaw. The compliant portion is selectively movable in a first direction for advancement of the firing member by the drive bar to deploy the staples. The compliant portion is selectively movable in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for retraction of the firing member by the drive bar to permit a transition of the second iaw toward the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11564680
    Abstract: Implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods for using the same, are generally provided. In some embodiments, adjunct materials for use with surgical staplers are provided. For example, a kit for stapling tissue is provided that can include a surgical stapler having an end effector. The end effector can have first and second jaws. The kit can include an adjunct material having hydrophobic surface regions and hydrophilic surface regions and the adjunct material can be configured to mate to at least one of the jaws of the end effector. Other implants, devices, and methods for surgical stapling are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Tamara S. V. Widenhouse