Patents by Inventor David K. Norvell

David K. Norvell 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).

  • Publication number: 20210007752
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The handle assembly includes a body and an actuator. The actuator includes a rotary member that is configured to be driven by a finger of a hand that grasps the handle body. The shaft assembly includes an external sheath that is fixed to the handle body and an inner shaft that is coupled to the actuator. The inner shaft is configured to slide longitudinally relative to the external sheath in response to rotation of the first rotary member relative to the handle body. The end effector is configured to encompass a bodily lumen and includes a flexible member extending distally from the inner shaft. A first coupling element is fixed to the distal tip of the flexible member. A second coupling element is fixed to the external sheath. The flexible member defines an adjustable loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Kevin M. Fiebig, David K. Norvell
  • Publication number: 20200383722
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, David K. Norvell, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gregory A. Trees, Jason E. Zerkle, Kevin M. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20200338370
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument that can supply mechanical energy and electrical energy to an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be operated in a first operating mode in which a transducer of the surgical instrument produces mechanical energy, or vibrations, that are transmitted to the end effector and a second operating mode in which electrical energy, or current, can flow through the end effector to perform electrosurgery. In another general aspect, the surgical instrument may comprise a clamp, or jaw, which can be moved into a closed position to hold tissue against a waveguide, or blade, of the end effector. In the second operating mode of the surgical instrument, current can flow from a power source, through the waveguide, and return to the power source through a path comprising the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Shan Wan, Daniel W. Price, David K. Norvell, James R. Giordano
  • Publication number: 20200315690
    Abstract: In general, surgical devices including visual indicators thereon are provided. A user of the device therefore may quickly visually ascertain various operational details of the surgical device and/or various pieces of information about the device and/or tissue of a patient being operated on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Morgan, Cory Kimball, Christopher Pitaniello, Demetrius Harris, Geoffrey S. Strobl, William D. Shaw, JR., Ellen Renner, David K. Norvell
  • Patent number: 10688321
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument that can supply mechanical energy and electrical energy to an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be operated in a first operating mode in which a transducer of the surgical instrument produces mechanical energy, or vibrations, that are transmitted to the end effector and a second operating mode in which electrical energy, or current, can flow through the end effector to perform electrosurgery. In another general aspect, the surgical instrument may comprise a clamp, or jaw, which can be moved into a closed position to hold tissue against a waveguide, or blade, of the end effector. In the second operating mode of the surgical instrument, current can flow from a power source, through the waveguide, and return to the power source through a path comprising the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Shan Wan, Daniel W. Price, David K. Norvell, James R. Giordano
  • Publication number: 20200179003
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • Patent number: 10660696
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, David K. Norvell, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gregory A. Trees, Jason E. Zerkle, Kevin M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10588661
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • Publication number: 20200046353
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, and a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member, and a clamp member movably coupled with the second elongate member. The clamp member is operable to releasably capture the pin to thereby clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamp member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew C. Deck, Brian D. Schings, Jason Jones, Gregory J. Bakos, David K. Norvell, Christopher J. Schall, Joshua Uth
  • Publication number: 20200022724
    Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 10524854
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw and second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to capture tissue having a tissue thickness. A tissue cutting force monitor is configured to determine the tissue thickness of the captured tissue and communicate the tissue thickness to a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the speed of a tissue-cutting element during a cutting portion of a firing stroke based on the tissue thickness communicated from the tissue cutting force monitor. The controller is configured to reduce the speed of the tissue-cutting element when the tissue cutting force monitor communicates a thicker tissue thickness to the controller. The controller is configured to increase the speed of the tissue-cutting element when the tissue cutting force monitor communicates a thinner tissue thickness to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Patrick A. Weizman, Gwendolyn P. Payne, Donna L. Korvick, David K. Norvell, Aron O. Zingman
  • Publication number: 20190209201
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph C. Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10335183
    Abstract: A control system for a surgical robot is disclosed. The control system includes a controller, a sensor, a feedback device, a first socket, and a stand-alone input device. The handheld user interface may control a function of a robotic surgical system and is coupled to the sensor and the controller. The sensor is coupled to the controller. The feedback device is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user. The controller is communicatively coupleable to the robotic surgical system and is configured to send robot control signals to the robotic surgical system, to receive feedback signals from the robotic surgical system, and to send feedback control signals to the feedback device to control the feedback provided to the user. The controller is configured to couple to a stand-alone input device through the first socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
  • Patent number: 10335179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David J. Cagle, David K. Norvell
  • Patent number: 10201365
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20180289415
    Abstract: Surgical instruments with position-dependent actuator cooperation and impedance are described herein. In general, movement of one actuator can cause proportional movement of another actuator depending upon the positions of each actuator. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector and a proximal actuator portion. First and second actuators coupled to the proximal actuator portion can each be configured to move between a first position and a second position. Further, the first actuator and the second actuator can be configured such that, when the first actuator and the second actuator are in the first position, moving the second actuator to the second position causes the first actuator to move to the second position, and when the first actuator is in the second position, the second actuator can be moved from the first position to the second position independent of the first actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: David K. Norvell, David J. Cagle
  • Publication number: 20180280055
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • Patent number: 10016215
    Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David K. Norvell, Robert P. Gill, James W. Voegele, Michael A. Murray, Christopher J. Hess, Michael S. Cropper
  • Publication number: 20180125571
    Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: David A. Witt, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Steve G. Bernath, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: D913495
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Andrew C. Deck, Jason Jones, David K. Norvell, Matthew S. Corbin, Brian D. Schings