Patents by Inventor Benjamin M. Boyd
Benjamin M. Boyd 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: 20240050118Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: David A. Witt, Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, Benjamin M. Boyd, David C. Groene, Benjamin V. Vins, William C. Horton, III, Ashvani K. Madan
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Publication number: 20240000500Abstract: A system for assessing the quality of seals applied to tissue by electrosurgical instruments is provided. The system can include a surgical device with a control circuit to determine that an end effector of the surgical device is in a closed configuration, determine a presence of tissue disposed between a first jaw and a second jaw of the end effector, monitor motion of the end effector in the closed configuration with tissue present between the first and second jaw, detect motion of the end effector outside of a predetermined range based on the motion data, and provide feedback data based on the detected motion of the end effector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Anshu Gupta, Shaun B. Schaeffer, Swapnil Rai, Matjaz Jogan, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jonathan H. Duff, Rayonna M. Gordon, Benjamin M. Boyd, Claire J. Dong
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Publication number: 20230381547Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a handle assembly. The end effector is configured to operate at a first energy level and at a second energy level. The end effector is further configured to transition between an open position and a closed position. The end effector is configured to grasp tissue in the closed position. The handle assembly includes a body, a trigger, and an activation element. The trigger is configured to pivot in a first direction relative to the body to actuate the end effector from the open position to the closed position. The activation element is configured to activate the end effector at either the first energy level or the second energy level. The trigger is configured to either activate the activation element or determine whether the end effector operates at the first energy level or the second energy level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Benjamin M. Boyd, Paul F. Riestenberg, Craig N. Faller, Allison Hamilton, Patrick J. Swindon, Christopher J. Chermside-Scabbo, Kevin L. Houser, David J. Cagle, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Benjamin J. Danziger, Rudolph H. Nobis
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Patent number: 11826069Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: David A. Witt, Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, Benjamin M. Boyd, David C. Groene, Benjamin V. Vins, William C. Horton, III, Ashvani K. Madan
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Patent number: 11745031Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a handle assembly. The end effector is configured to operate at a first energy level and at a second energy level. The end effector is further configured to transition between an open position and a closed position. The end effector is configured to grasp tissue in the closed position. The handle assembly includes a body, a trigger, and an activation element. The trigger is configured to pivot in a first direction relative to the body to actuate the end effector from the open position to the closed position. The activation element is configured to activate the end effector at either the first energy level or the second energy level. The trigger is configured to either activate the activation element or determine whether the end effector operates at the first energy level or the second energy level.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Charles J. Scheib, Benjamin M. Boyd, Paul F. Riestenberg, Craig N. Faller, Allison Hamilton, Patrick J. Swindon, Christopher J. Chermside-Scabbo, Kevin L. Houser, David J. Cagle, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Benjamin J. Danziger, Rudolph H. Nobis
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Publication number: 20230142303Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes a mode selection member and an activation member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The end effector is configured to be activated in a first activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a first position. The end effector is configured to be activated in a second activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Paul F. Riestenberg, Benjamin M. Boyd, Jacob S. Gee, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Katelynn Kramer, Ryan M. Asher, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Geoffrey S. Strobl, David A. Monroe
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Patent number: 11589892Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a user input feature, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a blade cooling system. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade that may be coupled with an ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The cooling system is operable to deliver liquid coolant to the ultrasonic blade to thereby cool the ultrasonic blade. The user input feature is operable to both actuate the clamp arm and actuate the cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Michael J. Stokes, Scott R. Bingham, Ryan M. Asher, Charles J. Scheib, Rudolph H. Nobis, Frederick L. Estera, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Jeffrey D. Messerly, David J. Cagle, Jacob S. Gee, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Omar E. Rios Perez, Chester O. Baxter, III, Karalyn R. Tellio, Benjamin M. Boyd, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Joël Fontannaz, Lukas S. Glutz, Amir Feriani, Emmanuel Gremion
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Patent number: 11571236Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, an acoustic waveguide, an ultrasonic blade, a liquid dispensing feature, and a control module. The liquid dispensing feature is positioned distally relative to the body assembly. The liquid dispensing feature is positioned adjacent to the ultrasonic blade. The liquid dispensing feature is configured to deliver a flow of cooling liquid to the ultrasonic blade. The control module is operable to regulate fluid flow through the liquid dispensing feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: David C. Yates, Benjamin M. Boyd, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brian D. Black, Craig N. Faller, Kristen G. Denzinger, Paul F. Riestenberg, David M. Locke, Jacob S. Gee, Joseph Dennis, Ashvani K. Madan
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Patent number: 11559323Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes a mode selection member and an activation member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The end effector is configured to be activated in a first activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a first position. The end effector is configured to be activated in a second activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Paul F. Riestenberg, Benjamin M. Boyd, Jacob S. Gee, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Katelynn Kramer, Ryan M. Asher, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Geoffrey S. Strobl, David A. Monroe
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Publication number: 20230015195Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes a mode selection member and an activation member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The end effector is configured to be activated in a first activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a first position. The end effector is configured to be activated in a second activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Paul F. Riestenberg, Benjamin M. Boyd, Jacob S. Gee, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Katelynn Kramer, Ryan M. Asher, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Geoffrey S. Strobl, David A. Monroe
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Publication number: 20210346048Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Craig N. Faller, Ryan M. Asher, John B. Schulte, Randal T. Byrum, Jose D. Vasquez, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Benjamin M. Boyd, Amy L. Marcotte, Jacob S. Gee, Jonathan T. Batross, Jeffrey D. Messerly
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Patent number: 11103270Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Craig N. Faller, Ryan M. Asher, John B. Schulte, Randal T. Byrum, Jose D. Vasquez, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Benjamin M. Boyd, Amy L. Marcotte, Jacob S. Gee, Jonathan T. Batross, Jeffrey D. Messerly
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Publication number: 20210259724Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body and a shaft assembly extending distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The instrument further includes an end effector including an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The instrument further includes a sensor configured to sense at least one characteristic of the shaft assembly and/or the end effector. The end effector is configured to be activated at varying power levels based on the at least one characteristic sensed by the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Ashvani K. Madan, David C. Groene, Benjamin M. Boyd, Craig N. Faller, Jacob S. Gee, Paul F. Riestenberg
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Publication number: 20210236195Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for dissection and coagulation of tissue. A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to dissect and seal tissue at a distal end thereof, and a selector switch having a plurality of surgical modes. A generator is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and is configured to deliver energy to the end effector. Each surgical mode of the selector switch corresponds to an algorithm for controlling the power delivered from the generator to the end effector, and each algorithm corresponding to the plurality of surgical modes is configured to allow a user to control the power output level of the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Paul F. Riestenberg, Jacob S. Gee, Benjamin M. Boyd, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, John A. Hibner
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Publication number: 20210228228Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: David A. Witt, Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, Benjamin M. Boyd, David C. Groene, Benjamin V. Vins, William C. Horton, III, Ashvani K. Madan
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Patent number: 10973541Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body and a shaft assembly extending distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The instrument further includes an end effector including an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The instrument further includes a sensor configured to sense at least one characteristic of the shaft assembly and/or the end effector. The end effector is configured to be activated at varying power levels based on the at least one characteristic sensed by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Ashvani K. Madan, David C. Groene, Benjamin M. Boyd, Craig N. Faller, Jacob S. Gee, Paul F. Riestenberg
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Patent number: 10959748Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: David A. Witt, Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, Benjamin M. Boyd, David C. Groene, Benjamin V. Vins, William C. Horton, III, Ashvani K. Madan
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Patent number: 10952788Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including an end effector, a generator configured to deliver adaptive energy, a mode selector switch having a plurality of surgical modes, a closure switch configured to control the end effector, and a counter configured to count a number of closure switch activations. The surgical instrument is configured to communicate a selected surgical mode of the mode selector switch and the number of closure switch activations from the counter to the generator. The surgical instrument is configured to receive the adaptive energy from the generator based on the selected surgical mode and the number of closure switch activations. The generator is configured to deliver the adaptive energy to the surgical instrument closer to a start of an activation cycle for the selected surgical mode as the number of closure switch activations increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Paul F. Riestenberg, Jacob S. Gee, Benjamin M. Boyd, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, John A. Hibner
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Patent number: 10856897Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a user input feature, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a blade cooling system. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade that may be coupled with an ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The cooling system is operable to deliver liquid coolant to the ultrasonic blade to thereby cool the ultrasonic blade. The user input feature is operable to both actuate the clamp arm and actuate the cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael J. Stokes, Ryan M. Asher, Charles J. Scheib, Rudolph H. Nobis, Frederick L. Estera, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Jeffrey D. Messerly, David J. Cagle, Jacob S. Gee, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Omar E. Rios Perez, Chester O. Baxter, III, Benjamin M. Boyd, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Joël Fontannaz, Lukas Glutz, Amir Feriani, Emmanuel Gremion
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Patent number: 10813662Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, an ultrasonic transducer, a waveguide, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft. A rotation knob is rotatably coupled to the body and is configured to rotate the shaft, the waveguide, and the end effector together relative to the body. A torque transfer structure is positioned radially outwardly of and in direct contact with the waveguide at an acoustic node thereof. The torque transfer structure is rotationally fixed relative to the waveguide and is configured to rotationally couple the waveguide with the shaft and the rotation knob. The waveguide includes a first axial constraining feature defining a distally facing surface, and the torque transfer structure includes a second axial constraining feature defining a proximally facing surface configured to abut the distally facing surface to constrain the waveguide axially relative to the torque transfer structure and the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Craig T. Davis, Stephen M. Leuck, Benjamin M. Boyd, Joseph Dennis, Joseph E. Hollo, Nathan Cummings, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Tony C. Siebel, Joseph Isosaki, Frederick L. Estera, John E. Brady, Bryce L. Heitman, Cory G. Kimball