Patents by Inventor Frederick E. Shelton, IV

Frederick E. Shelton, IV 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: 20240148377
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a signal interference detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Patrick L. Creamer
  • Patent number: 11974801
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, an end effector extending from the shaft, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a wiring circuit is disclosed. The housing comprises a printed control board. The wiring circuit extends from the printed control board through the shaft and into the end effector. The wiring circuit is configured to monitor a function of the end effector and communicate the monitored function to the printed control board. The wiring circuit comprises a proximal rigid portion fixed to the shaft, a distal rigid portion fixed to the end effector, and an intermediate portion extending from the proximal rigid portion to the distal rigid portion. The intermediate portion comprises a resilient portion and a stretchable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Kevin M. Fiebig, Sarah A. Worthington, Joshua P. Morgan, Nicholas M. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11974747
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11974825
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical system, comprising an end effector configurable between an open state and a clamped state. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical system further comprises a drive system, comprising a motor and a drive assembly movable by the motor to effect a tissue-treatment motion at the end effector. The surgical system further comprises a motor control system comprising motor control electronics. The motor control system is configured to transmit a motor drive signal that causes the motor to move the drive assembly to effect the tissue-treatment motion at the end effector and control the motor control electronics to modify the tissue-treatment motion independent of the motor drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11974772
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft assembly comprising a shaft, a housing coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, a button, a driver, a motor configured to actuate the driver, and a controller for translating displacement of the button to a velocity of the motor. The controller is configured to detect a displacement of the button, wherein the displacement is manifested as a frequency and magnitude over a period of time, compare the detected frequency to a frequency threshold, compare the detected magnitude with a magnitude threshold, determine that the detected frequency exceeds the frequency threshold and the detected magnitude exceeds the magnitude threshold, and smooth the velocity of the motor over the period of time based on determining the detected frequency exceeds frequency threshold and determining the detected magnitude exceeds the a magnitude threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH Intemational
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11974746
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11974742
    Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly comprises a drive system actuatable in a first direction and a second direction which is opposite the first direction, wherein the drive system is configured to perform an instrument function, a shaft, and an end effector. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a drive system bailout comprising position indication means for indicating the position of the drive system and an actuation member configured to actuate the drive system in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the direction in which the drive system bailout is operated is based on the position of the drive system indicated by the position indication means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11974744
    Abstract: Methods for applying one or more adjuncts to tissue are provided. In one embodiment, the method can include positioning an adjunct, e.g., using an adhesive, on one of first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism on the adjunct can prevent stretching of at least a portion of the adjunct. In other aspects, the adjunct can be maintained on the at least one jaw in a first state in which the adjunct is at least partially stretched over the at least one jaw, and actuation of the surgical stapler can cause the adjunct to transition from the first state to a second state such that the adjunct in the second state at least partially separates from the at least one jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Prudence Vulhop
  • Patent number: 11969216
    Abstract: Various systems and methods providing recommendations based on analysis of surgical procedure variables are disclosed. A computer system, such as a surgical hub, can be configured to be communicably coupled to a surgical device. The computer system can be programmed to determine contextual data related to the surgical procedure being performed based at least in part of perioperative data received from the surgical device paired with the computer system. Further, the computer system can determine a procedural variable associated with the determined surgical context and then compare the procedural variable to a baseline. Depending upon the outcome of the comparison, the computer system can provide intraoperative or postoperative recommendations to the surgical staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 11969142
    Abstract: A method of compressing tissue during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a surgical instrument comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, establishing a communication pathway between the surgical instrument and a surgical hub, and inserting the surgical instrument into a surgical site. The method further comprises compressing tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, determining a location of the compressed tissue with respect to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw, communicating the determined location of the compressed tissue to the surgical hub, and displaying the determined location of the compressed tissue on a visual feedback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad E. Eckert, Jordan B. Wong, David C. Yates, Tamara Widenhouse, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20240130754
    Abstract: A powered stapling device includes a circular stapling head assembly, an anvil, a trocar coupled to the anvil, and a motor also coupled to the trocar. The motor is configured to advance and retract the trocar. The device further includes a control circuit coupled to the motor, in which the control circuit is configured to determine a position of the trocar in one of a plurality of zones, and set an anvil closure rate based on the determined position of the trocar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Publication number: 20240137405
    Abstract: Various surgical systems are disclosed. A surgical system can include a surgical robot and a surgical hub. The surgical robot can include a control unit in signal communication with a control console and a robotic tool. The surgical hub can include a display. The surgical hub can be in signal communication with the control unit. A facility can include a plurality of surgical hubs that communicate data from the surgical robots to a primary server. To alleviate bandwidth competition among the surgical hubs, the surgical hubs can include prioritization protocols for collecting, storing, and/or communicating data to the primary server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates
  • Publication number: 20240130807
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which movement of a tool is controlled based on sensed parameters. In one embodiment, an electromechanical tool is provided having an instrument shaft and an end effector formed thereon. The electromechanical tool is configured to be mounted on an electromechanical arm, and the electromechanical tool is configured to move with or relative to the electromechanical arm and perform surgical functions. A controller is operatively coupled to the electromechanical arm and the electromechanical tool and is configured to retard advancement of the electromechanical tool toward a tissue surface based on a sensed amount of displacement of a tissue surface, a strain on the tissue of the patient, the temperature of the electromechanical tool, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11963681
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
  • Patent number: 11963678
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11963679
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11963683
    Abstract: A surgical system may include tiered-access features. The surgical system may be used to analyze at least a portion of a surgical field. Based on a control parameter, the system may scale up or down various capabilities, such as visualization processing, endocutter communication, endocutter algorithm updates, smart cartridge connectivity, smart motor control for circular stapler, smart energy control, cloud analytics, hub connectivity control, and/or hub visualization and control interactions. The control parameter may include system aspects such as processing capability or bandwidth for example and/or the identification of an appropriate service tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Patrick L. Creamer, Shane R. Adams, Jason L. Harris, Kevin M. Fiebig, Michael J. Vendely
  • Patent number: 11963682
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III, Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20240122598
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Patent number: 11957344
    Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, the staple cartridge including: a longitudinal slot; a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples positioned adjacent the longitudinal slot; a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples; and a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented intermediate staples. The longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented intermediate staples being positioned on the first side of the longitudinal slot intermediate the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples and the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples. The first lateral spacing being defined between the distal end of a staple of the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples and the distal end of a staple of the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Janna B. Volz, Nichole Y. Kwee, Frederick E. Shelton, IV