Patents by Inventor Joseph Hueil

Joseph Hueil 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).

  • Patent number: 8317074
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Patent number: 7914551
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Patent number: 7410086
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Patent number: 7407074
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Patent number: 7407077
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20070262116
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device. According to various embodiments, the stapling device comprises an end effector and a plurality of stacked actuatable wedge band sets. The end effector comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface and a staple cartridge facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a plurality of staple drivers moveable supportable within the staple cartridge. Each staple driver is in contact with one of the staples and configured such that when the staple drivers are actuated, the staple drivers drive the staples through the staple cartridge so that the staples are formed against the staple forming surface of the anvil. Each stacked wedge band set comprises at least two different-level wedge bands for axially traversing the end effector. Each wedge band comprises a wedge cam at its distal end for driving certain ones of the staple drivers when the wedge band is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Hueil, Jerome Morgan, Frederick Shelton, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20070194081
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze, Frederick Shelton
  • Publication number: 20070194079
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprising an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a plurality of staple drivers moveable supported within the staple cartridge. Each staple driver is in contact with one of the plurality of staples such that when the staple drivers are actuated, the plurality of staples are formed against the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the staple drivers have a first height and a second quantity of the staple drivers have a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height such that the staples driven by the first quantity of staple drivers have a longer formed length than the staples driven by the second quantity of staple drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Hueil, Jerome Morgan, Frederick Shelton
  • Publication number: 20070194082
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device. The device comprises an end effector that comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets. A first quantity of the plurality of staple forming pockets has a first depth and a second quantity of the plurality of staple forming pockets has a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Jerome Morgan, Joseph Hueil, Frederick Shelton, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20070194080
    Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling device. The stapling device has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil that is moveable between open and closed positions. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a first plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver has an upper staple supporting surface for supporting one of the staples such that, when actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the anvil. The upper staple supporting surface supports staples of different wire diameters in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Swayze, Joseph Hueil, Jerome Morgan, Frederick Shelton
  • Publication number: 20070158385
    Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hueil, Joseph Hueil, Kenneth Hogue, Christoph Gillum, Douglas Siebenaler
  • Publication number: 20060226196
    Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a laterally sliding member in a proximal portion of a shaft that pivots the end effector to a selected side. Differentially opposing actuating forces (e.g., hydraulic, fluidic, mechanical) act against the laterally sliding member without binding by incorporating guidance mechanisms between the laterally sliding member and a frame of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Hueil, Kenneth Wales, Chad Boudreaux
  • Publication number: 20060047306
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20060047305
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20060047308
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20060047307
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20060041273
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Publication number: 20060025813
    Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument enables minimally invasive surgical procedures by having upper and lower jaws (i.e., anvil and staple channel) that are positioned with an elongate shaft and handle through a surgical opening, and in particular through a cannula of a trocar. A pair of fluid bladders (lift bags) are positioned in the staple channel beneath a proximally projecting lever tray so that transfer of fluid from the handle causes closing and clamping of the anvil. The bi-directional fluid control may be mechanically produced at the handle or by activating an electroactive polymer actuator. Once firing is sensed, an EAP plunger in a medical substance syringe inserted into the elongate shaft is activated to dispense a medical substance (e.g., anesthetics, adhesives, cauterizing substances, antibiotics, etc.) and is guided along a firing bar to a cutting surface of an E-beam placing the substance on tissue as severed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Frederick Shelton, Joseph Hueil, Jerome Morgan
  • Publication number: 20050006429
    Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic articulates an end effector by having a geared articulation mechanism that converts rotational motion from a handle portion. A firing bar longitudinally translates between the handle portion and the end effector. The firing bar head is thickened in order to present an undistorted cutting edge and engagement features to the opposing jaws of the end effector. The firing bar also advantageously includes a thinned or tapered proximal portion in the form of a strip or band that negotiates the articulation mechanism flexibility. To prevent buckling of the firing bar strip during firing, a pair of support plates adjustably flank the firing bar strip through the articulation mechanism. Various versions show resilient and spring engagement of each end of the support plate to distal and proximal sides of the articulation mechanism, as well as a resilient support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth Wales, Joseph Hueil