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).

  • Patent number: 9737326
    Abstract: A surgical robot control system including a controller, a coupling system, a sensor, and a feedback device is disclosed. The coupling system is configured to couple a handheld surgical user interface to the controller. The handheld user interface may control a function of a robotic surgical system. The sensor is coupled to the controller and the coupling system and is configured to detect actuation of the handheld user interface and to communicate detected actuations to the controller. The feedback device is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user. The controller is communicatively coupleable to the robotic surgical system and is configured to send robot control signals to the robotic surgical system, to receive feedback signals from the robotic surgical system, and to send feedback control signals to the feedback device to control the feedback provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
  • Patent number: 9737300
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector is coupled with the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a translating member extending through the shaft assembly. The interface assembly is operable to engage the shaft assembly and comprises a plurality of drive shafts and a rack. One of the drive shafts is operable to drive the rack along a path that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. A plurality of racks may be used to rotate the shaft assembly, articulate the shaft assembly, and/or drive the translating member through the shaft assembly to thereby actuate the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Barry C. Worrell, David T. Martin, William J. White, Gregory W. Johnson, IV
  • Patent number: 9730753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20170164973
    Abstract: 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 first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are operable to cooperate to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Jason R. Lesko, Catherine A. Corbett, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, Mark A. Davison, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, Ellen Gentry, William D. Dannaher, Christina M. Hough, Craig N. Faller, Adam Brown, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kai Chen, William E. Clem
  • Publication number: 20170164997
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: 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 Gentry, William D. Dannaher, Christina M. Hough, Joseph Isosaki, Craig N. Faller, Shan Wan, Adam Brown, Candice Otrembiak, Eitan T. Wiener, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kai Chen, Matthew C. Miller, William E. Clem
  • Publication number: 20170164972
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20170156747
    Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing rotational torque during end effector articulation are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The end effector can be configured to move between different angular orientations relative to an elongate shaft of the device having the end effector at a distal end thereof. The elongate shaft and the end effector can be configured to be rotated relative to a handle portion of the device. The device can include at least one friction member configured to provide increased resistance to rotation of the elongate shaft and the end effector when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated. The at least one friction member can thus be configured to increase rotational torque when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
  • Publication number: 20170143408
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for cutting tissue are provided having a cutting element that is biased to facilitate tissue cutting. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. The surgical device includes a cutting element that is moveable through a slot formed in at least the second jaw for cutting tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting element is biased toward the second jaw such that the cutting element remains within the slot in the second jaw when thick tissue is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Barry C. Worrell
  • Publication number: 20170042605
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
  • Patent number: 9545253
    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: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jason R. Lesko
  • Patent number: 9504520
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a handpiece, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a firing beam, and a modular motor. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close upon tissue. The firing beam comprises a blade insert with a sharp edge operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The modular motor is insertable into the handpiece. The modular motor comprises a drive gear that engages a plurality of components disposed within the handpiece. Rotation of the drive gear drives longitudinal translation of the firing beam within the elongate shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam opens and closes the jaws of the end effector relative to tissue. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam also severs tissue captured between closed jaws of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Matthew C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160317215
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument for cutting and sealing tissue with a mode selection assembly. The mode selection assembly allows for a user to safely activate or disable a cutting functionality and a sealing functionality through use of electrosurgical energy. In some embodiments, the mode selection assembly allows for a more automated application of the electrosurgical energy and the cutting functionality when applied to a surgical site. The mode selection assembly may also include a knob configured to switch between the aforementioned settings. Various control mechanisms are also disclosed to lock and unlock the cutting element, such as a motorized locking mechanism, a solenoid locking mechanism, a mechanical mechanism and use of a nitinol wire. The inclusion of the mode selection assembly allows for a user to more safely utilize the surgical instrument by intentionally disabling functionality that may otherwise be inadvertently activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Charles J. Scheib, Benjamin D. Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20160310208
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20160310209
    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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Barry C. Worrell
  • Publication number: 20160302818
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide includes 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 includes a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The rigidizing member is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the articulation section to thereby selectively provide rigidity to the articulation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kristen L. Pirozzi, II, Craig N. Faller, John B. Schulte, Kristen Denzinger, Joseph Hollo, Jason Sullivan, Brian Black, Frederick L. Estera, David A. Monroe, Stephen Leuck, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Gregory A. Trees
  • Publication number: 20160303403
    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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    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
  • Publication number: 20160302817
    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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Michael R. Lamping, Daniel J. Mumaw, David T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20160287316
    Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing and cutting tissue are provided in one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a proximal handle portion, an elongate shaft, and a jaw assembly having first and second jaws. At least one of the jaws includes an electrode that is segmented into a plurality of zones. Each zone includes a parameter monitor, and the parameter monitors provide information about the tissue that is then mapped to define one or more characteristics of the tissue. A controller can then be operated to adjust functionality of the device within each zone based on the mapped parameters/characteristics. Other devices and methods for sealing and cutting tissue are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, David James Cagle
  • Publication number: 20160270809
    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: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    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: 20160270842
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector movable between a first position and a second position, a first jaw member which includes first and second electrically conductive members, and a second jaw member which includes a third electrically conductive member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member from an open position to a closed position to grasp a tissue positioned between the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first and second jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy can be selectively communicated through the tissue positioned between the first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. A distance between the first electrically conductive member and the third electrically conductive member is less than a distance between the second electrically conductive member and the third electrically conductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Geoffrey S. Strobl, Craig T. Davis, Kevin D. Felder, David C. Yates, Barry C. Worrell