Patents by Inventor Amy M. Krumm
Amy M. Krumm 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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Patent number: 11963691Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Rivard, Fajian Zhang
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Patent number: 11903605Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Demetrius N. Harris, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Ellen Burkart, Geni M. Giannotti, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Stephen M. Leuck, Cameron D. McLain, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amrita S. Sawhney, Aaron C. Voegele, Grace E. Brooks, Fajian Zhang
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Patent number: 11883059Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a first modular assembly including at least one operator input feature an ultrasonic transducer supported by the first modular assembly, and a second modular assembly configured to be removably coupled with the first modular assembly. The second modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector extending distally from a distal end portion of the second modular assembly. The instrument includes a mechanical lockout assembly configured to switch between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are partially coupled together such that the operator is physically prevented from activating the instrument using the operator input feature. In the unlocked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are completely coupled together and the operator is able to activate the instrument using the operator input feature.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Cameron D. McLain, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Brooks
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Publication number: 20220395292Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni M. Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Shan Wan
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Publication number: 20220346863Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a medical instrument configured to adjust the power level for sealing procedures to account for changes in tissue impedance levels over time. In some aspects, a medical instrument may be configured to apply power according to a power algorithm to seal tissue by applying a gradually lower amount of power over to time as the tissue impedance level begins to rise out of the “bathtub region,” which is the time period during energy application where the tissue impedance is low enough for electrosurgical energy to be effective for sealing tissue. In some aspects, the power is then cut once the tissue impedance level exceeds the “bathtub region.” By gradually reducing the power, a balance is achieved between still applying an effective level of power for sealing and prolonging the time in which the tissue impedance remains in the “bathtub region.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: David C. Yates, Amy M. Krumm, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 11464533Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Shan Wan
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Patent number: 11344362Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a medical instrument configured to adjust the power level for sealing procedures to account for changes in tissue impedance levels over time. In some aspects, a medical instrument may be configured to apply power according to a power algorithm to seal tissue by applying a gradually lower amount of power over to time as the tissue impedance level begins to rise out of the “bathtub region,” which is the time period during energy application where the tissue impedance is low enough for electrosurgical energy to be effective for sealing tissue. In some aspects, the power is then cut once the tissue impedance level exceeds the “bathtub region.” By gradually reducing the power, a balance is achieved between still applying an effective level of power for sealing and prolonging the time in which the tissue impedance remains in the “bathtub region.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: David C. Yates, Amy M. Krumm, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 11259856Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of sealing a tissue includes generating a desired burst pressure in the tissue, sealing the tissue, verifying that the tissue is sealed with further application of at least one of the ultrasonic energy and the RF energy. The ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes an end effector having an ultrasonic blade, an RF electrode, and a controller. The controller operatively connects to the ultrasonic blade and the RF electrode and is configured to direct application of ultrasonic and RF energies according to an initial phase, a power phase, and a termination phase for respectively generating a desired burst pressure in the tissue, sealing the tissue, and verifying the sealing of the tissue while inhibiting transection of the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Amy M. Krumm, Ashvani K. Madan
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Publication number: 20220039861Abstract: An end effector of an instrument is positioned in a patient. An ultrasonic blade of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The ultrasonic blade is activated to vibrate ultrasonically while the ultrasonic blade is positioned against tissue. At least one electrode of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The at least one electrode is activated to apply RF electrosurgical energy to tissue against which the at least one electrode is positioned against tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Gregory W. Johnson, Jason R. Lesko, Frederick L. Estera, Amy M. Krumm, Catherine A. Corbett, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, Mark A. Davison, Chad P. Boudreaux, John A. Hibner, Nathan Cummings, Ellen Burkart, William D. Dannaher, Christina M. Hough, Joseph Isosaki, Craig N. Faller, Shan Wan, Adam N. Brown, Candice Otrembiak, Eitan T. Wiener, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kai Chen, Matthew C. Miller, William E. Clem
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Publication number: 20220039858Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm assembly. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with an acoustic waveguide of the shaft assembly. The clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp pad and an electrode. The clamp pad is configured to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The clamp pad has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The electrode is operable to apply RF energy to tissue. The electrode extends along both lateral sides of the clamp pad. The electrode further extends around the distal end of the clamp pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Gregory W. Johnson, Jason R. Lesko, Frederick L. Estera, Amy M. Krumm, Catherine A. Corbett, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, Mark A. Davison, Chad P. Boudreaux, John A. Hibner, Joseph Isosaki, Shan Wan, Candice Otrembiak, Eitan T. Wiener, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Matthew C. Miller
