Patents by Inventor Gary W. Knight
Gary W. Knight 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: 9844366Abstract: A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Michael V. Sherrill, Jason R. Lesko, David T. Martin, Katherine J. Schmid, Michael J. Miller, Gary W. Knight, Richard F. Schwemberger, Atul M. Godbole
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Patent number: 9833242Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Katherine J. Schmid, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Gregory W. Johnson, John L. Stammen, Gary W. Knight, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Timothy S. Bedard
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Patent number: 9788835Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
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Publication number: 20170245875Abstract: Various embodiments are direct to a surgical instrument comprising and end effector, an articulating shaft and an ultrasonic transducer assembly. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade. The articulating shaft may extend proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis and may comprise a proximal shaft member and a distal shaft member pivotably coupled at an articulation joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may comprise an ultrasonic transducer acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may be positioned distally from the articulation joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Timothy G. Dietz, Gary W. Knight
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Patent number: 9629814Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Tamara Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight, Chester O. Baxter, III, Kreena R. Modi, Katherine J. Schmid
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Patent number: 9445808Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Kreena B. Modi, Gary W. Knight, Andrew C. Yoo, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph E. Young, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20160220254Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Katherine J. Schmid, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Gregory W. Johnson, John L. Stammen, Gary W. Knight, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Timothy S. Bedard
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Publication number: 20160174976Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument includes a housing that has an interchangeable shaft assembly removably attached thereto. The interchangeable shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft that has a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft. An articulation system is configured to selectively apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector when the articulation system is in an actuated orientation. A locking arrangement prevents detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing when the articulation system is in the actuated orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
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Patent number: 9301753Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a biocompatible material, a first component, and a second component, wherein the first component and second component form a reaction product to expand the tissue thickness compensator. The first component may comprise a first hydrogel precursor, the second component may comprise a second hydrogel precursor, and the reaction product may comprise a hydrogel. The reaction product may be formed in vivo and/or in situ by contacting the first component and the second component. The first component and/or second component may be encapsulated and configured to release the components when ruptured. The reaction product may comprise a fluid-swellable composition. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, John L. Stammen, Mark H. Ransick, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Gary W. Knight
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Publication number: 20160058448Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for guiding surgical fasteners. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate guidance of fasteners during deployment of the fasteners into tissue. In general, the surgical device can include one or more guidance features configured to facilitate guidance of the fasteners during ejection of the fasteners from the cartridge. The one or more guidance features can be configured to reduce lateral movement of the fasteners during deployment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more guidance features can be configured to support a fastener on three sides thereof during deployment of the fastener. The one or more guidance features can be formed on the cartridge, e.g., formed on a surface thereof or formed on a sled disposed in the cartridge, and/or can be formed on a jaw that seats the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
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Publication number: 20160058445Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. In general, the devices and methods can allow fasteners to resist counter rotation after being deployed. A fastener can be configured to resist counter rotation in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a staple can include one or more anti-rotation mechanisms configured to resist counter rotation of the staple when the staple is deployed in tissue. In some embodiments, an orientation of a fastener relative to an orientation of one or more fasteners deployed adjacent thereto can be configured to help prevent counter rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight
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Publication number: 20160058441Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Gary W. Knight, Brian F. Dinardo, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Charles J. Scheib
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Patent number: 9241714Abstract: In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise a film body formed from a continuous extruded shape and, in addition, a fibrous medicament core.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Mark D. Timmer, Tamara Widenhouse, Matthew M. Lang, John L. Stammen, Gary W. Knight, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Mark H. Ransick, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III
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Publication number: 20160015383Abstract: A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: James A. Woodard, JR., Michael V. Sherrill, Jason R. Lesko, David T. Martin, Katherine J. Schmid, Michael J. Miller, Gary W. Knight, Richard F. Schwemberger, Atul M. Godbole
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Patent number: 9220559Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. 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. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Sean P. Conlon, Gary W. Knight, Matthew C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Aaron C. Voegele, Charles S. Black, Kreena R. Modi
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Patent number: 9220501Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Katherine J. Schmid, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Gregory W. Johnson, John L. Stammen, Gary W. Knight, Christopher W. Widenhouse, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Stephanie A. Mutchler, Timothy S. Bedard
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Patent number: 9125646Abstract: A surgical needle includes a pair of ends, a mid-region extending between the ends, and at least one grasping feature configured for grasping by a suturing instrument. An end of a suture is secured to the mid-region of the needle in a manner such that the end of the suture defines an oblique angle with at least part of the centerline defined by the mid-region of the needle. The end of the suture may be disposed in a hollow portion of the needle. The grasping feature may include a notch such as a scallop. The suture may be pivotally coupled with the needle via a ball or pin. The needle may have one or more sharp points. The sharp point may include three converging cutting edges, at least two planar surfaces bounded by the three cutting edges, and a rounded surface bounded by two of the three cutting edges.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James A. Woodard, Jr., Michael V. Sherrill, Jason R. Lesko, David T. Martin, Katherine J. Schmid, Michael J. Miller, Gary W. Knight, Richard F. Schwemberger, Atul M. Godbole
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Patent number: 8858590Abstract: Tissue manipulation and retraction devices. In various forms, the manipulation devices include a cannula that is insertable through the abdominal wall. A plurality of independently controllable manipulation members extend through the cannula and are attachable to various forms of surgical tools. The surgical tools may be manipulated and controlled by a surgeon from a position outside of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight
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Patent number: 8845648Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in the performance of minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures, including apparatus and methods for use in the performance of such procedures under the visualization of an endoscope, are herein disclosed. Such procedures include a minimally invasive intramedullary nailing procedure, a minimally invasive bone graft harvesting procedure, a minimally invasive pelvic osteotomy procedure, an orthopaedic implant revision procedure, and a minimally invasive percutaneous bone plating procedure.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Biomet C.V.Inventors: Pamela C. Guzman, Michael A. Wack, Dale R. Schulze, Gary W. Knight, Christopher J. Hess, Rudolph H. Nobis, Michael F. Clem, Ronald J. Kolata
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Publication number: 20140205637Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Tamara Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gary W. Knight, Chester O. Baxter, III, Kreena R. Modi, Katherine J. Schmid