Patents by Inventor Kenneth S. Wales
Kenneth S. Wales 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: 9982691Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using a plurality of dual acting cylinders to acquire articles with vacuum cups is disclosed. A robot arm comprises a manipulator movable with the robot arm with the plurality of dual acting cylinders attached to the manipulator. The robot arm is configured to passively conform to a plurality of irregular articles by extending dual acting cylinders from manipulator and moving the manipulator distally with the robot arm to conform to the plurality of irregular articles. The movement causes each dual acting cylinder to passively and proximally retract from the contact of the vacuum cup with a respective irregular article and passively conform the vacuum cups and dual acting cylinders to the plurality of irregular articles. Each vacuum cup can adhere to and can manipulate acquired articles with vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLCInventors: Michael Girtman, Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 9340357Abstract: An accumulation conveyor for transporting articles includes a plurality of rollers defining a conveying surface, a frame supporting the plurality of rollers, a drive belt selectively couplable with the plurality of rollers to drive the plurality of rollers, and an actuator assembly having at least one piezoelectric actuator assembly configured to selectively urge the drive belt into driving engagement with the plurality of rollers.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Inventors: John J. Wilkins, Kevin Lawrence Klueber, Kenneth S. Wales
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Publication number: 20150308466Abstract: A dual action cylinder for a robotic arm comprises a hollow cylinder having a front end and a rear end enclosing a chamber within. A rod and piston are reciprocatingly movable within the chamber and with a tip of the rod protruding through the front end of the cylinder. A passageway extends through the dual acting cylinder from the rear end to the protruding tip of the rod. Wherein the passageway provides open communication between the tip and the rear end, and changes length along the direction of reciprocation as the rod and piston move.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Michael Girtman, Kenneth S. Wales
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Publication number: 20120259175Abstract: Provided is a balloon access device having a cap coupleable to an endoscope and a balloon for sealing with the cap when expanded. The balloon access device allows a physician to both separate collapsed tissue and visualize the path of the endoscope without administering insufflation gas to the collapsed area of a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Boris REYDEL, Dean Secrest, Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 7828186Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that responds by articulating an articulation joint. Two opposing fluid actuators may respond to differential fluid transfer to effect articulation. Thereby, design flexibility is achieved by avoiding the design constraints of transferring a mechanical motion through the tight confines of the elongate shaft sufficient to effect articulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 7784662Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the elongate shaft to give further clinical flexibility in reaching tissue at a desired angle. A closure tube assembly includes a single pivoting portion that overrides the articulation joint in order to distally translate to the end effector to close, yet pass over an articulated shaft by having a multiple pivot frame ground encompassed therein to accommodate the longitudinal change in closure sleeve pivot. Thereby, additional clinical flexibility in positioning the end effector is achieved without losing the ability for separate closure and firing motions transferred by the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 7780054Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 7654431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Hueil, Kenneth S. Wales, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 7559452Abstract: 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 surgical openings, and in particular through a cannula of a trocar. A pair of fluid actuator 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 7559450Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that responds by articulating an articulation joint. Two opposing fluid actuators may respond to differential fluid transfer to effect articulation. Thereby, design flexibility is achieved by avoiding the design constraints of transferring a mechanical motion through the tight confines of the elongate shaft sufficient to effect articulation.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Multiple firing stroke surgical instrument incorporating electroactive polymer anti-backup mechanism
Patent number: 7513408Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A firing member reciprocates within an elongate shaft to the end effector to transfer this firing motion. A retraction spring retracts the firing member after full firing. Between firing strokes as the firing trigger is released, an anti-backup mechanism activates an electrical actuator (e.g., elecroactive polymer actuator) that is physically grounded to the handle to bind the firing member preventing inadvertent retraction.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kenneth S. Wales -
