Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Aldridge
Jeffrey L. Aldridge 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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Publication number: 20170189096Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods apparatus for operating a surgical instrument that includes an adapter configured to couple to a generator. The generator configured to provide an energy signal for treating tissue The adapter includes at least one input port configured to receive the energy signal from the generator, where the energy signal includes an energy component comprising one or more energy modalities. An energy storage circuit is configured to charge and store energy from the generator as a DC output. The adapter also includes at least one output port configured to couple to one or more surgical instruments for treating tissue. The one or more energy modalities comprises any one of an ultrasonic, a bipolar radio frequency (RF), a monopolar RF, a reversible electroporation, an irreversible electroporation, or a microwave component, or any combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Benjamin J. Danziger, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Joseph Scholler, Douglas Patrick Sterlina, Chris Dums, Jonathan Michael Bonte, Abby Albers
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Publication number: 20170172605Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: John A. Hibner, Kevin L. Houser, David A. Monroe, David J. Cagle, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Timothy P. Lessek, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Ryan M. Asher, Mary E. Mootoo, Eric B. Smith, Gregory W. Johnson, David M. Locke
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Publication number: 20170135748Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. As an example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft extending distally that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue therebetween. A cutting assembly cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A drive shaft extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly. A motorized gear assembly moves the drive shaft. The drive shaft is movable between a first position in which the drive shaft is engaged with the motorized gear assembly such that actuation of the motorized gear assembly drives the drive shaft, and a second position in which the drive shaft is disengaged from the motorized gear assembly such that the drive shaft can move independent of the gear assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Jason R. Lesko, Geoffrey S. Strobl
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Publication number: 20170105787Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: David A. Witt, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Steve G. Bernath, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9623237Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods comprising receiving a control signal at a control circuit of a surgical device. The control circuit may comprise a first circuit portion coupled to at least one switch operable between an open state and a closed state. The first circuit portion may be configured to communicate with a surgical generator over a conductor pair to receive the control signal and may comprise at least one resistor coupled to the at least one switch. Methods may also comprise determining the state of the at least one switch based on the value of the resistor.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Douglas J. Turner, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170095267Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. A first response is triggered when the first set of logic conditions is met. A parameter is determined from the at least one electrical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Eitan T. Wiener, Brian T. Noyes, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, James R. Giordano, Robert J. Beetel, III, Daniel J. Abbott, Foster B. Stulen, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Jeffrey P. Wiley, Nathan J. Price, Daniel W. Price, Robert L. Koch, JR.
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Patent number: 9597143Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, John W. Willis, Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Kevin D. Felder, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
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Patent number: 9572574Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable to compress tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, and a cartridge body configured to receive a cutting member. The end effector further comprises a layer arrangement including a tissue contact surface and a plurality of therapeutic agents releasably contained within the layer arrangement, wherein each therapeutic agent is configured to either initially treat the tissue or sustainably treat the tissue in contact with the tissue contact surface, wherein one of the plurality of therapeutic agents is configured to be released by the cutting member, and wherein another of the plurality of therapeutic agents is configured to be released by an absorption process.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Katherine J. Schmid, Charles J. Scheib, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Joseph H. Contiliano, Chunlin Yang, Cortney E. Henderson, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
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Publication number: 20170007253Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph H. Contiliano, Michael S. Cropper, Eugene L. Timperman, Cortney E. Henderson, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20160374709Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Daniel W. Price, Jeffery T. Kirk, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig T. Davis, Emron J. Henry, James W. Voegele, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 9504855Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. A first response is triggered when the first set of logic conditions is met. A parameter is determined from the at least one electrical signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Surgery, LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Eitan T. Wiener, Brian T. Noyes, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, James R. Giordano, Robert J. Beetel, III, Daniel J. Abbott, Foster B. Stulen, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Jeffrey P. Wiley, Nathan J. Price, Daniel W. Price, Robert L. Koch
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Publication number: 20160329614Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, John W. Willis, Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Kevin D. Felder, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
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Patent number: 9480476Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Chunlin Yang, Charles J. Scheib, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph H. Contiliano, Michael S. Cropper, Eugene L. Timperman, Cortney E. Henderson, Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20160296271Abstract: Surgical generator systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary generator system can include one or more auxiliary transformer stages to boost the amount of power applied to low-impedance tissue, or to adjust the output voltage and current delivered to a surgical instrument. The auxiliary transformer stage(s) can be disposed in the generator, in the surgical instrument, and/or in an intermediate component. Exemplary generator systems can also include an accessory box disposed inline between a generator and a surgical instrument to provide expanded functionality to the system. The accessory box can have a ground plane that is isolated from the ground planes of the mains supply, the generator, and/or the surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate patient leakage current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Benjamin J. Danziger, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Robert A. Kemerling
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Patent number: 9456864Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, and a camming assembly. The camming assembly comprises a first camming member comprising a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly further comprises a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: David A. Witt, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Steve G. Bernath, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9439668Abstract: Switch assemblies for handheld ultrasonic surgical instruments. The switch assemblies may include a first switch arrangement that is operably supported on a forward portion of a handle housing of the surgical instrument and is selectively movable relative to at least one first switch contact. The switch assembles may further include a second switch arrangement that comprises at least one of a right switch button that is movably supported on a right side of the handle housing relative to at least one right contact and a left switch button that is movably supported on a left side of the handle housing that is selectively movable relative to at least one left contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Richard W. Timm, Daniel W. Price, Jeffery T. Kirk, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig T. Davis, Emron J. Henry, James W. Voegele, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: 9414838Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of fibers. Such fibers can include a plurality of first fibers comprised of a first material and a plurality of second fibers comprised of a second material. A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers wherein each layer can be comprised of one or more medicaments. Certain embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator comprising fibers, for example.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chunlin Yang, Cortney E. Henderson, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Charles J. Scheib, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Katherine J. Schmid
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Publication number: 20160199063Abstract: In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compressible extracellular matrix and a bioabsothable material dispersed within the extracellular matrix, wherein the bioapsorption of the bioabsorbable material is configured to leave behind channels in the extracellular matrix. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise generation means for generating the ingrowth of tissue into the channels. In at least one embodiment, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise dissolvable wicking members which, when dissolved, can leave behind channels in the tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, the tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one rupturable capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Cortney E. Henderson, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Charles J. Scheib, Chunlin Yang, Christopher J. Schall, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, Joseph H. Contiliano, Tamara Widenhouse, Donna L. Korvick
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Patent number: 9381058Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Foster B. Stulen, Daniel W. Price, Ashvani K. Madan, John W. Willis, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, David C. Yates, Timothy G. Dietz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Bret W. Smith, Hitesh Jain
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Publication number: 20160120563Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Foster B. Stulen, James R. Giordano