Patents by Inventor Michael J. Stokes

Michael J. Stokes 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).

  • Publication number: 20230132138
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jason L. Harris, Anil K. Nalagatla
  • Patent number: 11633182
    Abstract: A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, James W. Voegele, Mark S. Ortiz, Michael J. Stokes, Carl J. Shurtleff, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, James J. Bedi, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20230121835
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Disha V. Estera, Michael J. Stokes, Anil Krishna Nalagatla, Adam D. Hensel, Jason L. Harris, Laura S. Downing, Shannon L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20230121658
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Zeiner, Chester O. Baxter, III, Disha V. Estera, Jason L. Harris, Laura S. Downing, Shannon L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20230120983
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Zeiner, Chester O. Baxter, III, Disha V. Estera, Jason L. Harris, Laura S. Downing, Shannon L. Jones
  • Patent number: 11596416
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a housing, and jaws that include opposed first and second jaw members each comprising an independent structure movable relative to the other, the first jaw member defining a first inner surface and the second jaw member defining a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. An actuation mechanism is arranged within the housing and is operable to move the jaws between an open position and a closed position, the actuation mechanism including a linear drive that provides transition pins engageable with angled slots defined in the first and second jaw members. Linear movement of the linear drive moves the jaws between the open and closed positions, and the first and second inner surfaces remain substantially parallel to each other as the jaws move between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Gregory Scott, Disha Labhasetwar, John Brady
  • Patent number: 11589892
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a user input feature, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a blade cooling system. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade that may be coupled with an ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The cooling system is operable to deliver liquid coolant to the ultrasonic blade to thereby cool the ultrasonic blade. The user input feature is operable to both actuate the clamp arm and actuate the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Scott R. Bingham, Ryan M. Asher, Charles J. Scheib, Rudolph H. Nobis, Frederick L. Estera, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr., Jeffrey D. Messerly, David J. Cagle, Jacob S. Gee, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Omar E. Rios Perez, Chester O. Baxter, III, Karalyn R. Tellio, Benjamin M. Boyd, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Joël Fontannaz, Lukas S. Glutz, Amir Feriani, Emmanuel Gremion
  • Publication number: 20230048389
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil defining a plurality of staple forming pockets and a stapling head assembly configured to drive a plurality of staples against the staple forming pockets of the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a coupling member configured to actuate the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly, a firing assembly configured to drive the plurality of staples against the staple forming pockets of the anvil, and a deck member. The deck member includes a deck surface extending radially between an inner circular edge and an outer circular edge, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the deck surface. The plurality of staple openings define at least one cross shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: John K. Bruce, John S. Kimsey, Yvan D. Nguetio Tchoumkeu, Morgan R. Hunter, Cory G. Kimball, Gregory J. Bakos, Christopher Q. Seow, Pierre R. Mesnil, Laura A. Downing, Jeffery D. Bruns, Ryan W. McGhee, Chester O. Baxter, III, John E. Feds, Michael J. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20230051659
    Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument includes a stapling head assembly that receives a plurality of staples. The staples are configured with features that allow the staples to expand after deployment so that an anastomosis created by the instrument can increase in size after forming. In some versions the staples expand automatically after deployment, and in other versions the staples expand in response to tissue forces imparted upon the staples after deployment. In some versions the staples are configured to be deployed in various patterns that promote expandability of the circular staple line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Nicholas M. Morgan, Michael J. Stokes, Marissa T. Kamenir, John K. Bruce, John S. Kimsey, Yvan D. Nguetio Tchoumkeu
  • Patent number: 11564679
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11559304
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw, and a closure system for closing the second jaw is disclosed. The closure system comprises a multi-stage closure system. In at least one instance, the closure system comprises a first closure member which closes the second jaw quickly, but with low force, and a second closure member which closes the second jaw more slowly, but with a higher force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Michael J. Stokes, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20230012514
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to prevent misalignment of the jaws and clip therebetween, features to protect the jaws, and features to ensure proper closure of the jaws and clip therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Disha V. Labhasetwar, Michael J. Stokes, Gregory G. Scott, Chester O. Baxter, III, Michael A. Murray, Kevin A. Larson, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Publication number: 20230017739
