Patents by Inventor David A. Witt

David A. Witt 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: 6458142
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to an improved force limiting mechanism for an ultrasonic surgical clamping instrument. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus is described including a housing, an actuator, an outer tube having a proximal end joined to the housing, and a distal end. An actuating element is reciprocably positioned within the outer tube and operatively connected to the actuator. An ultrasonic waveguide is positioned within the outer tube, with an end-effector extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube. A clamp arm is pivotally mounted on the distal end of the outer tube for pivotal movement with respect to the end-effector for clamping tissue between the clamp arm and the end-effector. The clamp arm is operatively connected to the actuating element so that reciprocal movement of the actuating element pivots the clamp arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig N. Faller, Chester O. Baxter, III, David A. Witt
  • Patent number: 6454781
    Abstract: A temperature or impedance sensing device monitors the tissue temperature or impedance at the end-effector of a therapeutic ultrasonic cutting and coagulating instrument as the tissue is being heated with ultrasonic vibrations from the end-effector. One or more sensors are located at the end-effector, preferably on a clamping member. The signals from the sensors provide feedback to control circuitry and a device for selecting a function of the instrument for either cutting mode or coagulating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Jerome R. Morgan, Foster B. Stulen, James R. Giordano
  • Publication number: 20020111624
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a pair of relatively moveable jaws, each of which includes a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surfaces of the jaws are in face-to-face relation with one another, and adjacent each of the tissue contacting surfaces are first and second spaced-apart electrodes that are adapted for connection to the opposite terminals of a bipolar RF generator so as to generator a current flow between the electrodes. The first and second electrodes of one jaw are in offset opposed relation, respectively, with the first and second electrodes of the other jaw. A cutting portion is provided between the jaws. The cutting portion is moveable to provide the instrument with a scissors-like capability or a grasper-like capability, depending on the position of the cutting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Craig Faller, Chester O. Baxter, John F. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20020107517
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a pair of relatively moveable jaws, each of which includes a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surfaces of the jaws are in face-to-face relation with one another, and adjacent each of the tissue contacting surfaces are first and second spaced-apart electrodes that are adapted for connection to the opposite terminals of a bipolar RF generator so as to generator a current flow therebetween. The first and second electrodes of one jaw are in offset opposed relation, respectively, with the first and second electrodes of the other jaw. The tissue contacting surfaces are disposed between the electrodes on each jaw, and the first opposed electrodes of each jaw are connectable to one terminal of the bipolar RF generator, while the second opposed electrodes of each jaw are connectable to the other terminal of the bipolar RF generator. A cutting portion is provided between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Craig N. Faller, Chester O. Baxter, Verne E. Kreger
  • Publication number: 20020052595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a curved clamp arm tissue pad attachment for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments. A curved clamp arm for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument is described. The curved clamp arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, with a top surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the curved clamp arm. The top surface comprises at least one hole. The clamp arm includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface, with the bottom surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the clamp arm. The bottom surface includes at least one engaging surface, where the hole in the top surface extends from the top surface to the engaging surface of the clamp arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Chester O. Baxter
  • Publication number: 20020044361
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for monocular head displays, which enables a compact, light in weight, sturdy apparatus that has a wide angle of viewing, a bright and sharp image display that operates on low voltage in a wide range of temperatures. The image is bright and high in contrast. Due to the compactiveness and wide viewing angle, it is readily useable inside helmets and goggles and visors. The signals that can be used include data, maps, graphics or video images including infrared or other images. Because of the wide viewing angle, the module may be placed and adjusted for multiple users and field installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas P. Scott, David Witt
  • Publication number: 20020026184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a curved clamp arm tissue pad attachment for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments. A curved clamp arm for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument is described. The curved clamp arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, with a top surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the curved clamp arm. The top surface comprises at least one hole. The clamp arm includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface, with the bottom surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the clamp arm. The bottom surface includes at least one engaging surface, where the hole in the top surface extends from the top surface to the engaging surface of the clamp arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Chester O. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6254623
    Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly embodying the principles of the present invention is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. In an ultrasonic blade according to the present invention, the blade is constructed such that the cross-sectional area of the blade is smaller at the proximal end of the compression zone than at the distal end. This performance-enhancing feature creates a more consistent cutting and coagulation of the tissue along the length of the blade reducing the time the blade is in operation and reducing overall heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester G. Haibel, Jr., William A. Bowes, David A. Witt
