Patents by Inventor Brian D. Bertke
Brian D. Bertke 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: 9782181Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 9743946Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp assembly. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide operable to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the blade. The clamp assembly includes a clamp arm pivotable toward and away from the blade about a pivot axis, to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the blade. A rotation feature may provide rotation of the blade relative to the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Alternatively, the rotation feature may provide rotation of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the longitudinal axis. The rotation feature may be driven based on pivotal positioning of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the pivot axis. The rotation feature may selectively lock and unlock the angular position of either the blade or the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis at any of a number of predetermined angular positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Craig N. Faller, Elizabeth DeBenedictis, William D. Kelly, Michael R. Lamping, Timothy G. Dietz, Patrick A. Weizman, Jacob S. Gee, John B. Schulte, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Douglas J. Turner, Eric B. Smith, Sean P. Conlon, Richard W. Timm, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke
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Patent number: 9724118Abstract: Various forms are directed to a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The ultrasonic surgical instrument may be activated by generating a drive signal provided to the ultrasonic drive system to drive the end effector. A plurality of input variables may be applied to a multi-variable model to generate a multi-variable model output, where the multi-variable model output corresponds to an effect of the ultrasonic instrument on tissue. The plurality of input variables may comprise at least one variable describing the drive signal and at least one variable describing a property of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. When the multi-variable model output reaches a threshold value, feedback may be generated indicating a corresponding state of at least one of the ultrasonic surgical instrument and tissue acted upon by the ultrasonic surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: John B. Schulte, Daniel W. Price, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Richard W. Timm, Craig T. Davis, Amy L. Marcotte, David A. Witt, Karalyn R. Tellio, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, James R. Giordano
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Patent number: 9700343Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Foster B. Stulen, James R. Giordano
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Publication number: 20160338726Abstract: An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion may include a proximal end segment and a distal end segment. The proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion may include an insert segment composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill a nodal energy gap defined by the end effector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser, Vincent P. Battaglia, JR., Brian D. Bertke
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Patent number: 9414853Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a proximal end segment, a distal end segment, and an insert segment. The proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The insert segment is composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer. An insert segment or a pad is positioned adjacent to the blade such that it engages the blade when the surgical instrument is in a closed position and generates heat filling the nodal energy gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr., Brian D. Bertke
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Publication number: 20160120563Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Foster B. Stulen, James R. Giordano
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Patent number: 9237921Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, James R. Giordano
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Publication number: 20150142031Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a pivoting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The ultrasonic blade is positioned distal to the shaft assembly. The pivoting member is pivotable with respect to the blade from an open position to a closed position to thereby clamp tissue between the pivoting member and the blade. The shaft assembly comprises a feature to provide for the removal of surgical debris (e.g. tissue, coagulated blood, etc.), body fluid, etc. from the shaft assembly. The feature may remove the surgical debris, body fluid, etc. from a cavity within the shaft assembly. The feature may also prevent the collection of surgical debris, body fluid, etc. within the shaft assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Craig N. Faller, JoAnn M. Stegeman, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William D. Kelly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio
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Patent number: 8915930Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Brian D. Bertke, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor
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Publication number: 20140303650Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 8753356Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Publication number: 20130345732Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism, which is specifically configured to provide for variable tissue clamping forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: William D. Dannaher, Brian D. Bertke, Kenneth Moran, Aron O. Zingman, Matthew L. Reed, Larry A. Pummill, JR., Robert D. Weaver, John S. Frazier
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Publication number: 20130296908Abstract: Various forms are directed to a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The ultrasonic surgical instrument may be activated by generating a drive signal provided to the ultrasonic drive system to drive the end effector. A plurality of input variables may be applied to a multi-variable model to generate a multi-variable model output, where the multi-variable model output corresponds to an effect of the ultrasonic instrument on tissue. The plurality of input variables may comprise at least one variable describing the drive signal and at least one variable describing a property of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. When the multi-variable model output reaches a threshold value, feedback may be generated indicating a corresponding state of at least one of the ultrasonic surgical instrument and tissue acted upon by the ultrasonic surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: John B. Schulte, Daniel W. Price, Jeffery T. Kirk, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Richard W. Timm, Craig T. Davis, Amy L. Marcotte, David A. Witt, Karalyn R. Tellio, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, James R. Giordano
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Publication number: 20130282038Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a body assembly, a power source, and a control module. The end effector is operable for use in a surgical procedure and can deliver energy to a surgical site. The end effector comprises at least one sensor. The sensor is able to measure at least one physical characteristic associated with the surgical site. The body assembly is in communication with the end effector. The power source is in communication with the body assembly and is operable to deliver power to the end effector. The control module is in communication with the sensor and is operable to change delivery of power to the end effector based on data from the sensor indicating a change in tissue density.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: William D. Dannaher, Daniel W. Price, Cory G. Kimball, William D. Kelly, Sora Rhee, Jacob S. Gee, Brian D. Bertke, Alissa L. Welling
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Patent number: 8523889Abstract: An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion includes a proximal end segment of the end effector and a distal end segment of the end effector, and the proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion includes an insert segment of the end effector composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr., Brian D. Bertke
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Patent number: 8419756Abstract: An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion includes a proximal end segment of the end effector and a distal end segment of the end effector, and the proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion includes an insert segment of the end effector composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr., Brian D. Bertke
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Patent number: 8075571Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Publication number: 20100331873Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally-mounted at the distal portion of the instrument using a ball-bearing assembly, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: William D. Dannaher, Brian D. Bertke, Kenneth Moran, Aron O. Zingman, Matthew L. Reed, Larry A. Pummill, JR., Robert D. Weaver, John S. Frazier
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Publication number: 20090030311Abstract: An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion includes a proximal end segment of the end effector and a distal end segment of the end effector, and the proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion includes an insert segment of the end effector composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser, Vincent P. Battaglia, JR., Brian D. Bertke