Patents by Inventor John W. Willis
John W. Willis 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: 11957886Abstract: A system includes a tubing set and a drive assembly. The tubing set includes inlet tubing couplable to a source of fluid, a valve coupled to the inlet tubing, a syringe coupled to the inlet tubing via the valve, and outlet tubing coupled to the valve. The valve is configured to allow fluid to be drawn from the source of fluid via the inlet tubing into a syringe body of the syringe and to be expelled from the syringe body and through the outlet tubing, and to prevent fluid from being drawn from the outlet tubing into the syringe body and to prevent fluid expelled from the syringe body from flowing through the inlet tubing. The drive assembly is configured to reversibly receive the tubing set such that a drive mechanism is engaged with a plunger of the syringe to reciprocally translate the plunger relative to the syringe body.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: 410 Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Piehl, Galen C. Robertson, John Tyler Willis Hagler, Robert W. Titkemeyer, Frederic C. Feiler, Jr.
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Patent number: 11744635Abstract: 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: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: 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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Publication number: 20220412837Abstract: A vibration data collection device monitors vibration of a machine, generates original machine vibration waveform data based on the monitored vibration, and removes portions of the original machine vibration waveform data that do not indicate an occurrence of a vibration event related to a potential fault in the machine. The vibration data collection device then stores thinned waveform data that includes blocks of the original machine vibration waveform data and excludes the portions that have been removed. A data analysis computer generates a thinned waveform plot based on the thinned waveform data. In some embodiments, the thinned waveform plot includes the blocks of original machine vibration waveform data separated in time by gaps representing the portions that have been removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, Christopher G. Hilemon, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 11478247Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis
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Publication number: 20220313297Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices. The disclosed embodiments include a surgical instrument comprising a waveguide, and end effector and an electrical switch. The waveguide may comprise a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and one output of a radio frequency (RF) generator. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm coupled. The ultrasonic blade may be mechanically coupled to the distal end of the waveguide and electrically coupled to the waveguide. The clamp arm may comprise a movable jaw member electrically coupled to another output of the RF generator such that an electrical current can pass through the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade through tissue located between the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig N. Faller, Kevin D. Felder, Jacob S. Gee, William D. Kelly, Robert J. Laird, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Emily H. Monroe, Scott A. Nield, Daniel W. Price, Patrick J. Scoggins, John B. Schulte, Geoffrey S. Strobl, James W. Voegele, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Patrick A. Weizman, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 11435260Abstract: A vibration data collection device monitors vibration of a machine, generates original machine vibration waveform data based on the monitored vibration, and removes portions of the original machine vibration waveform data that do not indicate an occurrence of a vibration event related to a potential fault in the machine. The vibration data collection device then stores thinned waveform data that includes blocks of the original machine vibration waveform data and excludes the portions that have been removed. A data analysis computer generates a thinned waveform plot based on the thinned waveform data. In some embodiments, the thinned waveform plot includes the blocks of original machine vibration waveform data separated in time by gaps representing the portions that have been removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, Christopher G. Hilemon, John W. Willis
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Publication number: 20220168005Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices. The disclosed embodiments include a surgical instrument comprising a waveguide, and end effector and an electrical switch. The waveguide may comprise a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and one output of a radio frequency (RF) generator. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm coupled. The ultrasonic blade may be mechanically coupled to the distal end of the waveguide and electrically coupled to the waveguide. The clamp arm may comprise a movable jaw member electrically coupled to another output of the RF generator such that an electrical current can pass through the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade through tissue located between the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig N. Faller, Kevin D. Felder, Jacob S. Gee, William D. Kelly, Robert J. Laird, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Emily H. Monroe, Scott A. Nield, Daniel W. Price, Patrick J. Scoggins, John B. Schulte, Geoffrey S. Strobl, James W. Voegele, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Patrick A. Weizman, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 11324527Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a waveguide, an end effector, and an electrical switch is disclosed. The waveguide comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and one output of a radio frequency (RF) generator. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the waveguide and electrically coupled to the waveguide. The clamp arm comprises a movable jaw member electrically coupled to another output of the RF generator. The electrical switch is operable to cause the surgical instrument to deliver electrical current from the RF generator to the movable jaw member for a first period, and to cause the surgical instrument to deliver ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade for a second period.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig N. Faller, Kevin D. Felder, Jacob S. Gee, William D. Kelly, Robert J. Laird, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Emily H. Monroe, Scott A. Nield, Daniel W. Price, Patrick J. Scoggins, John B. Schulte, Geoffrey S. Strobl, James W. Voegele, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Patrick A. Weizman, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 11148244Abstract: While monitoring the condition of a machine, vibration data is often collected for analysis by an experienced analyst. Systems and methods for analyzing vibration spectra associated with machine condition monitoring are disclosed herein. A system may be configured to collect vibration data from one or more vibration sensors, generate a vibration spectrum of the vibration data, and generate a spectral plot of the vibration spectrum. The system may receive a selection of a region of the spectral plot and generate a modifiable window of the vibration spectrum that is embedded within the spectral plot. The system may display a set of graphing tools along with the modifiable window that enable a user to make modifications to the window. The system may detect the modifications and update the modifiable window accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, Stewart V. Bowers, III, Christopher G. Hilemon, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 10973563Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source is configured to deliver power to a surgical instrument at a first rate of discharge. The second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source at a second rate of discharge. The first power source and the second power source are positioned within the surgical instrument. The first power source and the second power source are further configured to communicate with a control module. The control module may rely on power from the first power source to drive an end effector of the surgical instrument. The end effector may comprise a harmonic/ultrasonic blade, RF electrosurgical electrodes, powered cutting/stapling features, and/or various other types of components.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Kevin L. Houser, David C. Yates, John W. Willis, Aron O. Zingman, Donna L. Korvick, Ashvani K. Madan
