Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Doll

Kevin R. Doll 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: 12369914
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Publication number: 20250235212
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 12290261
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an actuator system operable to generate independent motions including end effector articulation motions, an end effector closing motion, and a staple firing motion. The actuator system comprises motor driven elements. The end effector articulation motions, the end effector closing motion, and the staple firing motion are transmitted through the motor driven elements. The surgical stapling system further comprises an elongate shaft extending from the housing, an articulation region comprising a first articulation joint and a second articulation joint, and a stapling end effector responsive to the independent motions generated by the actuator system. The stapling end effector comprises a staple cartridge jaw, an anvil jaw, and a firing member. The an anvil jaw comprises a longitudinal anvil slot and a longitudinal recess extending from the longitudinal anvil slot. The firing member comprises an anvil-engaging portion and a cartridge jaw-engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael E. Setser, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan, Richard W. Timm
  • Patent number: 12256930
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 12178434
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an actuator system operable to generate independent motions and a stapling end effector responsive to the independent motions generated by the actuator system is disclosed. The stapling end effector comprises a staple cartridge jaw comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, an anvil jaw, and a firing member. The firing member comprises an anvil-engaging portion and a cartridge jaw-engaging portion configured to engage the staple cartridge jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 12171434
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Kyle P. Moore, Mark H. Ransick, Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Thomas W. Huitema, Glen A. Armstrong, Shailendra K Parihar, Donna L. Korvick, Richard W. Timm, Kevin R. Doll, Bret W. Smith, William D. Kelly, Ronald J. Kolata, Joshua R. Uth, Charles J. Scheib, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Mark S. Ortiz, Douglas B. Hoffman, Patrick A. Weizman, Dean B. Bruewer, Gregory B. Blair, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20240260963
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 11980366
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an actuator system operable to generate independent motions and a stapling end effector responsive to the independent motions generated by the actuator system is disclosed. The stapling end effector comprises a staple cartridge jaw comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, an anvil jaw, and a firing member. The firing member comprises an anvil-engaging portion and a cartridge jaw-engaging portion configured to engage the staple cartridge jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11963679
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11890008
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Kevin R. Doll, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 11883020
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Kevin R. Doll, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Publication number: 20240000451
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Kevin R. Doll, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 11446034
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly extending proximally from the end effector, a housing, a rotary motion actuator supported by the housing, a first actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a first function, a second actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a second function different from the first function, and a selector arrangement transitionable between a first orientation and a second orientation is disclosed. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge and staples deployable from the staple cartridge into tissue. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the first actuation system in the first orientation to cause the end effector to perform the first function. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the second actuation system to cause the end effector to perform the second function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin R. Doll, Bret W. Smith, William D. Kelly, Ronald J. Kolata, Joshua R. Uth, Charles J. Scheib
  • Publication number: 20220218346
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20220218345
    Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Kevin R. Doll, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11382625
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Publication number: 20220142643
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Kevin R. Doll, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 11298134
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 11266409
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body comprising a tissue-supporting deck, a longitudinal slot, cavities, and ridges protruding from the tissue-supporting deck is disclosed. The fastener cartridge further comprises fasteners positioned in the cavities, drivers supporting the fasteners, and a sled configured to engage the drivers to fire the fasteners from the cavities during a firing stroke. The sled comprises a central portion and ramps. The ramps comprise a first ramp on a first side of the central portion, a second ramp on the first side of the central portion, a third ramp on a second side of the central portion, and a fourth ramp on the second side of the central portion. The first ramp, the second ramp, and the third ramp are longitudinally-staggered. The central portion comprises a hump intermediate the first ramp and the third ramp, and a stabilizer extending from the hump distally beyond the ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 11246616
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Kevin R. Doll, Eugene L. Timperman