Patents by Inventor Eric W. Thompson
Eric W. Thompson 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: 11877813Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
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Publication number: 20200146760Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
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Patent number: 10568706Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
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Patent number: 10258419Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael D. Auld, Kevin D. Felder, Steven G. Hall, Eric W. Thompson
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Patent number: 10143524Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Robert L. Koch, Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
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Patent number: 10130432Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Michael D. Auld, Eric W. Thompson
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Patent number: 10064690Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Ethicon, LLCInventors: Robert L. Koch, Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
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Publication number: 20180168744Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Robert L. Koch, JR., Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffery S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
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Publication number: 20180168743Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
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Patent number: 9750629Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Randal T. Byrum, Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Richard W. Timm, Eric W. Thompson, Lauren S. Weaner
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Publication number: 20170086932Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Kevin D. Felder, Steven G. Hall, Eric W. Thompson
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Publication number: 20170086927Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Eric W. Thompson
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Patent number: 9386985Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member movably supported relative to the first jaw member for selective movement between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween upon application of a closing motion thereto, and a cutting member comprising a tissue cutting edge to cut the tissue clamped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member upon application of a retraction motion to the cutting member.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Robert L. Koch, Jr., Andrew T. Beckman, Eric W. Thompson, Rachel M. Clair
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Patent number: 9022923Abstract: A surgically implantable injection port has one or more tissue in-growth promoting surfaces. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface integrally provided on an exterior surface of the port. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh or a textured surface on the injection port. The injection port may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James C. Andrews, Amy L. Marcotte, Sarah A. Noschang, Eric W. Thompson, Scott A. Woodruff, Michael J. Vendely
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Patent number: 8852217Abstract: A surgically implantable injection port has a tissue in-growth promoting surface associated with a fluid conduit that is coupled to the injection port. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface coupled to the fluid conduit. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh wrapped around the conduit or through which the conduit is threaded. The injection port and the fluid conduit may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Eric W. Thompson, Sarah A. Noschang, Amy L. Marcotte, Michael J. Vendely, James C. Andrews
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Patent number: 8727964Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Timothy P. Lessek, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Mark Tsonton, Lauren S. Weaner, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Scott A. Woodruff
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Publication number: 20140103093Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member movably supported relative to the first jaw member for selective movement between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween upon application of a closing motion thereto, and a cutting member comprising a tissue cutting edge to cut the tissue clamped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member upon application of a retraction motion to the cutting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Koch, JR., Andrew T. Beckman, Eric W. Thompson, Rachel M. Clair
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Patent number: 8523885Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Lauren S. Weaner
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Patent number: 8233995Abstract: An implantable restriction system having an antenna capable of being readily and predictably movable to achieve a desired orientation that is effective to communicate with an external device is provided. The antenna can be movably coupled to a housing such that the antenna can float and/or move freely with respect to the housing. The housing can be part of a gimbal element or another component of the system. The antenna can include a weight or a magnetic element to help it achieve the desired orientation. Methods for transcutaneously communicating with an implantable restriction device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan A. Coe, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Christine Hsin Yi Chen, Juan S. Ezolino, Kevin D. Felder, Eric W. Thompson, David C. Yates, David N. Plescia
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Publication number: 20120123197Abstract: A surgically implantable injection port has a tissue in-growth promoting surface associated with a fluid conduit that is coupled to the injection port. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface coupled to the fluid conduit. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh wrapped around the conduit or through which the conduit is threaded. The injection port and the fluid conduit may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, Eric W. Thompson, Sarah A. Noschang, Amy L. Marcotte, Michael J. Vendely, James C. Andrews