    Abstract: A computer server receives, from a remote user device, information about a new potential risk relationship customer (including at least one new user parameter). Based on the new user parameter, the computer server accesses third-party data and utilizes a stored procedure to read data about the new potential risk relationship customer from an internal table of cloud data. The data read from the internal table is processed to dynamically evolve a schema and create an incremental view of cloud data. The computer server uses the incremental view to read and output a current batch of cloud data. A user interface workflow is then customized via a machine learning algorithm that processes the information about the new potential risk relationship customer, the third-party data, and the current batch of cloud data. A user information data store can then be updated based on information collected via user interface displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Julia M. Feldman, Sara M. Huber, Gopinath Kolanji, Peter F Mello, Kristen Kelly M'Sadoques, Nanda Kishore Nagamalla, Dennis D. Panella, JR., Karen S. Pavio, Ameya Sambari, Kenneth J. St. Onge, Michael J Stokes, Jessica Taggett
  • Patent number: 11534259
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector is disclosed. The shaft and the end effector are rotatable relative to the handle about a rotation joint and, also, the end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft about an articulation joint. The articulation drive system comprises an indicator which is illuminated in a first illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a first range of shaft orientations and in a second illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a second range of shaft orientations. The controls of the articulation drive system produce a first set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the first range of orientations and a second set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the second range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Michael J. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20220387125
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector is disclosed. The shaft and the end effector are rotatable relative to the handle about a rotation joint and, also, the end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft about an articulation joint. The articulation drive system comprises an indicator which is illuminated in a first illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a first range of shaft orientations and in a second illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a second range of shaft orientations. The controls of the articulation drive system produce a first set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the first range of orientations and a second set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the second range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Michael J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 11471157
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft rotatable relative to the handle, and an articulation joint rotatable relative to the shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor-driven articulation system including articulation controls which are flipped by a control system of the surgical instrument when the shaft is rotated upside down relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Richard L. Leimbach, Michael J. Stokes, Cory G. Kimball, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Matthew S. Corbin, Pierre R. Mesnil, Nicholas J. Ross, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11464511
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a deformable authentication key that is movable between a first state and a second state is disclosed. The authentication key is configured to operably engage a lockout of a surgical stapling device when the staple cartridge is inserted into the surgical stapling device in an initial insertion position. When the cartridge is seated in a final position within the device, the authentication key is deformed from the first state to the second state and moves the lockout from a locked position to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Seth D. Holdmeyer, Gregory J. Bakos, Chad P. Boudreaux, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Morgan R. Hunter, Gregory G. Scott, Michael J. Stokes, Disha V. Estera
  • Patent number: 11446039
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to prevent misalignment of the jaws and clip therebetween, features to protect the jaws, and features to ensure proper closure of the jaws and clip therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Disha V. Labhasetwar, Michael J. Stokes, Gregory G. Scott, Chester O. Baxter, III, Michael A. Murray, Kevin A. Larson, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Patent number: 11439398
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing assembly, and a release assembly. The handle assembly includes first and second arms and a latching lever. The end effector includes first and second jaws. The firing assembly is configured to sever tissue captured between the jaws. The release assemble is configured to urge the latching lever away from the first arm to pivot the second jaw from a fully closed position to a partially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, Michael J. Stokes, Matthew S. Corbin
  • Patent number: 11413042
    Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing comprising a motor configured to output rotary motions, a shaft, and a clip applier head. The clip applier head comprises a clip magazine, an end effector, a jaw closure cam, and a clip advancing member. The clip magazine comprises a plurality of clips. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to each other between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The jaw closure cam is configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw toward the clamped position. The clip advancing member is operably attachable to the jaw closure cam. The clip advancing member is configured to move a clip from the clip magazine into a firing position. The jaw closure cam and the clip advancing member are configured to move in opposite directions at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Michael J. Stokes, Gregory G. Scott