Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Bakos

Gregory J. Bakos 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).

  • Method for providing an authentication lockout in a surgical stapler with a replaceable cartridge
    Patent number: 11298129
    Abstract: A method for operating a surgical stapling device that includes a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating is disclosed. The method includes installing a retainer on a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The method includes seating the cartridge assembly in the surgical stapling device to bring an authentication key on the retainer into actuation contact with the lockout to move the lockout out of a locked position to an unlocked position. The method further includes removing the retainer from the staple cartridge while retaining the lockout in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Chad P. Boudreaux, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Richard W. Timm
  • Staple cartridge retainer with frangible authentication key
    Patent number: 11298130
    Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer further comprises an authentication key that is oriented in a first configuration to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The authentication key is movable to a second configuration after the cartridge assembly is removed from the stapling device such that the authentication key is unable to return to the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Chad P. Boudreaux, Chad E. Eckert, Morgan R. Hunter
  • Surgical instruments comprising a lockable end effector socket
    Patent number: 11291465
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is releasably attachable to the shaft by a lock biased into a locked condition to hold the end effector to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Christopher J. Hess, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Method for operating a powered articulatable surgical instrument
    Patent number: 11291440
    Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument. The method includes linking a second drive member to a first drive member such that the second drive member moves with the first drive member. The method further includes applying first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply actuation motions to a surgical end effector. The method also includes discontinuing application of the first control motions to the first drive member and de-linking the second drive member from the first drive member such that the second drive member is locked in place by a locking system. The method also includes re-applying control motions to the first drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Surgical stapling assembly with cartridge based retainer configured to unlock a closure lockout
    Patent number: 11291444
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed that comprises a retainer that is configured to be removably mounted to a staple cartridge that is configured to be operably seated in a stapling device. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a first jaw lockout of the stapling device that is configured to prevent the jaws of the stapling device from closing. The stapling device further comprises a second lockout that is configured to prevent a firing member of the stapling device from advancing through a staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in one of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory J. Bakos, Richard W. Timm, Jason L. Harris
  • Surgical staple cartridges with integral authentication keys
    Patent number: 11291445
    Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The staple cartridge includes an authentication ramp that extends from a proximal end of the cartridge body and defines a ramp axis that is transverse to an axis of the cartridge. The authentication ramp is aligned with a sled cavity in the cartridge and comprises first and second cam surfaces that are configured to move a lockout of the surgical stapling device in a direction away from the cartridge axis upon contact therewith when the staple cartridge is seated into the surgical stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Clamping assembly for linear surgical stapler
    Patent number: 11278285
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, and a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member, and a clamp member movably coupled with the second elongate member. The clamp member is operable to releasably capture the pin to thereby clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GbmH International
    Inventors: Andrew C. Deck, Brian D. Schings, Jason Jones, Gregory J. Bakos, David K. Norvell, Christopher J. Schall, Joshua Uth
  • Surgical instrument comprising a jaw closure lockout
    Patent number: 11278280
    Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed that comprises a stapling instrument including a jaw closure lockout and a staple cartridge configured to defeat the jaw closure lockout when the staple cartridge is seated in the stapling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD TO DETECT FULL SEATING OF BUTTRESS APPLICATOR IN END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL STAPLER
    Publication number: 20220079587
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, wherein the at least one platform is configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one adjunct element positioned on the at least one platform; (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward at least one of the first or second jaws when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector for placing the at least one adjunct element in contact with a corresponding surface of the at least one of the first or second jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Heather Strang, Pamela M. Ridgley, Christopher A. Denzinger, Christopher Q. Seow, Michael J. Vendely, Gregory J. Bakos
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD TO APPLY BUTTRESS TO END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL STAPLER VIA FIXED BASE
    Publication number: 20220079592
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body with a first body portion, a second body portion opposed from the first body portion, and a connecting portion that couples a proximal end of the first body portion with a proximal end of the second body portion. The connecting portion is configured to permit the first and second body portions to move toward and away from one another between a plurality of angular orientations. The first and second body portions define a distally opening angle. A first adjunct element and a second adjunct element are disposed on outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second body portions. The first and second body portions may be fixed in each of the angular orientations and may simultaneously apply the first and second adjunct elements to first and second jaws, respectively, of a surgical stapler end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Michael J. Vendely, Mark S. Zeiner, Heather Strang, Pamela M. Ridgley, Christopher A. Denzinger, Christopher Q. Seow
  • Apparatus and Method to Apply Buttresses Separately to Jaws of End Effector of Surgical Stapler
    Publication number: 20220079581
