Patents by Inventor Kenneth S. Kramer

Kenneth S. Kramer 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: 11963669
    Abstract: A reprocessing case may be used to assist in reprocessing an instrument, such as an endoscope in an automated reprocessor. The reprocessing case may include various features such that the case may include and be transitioned between a closed configuration, an open configuration, and a disinfection configuration. In particular the reprocessor may transition the case to a disinfection configuration during a reprocessing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ASP Global Manufacturing GMBH
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Kramer, Samuel J. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20230390591
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20230191161
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 11666784
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is disclosed including an ultrasonic blade, an ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the ultrasonic blade, and a control circuit. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the ultrasonic blade based on a drive signal. The control circuit is configured to provide the drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer, monitor a vibration frequency of the drive signal, and modify the drive signal based on a change in the vibration frequency of the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20210145473
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Karen K. Isaacs, Kenneth S. Kramer, Michael R. Lamping, Ashvani K. Madan, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Eitan T. Weiner, Joseph E. Young
  • Patent number: 10856896
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Karen K. Isaacs, Kenneth S. Kramer, Michael R. Lamping, Ashvani K. Madan, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Eitan T. Wiener, Joseph E. Young
  • Publication number: 20200187767
    Abstract: A reprocessing case may be used to assist in reprocessing an instrument, such as an endoscope in an automated reprocessor. The reprocessing case may include various features such that the case may include and be transitioned between a closed configuration, an open configuration, and a disinfection configuration. In particular the reprocessor may transition the case to a disinfection configuration during a reprocessing procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: ASP GLOBAL MANUFACTURING GMBH
    Inventors: Kenneth S. KRAMER, Samuel J. RHODES
  • Publication number: 20200054899
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 10420579
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is disclosed including a transducer, an ultrasonic blade operably coupled to the transducer, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to provide a drive signal to the transducer to cause the transducer to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the ultrasonic blade, detect a change in a vibration frequency of the ultrasonic blade based at least in part on a change in a frequency of the drive signal, wherein the change in the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic blade corresponds to a tissue condition of tissue treated with the ultrasonic blade, and modify the drive signal in response to the tissue condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20170360468
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Karen K. Isaacs, Kenneth S. Kramer, Michael R. Lamping, Ashvani K. Madan, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Eitan T. Wiener, Joseph E. Young
  • Publication number: 20170056056
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 9445832
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Publication number: 20140207163
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN E. EICHMANN, KAREN K. ISAACS, KENNETH S. KRAMER, MICHAEL R. LAMPING, ASHVANI K. MADAN, MATTHEW C. MILLER, AARON C. VOEGELE, EITAN T. WIENER, JOSEPH E. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20140180175
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The handle of the apparatus is configured to permit hand activation for cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. In order to promote convenient and efficient use of the apparatus, one or more fingertip controls are provided directly into the disposal shears handle in a position that allows surgeons to activate the device without repositioning their hand. The one or more buttons provide independent control of the power levels available from the generator, matching the two foot pedal configuration of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie J. Muir, Francis S. Proch, Sudeep Dutta, Kenneth S. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20130282039
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 8512365
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, Kenneth S. Kramer, Foster B. Stulen, Ashvani K. Madan
  • Publication number: 20120172904
    Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument is configured for cutting and coagulation of tissue in cooperation with a clamping mechanism. The handle of the instrument is configured to permit hand activation for cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. In order to promote convenient and efficient use of the instrument, the activation controls are provided directly onto the shears handle in a position that allows surgeons to clamp tissue, rotate the clamping mechanism and activate the device with a single hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Stephanie J. MUIR, Francis S. Proch, Sudeep N. Dutta, Kenneth S. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20120078249
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen E. Eichmann, Karen Kowalski Isaacs, Kenneth S. Kramer, Michael R. Lamping, Ashvani K. Madan, Matthew C. Miller, Aaron C. Voegele, Eitan T. Wiener, Joseph E. Young
  • Publication number: 20110004233
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The handle of the apparatus is configured to permit hand activation for cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. In order to promote convenient and efficient use of the apparatus, the fingertip controls are provided directly into the disposal shears handle in a position that allows surgeons to activate the device without repositioning their hand. The two buttons provide independent control of the two power levels available from the generator, matching the two foot pedal configuration of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Stephanie J. Muir, Francis S. Proch, Sudeep N. Dutta, Kenneth S. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20100222714
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The handle of the apparatus is configured to permit hand activation for cutting, coagulation, and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. In order to promote convenient and efficient use of the apparatus, the fingertip controls are provided directly into the disposal shears handle in a position that allows surgeons to activate the device without repositioning their hand. The two buttons provide independent control of the two power levels available from the generator, matching the two foot pedal configuration of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Stephanie J. MUIR, Francis S. Proch, Sudeep N. Dutta, Kenneth S. Kramer