Patents by Inventor John F. Cummings
John F. Cummings 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: 11517306Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Publication number: 20220226014Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, IV, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
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Patent number: 11317910Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 11266430Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
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Publication number: 20210085317Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Publication number: 20200138434Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 10631867Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson
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Publication number: 20200078015Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 10426467Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 10226246Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Kevin D. Felder, John F. Cummings, Joseph P. Schowalter, Patrick J. Swindon, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Edward G. Chekan, Joseph E. Young, Christopher C. Miller, Barry T. Jamison, John V. Hunt, Kent P. Baker, Cortney E. Henderson, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Julia F. Serber
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Publication number: 20180146976Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2016Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
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Publication number: 20170296178Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2016Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, John F. Cummings, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9737358Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise at least one energy delivery surface and heat dissipation means for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the end effector. For example, in at least one embodiment, the end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The cutting member may comprise a cutting surface and a body, which may define a cavity and at least one opening communicating with the cavity. A fluid may be moved through the cavity to and/or from the opening(s). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument's end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one heat pipe. Various other heat dissipation means are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Bradley E. White, Cory G. Kimball, John F. Cummings, Al Mirel, Christopher J. Schall, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Timothy G. Dietz, David A. Witt, Mary E. Mootoo, Zhifan F. Huang, Raymond M. Banks, Tamara Widenhouse, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Prasanna Malaviya, Gregory W. Johnson, Paul Guerra
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Publication number: 20170215883Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson
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Patent number: 9717496Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Jerome R. Morgan, Carl J. Shurtleff, IV, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Christopher C. Miller
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Patent number: 9603599Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Christopher C. Miller, Edward G. Chekan, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Carl J. Shurtleff, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Barry T. Jamison, Joseph E. Young, Cortney E. Henderson
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Patent number: 9549738Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a pivotable trigger, and a ratcheting assembly. The ratcheting assembly may include a rotary ratchet coupled to the trigger and a pawl coupled to the body. The rotary ratchet may further include a ramp that disengages the ratchet from the pawl. A release feature may be included to selectively disengage a second member of the ratcheting assembly from a first member. In some versions, the release feature may include a rotation knob or a slidable handle. In another configuration, the ratcheting assembly may have a first member coupled to an actuator and a second member coupled to the body. The assembly may include a lock member coupled to the body that selectively engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the actuator. Alternatively, the assembly may include a pivotable pawl coupled to the actuator that engages one or more notches formed in the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan, Cortney E. Henderson, Christopher C. Miller, Kent P. Baker, John V. Hunt, Barry T. Jamison, Patrick A. Weizman, Joseph E. Young, Cory G. Kimball, Carl J. Shurtleff, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Johnny H. Alexander, III, Patrick J. Swindon, Joseph P. Schowalter, John F. Cummings
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Publication number: 20160066906Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Jerome R. Morgan, Carl J. Shurtleff, IV, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Christopher C. Miller
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Publication number: 20160030038Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Kevin D. Felder, John F. Cummings, Joseph P. Schowalter, Patrick J. Swindon, Johnny H. Alexander, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Edward G. Chekan, Joseph E. Young, Christopher C. Miller, Barry T. Jamison, John V. Hunt, Kent P. Baker, Cortney E. Henderson, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Julia F. Serber
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Patent number: 9220505Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Edward G. Chekan, Kevin D. Felder, Jerome R. Morgan, Carl J. Shurtleff, Johnny H. Alexander, III, John F. Cummings, Christopher C. Miller