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to apply an adjunct material to a stapling surface of a jaw of a surgical stapler. The jaw includes an outer surface disposed opposite the stapling surface. The apparatus includes a housing and an arm. The housing includes a first contact feature that is configured to contact one of the adjunct material or the outer surface of the jaw. The arm is operatively coupled with the housing. The arm includes a second contact feature that is configured to move relative to the first contact feature to contact the other of the adjunct material or the outer surface of the jaw. The first and second contact features are configured to cooperate to apply a compression force in a direction toward the first contact feature to pinch the adjunct material against the stapling surface to mount the adjunct material to the stapling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Heather Strang, Pamela M. Ridgley, Christopher A. Denzinger, Christopher Q. Seow, Michael J. Vendely, Gregory J. Bakos
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD TO APPLY BUTTRESS TO END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL STAPLER WITH AUTHENTICATION
    Publication number: 20220079584
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a platform, an adjunct material, and an engagement feature. The platform includes an upper support and a lower support. The adjunct material is positioned on the upper support or the lower support. The upper support is configured to move relative to the lower support to apply the adjunct material to a jaw of an end effector incorporated into a surgical stapler. The engagement feature is configured to interact with a predetermined portion of the end effector to permit movement of the upper support relative to the lower support and thereby apply the adjunct material to the jaw of the end effector. The engagement feature is further configured to inhibit movement of the upper support relative to the lower support when the engagement feature is disengaged from the predetermined portion of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Heather Strang, Pamela M. Ridgley, Christopher A. Denzinger, Christopher Q. Seow, Michael J. Vendely, Gregory J. Bakos
  • METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AUTHENTICATION LOCKOUT IN A SURGICAL STAPLER WITH A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE
    Publication number: 20220079591
    Abstract: A method for operating a surgical stapling device that includes a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating is disclosed. The method includes installing a retainer on a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The method includes seating the cartridge assembly in the surgical stapling device to bring an authentication key on the retainer into actuation contact with the lockout to move the lockout out of a locked position to an unlocked position. The method further includes removing the retainer from the staple cartridge while retaining the lockout in the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Chad P. Boudreaux, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Richard W. Timm
  • METHOD OF APPLYING BUTTRESS TO END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL STAPLER
    Publication number: 20220079593
    Abstract: A method is provided for applying an adjunct element to a surgical stapler end effector having first and second stapling surfaces using an applicator. The method includes providing the end effector in an open state in which the first and second stapling surfaces are spaced apart. With the end effector in the open state, at least a portion of the applicator is positioned between the first and second stapling surfaces. Without engaging a closure system input feature of the surgical stapler, a portion of the end effector is compressively engaged by the applicator to thereby secure the adjunct element to one of the first or second stapling surfaces. The applicator and the end effector are withdrawn relatively away from one another so that the adjunct element remains attached to the one of the first or second stapling surfaces of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Michael J. Vendely, Mark S. Zeiner, Heather Strang, Pamela M. Ridgley, Christopher A. Denzinger, Christopher Q. Seow
  • Method of surgical stapling with end effector component having a curved tip
    Patent number: 11272930
    Abstract: A method of surgical stapling uses a surgical instrument operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip extends distally from one of the jaws of the end effector. The placement tip is elastically deformable when the placement tip is subject to a clamping force. In some instances the placement tip includes an arcuate bend, while in other instances the placement tip is straight. The placement tip can have a variety of non-rectangular lateral cross-sectional shapes. In some instances, the placement tip is made of a material of a specified durometer range and having a high color contrast. A distal end of the placement tip may change position based on the state of deflection of the placement tip in response to the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Dual cam cartridge based feature for unlocking a surgical stapler lockout
    Patent number: 11272931
    Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The stapling device includes a lockout for prevent operation of the device. The staple cartridge includes a first cam surface configured to move the lockout from a locked position to an intermediate position when the staple cartridge is initially inserted into the device. The staple cartridge further includes a second cam surface configured to move the lockout from the intermediate position to an unlocked position when the staple cartridge is operably seated in the device. The first cam surface is proximal to the second cam surface and may be vertically displaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory J. Bakos, Richard W. Timm, Seth D. Holdmeyer
  • Curved tip surgical stapler buttress assembly applicator with opening feature for curved tip alignment
    Patent number: 11272935
    Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening configured to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Pamela M. Ridgley, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Mark S. Zeiner
  • METHOD FOR FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS
    Publication number: 20220071631
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating an anvil for a surgical stapling device. Various methods include forming an anvil body from a first material and a deformable anvil tip from a second material and attaching the deformable anvil tip to a distal end of the anvil body with a deformable second attachment member. Other methods include molding a deformable anvil tip to a distal end of an anvil body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Gregory J. Bakos, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Surgical anvil manufacturing methods
    Patent number: 11266405
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surgical stapling anvil is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of manufacturing a first anvil member and a second anvil member. The first anvil member comprises a tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets defined therein and a longitudinal cavity comprising anvil ledges configured to be engaged by anvil-camming portions of a firing member of a surgical stapling instrument. The method further comprises the steps of polishing the ledges of the first anvil member and welding the first anvil member and the second anvil member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Anil K. Nalagatla
  • Surgical fastener
    Patent number: D948043
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Chester O. Baxter, III