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).

  • Publication number: 20190133635
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section includes a collar that is located distal to a nodal portion of the waveguide and is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section. The articulation drive assembly comprises at least one translating articulation driver coupled with the collar. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue even when the articulation section is in an articulated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, David A. Monroe, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard C. Smith, Ashvani K. Madan, Craig T. Davis, Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Chad P. Boudreaux, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Amy L. Benchek, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Sean P. Conlon, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 10258363
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin J. Danziger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brian D. Black, Cara L. Shapiro, Charles J. Scheib, Craig N. Faller, Daniel J. Mumaw, David J. Cagle, David T. Martin, David A. Monroe, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Foster B. Stulen, Frederick L. Estera, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory W. Johnson, Jacob S. Gee, Jason R. Sullivan, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jeffrey S. Swayze, John A. Hibner, John B. Schulte, Joseph E. Hollo, Kristen G. Denzinger, Kristen L. Pirozzi, Matthew C. Miller, Michael R. Lamping, Richard W. Timm, Rudolph H. Nobis, Ryan M. Asher, Stephen M. Leuck, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William B. Weisenburgh, II, William A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20190099213
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include control systems of an electrosurgical system for managing the flow of fluid, such as saline, and rates of aspiration or suction, in response to various states of conditions at a surgical site. The control system(s) may monitor and adjust to impedance at the surgical site, temperature of the surgical tissue, and/or RF current of electrodes, and may account for certain undesirable conditions, such as the electrodes sticking. The control systems may include various automatic sensing scenarios, while also allowing for several manual conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: David A. Witt, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Cory G. Kimball, Barry C. Worrell, Monica L. Rivard, Scott R. Bingham
  • Publication number: 20190099217
    Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a first body, a first electrode on the left side of the first body, and a second electrode on the right side of the first body. The first and second electrodes may be configured to receive electrosurgical energy to treat tissue in a target treatment zone. The end effector may also include a fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with a fluid path. The fluid aspiration port may be configured to remove a material from the target treatment zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: David A. Witt, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Cory G. Kimball, Barry C. Worrell, Monica L. Rivard, Scott R. Bingham
  • Publication number: 20190076159
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for actuating surgical instruments are provided. In general, a surgical device can include one or more actuation shafts configured to facilitate actuation of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can include four actuation shafts, two actuation shafts to facilitate articulation of the device, one actuation shaft to facilitate opening and closing of jaws at a distal end of the device, and one actuation shaft to facilitate moving a cutting element of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more actuation shafts can include a distal elongate member and a proximal elongate member having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the distal elongate member. The proximal elongate member can be rigid, and the distal elongate member can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jason R. Lesko, Eric N. Johnson, Kevin M. Fiebig, Carl J. Draginoff, JR., Scott B. Killinger, Kris E. Kallenberger, Barry C. Worrell
  • Patent number: 10226274
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, an articulation drive assembly, and a locking feature. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly. The waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly comprises an actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body assembly to drive articulation of the articulation section. The locking feature is in communication with the actuator. The locking feature is movable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The locking feature is configured to permit movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the unlocked state. The locking feature is configured to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Michael R. Lamping, Daniel J. Mumaw, David T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20190059984
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an articulation section. The articulation section is longitudinally interposed between a distal end of the shaft assembly and a proximal end of the end effector. The articulation section is configured to flex to thereby provide deflection of the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation section includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and a sleeve. The proximal end of the second frame member is proximal to the proximal end of the first frame member. The sleeve is disposed about the first and second frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Candice Otrembiak, Chad P. Boudreaux, Barry C. Worrell, Nathan Cummings, Kris E. Kallenberger, Michael R. Lamping
  • Patent number: 10206738
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first slot having a distal recess and a transverse recess. The shaft assembly is removably couplable with the interface assembly and includes an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is couplable with the first slot of the first drive assembly to longitudinally fix the shaft assembly relative to the interface assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Barry C. Worrell
  • Patent number: 10188453
