Patents by Inventor Kenneth Lance Miller

Kenneth Lance Miller 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: 11925355
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 11911042
    Abstract: A method of using an occlusion clamp, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs, the tongs comprising a first longitudinal segment operatively coupled proximally to a second longitudinal segment, the tongs including a first spring exerting a proximal bias tending to direct a proximal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where each of the first and second longitudinal segments includes a distal free end; (b) repositioning a second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments to exert a bias tending to direct a distal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where repositioning of the tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs precedes repositioning the second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Publication number: 20240050151
    Abstract: Ablation systems, components thereof, and related methods are disclosed. An example ablation system may include a first ablation component including a first ablation component end effector configured to be positioned on a first side of a target tissue and a second ablation component including a second ablation component end effector configured to be positioned on a second side of the target tissue. The first ablation component may include a first ablation component permanent magnet that is translationally repositionable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The second ablation component may include a second ablation component permanent magnet that is freely rotatable and is configured to rotatably self-orient into a magnetically attractive orientation with the first ablation component permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Geni Giannotti Rupley, Salvatore Privitera, Peter Joseph France, Adam Harp, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Jackson Thomas Romelli
  • Patent number: 11883037
    Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Hughett, Sr., Keith Edward Martin, Kenneth Lance Miller, Michael Dolgin
  • Patent number: 11883035
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Matthew Monti, Adam Harp, Kenneth Lance Miller, Jason Iain Glithero
  • Publication number: 20230355297
    Abstract: Surgical devices and related methods are disclosed. An example surgical device may include an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector comprising a head, the head comprising an articulating mechanism, the articulating mechanism being operable to move a first jaw between an open position in which the first jaw and a second jaw are separated and substantially non-parallel and a closed position in which the first jaw and the second jaw are substantially adjacent and substantially parallel, where each of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a first substantially straight portion proximate the head, a second substantially straight portion, a third substantially straight portion distant from the head, a first curved portion between the first substantially straight portion and the second substantially straight portion, and a second curved portion between the second substantially straight portion and the third substantially straight portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Kenneth Lance Miller, Melissa Deitzer, Douglas J. Seith, Akiva Kirschner, Sydney Gaynor, Kurtis Klingenberg
  • Publication number: 20230338033
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230338041
    Abstract: A method of using an occlusion clamp, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs, the tongs comprising a first longitudinal segment operatively coupled proximally to a second longitudinal segment, the tongs including a first spring exerting a proximal bias tending to direct a proximal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where each of the first and second longitudinal segments includes a distal free end; (b) repositioning a second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments to exert a bias tending to direct a distal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where repositioning of the tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs precedes repositioning the second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Publication number: 20230338043
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Matthew Monti, Adam Harp, Kenneth Lance Miller, Jason Iain Glithero
  • Publication number: 20230338032
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230338040
    Abstract: A method of using an occlusion clamp, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs, the tongs comprising a first longitudinal segment operatively coupled proximally to a second longitudinal segment, the tongs including a first spring exerting a proximal bias tending to direct a proximal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where each of the first and second longitudinal segments includes a distal free end; (b) repositioning a second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments to exert a bias tending to direct a distal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where repositioning of the tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs precedes repositioning the second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Publication number: 20230338031
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 11678928
    Abstract: Surgical devices and related methods are disclosed. An example end effector for a surgical device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an articulating mechanism operable to move the first jaw between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. An example articulating mechanism may include a first jaw mount coupled to the first jaw so that movement of the first jaw mount along a path causes rotation and translation of the first jaw mount and the first jaw. A pivotably mounted crank may operably couple an actuator linkage to the first jaw mount so that moving the actuator linkage rotates the crank, and rotation of the crank may move the first jaw mount along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Kenneth Lance Miller, Melissa Deitzer, Douglas J. Seith, Akiva Kirschner, Sydney Gaynor, Kurtis Klingenberg
  • Publication number: 20230009892
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 11266413
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20210346031
    Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: James David Hughett, SR., Keith Edward Martin, Kenneth Lance Miller, Michael Dolgin
  • Publication number: 20210106336
    Abstract: A method of using an occlusion clamp, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs, the tongs comprising a first longitudinal segment operatively coupled proximally to a second longitudinal segment, the tongs including a first spring exerting a proximal bias tending to direct a proximal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where each of the first and second longitudinal segments includes a distal free end; (b) repositioning a second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments to exert a bias tending to direct a distal portion of each of the first and second longitudinal segments toward one another, where repositioning of the tongs so that tissue interposes the tongs precedes repositioning the second spring distally along each of the first and second longitudinal segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Patent number: 10959736
    Abstract: An atrial appendage occlusion apparatus including an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive an atrial appendage and a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Patent number: 10898204
    Abstract: An occlusion clamp including: (a) an occlusion tongs including a primary spring coupling a first longitudinal arm to a second longitudinal arm, the first longitudinal arm including a first linear occlusion surface configured to be parallel to and overlap a second linear occlusion surface of the second longitudinal arm, each of the first and second longitudinal arms having a free distal end; and, (b) a secondary spring removably coupled to the occlusion tongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller
  • Publication number: 20200222110
    Abstract: Surgical devices and related methods are disclosed. An example end effector for a surgical device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an articulating mechanism operable to move the first jaw between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. An example articulating mechanism may include a first jaw mount coupled to the first jaw so that movement of the first jaw mount along a path causes rotation and translation of the first jaw mount and the first jaw. A pivotably mounted crank may operably couple an actuator linkage to the first jaw mount so that moving the actuator linkage rotates the crank, and rotation of the crank may move the first jaw mount along the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Kenneth Lance Miller, Melissa Deitzer, Douglas J. Seith, Akiva Kirshner, Sydney Gaynor, Kurtis Klingenberg