Patents by Inventor Eric Roberson
Eric Roberson 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: 12465388Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2023Date of Patent: November 11, 2025Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Publication number: 20240374280Abstract: 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 23, 2024Publication date: November 14, 2024Inventors: 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
-
Patent number: 12070239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2022Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: 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
-
Publication number: 20240108375Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Patent number: 11883057Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignees: Cilag GmbH International, SAMTEC Inc.Inventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Publication number: 20230285105Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Eric Roberson, William D. Dannaher, Stephen M. Leuck, Fajian Zhang, Cody R. Jackson
-
Patent number: 11712318Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Eric Roberson, William D. Danaher, Stephen M. Leuck, Fajian Zhang, Cody R. Jackson
-
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
-
Publication number: 20220395317Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath, at least one irrigation conduit, and at least one suction conduit. The end effector includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a web. The electrodes extend distally relative to a distal end of the outer sheath. The electrodes are operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. The web extends laterally between the first and second electrodes. The web is positioned distal to the distal end of the outer sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Mark A. Davison, Mark E. Tebbe, Kristen G. Denzinger, Ryan M. Asher, Craig T. Davis, Kevin Bash, Eric Roberson, John E. Brady, Jeffrey A. Bullock, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Monica L. Zeckel, Shan Wan, Kristen L. D'Uva
-
Patent number: 11464533Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: 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 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
-
Patent number: 11413087Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath, at least one irrigation conduit, and at least one suction conduit. The end effector includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a web. The electrodes extend distally relative to a distal end of the outer sheath. The electrodes are operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. The web extends laterally between the first and second electrodes. The web is positioned distal to the distal end of the outer sheath.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Mark A. Davison, Mark E. Tebbe, Kristen G. Denzinger, Ryan M. Asher, Craig T. Davis, Kevin Bash, Eric Roberson, John E. Brady, Jeffrey A. Bullock, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Monica L. Zeckel, Shan Wan, Kristen L. D'Uva
-
Publication number: 20220192695Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Patent number: 11350961Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Publication number: 20200367923Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Patent number: 10751079Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignees: Ethicon LLC, SAMTEC, Inc.Inventors: Eric Roberson, James E. Borgelt, Douglas E. McCartin
-
Publication number: 20200222142Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Eric Roberson, William D. Danaher, Stephen M. Leuck, Fajian Zhang, Cody R. Jackson
-
Publication number: 20200170665Abstract: 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: November 26, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: 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 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
-
Patent number: 10646300Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Eric Roberson, William D. Dannaher, Stephen M. Leuck, Fajian Zhang, Cody Jackson
-
Publication number: 20200138472Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector portion, a data storage component, a reader, and a use control. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes a support portion. The end effector portion is configured to selectively couple with the support portion of the shaft assembly. The data storage component is associated with the end effector portion and contains data uniquely associated with the end effector portion. The reader is adapted to read the data from the data storage component. The use control is adapted to enable operation of the end effector portion if the data meets at least one usage parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Sean P. Conlon, Jeffrey A. Bullock, Eric Roberson, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Stephen M. Leuck
-
Patent number: 10603129Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a slip lock having an arrester. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate. The arrester is configured to move relative to the ultrasonic transducer assembly between an engaged position and a disengaged position and has a catch portion and a deflectable portion. The catch portion is configured to seize the transducer assembly and selectively inhibit rotation for rotatably coupling with the acoustic waveguide up to a predetermined torque. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect relative to the transducer assembly upon receiving a torque greater than the predetermined torque. Accordingly, the catch portion releases the transducer assembly to slip relative to the catch portion for limiting coupling of the transducer assembly with the acoustic waveguide to the predetermined torque.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Eric Roberson, Stephen M. Leuck, William D. Dannaher