Patents by Inventor Ion V. Nicolaescu
Ion V. Nicolaescu 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: 10561436Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Shan Wan
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Patent number: 10507035Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, an irrigation member positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade, and a second fluid port in communication with the irrigation member. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Foster B. Stulen, Charles J. Scheib, Mary E. Mootoo, Matthew C. Miller
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Publication number: 20190314054Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Alexander R. Cuti, Demetrius N. Harris, Carl J. Draginoff, JR., Ellen Burkart, Geni M. Giannotti, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Matthew T. Kuhn, Stephen M. Leuck, Cameron D. McLain, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amrita S. Sawhney, Aaron C. Voegele, Grace E. Waters, Fajian Zhang
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Publication number: 20190201041Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling the activation of energy surgical instruments are disclosed. An advance energy surgical instrument, such an electrosurgical instrument or an ultrasonic surgical instrument, can include one or more sensor assemblies for detecting the state or position of the end effector, arm, or other components of the surgical instrument. A control circuit can be configured to control the activation of the surgical instrument according to the state or position of the components of the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Cory G. Kimball, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Andrew W. Carroll, David C. Yates, Daniel W. Price, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Monica Louise Zeckel Rivard, Heather N. Doak, Mary E. Mootoo, Eric M. Roberson
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Publication number: 20190059928Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a first acoustic sensor, and a processor. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector is operable to apply energy to tissue and thereby change a state of the tissue. The first acoustic sensor is configured to pick up sound emitted by tissue. The processor is in communication with the first acoustic sensor. The processor is configured to provide an automated response in response to a signal from the first acoustic sensor indicating a change in the state of the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Ion V. Nicolaescu, David C. Yates
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Publication number: 20190029707Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer support by the housing, and an integrated usage indicator. The housing is configured to removably connect to a shaft assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be acoustically connected to a waveguide and operated a predetermined number of use cycles. The integrated usage indicator is operatively connected to the housing and includes a used state indicator. The used state indicator is configured to indicate to a clinician in a used state when the ultrasonic transducer has been operated at least the predetermined number of use cycles for limiting usage of the ultrasonic transducer to the predetermined number of use cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, Nathan Cummings, William D. Dannaher, Craig T. Davis, Glenn W. Ellison, Frederick L. Estera, Jacob S. Gee, Geni Giannotti, Timothy S. Holland, Kevin L. Houser, Gregory W. Johnson, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Stephen M. Leuck, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Candice Otrembiak, Amelia A. Pierce, Eric Roberson, Foster B. Stulen, Shan Wan
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Publication number: 20190008546Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, an ultrasonic transducer, a waveguide, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft. A rotation knob is rotatably coupled to the body and is configured to rotate the shaft, the waveguide, and the end effector together relative to the body. A torque transfer structure is positioned radially outwardly of and in direct contact with the waveguide at an acoustic node thereof. The torque transfer structure is rotationally fixed relative to the waveguide and is configured to rotationally couple the waveguide with the shaft and the rotation knob. The waveguide includes a first axial constraining feature defining a distally facing surface, and the torque transfer structure includes a second axial constraining feature defining a proximally facing surface configured to abut the distally facing surface to constrain the waveguide axially relative to the torque transfer structure and the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Craig T. Davis, Stephen M. Leuck, Benjamin M. Boyd, Muluken B. Terefe, Joseph Dennis, Joseph E. Hollo, Nathan Cummings, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Mark E. Tebbe, Tony C. Siebel, Joseph Isosaki, Frederick L. Estera, Ellen Burkart, John E. Brady, Bryce L. Heitman, Cory G. Kimball
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Publication number: 20190008547Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer rotatably supported within the body and having a threaded distal end, a shaft extending from the body, a waveguide extending through the shaft and having a threaded proximal end configured to threadedly engage the threaded distal end to define a threaded coupling, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. An integrated torque wrench mechanism is arranged within the body and includes a first torque wrench member rotationally coupled with a proximal end of the transducer, and a second torque wrench member arranged proximally of the first torque wrench member. The torque wrench members are configured to selectively couple together and frictionally engage one another to facilitate application of a predetermined maximum torque to the threaded coupling. The torque wrench members are configured to automatically decouple upon application of the predetermined maximum torque to the threaded coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Mark E. Tebbe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Tony C. Siebel, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Publication number: 20180132887Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a body assembly. An ultrasonic blade connects to the ultrasonic waveguide. A clamp arm assembly of the surgical instrument is able to move from an opened position for receiving a tissue toward a closed position for clamping the tissue. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp body and a clamp pad facing the ultrasonic blade. A clamp arm actuator of the surgical instrument is able to move from a first position toward a second position to direct the clamp arm assembly from the opened position toward the closed position. A modular coupling of the surgical instrument connects to the clamp pad such that at least the clamp pad can be disconnected relative to the ultrasonic blade for replacement thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Gregory D. Bishop, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, David J. Cagle, William E. Clem, Joseph Dennis, Kristen G. Denzinger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Gentry, Christina M. Hough, John V. Hunt, Cody R. Jackson, Cory G. Kimball, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Gabriel I. Myers, Ion V. Nicolaescu, William A. Olson, Candice Otrembiak, Foster B. Stulen, John K. Swain, Gregory A. Trees, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Eitan T. Wiener, Barry C. Worrell, David C. Yates, Monica L. Zeckel
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Publication number: 20180132888Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Zeckel, Fajian Zhang
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Publication number: 20180055532Abstract: Various ultrasonic surgical instruments are disclosed. At least one disclosed surgical instrument includes a waveguide including a blade and a transducer base plate. The transducer base plate coupled to the waveguide to define a joint at an interface between the waveguide and the transducer base plate. The transducer base plate including first and second sides defining corresponding first and second flat faces configured to receive first and second piezoelectric elements. The first and second piezoelectric elements are configured to operate in a D31 mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Black, Frederick Estera, Jason R. Lesko, Benjamin M. Boyd, Kevin M. Fiebig, Chad P. Boudreaux, Grace E. Waters, Kristen G. Denzinger, Amy M. Krumm, Amelia Pierce, Chad E. Eckert, Joseph D. Dennis, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Monica L. Zeckel, William A. Olson, Patrick J. Scoggins, Larry A. Pummill, JR., John S. Frazier, William A. Crawford, Brian J. Hemmelgarn, Eric Stout, Benjamin D. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20180056095Abstract: Various ultrasonic instruments are disclosed. The ultrasonic instruments include an ultrasonic waveguide acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. Several techniques for acoustically coupling the ultrasonic transducer to the ultrasonic waveguide are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Ryan M. Asher, Joseph D. Dennis, Brian D. Black, Craig T. Davis, Mark E. Tebbe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Frederick Estera, William A. Olson, Amelia Pierce, James Wilson, William D. Dannaher, Fajian Zhang, Foster B. Stulen
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Publication number: 20180055531Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising a transducer base plate, first and second piezoelectric elements positioned on opposite faces of the transducer base plate. The transducer base plate is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide is electrically coupled to the first and second piezoelectric elements by a conductive adhesive. The first and second piezoelectric elements are electrically coupled to an ultrasonic signal generator through an electrode. A thermal conductor conducts thermal energy away from the first and second piezoelectric elements. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such an ultrasonic surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Craig T. Davis, Mark E. Tebbe, Brian D. Black, Stephen M. Leuck, Eric M. Roberson, John Brady, Amrita S. Sawhney, Shan Wan, Ion V. Nicolaescu, James Wilson, Amelia Pierce
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Publication number: 20170105752Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, an irrigation member positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade, and a second fluid port in communication with the irrigation member. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Foster B. Stulen, Charles J. Scheib, Mary E. Mootoo, Matthew C. Miller