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Patent number: 11116532Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Zeckel, Fajian Zhang
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Publication number: 20210259725Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Demetrius N. Harris, Carl J. Draginoff, JR., Ellen Burkart, Geni M. Giannotti, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Stephen M. Leuck, Cameron D. McLain, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amrita S. Sawhney, Aaron C. Voegele, Grace E. Brooks, Fajian Zhang
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Patent number: 11076881Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Demetrius N. Harris, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Ellen Burkart, Geni M. Giannotti, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Stephen M. Leuck, Cameron D. McLain, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amrita S. Sawhney, Aaron C. Voegele, Grace E. Waters, Fajian Zhang
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Publication number: 20210212720Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a first modular assembly including at least one operator input feature an ultrasonic transducer supported by the first modular assembly, and a second modular assembly configured to be removably coupled with the first modular assembly. The second modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector extending distally from a distal end portion of the second modular assembly. The instrument includes a mechanical lockout assembly configured to switch between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are partially coupled together such that the operator is physically prevented from activating the instrument using the operator input feature. In the unlocked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are completely coupled together and the operator is able to activate the instrument using the operator input feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Cameron D. McLain, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Brooks
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Patent number: 11051841Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a handle assembly including at least one user input feature; an ultrasonic transducer supported by the handle assembly, a shaft assembly configured to removably couple with the handle assembly, and a mechanical lockout assembly. The shaft assembly includes a distal end portion. The shaft assembly further includes an end effector extending distally from the distal end portion, and an ultrasonic waveguide configured to be acoustically coupled with the ultrasonic transducer. The mechanical lockout assembly is configured to move between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the handle assembly and the shaft assembly are only partially coupled together physically preventing the user from activating the instrument using the user input feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Waters
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Publication number: 20210137544Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Rivard, Fajian Zhang
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Patent number: 10945755Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a first modular assembly including at least one operator input feature an ultrasonic transducer supported by the first modular assembly, and a second modular assembly configured to be removably coupled with the first modular assembly. The second modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector extending distally from a distal end portion of the second modular assembly. The instrument includes a mechanical lockout assembly configured to switch between at least an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are partially coupled together such that the operator is physically prevented from activating the instrument using the operator input feature. In the unlocked configuration, the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly are completely coupled together and the operator is able to activate the instrument using the operator input feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Demetrius N. Harris, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Guion Y. Lucas, Cameron D. McLain, Andrew S. Meyers, Candice Otrembiak, Grace E. Waters
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Patent number: 10779847Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include various ultrasonic surgical instruments. At least one disclosed surgical instrument includes a waveguide including a blade and a transducer base plate. The transducer base plate may be coupled to the waveguide to define a tapered joint at an interface between the waveguide and the transducer base plate. The transducer base plate may include first and second sides defining corresponding first and second flat faces configured to receive first and second piezoelectric elements. The first and second piezoelectric elements are configured to operate in a D31 mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Black, Frederick Estera, Jason R. Lesko, Benjamin M. Boyd, Kevin M. Fiebig, Chad P. Boudreaux, Grace E. Waters, Kristen G. Denzinger, Amy M. Krumm, Amelia A. Pierce, Chad E. Eckert, Joseph D. Dennis, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Monica L. Zeckel, William A. Olson, Patrick J. Scoggins, Larry A. Pummill, Jr., John S. Frazier, William A. Crawford, Brian J. Hemmelgarn, Eric Stout, Benjamin D. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20200170665Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Shan Wan
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Patent number: 10631860Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. The includes a power source, while the shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes a channel assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to selectively couple with the channel assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is capable of electrically coupling the power source with the electrically activated component of the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact assembly includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and an insulating membrane. The first electrical contact is associated with the channel assembly while the second electrical contact is associated with the cartridge assembly. The insulating membrane is associated with either the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory G. Scott, Stephen D. Geresy, Yvan D. Nguetio Tchoumkeu, Amy M. Krumm, Grace E. Waters, Prudence A. Vulhop, Nichole Y. Kwee, John E. Brady, Scott A. Jenkins, Laura A. Schoettmer, Andrew Kolpitcke, Joshua P. Morgan, Sarah A. Worthington, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Alexander R. Cuti