Patent number: 7455208Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the elongate shaft to give further clinical flexibility in reaching tissue at a desired angle. A firing bar translates within the elongate shaft and articulates through the articulation joint with a reduced force to fire, supported within a knife slot formed in a link that pivots at both ends, thereby reducing the radius of curvature of the firing bar by half at a particular location. One version includes a link that connects across portions of a closure sleeve assembly and another version includes a link that connects proximal and frame ground portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 7213736Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector (e.g., stapling and severing) that is actuated by a firing bar. An articulation mechanism in an elongate shaft incorporates electrically actuated polymer (EAP) actuators that laterally support the firing bar so that the firing bar is sufficiently constrained to avoid a blow-out, yet is guided without excessive friction and binding. Thereby, effective, consistent firing is accomplished without an undue increase in firing force required when the end effector is articulated.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 7111769Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic articulates an end effector by including an end effector having a geared articulation mechanism that converts rotational motion from a handle portion. A hollow articulation drive tube transfers the rotation motion in some versions to a spear gear, bevel gear or snaggle tooth gear articulation mechanism. Alternatively, one or more threaded drive rod offset from a longitudinal axis engages a worm gear or flex-neck articulation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Douglas B. Hoffman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
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Patent number: 6981628Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument suited for endoscopic use includes a lateral articulation control into a handle portion that provides an intuitive visual and tactile indication to the clinician as to the amount and direction of articulation of an end effector at a distal end of a shaft. Lateral movement of a lateral control actuator is converted into a longitudinal motion or a rotational motion transferred by the shaft to an articulation mechanism. A version of a lateral articulation control for a rotationally driven articulation mechanism incorporates an articulation backdrive lockout that prevents forces on the end effector from causing the selected amount of articulation from being changed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 6964363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wales, Joseph Charles Heuil
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Patent number: 6866626Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for providing access of a medical instrument, such as a surgical instrument, from a point outside the patient's body to a point within a body lumen, such as a portion of the Gastro-intestinal tract. A self propelled device, such as a capsule having electrodes for providing contraction of lumen tissue, can be positioned within the body lumen at a desired location. The medical instrument can be directed through a working channel associated with the capsule to access the body lumen tissue through the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Ethicon-Endo Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Long, Kenneth S. Wales
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Publication number: 20030093088Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for providing access of a medical instrument, such as a surgical instrument, from a point outside the patient's body to a point within a body lumen, such as a portion of the Gastro-intestinal tract. A self propelled device, such as a capsule having electrodes for providing contraction of lumen tissue, can be positioned within the body lumen at a desired location. The medical instrument can be directed through a working channel associated with the capsule to access the body lumen tissue through the capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Gary L. Long, Kenneth S. Wales
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Publication number: 20030093031Abstract: A medical device can include a capsule for introduction into a body lumen, an umbilicus which is attached to the capsule and which is flexible and of sufficient length to extend outside of the body lumen while the capsule is inside of the body lumen, and means for dispensing a medical agent into the lumen through the capsule. The capsule can include first and second electrodes. A channel can extend through the umbilicus to a plurality of weepholes in the capsule to fluidly connect the medical agent from outside the body lumen to the wall of the body lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Gary L. Long, Kurt R. Bally, Kenneth S. Wales
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Patent number: 6220248Abstract: A method for implanting a biopsy marker at a biopsy site within bodily tissue is disclosed. A marker applier is provided which has a marker cannula for receiving the biopsy marker. The marker cannula has a lateral marker window, and the marker is positioned at the window for ejection therefrom. The marker applier also has an ejector rod moveable longitudinally in the marker cannula which, when actuated, forces the ejection of the biopsy marker from the marker cannula through the window and into the tissue. The marker applier is inserted into a biopsy cannula positioned at the biopsy site. The biopsy cannula also has a lateral window, and it is necessary to orient the lateral marker window into alignment with the lateral biopsy window. Upon proper orientation, the ejector rod is actuated, and the biopsy marker is ejected from the marker cannula for implantation in the tissue in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal movement of the ejector rod.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Voegele, Michael Dolgin, Kenneth S. Wales