Patents by Inventor Barry C. Worrell
Barry C. Worrell 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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Publication number: 20120239009Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector is articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft by a nozzle arrangement supported by a handle from which the elongate shaft extends. In various embodiments, the nozzle is operable by the same hand that is used to support the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca J. Mollere, Charles J. Scheib, Chad P. Boudreaux, Michael J. Vendely, Aron O. Zingman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Barry C. Worrell, Janna B. Volz, John C. Schuckmann, Megan A. O'Connor
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Publication number: 20120239075Abstract: Tissue manipulation devices are disclosed. In various forms, the devices include tissue manipulation arms that are arranged in a position suitable to enable the device to be inserted into the colon then, upon application of at least one actuation motion thereto, at least some of the tissue manipulation arms are moved to deployed positions wherein they contact corresponding portions of the colon to thereby expand the colon. Various devices are actuatable by various forms of actuation forces. In various embodiments, the tissue manipulation arms may be movable along corresponding axes that are transverse to an insertion axis and may also be rotated about the insertion axis as well as be moved in directions that are substantially parallel to the insertion axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Tamara Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Andrew Yoo, Chester O. Baxter, III, Barry C. Worrell, James R. Janszen, Andrew T. Beckman, Michael J. Vendely, Joseph E. Young, Christopher J. Schall
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Publication number: 20120234892Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Ortiz, Kreena Rajeev Modi, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Christopher J. Schall, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Heeb
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Publication number: 20120234891Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kreena Rajeev Modi, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Heeb
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Publication number: 20120239010Abstract: Modular surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, a modular surgical instrument t is disclosed for use with a plurality of interchangeable surgical tool heads that are configured to perform different surgical actions. The instrument is configured to apply a plurality of different rotary drive motions and axial drive motions depending upon the type of surgical tool head attached thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Gregory W. Johnson, Chester O. Baxter, III, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Christopher J. Schall, Mark S. Ortiz, Jason K. Rupert, Steven G. Hall, Daniel J. Mumaw, Aron O. Zingman, Katherine J. Schmid, Jacob S. Gee, Richard W. Timm
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Publication number: 20120234890Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kreena R. Modi, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Heeb
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Publication number: 20120116391Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a temperature sensor and a control unit that is operable to deactivate an end effector of the surgical instrument. In some versions the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a transducer, while in others the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end effector. The surgical instrument may also include a trigger and a trigger position sensor. A force sensor or a position sensor may be included to determine the force and/or position of the transmission assembly. The end effector may also include a force sensor or a micro coil. A surgical instrument having a sensor may be included in a surgical system that includes a control unit and a remote controller. In some instances the remote controller may have one or more force-feedback components. In addition, a device interface and a surgeon interface may be included to remotely adjust the settings of the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Foster B. Stulen, William D. Dannaher, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Aaron C. Voegele, Timothy P. Lessek, Gavin M. Monson, Barry C. Worrell, Hitesh Jain
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Publication number: 20120116363Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Barry C. Worrell, Stephen J. Balek, Galen C. Robertson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Richard W. Timm, Kyle P. Moore, Gregory W. Johnson, John B. Schulte, Daniel J. Mumaw
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Publication number: 20120116364Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece having a user input feature and a user feedback feature. A shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes an active feature responsive to actuation of the user input feature. The active feature is operable to operate on tissue in response to actuation of the user input feature. The user feedback feature is operable to provide feedback to the user that indicates information relating to operation of the end effector. The feedback may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, William D. Dannaher, Timothy G. Dietz, Foster B. Stulen, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Barry C. Worrell
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Publication number: 20120078244Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a trigger that also drives the cutting member, a rotator that also rotates the shaft and end effector, a wedge-shaped pivoting member, a pivotally coupled pair of housing portions, or a pivoting cam member, etc. A release member may selectively release the articulation section from the controller, allowing a resilient bias to return the end effector into alignment with the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Chad P. Boudreaux, Matthew C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Foster B. Stulen, Gregory A. Trees, Aaron C. Voegele, Steven D. Madsen, William E. Clem, Emron J. Henry
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Publication number: 20120078243Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a rotary knob, a pivoting knob, or a pivoting fin, among other things. An electrical coupling may contact a conductive moving member along at least two axes. A resiliently biased lever may assist a trigger in returning from an actuated position to a home position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Zhifan F. Huang, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Charles S. Black, William E. Clem, Emron J. Henry, Kevin M. Montgomery
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Publication number: 20120074201Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an actuation system that is configured to generate at least two separate actuation motions. A clutch assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly is in operable engagement with the actuation system and an unengaged position. In various forms, the surgical instrument includes a manually actuatable trigger assembly that interfaces with the clutch assembly and the actuation system such that a first stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate a first one of the actuation motions and moves the clutch assembly from the unengaged position to the engaged position whereupon a second stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate another one of the actuation motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph E. Young, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Barry C. Worrell, Matthew C. Miller, Gregory W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120074200Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. The instrument includes an articulation system that has a rotatable actuator member that interfaces with an articulation transmission. Rotation of the actuator member in a first rotary direction about an actuation axis causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a first articulation direction and rotation of the actuator member in a second rotary direction causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a second articulation direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph E. Young, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Barry C. Worrell, Matthew C. Miller
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Publication number: 20120078248Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Chad P. Boudreaux, Sean P. Conlon, Gary W. Knight, Matthew C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gregory A. Trees, Aaron C. Voegele, Charles S. Black, Kreena R. Modi
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Publication number: 20120078247Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, David K. Norvell, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gregory A. Trees, Jason E. Zerkle, Kevin M. Montgomery
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Patent number: 8127446Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, comprising: forming a rim portion separately with a decorative outer coating via a first forming process; forming a hub separately from the rim portion via a second forming process, the hub having at least a pair of spoke portions; and securing the rim portion to the pair of spoke portions, wherein the decorative outer coating is applied to the rim portion prior to the rim portion being secured to the pair of spoke portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Christopher P. LaBoskey, Barry C. Worrell, Kurt F. O'Connor
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Patent number: 8047097Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson, Philip W. Hopf, Frank G. Meyer
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Patent number: 7891699Abstract: A cover for a driver's side airbag module is provided, the cover having a central body portion with an opening disposed therein, the central body portion having a predetermined tear seam for defining a pair of deployable doors, the predetermined tear seam extending through the opening. The cover also includes a horn switch assembly inserted into the opening; and a tether secured to the horn switch assembly, the tether retaining the horn switch assembly with the cover after deployment of the pair of deployable doors along the predetermined tear seam, wherein the horn switch assembly is dislodged from the opening when the pair of deployable doors deploy along the predetermined tear seam.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Francis Joseph Holmes, Harold W. Morgan, David G. Greensien, Dan J. Lestingi, Mark T. Winters
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Patent number: 7887088Abstract: An actuator for a horn of a vehicle, comprising: an emblem; a bezel fixedly secured to a first side of a deployable portion of a cover of an airbag module, the bezel movably securing the emblem to the cover and the emblem being capable of movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the bezel, the second position causing activation of the horn; a backing plate secured to the bezel at a second side opposite the first side of the deployable portion; and a tether secured to the bezel, the tether retaining the actuator with the cover after deployment of the airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson
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Publication number: 20090315306Abstract: An actuator for a horn of a vehicle, comprising: an emblem; a bezel fixedly secured to a first side of a deployable portion of a cover of an airbag module, the bezel movably securing the emblem to the cover and the emblem being capable of movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the bezel, the second position causing activation of the horn; a backing plate secured to the bezel at a second side opposite the first side of the deployable portion; and a tether secured to the bezel, the tether retaining the actuator with the cover after deployment of the airbag module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson