Patents by Inventor David J. Cagle
David J. Cagle 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: 10004528Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a sleeve. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is configured to move toward the ultrasonic blade. The sleeve extends along at least part of the length of an outer portion of the ultrasonic blade or the clamp arm. The sleeve is configured to prevent tissue from contacting a portion of the ultrasonic blade or clamp arm covered by the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Craig N. Faller, Cory G. Kimball, David J. Cagle, Benjamin D. Dickerson, II, Kristen Denzinger, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Phillip H. Clauda, Ryan M. Asher, Frederick L. Estera, Omar J. Vakharia, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard W. Timm, Richard C. Smith, Paul F. Riestenberg, Wells D. Haberstich, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 10004527Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm comprises a clamp pad. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue between the clamp pad and the ultrasonic blade in two stages. During the first stage, the clamp arm is configured to compress tissue with only a distal portion of the clamp pad. During the second stage, the clamp arm is configured to compress tissue with the distal portion and a proximal portion of the clamp pad. Thus, the tissue compression begins at the distal portion and subsequently progresses toward the proximal portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jacob S. Gee, David J. Cagle, Frederick L. Estera, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Craig N. Faller, Shan Wan, David A. Monroe, Jeffrey D. Messerly, William A. Olson, Richard W. Timm
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Publication number: 20180168755Abstract: A surgical system includes a plurality of voice sensors located in a surgical environment and configured to detect sound and generate a first plurality of signals. The surgical system also includes a position indicator, in proximity to a designated user, configured to indicate a first position of the designated user and generate a second signal representative of the first position. The surgical system further includes a processor configured to receive the first plurality of signals and the second signal and determine, based on the first plurality of signals, a second position. The processor is also configured to compare the detected sound with registered voice command of the designated user stored in a memory to verify the designated user's credentials, and send a command signal to a surgical instrument to carry out an operation related to the voice command based on at least one of the verification of the designated user's credentials, the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: David J. Cagle, Eric Smith, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Mary E. Mootoo, Ryan Asher
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Patent number: 9993260Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a shield member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is selectively movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is configured cover at least a first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The shield member is configured to uncover the first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael J. Stokes, Jacob S. Gee, Kevin D. Felder, Taylor C. Muhlenkamp, Patrick J. Scoggins, Craig N. Faller, Jeffrey D. Messerly, David J. Cagle, William B. Weisenburgh
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Publication number: 20180146976Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2016Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
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Publication number: 20180132887Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a body assembly. An ultrasonic blade connects to the ultrasonic waveguide. A clamp arm assembly of the surgical instrument is able to move from an opened position for receiving a tissue toward a closed position for clamping the tissue. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp body and a clamp pad facing the ultrasonic blade. A clamp arm actuator of the surgical instrument is able to move from a first position toward a second position to direct the clamp arm assembly from the opened position toward the closed position. A modular coupling of the surgical instrument connects to the clamp pad such that at least the clamp pad can be disconnected relative to the ultrasonic blade for replacement thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Gregory D. Bishop, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, David J. Cagle, William E. Clem, Joseph Dennis, Kristen G. Denzinger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Gentry, Christina M. Hough, John V. Hunt, Cody R. Jackson, Cory G. Kimball, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Gabriel I. Myers, Ion V. Nicolaescu, William A. Olson, Candice Otrembiak, Foster B. Stulen, John K. Swain, Gregory A. Trees, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Eitan T. Wiener, Barry C. Worrell, David C. Yates, Monica L. Zeckel
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Patent number: 9700341Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a transducer assembly, and a loading assembly. The end effector is coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The transducer assembly is removably coupled with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly comprises an actuator that is operable to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly is operable to drive the transducer assembly through at least two stages of rotation to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Sean P. Conlon, David J. Cagle
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Publication number: 20170172614Abstract: 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: December 17, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: 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: 20170172605Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: John A. Hibner, Kevin L. Houser, David A. Monroe, David J. Cagle, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Timothy P. Lessek, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Ryan M. Asher, Mary E. Mootoo, Eric B. Smith, Gregory W. Johnson, David M. Locke
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Publication number: 20170143362Abstract: Methods and devices are provided having a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent actuation of the surgical device, e.g., opening and closing of jaws at a distal end of the device, moving a cutting element of the device, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a device is provided having a closure lever actuator that can move between an open position and an actuated position, thereby opening and closing, respectively, jaws at the distal end of the device. In addition, the device can include a knife trigger that is configured to move a cutting element through the jaws. The device can further include a knife lockout feature that can prevent actuation of the knife trigger until the closure lever is in the actuated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: David J. Cagle, David K. Norvell
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Publication number: 20170135749Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. A cutting assembly is included in the surgical device that cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. The surgical device also includes a drive shaft that extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly relative to the first and second jaws, and a motorized gear assembly that causes movement of the drive shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate shaft assembly is detachable from the handle such that, when detached, the drive shaft can be manually retracted relative to the elongate shaft to retract the cutting assembly from to the first and second jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: David J. Cagle, Catherine Corbett, Kevin M. Fiebig, Richard Leimbach, Jason R. Lesko, Rudolph Nobis, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Brett Swensgard, Aaron Voegele
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Publication number: 20170056059Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm and a clamp pad. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled with the shaft assembly. The clamp pad is configured to removably couple with the clamp arm while the clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven P. Smolik, David J. Cagle, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Frederick L. Estera, Paul F. Riestenberg, Charles J. Scheib, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Kristen G. Denzinger, Ryan M. Asher
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Patent number: 9539020Abstract: 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 shaft is operable to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus comprises electro-mechanical means for coupling and decoupling the shaft from the ultrasonic transducer, and may further comprise means for preventing movement of the shaft as it is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Sean P. Conlon, David J. Cagle, David A. Monroe, John A. Hibner, Cole Constantineau, Saeed Sokhanvar, Michel Bruehwiler, Daniel Yasevac, Mohammadreza Ramezanifard, Judy Walish
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Publication number: 20160303403Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section is operable to flex to thereby deflect the end effector from a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The rigidizing member is operable to selectively rigidize the articulation section and thereby prevent deflection of the end effector by preventing flexibility of the articulation section. Such rigidization includes removing any “play” or other small movement that might otherwise be provided by the articulation section due to manufacturing tolerances and/or looseness between parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Cara L. Shapiro, Ryan M. Asher, Kristen Denzinger, William B. Weisenburgh, II, David J. Cagle, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Barry C. Worrell, Gregory W. Johnson, Joseph E. Hollo, Jason R. Sullivan, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Stephen J. Balek
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Publication number: 20160143658Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20150320437Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: 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. Pirozzi, 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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Publication number: 20150182249Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a transducer assembly, and a loading assembly. The end effector is coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The transducer assembly is removably coupled with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly comprises an actuator that is operable to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly is operable to drive the transducer assembly through at least two stages of rotation to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Sean P. Conlon, David J. Cagle
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Publication number: 20150182250Abstract: 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 shaft is operable to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus comprises electro-mechanical means for coupling and decoupling the shaft from the ultrasonic transducer, and may further comprise means for preventing movement of the shaft as it is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, IncInventors: Sean P. Conlon, David J. Cagle, David A. Monroe, John A. Hibner, Cole Constantineau, Saeed Sokhanvar, Michel Bruehwiler, Daniel Yasevac, Mohammadreza Ramezanifard, Judy Walish
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Publication number: 20150164537Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices. The disclosed embodiments include a surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a heat shield. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The heat shield may be located at a predetermined distance from the ultrasonic blade and in thermal communication with the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: David J. Cagle, David A. Witt
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Publication number: 20150148832Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a wetting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade that is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The wetting member is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The wetting member is configured to be spaced away from the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The wetting member is configured to contact the ultrasonic blade in the second position and thereby apply a cooling fluid to the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jacob S. Gee, David J. Cagle, Jeffrey D. Messerly, William B. Weisenburgh, II