Patents by Inventor Darwin L. Schultz
Darwin L. Schultz 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: 20240032912Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 11786237Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 11497489Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Publication number: 20220218335Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frrederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 10959727Abstract: A surgical tool assembly. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint that is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is operably coupled to the articulation joint. An elongate notch is provided in the distal end portion and is located on one lateral side of a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may be configured to prevent the distal end portion from buckling when an axial actuation motion is applied to the proximal end.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Darwin L. Schultz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
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Patent number: 10603036Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes a elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal support link that is pivotally coupled to the surgical end effector to define an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation axis between a first unarticulated position and articulation position located on one side of the shaft axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, Darwin L. Schultz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20200008802Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes first and second jaws. The second jaw includes a second jaw body portion and a second jaw mounting portion that is movably coupled to the first jaw. A closure member that has at least one opening cam formed thereon is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The opening cam is configured to movably engage a corresponding cam surface that is formed on the second jaw body portion to move the second jaw to an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Douglas B. Hoffman, Darwin L. Schultz, Austin E. Wise, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 10517595Abstract: A surgical end effector including a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw between open and closed positions. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the first jaw along a shaft axis between a starting position and an ending position. A firing member lockout system is movable between an unlocked position wherein the firing member lockout system is out of engagement with the firing member and a locked position wherein the firing member lockout system is configured to prevent the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position unless an unfired staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw. The firing member lockout system is configured to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the second jaw is moved to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Darwin L. Schultz, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Publication number: 20190350581Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 10433837Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. An articulation driver is supported for selective longitudinal travel relative to the elongate shaft assembly. A central articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for pivotal travel relative thereto. An intermediate link is movably coupled to the articulation driver and the central articulation link. An end effector driver is movably coupled to the central articulation link and the surgical end effector.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Sarah A. Worthington, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Adam D. Hensel, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Patent number: 10368861Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument may include a first distal articulation driver operably coupled to the surgical end effector and a second distal articulation driver that is coupled to the surgical end effector. At least one driver member may operably engage the first and second distal articulation drivers such that when the first distal articulation driver is moved in a distal direction, the least one driver moves the second distal articulation driver in a proximal direction and when the first distal articulation driver is moved in the proximal direction, the at least one driver member moves the second distal articulation driver in the distal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 10245029Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. The surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical end effector is selectively pivotable about the articulation axis from an unarticulated position wherein the distal end of the surgical end effector is located an unarticulated distance from the articulation axis to articulated positions wherein the distal end of the surgical end effector is located a corresponding articulated distance from the articulation axis that is less than the unarticulated distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Sarah A. Worthington, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Patent number: 10245030Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft assembly about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. An articulation cable is coupled to the surgical end effector at a point of attachment and is journaled on a proximal pulley that is supported on the elongate shaft assembly. The proximal pulley defines a proximal pulley axis that is located a tension distance from the point of attachment. An articulation driver is coupled to the articulation cable for selectively causing the articulation cable to rotate about the proximal pulley in first and second articulation directions. An adjustable tensioning assembly interfaces with the proximal pulley to selectively adjust the tensioning distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 10201364Abstract: Various electrical and slip ring connector arrangements configured to facilitate the passage of electrical current and signals between two components that are rotatable relative to each other such as an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly that includes portions that are rotatable relative to fixed mounting portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Andrew T. Beckman, Darwin L. Schultz, Shane R. Adams
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Publication number: 20180168576Abstract: A surgical end effector including a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw between open and closed positions. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the first jaw along a shaft axis between a starting position and an ending position. A firing member lockout system is movable between an unlocked position wherein the firing member lockout system is out of engagement with the firing member and a locked position wherein the firing member lockout system is configured to prevent the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position unless an unfired staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw. The firing member lockout system is configured to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the second jaw is moved to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Darwin L. Schultz, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch, JR., Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Publication number: 20180168628Abstract: A surgical tool assembly. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint that is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is operably coupled to the articulation joint. An elongate notch is provided in the distal end portion and is located on one lateral side of a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may be configured to prevent the distal end portion from buckling when an axial actuation motion is applied to the proximal end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Darwin L. Schultz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
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Publication number: 20180168579Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes first and second jaws. The second jaw includes a second jaw body portion and a second jaw mounting portion that is movably coupled to the first jaw. A closure member that has at least one opening cam formed thereon is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The opening cam is configured to movably engage a corresponding cam surface that is formed on the second jaw body portion to move the second jaw to an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Douglas B. Hoffman, Darwin L. Schultz, Austin E. Wise, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Publication number: 20180168580Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes a elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal support link that is pivotally coupled to the surgical end effector to define an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation axis between a first unarticulated position and articulation position located on one side of the shaft axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, Darwin L. Schultz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 9788836Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector with a first jaw and a second jaw. The instrument also includes a first drive assembly, a first motor coupled to the first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, a second motor coupled to the second drive assembly, a control module, and a closure trigger. The first motor is operable to motivate the first drive assembly, and the second motor is operable to motivate the second drive assembly. The control module is operably couplable to the first motor and the second motor. The closure trigger is movable during a closure stroke to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration, and to transition the control module from operable engagement with the first motor to operable engagement with the second motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Darwin L. Schultz, Daniel L. Baber, David C. Yates, Anil K. Nalagatla
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Publication number: 20170224342Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. An articulation driver is supported for selective longitudinal travel relative to the elongate shaft assembly. A central articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for pivotal travel relative thereto. An intermediate link is movably coupled to the articulation driver and the central articulation link. An end effector driver is movably coupled to the central articulation link and the surgical end effector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Sarah A. Worthington, Morgan R. Hunter, Darwin L. Schultz, Adam D. Hensel, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely