Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Gagel
Jeffrey C. Gagel 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: 10695068Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an indicator assembly. The end effector includes a stationary component and a movable component. The indicator assembly includes a translating member and an indicator member. The translating member translates relative to the body in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component. The indicator member moves from a first position toward a second position. The indicator member includes an integral resilient feature configured to bias the indicator member toward the first position. The translating member drives the indicator member toward the second position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a first direction. The resilient feature drives the indicator member toward the first position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Joseph T. Kluener, Jeffrey C. Gagel
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Publication number: 20190314019Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Publication number: 20190290266Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, John C. Schuckmann, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20190239873Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, Jason M. Rector, Robert J. Simms, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Douglas B. Hoffman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10335147Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Patent number: 10314577Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Ryan J. Laurent, Jason M. Rector, Robert J. Simms, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Douglas B. Hoffman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 10292701Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Charles J. Scheib, John C. Schuckmann, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20180310938Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an indicator assembly. The end effector includes a stationary component and a movable component. The indicator assembly includes a translating member and an indicator member. The translating member translates relative to the body in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component. The indicator member moves from a first position toward a second position. The indicator member includes an integral resilient feature configured to bias the indicator member toward the first position. The translating member drives the indicator member toward the second position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a first direction. The resilient feature drives the indicator member toward the first position in response to movement of the movable component relative to the stationary component in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Joseph T. Kluener, Jeffrey C. Gagel
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Patent number: 9867615Abstract: A apparatus includes a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and a locking feature. The end effector is pivotable from a first position to a second position. The end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft in the first position and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in the second position. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector and pivots the end effector from the first position to the second position. The locking feature is coupled with the articulation joint and translates from a proximal position to a distal position. The locking feature locks the articulation joint when the locking feature is in the distal position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason E. Zerkle, Robert J. Simms
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Patent number: 9795379Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Ryan J. Laurent, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Jason E. Zerkle
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Publication number: 20170258471Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The body includes a motor, a first user input feature, and a second user input feature. The first user input feature is operable to activate the motor. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil coupling feature, at least one annular array of staples, and a staple driver. The second user input feature is operable to drive the anvil coupling feature longitudinally. The staple driver is operable to drive the at least one annular array of staples. The motor is operable to drive the staple driver. The anvil is configured to couple with the anvil coupling feature. The anvil is further configured to deform the staples driven by the staple driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Brian F. DiNardo, Brian W. Bear, Charles J. Scheib, Christopher C. Miller, Craig S. Smith, Emily A. Schellin, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason E. Zerkle, Jeffrey C. Gagel, John P. Measamer, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Joseph T. Kluener, Kevin D. Sackett, Kevin L. Houser, Mark D. Overmyer, Matthew H. Bolton, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard F. Schwemberger, Richard L. Leimbach, Rodney V. Clingaman, Timothy E. Goode, William D. Fox, William R. Stager
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Patent number: 9622747Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is in communication with the body and includes an end effector, first cam gear, second cam gear, and a lock bar. The end effector has an articulation joint. The first cam gear is rotatably positioned within the shaft assembly. The second cam gear is in communication with the end effector at the articulation joint. The lock bar is distally biased to lock against the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a first range of motion to unlock the lock bar relative to the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a second range of motion to rotate the end effector at the articulation joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Jeffrey C. Gagel
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Patent number: 9561029Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft and is operable to form a fastener assembly to secure tissue. The end effector includes first and second fastener assembly forming features. The first fastener assembly forming feature is rotatable relative to the shaft. The fastener assembly is formed by first and second fastener assembly members. The first fastener assembly member comprises a buttress strip received by the first fastener assembly forming feature. The second fastener assembly member comprises either a wire with protruding portions or a fastener strip with integral protruding fasteners. The buttress strip receives the protruding portions or protruding fasteners to secure tissue between the buttress strip and the wire or fastener strip. The end effector may transect layers of tissue and fasten the layers of tissue together on each side of the transection.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 9504520Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a handpiece, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a firing beam, and a modular motor. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close upon tissue. The firing beam comprises a blade insert with a sharp edge operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The modular motor is insertable into the handpiece. The modular motor comprises a drive gear that engages a plurality of components disposed within the handpiece. Rotation of the drive gear drives longitudinal translation of the firing beam within the elongate shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam opens and closes the jaws of the end effector relative to tissue. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam also severs tissue captured between closed jaws of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Matthew C. Miller
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Publication number: 20160030043Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is in communication with the body and includes an end effector, first cam gear, second cam gear, and a lock bar. The end effector has an articulation joint. The first cam gear is rotatably positioned within the shaft assembly. The second cam gear is in communication with the end effector at the articulation joint. The lock bar is distally biased to lock against the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a first range of motion to unlock the lock bar relative to the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a second range of motion to rotate the end effector at the articulation joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Jeffrey C. Gagel
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Publication number: 20150374363Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, IV, Jason M. Rector, Robert J. Simms, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli, Douglas B. Hoffman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20150374360Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, John C. Schuckmann, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20150374373Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B . Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Patent number: 9186142Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is in communication with the body and comprises an end effector, first cam gear, second cam gear, and a lock bar. The end effector has an articulation joint. The first cam gear is rotatably positioned within the shaft assembly. The second cam gear is in communication with the end effector at the articulation joint. The lock bar is distally biased to lock against the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a first range of motion to unlock the lock bar relative to the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a second range of motion to rotate the end effector at the articulation joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Jeffrey C. Gagel
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Publication number: 20150048143Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft and is operable to form a fastener assembly to secure tissue. The end effector includes first and second fastener assembly forming features. The first fastener assembly forming feature is rotatable relative to the shaft. The fastener assembly is formed by first and second fastener assembly members. The first fastener assembly member comprises a buttress strip received by the first fastener assembly forming feature. The second fastener assembly member comprises either a wire with protruding portions or a fastener strip with integral protruding fasteners. The buttress strip receives the protruding portions or protruding fasteners to secure tissue between the buttress strip and the wire or fastener strip. The end effector may transect layers of tissue and fasten the layers of tissue together on each side of the transection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Jeffrey S. Swayze