Patents by Inventor Lauren S. Weaner
Lauren S. Weaner 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: 11931031Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt
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Patent number: 11918210Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 11911027Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Michael J. Vendely, Lauren S. Weaner, Brandon J. Lloyd, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Miller, Michael T. Isaacs, Emily Ann Schellin, John V. Hunt, John E. Feds
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Patent number: 11883019Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising an end effector and a system configured to feed staples into the end effector is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Lauren S. Weaner, Janna B. Volz, Jerome R. Morgan, Sarah A. Worthington
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Publication number: 20230380835Abstract: Implantable adjuncts for use with a surgical instrument are disclosed. The implantable adjunct includes a first mesh positioned about a first side of the longitudinal knife slot and a second mesh positioned about a second side of the longitudinal knife slot such that the first and second meshes define a gap substantially aligned with the longitudinal knife slot of the staple cartridge body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton, Lauren S. Weaner, Mark H. Ransick
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Patent number: 11786321Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a robotic manipulator that includes a mounting fixture defining a longitudinal channel, and a surgical tool removably coupleable to the mounting fixture. The surgical tool including a tool housing matable with the mounting fixture, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing and receivable within the channel, and a latching mechanism provided on the elongate shaft and comprising one or more retention tabs biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are movable between a deployed state, where the one or more retention tabs protrude radially outward through a corresponding one or more slots to engage the mounting fixture, and a retracted state, where the one or more retention tabs are urged radially inward through the one or more slots to disengage the mounting fixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: David C. Yates, Thomas William Lytle, IV, Kharyl Evenson George Stephens, John Scott Kimsey, Lauren S. Weaner, Joshua Dean Young
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Patent number: 11730471Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation system that comprises a single articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel along a path that is laterally offset from the shaft axis. A cross link is coupled to the articulation driver and extends transversely across the shaft axis to be coupled to the surgical end effector.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Sarah A. Worthington, Morgan R. Hunter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Douglas B. Hoffman, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Patent number: 11701114Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 11690623Abstract: Methods for forming an implantable layer onto a staple cartridge are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton, Lauren S. Weaner, Mark H. Ransick
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Patent number: 11523823Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about an articulation axis that is laterally offset from the shaft axis and extends transversely relative thereto. An end effector driver link is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and an articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel in distal and proximal directions upon application of articulation motions thereto. A flexible de-articulation member is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and the surgical end effector to apply de-articulation motions to the surgical end effector.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Sarah A. Worthington, Austin E. Wise, Lauren S. Weaner
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Publication number: 20220387027Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Publication number: 20220313253Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Publication number: 20220167970Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body having fastener cavities, fasteners removably positioned in the fastener cavities, a layer of material releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, a connector configured to secure the layer of material to the cartridge body at a location distal to at least one fastener cavity, and an actuator. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. When actuated, the actuator can overcome the connector, and can overcome the connector prior to the removal of the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The actuator can be actuated at a location proximal to at least one fastener cavity, and can extend distally past at least one fastener cavity toward the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Michael J. Vendely, Lauren S. Weaner, Brandon J. Lloyd, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Publication number: 20220167968Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation system that comprises a single articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel along a path that is laterally offset from the shaft axis. A cross link is coupled to the articulation driver and extends transversely across the shaft axis to be coupled to the surgical end effector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Sarah A. Worthington, Morgan R. Hunter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Douglas B. Hoffman, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Publication number: 20220151611Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 11331095Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument includes a longitudinally movable flexible firing beam that is configured to flexibly traverse the articulation joint and be selectively axially movable from a starting position to an ending position. A middle support member is movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and a portion of the surgical end effector. A proximal support link is located proximal to the middle support member and is configured to provide lateral support to a proximal portion of the flexible firing beam traversing the articulation joint. A distal support link is located distal to the middle support member and is configured to provide lateral support to a distal portion of the flexible support beam traversing the articulation joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Austin E. Wise, Adam D. Hensel, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 11213293Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation system that comprises a single articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel along a path that is laterally offset from the shaft axis. A cross link is coupled to the articulation driver and extends transversely across the shaft axis to be coupled to the surgical end effector.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Sarah A. Worthington, Morgan R. Hunter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Douglas B. Hoffman, Lauren S. Weaner, Michael J. Vendely
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Publication number: 20210393260Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 11191540Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes an axially movable closure member and an axially movable firing member that is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The tool assembly includes a second jaw that has a mounting portion and mounting walls that are movably mounted to a first jaw. The mounting portion defines a cam area that is configured for engagement by the movable closure member to move the second jaw from an open position to a closed position. The mounting walls define an open-topped parking area for accommodating the firing member therein when in the unfired position. A protective cap member is attached to the mounting walls such that it covers at least a portion of the open topped parking area.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Douglas B. Hoffman, Austin E. Wise, Morgan R. Hunter, Lauren S. Weaner, Adam D. Hensel, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
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Patent number: 11185325Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge and an anvil jaw comprising a tissue compression surface. The staple cartridge jaw comprises a deck, staple cavities, and staples stored in the staple cavities. The deck comprises first and second deck portions. A first tissue gap is defined between the first deck portion and the tissue compression surface when the end effector is in a closed configuration. A second tissue gap is defined between the second deck portion and the tissue compression surface when the end effector is in the closed configuration. The second tissue qap is larger than the first tissue gap. The second deck portion at least partially surrounds the staple cavities and is positioned vertically below the first deck portion. A distinct gap is defined between the first and second deck portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Lauren S. Weaner, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael J. Vendely, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Chester O. Baxter, III, Mark S. Zeiner