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Publication number: 20210039218Abstract: While monitoring the condition of a machine, vibration data is often collected for analysis by an experienced analyst. Systems and methods for analyzing vibration spectra associated with machine condition monitoring are disclosed herein. A system may be configured to collect vibration data from one or more vibration sensors, generate a vibration spectrum of the vibration data, and generate a spectral plot of the vibration spectrum. The system may receive a selection of a region of the spectral plot and generate a modifiable window of the vibration spectrum that is embedded within the spectral plot. The system may display a set of graphing tools along with the modifiable window that enable a user to make modifications to the window. The system may detect the modifications and update the modifiable window accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, Stewart V. Bowers, III, Christopher G. Hilemon, John W. Willis
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Publication number: 20210033450Abstract: A method for removing the DC disturbance of a vibration waveform, by receiving the vibration waveform and detecting and removing a DC component of the vibration waveform, leaving substantially only an AC component of the vibration waveform, which is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 10725448Abstract: A sensor signal conditioning circuit of a machinery health monitoring module is disposed between a machine sensor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The circuit includes a sensor interface connector, first and second operational amplifiers, a Nyquist filter, and first and second gain flattening feedback networks. The interface connector can connect to multiple types of sensors for monitoring various machine characteristics. The output of the first operational amplifier is coupled to the positive input of the ADC, and the output of the second operational amplifier is coupled to the negative input of the ADC. The first operational amplifier provides a high impedance differential interface to the analog sensor signal and a low impedance interface to the positive input of the ADC. The second operational amplifier provides an inverted copy of a signal at the positive input of the ADC and a low impedance interface to the negative input of the ADC.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: John W. Willis, William E. Childress
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Publication number: 20200229863Abstract: 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: February 3, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: 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: 10660695Abstract: 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: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Ethicon 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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Publication number: 20200116586Abstract: A vibration data collection device monitors vibration of a machine, generates original machine vibration waveform data based on the monitored vibration, and removes portions of the original machine vibration waveform data that do not indicate an occurrence of a vibration event related to a potential fault in the machine. The vibration data collection device then stores thinned waveform data that includes blocks of the original machine vibration waveform data and excludes the portions that have been removed. A data analysis computer generates a thinned waveform plot based on the thinned waveform data. In some embodiments, the thinned waveform plot includes the blocks of original machine vibration waveform data separated in time by gaps representing the portions that have been removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Hayzen, Christopher G. Hilemon, John W. Willis
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Publication number: 20200117170Abstract: A sensor signal conditioning circuit of a machinery health monitoring module is disposed between a machine sensor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The circuit includes a sensor interface connector, first and second operational amplifiers, a Nyquist filter, and first and second gain flattening feedback networks. The interface connector can connect to multiple types of sensors for monitoring various machine characteristics. The output of the first operational amplifier is coupled to the positive input of the ADC, and the output of the second operational amplifier is coupled to the negative input of the ADC. The first operational amplifier provides a high impedance differential interface to the analog sensor signal and a low impedance interface to the positive input of the ADC. The second operational amplifier provides an inverted copy of a signal at the positive input of the ADC and a low impedance interface to the negative input of the ADC.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: John W. Willis, William E. Childress
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Publication number: 20200085438Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis
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Patent number: 10558194Abstract: A sensor power controlling circuit of a machinery health monitoring module includes (1) a positive voltage input for receiving a positive voltage from a galvanically isolated voltage source within the machinery health monitoring module, (2) a sensor power connecter for providing power to a machine sensor, (3) a push-pull comparator having a positive input, a negative input, and an output, (4) a first resistor, (5) a PNP transistor, and (6) a first capacitor. A sensor signal conditioning circuit of the machinery health monitoring module is disposed between a machine sensor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The sensor signal conditioning circuit includes a sensor interface connector, a first and second operational amplifier, a passive Nyquist filter, and first and second gain flattening feedback networks.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.Inventors: John W. Willis, William E. Childress
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Patent number: 10470770Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly operably supporting a circular surgical staple cartridge in a distal end thereof and a plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to the elongate shaft assembly and configured to be selectively radially deployable from a first position wherein the plurality of arcuate tissue acquisition members cooperate to form a continuous ring defining a continuous outer ring diameter and a second deployed position wherein each arcuate tissue acquisition member extends radially outward from the elongate shaft assembly is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John W. Willis