Patents by Inventor Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs

Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs 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).

  • Publication number: 20190046191
    Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, and an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, a second jaw having a first end, a second end, and a cartridge to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face, a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw, and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link, an elongate tube, where a distal end is coupled with the end effector, a handle, where a distal end of the handle is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate tube, and a drive assembly comprising a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Publication number: 20190046190
    Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, an anvil blade channel defined by the anvil face, a first pocket row of first row staple pockets, a second pocket row of second row staple pockets, a third pocket row of third row staple pockets, a fourth pocket row of fourth row staple pockets, a fifth pocket row of fifth row staple pockets, a sixth pocket row of sixth row staple pockets, a cartridge having a cartridge face defining a cartridge blade channel, the cartridge being configured to retain a plurality of staples, and a blade, the blade having a cutting edge, where the blade is movable from a first position at a distal end of the cartridge to a second position at a proximal end of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Patent number: 10201446
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sleeve, a seal, and an anchor assembly. The sleeve is flexible and non-permeable and is configured to fit in a duodenum. The seal is positioned at the proximal end of the sleeve and is configured to seal the proximal end of the sleeve against the stomach mucosa, the pylorus, or the duodenum mucosa. The anchor assembly comprises a pair of atraumatic anchor ends and a resilient member positioned between the anchor ends. At least a portion of the resilient member extends along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve. The resilient member is configured to bias the anchor ends generally toward each other, to thereby substantially anchor the sleeve in the duodenum. The sleeve is configured to prevent chyme from contacting the mucosa of the duodenum; and to prevent enzymes excreted in the duodenum from mixing with chyme in the duodenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Justin W. Sherrill
  • Patent number: 10182818
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190000452
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10130359
    Abstract: A method of forming a surgical staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket and positioning the second staple leg within a second cup of the staple pocket, contacting the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward a first side of the base wherein the first staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a first compressive force is applied to the first staple leg, and contacting the second staple leg to bend the second staple leg toward a second side of the base wherein the second staple leg is maintained in an unformed and unheated configuration until a second compressive force is applied to the second staple leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10117649
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed which comprises a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft about the articulation joint. The stapling apparatus further comprises a firing drive responsive to an input, an articulation drive, and a switch assembly configured to selectively couple the articulation drive to the input. The switch assembly is configured to lock the articulation drive in position when the articulation drive is not coupled to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Daniel L. Baber, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10092292
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Charles J. Scheib, Douglas B. Hoffman, Janna B. Volz, Megan O'Connor, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Robert P. Kruth
  • Patent number: 10052102
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. An end effector mounting assembly may be movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. First and second jaws may be movably coupled to the end effector mounting assembly such that the first and second jaws are each movable relative to each other and the shaft axis about a common pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. The first and second jaws may close at different closure rates upon the simultaneous application of closure motions thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9924946
    Abstract: Devices and methods for applying sealants to surgical instruments. In one embodiment, a surgical device is described that can include at least one nozzle formed at a proximal end of the device that is configured to receive a sealant, as well as an applicator formed at a distal end of the device that is configured to deliver the sealant received by the at least one nozzle. The applicator can be configured to interface with at least one of a first and second jaw of a surgical stapler such that the sealant delivered from the applicator can be deposited into a plurality of openings formed in the surgical stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Gregory Bakos, Simon Cohn, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, John Matonick, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180049740
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20180000479
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 9848877
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. In general, a surgical device can be configured to have an adjustable gap of space between a cartridge jaw and an anvil of the device's end effector when the end effector is in a closed position. The end effector can be configured to removably seat a cartridge therein. The cartridge can be configured to define the gap of space between the cartridge jaw and the anvil when the end effector is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Michael J. Vendely, Jason L. Harris, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9848876
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate complete removal of one or more fasteners from within the cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can be configured to facilitate disconnection of fasteners from a carrier to which the fasteners are frangibly attached. The surgical device can include a separation feature in the form of a shearing element configured to facilitate separation of the fasteners from the carrier when the fasteners are deployed from a cartridge that has the fasteners and the carrier disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 9839421
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a closure ring. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw. The second jaw has a proximal end with a first ramped surface and a second ramped surface distal of the first ramped surface. The closure ring is coupled with the second jaw to engage the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw. The closure ring translates from a proximal position to a distal position to engage the first ramped surface of the second jaw and then the second ramped surface of the second jaw. The camming engagement of the closure ring with the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw pivots the second jaw toward the first jaw. The closure ring may also provide camming engagement to pivot the second jaw away from the first jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason E. Zerkle, Robert J. Simms, Douglas B. Hoffman, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9788835
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
  • Patent number: 9763662
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each fastener cavity includes an opening in the deck. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener is at least partially stored within a fastener cavity and a firing member movable between a first position and a fired position to eject the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The firing member can comprise a ramp configured to directly engage the fasteners and lift each fastener between an unlifted position and a lifted position, and wherein the lifted position is located completely above the deck. The fastener cartridge can further comprise an anvil wherein the ramp is configured to overdrive the fasteners against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20170224336
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. An articulation cable is coupled to the surgical end effector at a point of attachment and is journaled on a proximal pulley that is supported on the elongate shaft assembly. The proximal pulley defines a proximal pulley axis that is located a tension distance from the point of attachment. An articulation driver is coupled to the articulation cable for selectively causing the articulation cable to rotate about the proximal pulley in first and second articulation directions. An adjustable tensioning assembly interfaces with the proximal pulley to selectively adjust the tensioning distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Publication number: 20170215883
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9603599
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson