Patents by Inventor D. Black
D. Black 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: 20230049889Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an axial location feature. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm that can move between an open and closed position. The shaft assembly includes a proximal shaft portion, an acoustic waveguide extending proximally from the ultrasonic blade, a distal shaft portion extending along a distal axis, and an articulation section interposed between the proximal shaft portion and the distal shaft portion. The articulation section can deflect the distal shaft portion and the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis between a non-deflected position and a deflected position. The axial location feature can inhibit the ultrasonic blade from shifting relative to the clamp arm along the distal axis as the end effector is driven between the non-deflected position and the deflected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Brian D. Black, Thomas B. Remm, Karl W. Mueller
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Publication number: 20230049779Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to cognitive automation-based engine processing to propagate data across multiple systems via a private network to overcome technical system, resource consumption, and architecture limitations. Data to be propagated can be manually input or extracted from a digital file. The data can be parsed by analyzing for correct syntax, normalized into first through sixth normal forms, segmented into packets for efficient data transmission, validated to ensure that the data satisfies defined formats and input criteria, and distributed into a plurality of data stores coupled to the private network, thereby propagating data without repetitive manual entry. The data may also be enriched by, for example, correcting for any errors or linking with other potentially related data. Based on data enrichment, recommendations of additional target(s) for propagation of data can be identified. Reports may also be generated. The cognitive automation may be performed in real-time to expedite processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Michael Ogrinz, Christine D. Black, Jayachandra Varma, Jinna Kim
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Publication number: 20230039824Abstract: A method and system for policy-driven traffic management in cloud-based multi-tenant systems is disclosed. Routes delivers services to end user devices. The routes are specified for policies. The policies specify residencies for the routes, cloud services, and data storage. An application running on an end user device selects a policy and a cloud service. A route corresponding to the policy, a residency specified by the policy, and the cloud service is returned to the application. An operation of the end user device in compliance with the policies is monitored to generate telemetry. An access resource server receives a non-compliance with the policy, and identify new routes, policies and configuration for remediation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: Netskope, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Black, Jacob S. Roersma
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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: 11571234Abstract: A generator, ultrasonic device, and method of determining a temperature of an ultrasonic blade are disclosed. A control circuit coupled to a memory determines an actual resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade by an ultrasonic waveguide. The actual resonant frequency is correlated to an actual temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit retrieves from the memory a reference resonant frequency of the ultrasonic electromechanical system. The reference resonant frequency is correlated to a reference temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit then infers the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the difference between the actual resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Cameron R. Nott, Fergus P. Quigley, Amrita Singh Sawhney, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Eric M. Roberson, Patrick J. Scoggins, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Jacob S. Gee, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates
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Publication number: 20230000518Abstract: Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating and controlling a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclosed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance as defined as Z g ( t ) = V g ( t ) I g ( t ) ; The control circuit receives a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Cameron R. Nott, Foster B. Stulen, Fergus P. Quigley, John E. Brady, Gregory A. Trees, Amrita S. Sawhney, Patrick J. Scoggins, Kristen G. Denzinger, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Alexander R. Cuti, Matthew S. Schneider, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brian D. Black, Maxwell T. Rockman, Gregory D. Bishop, Eric M. Roberson, Stephen M. Leuck, James M. Wilson
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Patent number: 11534196Abstract: An ultrasonic device may include an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, the electromechanical ultrasonic system further including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A method of delivering energy to the ultrasonic device may include measuring a complex impedance of the ultrasonic blade coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, comparing the measured complex impedance to stored values of complex impedance patterns associated with ultrasonic blade functions, and applying, an algorithm to control a power output to the ultrasonic transducer based on the comparison. The method may further include delivering energy to the ultrasonic device based on a state or condition of an end effector, in which the state or condition of the end effector corresponds to a state of only sealing a tissue or of spot coagulating the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventor: Brian D. Black
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Publication number: 20220395292Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni M. Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Shan Wan
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Patent number: 11528341Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to cognitive automation-based engine processing to propagate data across multiple systems via a private network to overcome technical system, resource consumption, and architecture limitations. Data to be propagated can be manually input or extracted from a digital file. The data can be parsed by analyzing for correct syntax, normalized into first through sixth normal forms, segmented into packets for efficient data transmission, validated to ensure that the data satisfies defined formats and input criteria, and distributed into a plurality of data stores coupled to the private network, thereby propagating data without repetitive manual entry. The data may also be enriched by, for example, correcting for any errors or linking with other potentially related data. Based on data enrichment, recommendations of additional target(s) for propagation of data can be identified. Reports may also be generated. The cognitive automation may be performed in real-time to expedite processing.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Bank of America CorporationInventors: Michael Ogrinz, Christine D. Black, Jayachandra Varma, Jinna Kim
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Patent number: 11510808Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Scion NeuroStim, Inc.Inventors: Lanty L. Smith, Leseo L. Rogers, Robert D. Black