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Patent number: 9038456Abstract: A gravity gradiometer having at least three differential accelerometers with a low response to linear accelerations and at least six angular accelerometers that give it the capability of measuring angular rates by integrating the angular accelerations. Both types of accelerometers are based on a compliant mechanism with very low and adjustable stiffness that is achieved by using flexures under compressive load that contribute a negative stiffness to the total elastic response of the mechanism. Both types of accelerometers are operated in a servo-compensation feedback mode so that at no time is the mechanism far from its equilibrium position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: SRC, Inc.Inventors: Marcello M. DiStasio, Ion V. Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20140000362Abstract: A gravity gradiometer having at least three differential accelerometers with a low response to linear accelerations and at least six angular accelerometers that give it the capability of measuring angular rates by integrating the angular accelerations. Both types of accelerometers are based on a compliant mechanism with very low and adjustable stiffness that is achieved by using flexures under compressive load that contribute a negative stiffness to the total elastic response of the mechanism. Both types of accelerometers are operated in a servo-compensation feedback mode so that at no time is the mechanism far from its equilibrium position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: SRC, INC.Inventors: Marcello M. DiStasio, Ion V. Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 8184359Abstract: A laser projector display module for a handheld device may include an electronics module, a miniaturized light source module electrically connected with the electronics module, a scanner module electrically connected with the electronics module, and an optical assembly configured to direct light from the light source onto the scanner module. The scanner module and the light source module may abut the electronics module.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: William F. Hoffman, Tomasz L. Klosowiak, Lawrence E. Lach, Junhua Liu, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Min-Xian M. Zhang
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Patent number: 7976168Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for microprojection that uses multiple imagers to produce a high resolution output image. Each of a set of imagers produces a portion of the final image. Relay lenses then tile the individual image portions together into a combined image. Because the height of the individual imagers is smaller than the height of a monolithic imager, they can fit into a very thin device. The combined image has a resolution equal to the sum of the resolutions of the individual imagers. The individual images are tiled together within the microprojector itself rather than on a projection screen. This allows the tiling to be adjusted once at the factory and set forever. In some embodiments, the light created for use by the microprojector is split by a polarizing beamsplitter. Each resultant polarized beam is then sent to an imager. Another polarizing beamsplitter combines the individual images.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Ion V. Nicolaescu, Tomasz L. Klosowiak, Zili Li, Xiaodong Xun
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Patent number: 7729028Abstract: A method and apparatus that projects a two-dimensional image is disclosed. The method may include emitting a laser beam, sweeping the laser beam with a first scan mirror along a first scan direction to form a scan line on the projection surface, and sweeping the scan line with a second scan mirror along a second scan direction generally orthogonal to the first scan direction to form a raster pattern of scan lines on the projection surface. The scanner for the first scan mirror is driven with a stimulus waveform, wherein the stimulus waveform has a fundamental frequency that is substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the scanner but also contains harmonics to achieve a nearly constant velocity of the laser beam spot during its scan across the projection surface. The stimulus thereby reduces peak laser output power and corresponding noise generation while maintaining image brightness and image quality.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Lach, Ion V. Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20090257030Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for microprojection that uses a “reduced-height” imager to sequentially display a series of partial images within one frame time. The partial images visually combine on a projection surface (e.g., a screen or a wall) into one high-resolution projected image. As a result, the microprojector projects an image with a resolution equal to the sum of the resolutions of the individual partial images while avoiding the use of very small imager optics with their lowered efficiency. For example, one embodiment projects exactly two partial images during each frame. During a first state of operation, a “half-height” imager displays the odd-numbered lines of the projected image. During a second state of operation, the imager displays the even-numbered lines of the projected image. By quickly cycling through these two states, no image flickering between phases is visible, and the combined image appears as a seamless whole.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Motorola, INC.Inventors: Tomasz L. Klosowiak, Zili Li, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Xiaodong Xun