  • Patent number: 6068647
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The clamping mechanism includes a pivotal clamp arm which cooperates with the end-effector for gripping tissue therebetween. The clamp arm is preferably provided with a clamp tissue pad having a plurality of axially spaced gripping teeth which cooperate with the end-effector to achieve the desired ultrasonic effect on tissue, while facilitating grasping and gripping of tissue during surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Mark Tsonton
  • Patent number: 5855311
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: Steven W. Hamblin, David A. Witt, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Kirk M. Nicola, Matthew R. Otten, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 5794834
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: Steven W. Hamblin, David A. Witt, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Kirk M. Nicola, Matthew R. Otten, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 5605272
    Abstract: A linear surgical stapler having clamping and firing triggers pivotally mounted to the frame of the instrument for pivotal rotation toward a hand grip is disclosed. The clamping trigger is positioned between the firing trigger and the hand grip. Each of the triggers are pivotally mounted to pivot pins spaced from each other within the body portion of the frame. Pivotal rotation of the first trigger is independent of pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the clamping trigger is pivotally rotated toward the hand grip, the clamping and firing transmission assemblies move distally in tandem. Before the first trigger is pivoted, the firing transmission assembly blocks pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the first trigger is pivoted, the initial distal movement of the firing transmission assembly enables the firing trigger to be in a position to pivotally rotate, and therefore cause the firing of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Kirk M. Nicola, Robert G. Cook, Joseph C. Hueil, Richard W. Flaker
  • Patent number: 5605273
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: Steven W. Hamblin, David A. Witt, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Kirk M. Nicola, Matthew R. Otten, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 5580067
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo Surgery
    Inventors: Steven W. Hamblin, David A. Witt, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Kirk M. Nicola, Matthew R. Otten, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 5547117
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument with a remotely articulated staple head assembly on a rotatable support shaft. A joy stick mounted to the shaft of the instrument near the handle allows for remote articulation of the staple head assembly. The staple head assembly includes a narrow contour for insertion between adjacent rib pairs without rib spreading. The staple head assembly further includes a reloadable staple cartridge which may be replaced with differently sized staples of a second cartridge. A closure trigger clamps tissue prior to stapling and cooperates with a second trigger that performs the staple firing operation. The triggers include a safety lock mechanism for preventing premature staple firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: Steven W. Hamblin, David A. Witt, Thomas J. Sierocuk, Kirk M. Nicola, Matthew R. Otten, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 5258012
    Abstract: A two-part surgical fastener comprises a staple and a receiver which are adapted to secure body tissue together. The staple is generally U-shaped and includes at least two prongs with barbed distal ends which penetrate the tissue and are latched by the receiver. Each prong of the staple is configured as an elongated prism of hexagonal cross-section and includes a barbed tip with an enlarged hexagonal cross-section at its free end. Each aperture of the receiver is hexagonal in configuration and includes a pair of opposed ledges for engaging the barbed tip. The tip of each prong has a pointed distal end formed by a first pair of sloped surfaces which form the sharp angle and a second pair of sloped surfaces which form a blunt angle. The staple includes longitudinal ridges or grooves on the prongs which are engaged and guided by longitudinal channels or ribs provided in a staple cartridge. The staple and receiver consist of bioabsorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Luscombe, David A. Witt, Kirk M. Nicola
  • Patent number: 4829876
    Abstract: A saddle sway brace (90) having a channeled planar plate (94) engageable on a missile launcher platform surface (56). Angled planar plates (100, 102) provide load support for aircraft outrigger equipment. A webbed reenforcing network (110, 112) is engageable with notches (122, 124) in the missile launcher for load support and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Varo, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Witt
  • Patent number: 4736669
    Abstract: A missile launcher is disclosed having an elongate planar platform (28) formed integral with the body of the launcher (26). Plural bomb rack fasteners (34, 36) and pylon mounting lugs (38, 40) are fixed to the platform surface (28) to accommodate different aircraft types. Plural sway braces (46) are removably fixed to the side edges of the platform surface (28). Each sway brace (46) can be fixed to desired positions along the side edges of the platform surface (28) to also accommodate different aircraft type mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Varo, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Long, Gary D. Poole, David A. Witt, Ronald L. Dale
  • Patent number: 4231147
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for installing a cylindrical body, having a plurality of external axial splines, within a stack of annular plates, said plates having radially inner teeth for meshing with said splines. The method includes the placement of a cylindrical alignment tool, having a plurality of external splines, in a position subsequently to be occupied by said cylindrical body. The annular plates are placed about said alignment tool, with the teeth of said annular plates meshing with said alignment tool. Then, an axially compressive force is applied to said stack of plates to maintain axial alignment of the teeth of adjacent plates. This axial compressive force is supplied by a high pressure fluid which is communicated to a piston engaging said stack of plates. Then, the alignment tool is removed while said axial compressive force is retained on said stack of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: David Witt
  • Patent number: D451612
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Palm Bay, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Thibault, Kevin J. Beliveau, Matthew J. Gary, Ralph Brege, David A. Witt, Edward L. Ivinson