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Publication number: 20220346897Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a drive housing, a spline, a carriage, an elongate shaft assembly, an end effector, and an activating mechanism. The at least one spline includes a drive gear rotatable with the spline. The elongate shaft assembly extends from the carriage. The activating mechanism includes a barrel cam extending along a rotational axis and having a first cam profile radially extending about the rotational axis. The barrel cam is operatively coupled to the drive gear such that rotation of the drive gear is configured to actuate the activating mechanism to move at least a portion of the end effector. The first cam profile defines a plurality of slopes relative to the rotational axis such that the first cam profile is configured to drive movement of the end effector or the elongate shaft assembly at different rates according to the plurality of slopes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Brian D. Black, Charles J. Scheib, Matthew T. Stone, Mark D. Overmyer, Christopher A. Denzinger, Andrew T. Beckman, Neil T. Markwardt
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Publication number: 20220346824Abstract: A method of fabricating an ultrasonic medical device is presented. The method includes machining a surgical tool from a flat metal stock, contacting a face of a first transducer with a first face of the surgical tool, and contacting a face of a second transducer with an opposing face of the surgical tool opposite the first transducer. The first and second transducers are configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal portion of the surgical tool. Upon activation, the first transducer and the second transducer are configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool and the induced standing wave comprises a node at a node location in the surgical tool and an antinode at an antinode location in the surgical tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Black, William A. Olson, Frederick L. Estera, William E. Clem, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Stephen M. Leuck
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Publication number: 20220346890Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a shaft assembly, a drive, and an activating mechanism. The end effector includes first and second jaws. At least one of the first and second jaws is pivotable relative to the other of the first and second jaws between open and closed positions. The shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector. The drive is operatively connected to a portion of at least one of the end effector or the shaft assembly. The activating mechanism includes an actuation body operatively connected to the drive. The portion is configured to perform a first actuation profile in response to the actuation body moving along a first predetermined path or perform a second actuation profile in response to the actuation body moving along a second predetermined path. Selection of the first predetermined path is configured to prevent the actuation body from accessing the second predetermined path.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Christopher A. Denzinger, Mark D. Overmyer, Charles J. Scheib, Neil T. Markwardt, Brian D. Black
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Patent number: 11484333Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: 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. D'Uva, 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
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Patent number: 11471181Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a rotating body, and a clamp arm movable between an open and a closed position. The shaft assembly extends along an axis and includes clamp arm clocking assembly and a clamp arm pivot assembly. The clamp arm clocking assembly can drive the rotating body and the clamp arm between a first clocked position and a second clocked position. The clamp arm pivot assembly includes an actuator body defining a track, where the actuator body can actuate to drive the clamp arm between the open position and the closed position while the actuator body is in a rotational position relative to the ultrasonic blade. The track houses a portion of the clamp arm in the first clocked position and the second clocked position while the actuator body is in the rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Brian D. Black
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Publication number: 20220323095Abstract: A generator, ultrasonic device, and method for controlling a temperature of an ultrasonic blade are disclosed. A control circuit coupled to a memory determines an actual resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade by an ultrasonic waveguide. The actual resonant frequency is correlated to an actual temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit retrieves from the memory a reference resonant frequency of the ultrasonic electromechanical system. The reference resonant frequency is correlated to a reference temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit then infers the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the difference between the actual resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Cameron R. Nott, Fergus P. Quigley, Amrita S. Sawhney, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Eric M. Roberson, Kristen G. Denzinger, Patrick J. Scoggins, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Jacob S. Gee
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Patent number: 11464535Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade to transition the end effector between an open configuration and a closed configuration to clamp tissue between the ultrasonic blade and the clamp arm. The surgical instrument further comprises an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic energy output and a waveguide configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy output to the ultrasonic blade. The surgical instrument further comprises a control circuit, configured to detect an immersion of the end effector in a liquid and compensate for heat flux lost due to the immersion of the end effector in the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Amrita S. Sawhney, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Eric M. Roberson
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Patent number: 11466507Abstract: A light-weight unitary window assembly for recreational vehicles and trailers. The window assembly uses a two piece design that seats within the wall or door opening and incorporates a fixed window pane integrally molded into one of the polymer frame halves. The window assembly also uses a plurality of weep holes that extend through the frame halves to vacate water from the window assembly to the exterior of the vehicle or trailer wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the window assembly also includes a sliding window pane that slides along a peripheral track and securely seats in a closed position using a plurality of contact pads to prevent window “chatter.” The window assembly also includes an integrated latch mechanism to secure the sliding pane.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Inventors: Gary A. Eck, John D. Black
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Patent number: 11464559Abstract: Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclosed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance is defined as Z g ? ( t ) = V g ? ( t ) I g ? ( t ) . The control circuit receives a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Cameron R. Nott, Foster B. Stulen, Fergus P. Quigley, John E. Brady, Gregory A. Trees, Amrita Singh Sawhney, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Patrick J. Scoggins, Kristen G. Denzinger, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Alexander R. Cuti, Matthew S. Schneider, Brian D. Black, Maxwell Rockman, Gregory D. Bishop, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates
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Patent number: 11464532Abstract: Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating and controlling a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclosed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance is defined as Z g ? ( t ) = V g ? ( t ) I g ? ( t ) . The control circuit receives a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Cameron R. Nott, Foster B. Stulen, Fergus P. Quigley, John E. Brady, Gregory A. Trees, Amrita S. Sawhney, Patrick J. Scoggins, Kristen G. Denzinger, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Alexander R. Cuti, Matthew S. Schneider, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brian D. Black, Maxwell T. Rockman, Gregory D. Bishop, Eric M. Roberson, Stephen M. Leuck, James M. Wilson