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The handle assembly includes a rotary member positioned within an intermediate section of the handle assembly. The rotary member is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotary member is operable to control the articulation section of the shaft. The rotary member may include opposing thread sections that simultaneously drive lead screws in opposite longitudinal directions, to thereby control the articulation section. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the handle assembly, and the apparatus may selectively lock or resist such rotation based on the articulation state of the articulation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
  • Publication number: 20190021718
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10172636
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section includes a collar that is located distal to a nodal portion of the waveguide and is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section. The articulation drive assembly comprises at least one translating articulation driver coupled with the collar. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue even when the articulation section is in an articulated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, David A. Monroe, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard C. Smith, Ashvani K. Madan, Craig T. Davis, Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Chad P. Boudreaux, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Amy L. Benchek, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Sean P. Conlon, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 10159506
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for actuating surgical instruments are provided. In general, a surgical device can include one or more actuation shafts configured to facilitate actuation of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can include four actuation shafts, two actuation shafts to facilitate articulation of the device, one actuation shaft to facilitate opening and closing of jaws at a distal end of the device, and one actuation shaft to facilitate moving a cutting element of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more actuation shafts can include a distal elongate member and a proximal elongate member having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the distal elongate member. The proximal elongate member can be rigid, and the distal elongate member can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jason R. Lesko, Eric N. Johnson, Kevin M. Fiebig, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Scott B. Killinger, Kris E. Kallenberger, Barry C. Worrell
  • Publication number: 20180325508
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Publication number: 20180310983
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an articulation section, an end effector, an articulation connector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is connected to the articulation section such that the end effector is configured to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation connector is configured to translate relative to the shaft assembly to deflect the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation drive assembly is configured to translate the articulation connector relative to the shaft assembly. The articulation drive assembly includes a rotatable housing and a first lead screw assembly. The first lead screw assembly includes a first half and a second half. The first lead screw assembly is slidably coupled with the shaft assembly and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotatable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Kipp M. Rupp
  • Publication number: 20180310982
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The articulation drive assembly is configured to drive the articulation section to deflect the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis from a non-articulated configuration to an articulated configuration. The articulation drive assembly includes a rotatable housing, a static member, and an indication feature. The rotatable housing is rotatably coupled to the body. The static member is fixed relative to the body. The indication feature is configured to indicate when the end effector is deflected into the non-articulated configuration. The indication feature includes a ridge and a cantilever arm. The ridge extends from an exterior surface of the rotatable housing. The cantilever arm defines a slot configured to house the ridge when the end effector is in the non-articulated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Barry C. Worrell
  • Publication number: 20180310984
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, an articulation section, and a shaft assembly coupling the body with the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a sheath, a first monolithic articulation connector, and a second monolithic articulation connector. The first monolithic articulation connector includes a first distal portion and a first proximal portion. The first distal portion and the first proximal portion consist of a homogenous continuum of material. The first distal portion is configured to flex relative to the first proximal portion. The first distal portion is at least partially housed within the sheath. The second monolithic articulation connector is at least partially housed within the sheath. The first and second monolithic articulation connectors are configured to longitudinally translate in opposing directions relative to the sheath to deflect the articulation section and the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kris E. Kallenberger, Barry C. Worrell
  • Publication number: 20180280083
    Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly having an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The articulation mechanism has a cam mechanism operative to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Matthew C. Miller, Barry C. Worrell
  • Patent number: 10045769
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10029125
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section is operable to flex to thereby deflect the end effector from a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The rigidizing member is operable to selectively rigidize the articulation section and thereby prevent deflection of the end effector by preventing flexibility of the articulation section. Such rigidization includes removing any “play” or other small movement that might otherwise be provided by the articulation section due to manufacturing tolerances and/or looseness between parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Cara L. Shapiro, Ryan M. Asher, Kristen Denzinger, William B. Weisenburgh, II, David J. Cagle, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Barry C. Worrell, Gregory W. Johnson, Joseph E. Hollo, Jason R. Sullivan, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Stephen J. Balek
  • Patent number: 9980713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin