Patents by Inventor Gary M. Johnson

Gary M. Johnson 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: 7795934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for providing a fine delay by switching on a capacitor delay. A coarse delay and/or a fine delay are implemented upon a reference signal based upon a phase shift between the reference signal and a feedback signal. A fine delay is implemented upon the reference signal based upon a phase shift between the reference signal and a feedback signal. Providing the fine delay includes switching on a capacitive delay. A synchronized output signal is generated based upon the fine delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100210998
    Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is formed of a translucent or transparent material such as polycarbonate to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and the abdominal region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, John R. Brustad, Scott V. Taylor, Gary M. Johnson, Nabil Hilal
  • Publication number: 20100191064
    Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Nguyen, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Charles C. Hart, John R. Brustad, Robert R. Bowes, II, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Ghassan Sakakine, Henry Kahle
  • Publication number: 20100179479
    Abstract: A surgical access device or trocar defines an access channel for instruments extending from a proximal end to the distal end thereof. The trocar comprises a cannula and a seal assembly disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal assembly comprises a first or zero seal, a second or instrument seal, and a trocar shield disposed proximally of the first seal and the second seal. The first seal seals the access channel in the absence of an instrument extending therethrough. The second seal seals the access channel in the presence of an instrument extending therethrough. The trocar shield protects the first seal and second seal from damage as an instrument is advanced through the access channel. The trocar shield comprises an open proximal end and a tapered distal end comprising a plurality of longitudinal pleats, converging in an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Gary M. Johnson, Donald L. Gadberry, Henry Kahle, Scott V. Taylor, Kimball B. McGinley
  • Patent number: 7749415
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Brustad, Jeremy J Albrecht, Nabil Hilal, Gary M Johnson, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 7736306
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: John R Brustad, Jeremy J Albrecht, Nabil Hilal, Gary M Johnson, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 7731725
    Abstract: A modular clip applier includes a cartridge containing multiple surgical clips, and a handle assembly for operating the cartridge to crimp one of the clips onto body tissue of a patient. The handle assembly has a scissors configuration with a bayonet coupling, and flange pairs widely separated to provide a high degree of stability. The bayonet coupling enables the handles of the assembly to be fully separated for cleaning. Snap fittings between the cartridge and handle assembly are provided at the fulcrum and also at a spaced location where an operating pin of the cartridge engages intersecting slots in the flanges. Overdrive protection of three different types is contemplated along with a structure facilitating operation of the handle assembly by palming a pair of handle bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Gadberry, Hank Kahle, Gary M. Johnson, Steven R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7731073
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, Gary M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7727146
    Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources
    Inventors: Jeremy J Albrecht, Charles C Hart, John R. Brustad, Gary M. Johnson, Jennifer T. Ko, Donald L Gadberry
  • Patent number: 7708713
    Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the insufflation channel being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is formed of a translucent or transparent material such as polycarbonate to facilitate visualization of the abdominal wall and the abdominal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, John R. Brustad, Scott V. Taylor, Gary M. Johnson, Nabil Hilal
  • Publication number: 20100094227
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Albrecht, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Juan Lechuga, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Aries E. Gatus, Kennii Pravongviengkham
  • Publication number: 20100049194
    Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, Gary M. Johnson, Said S. Hilal, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton
  • Patent number: 7650887
    Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Nguyen, Donald L. Gadberry, Gary M. Johnson, Charles C. Hart, John R. Brustad, Robert R. Bowes, II, Jeremy J. Albrecht, Ghassan Sakakine, Henry Kahle
  • Publication number: 20100005929
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a pair of laparoscopic scissors, comprising a pair of blades connected at a pivot, each of the blades having a length, a tip portion, a body portion, an outer surface, an inner surface and a cutting edge, the cutting edge forming an angle with the outer surface along the length of the blade such that tension during a cutting operation at the tip portion is about the same as tension at the body portion during the cutting operation. The angle formed may be greater at the tip portion which continuously decreases over the length of the blade. The tip portion may have a first body thickness and the body portion may have a second body thickness different from the first body thickness. During the cutting operation, the blades progressively move over each other to provide a point contact along the cutting edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Ahlberg, Gary M. Johnson, David T. Okihisa
  • Publication number: 20090318954
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a pin and slot design where the driving slots are moved from the tips to the actuation rod in one aspect of the invention. As a result, the back end of each blade or tip can be dramatically reduced in area so that during full deflection, very little or no part of the blade or tip extends beyond the outside diameter of the shaft. This ensures that nothing catches on the blades or tips during grasper use and the shrink tubing found on the scissors would not be deformed. This can be done because the area for the slots is not needed. Moreover, the usable area for the drive slots on the blade or tip of the actuation rod is maximized to the overall diameter of the outer tube or shaft which provides additional leverage to the blades or tips. In addition, the depth of each slot can be varied such that during actuation, increased tension can be put on the blades or tips throughout the cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Johnson, Russell E. Ahlberg, David Okihisa, Gregory I. Bak-Boychuk
  • Patent number: 7625370
    Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, Gary M. Johnson, Said S. Hilal, John R. Brustad, Edward D. Pingleton
  • Patent number: 7622969
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for a delay locked loop. A delay locked loop may comprise a delay line configured to receive a reference clock signal and output a delayed clock signal. The delay locked loop may also comprise a feedback loop including a frequency divider operably coupled to the delayed clock signal and configured to generate a frequency divided clock signal. Furthermore, the delay locked loop may include a phase detector configured to receive the reference clock signal and the frequency divided clock signal having a frequency less than that of the reference clock signal. Additionally, the phase detector may be configured to measure a phase difference of the reference clock signal and the frequency divided clock signal upon receipt of an active edge of the frequency divided clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090261143
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, Gary M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090248013
    Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Publication number: 20090248007
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Capello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Giannescho, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Provongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff