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: 20200297347
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided that includes first and second jaws on a distal end of an elongate shaft, a clip advancing assembly extending through the shaft and configured to advance a distal-most clip from a plurality of clips in the shaft into the first and second jaws. The jaws have opposed inward facing surfaces, and each inward facing surface has a clip track defined therein for receiving and guiding legs of a clip into the first and second jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws has at least one deflectable clip retention member disposed therein and configured to apply a biasing force to a leg of a clip disposed within the jaws to thereby retain the clip within the jaws and maintain alignment of the clip with respect to the jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws may also have at least one recess or protrusion designed to be complementary to and mate with a protrusion or recess in a clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Gregory G. Scott, Michael A. Murray, Ryan J. Laurent, Disha V. Labhasetwar
  • Patent number: 10779819
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a handle and a fastener housing extending from the handle. The housing contains at least one anvil movable within the staple housing, the anvil has a proximal position and a distal position. When in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The housing contains a plurality of surgical fasteners each of which in the shape of a loop. At least one of the fasteners is placed around a portion of the anvil when in the distal position. The applier has a first mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed, and a second mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed. The second means is independent of the first means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Holcomb, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner, Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 10779839
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a housing, and jaws that extend past a distal end of the housing and include opposed first and second jaw members each comprising an independent structure movable relative to the other. The first jaw member defines a first inner surface and the second jaw member defines a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. An actuation mechanism is operatively coupled to the jaw members and operable to move the jaws between an open position and a closed position. 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: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Gregory Scott, Disha Labhasetwar, John Brady
  • Publication number: 20200289120
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, Michael J. Stokes, Matthew S. Corbin
  • Publication number: 20200275934
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a head arranged at the distal end, and first and second jaw members mounted to the head. A linear actuator is arranged within the head and is operable to collapse and open the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester Baxter, III, Tyler Brehm
  • Patent number: 10751052
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for operating surgical devices during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a handle housing with an elongate shaft, an end effector on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a drive assembly, and a trigger coupled to the handle housing. Various overload mechanisms are provided for transferring a closing force from the trigger to the drive assembly unless the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold force in which case the overload mechanism prevents transfer of the closing force to the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, David A. Deupree, Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Labhasetwar
  • Publication number: 20200261087
    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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    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. Labhasetwar
  • Publication number: 20200261086
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly that comprises a stapling device is disclosed. The stapling device includes an authentication lockout that is movable between a locked position wherein the stapling device is inoperable and an unlocked position wherein the stapling device is operable. The assembly further includes a deactivator tool that includes a deactivation key that is configured to move the authentication lockout into the unlocked position prior to seating a staple cartridge into the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Ryan J. Laurent, Gregory G. Scott, Michael J. Stokes, Disha V. Labhasetwar
  • Publication number: 20200261077
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly that includes a surgical stapling device that has a lockout that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The assembly further includes a staple cartridge with a first cam surface configured to cammingly engage a primary portion of the lockout to move the lockout laterally from the locked position and a second cam surface configured cammingly engage a secondary portion of the lockout to further move the lockout laterally into the locked position when the cartridge is operably seated in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Gregory G. Scott, Michael J. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20200229863
    Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, John W. Willis, Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Kevin D. Felder, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 10716957
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a shield member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is selectively movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is configured cover at least a first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The shield member is configured to uncover the first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Jacob S. Gee, Kevin D. Felder, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Patrick J. Scoggins, Craig N. Faller, Jeffrey D. Messerly, David J. Cagle, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Publication number: 20200214711
    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: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    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: 10695053
    Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes an anvil with at least one staple pocket that defines a longitudinal axis. The staple pocket comprises a first cup and a second cup. The end effector also includes a staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    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
  • Patent number: 10687819
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil channel member, an anvil surface, and a cartridge channel member that releasably couples with the anvil channel member and includes a distal portion that receives a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes first and second latch features. The second latch feature moves between an open position and a closed position in which it engages the first latch feature and fixes the channel members together. A latch lockout member of the stapler is movable between a lockout state in which the lockout member locks the second latch feature in the open position, and a release state in which the lockout member permits the second latch feature to move to the closed position. The latch lockout member is configured to move from the lockout state to the release state in response to being engaged by the first latch feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, Matthew S. Corbin, Disha V. Labhasetwar
  • Patent number: 10682137
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can be provided as described herein. The surgical instrument can include a handle with first and second handle portions. One of the first and second housing portions can include a proximal latch and a proximal latch pin. The proximal latch and proximal latch pin can be configured to lock the first and second housing portions together at proximal ends thereof. One of the first and second housing portions can further include a latch projection, a clamp arm, an over center linkage where the latch projection and over center linkage can be configured to lock the surgical instrument in a closed position when the clamp arm is engaged or in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester O. Baxter, III, Nathan D. Grubbs, Laura Boehm
  • Patent number: 10675031
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided that includes first and second jaws on a distal end of an elongate shaft, a clip advancing assembly extending through the shaft and configured to advance a distal-most clip from a plurality of clips in the shaft into the first and second jaws. The jaws have opposed inward facing surfaces, and each inward facing surface has a clip track defined therein for receiving and guiding legs of a clip into the first and second jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws has at least one deflectable clip retention member disposed therein and configured to apply a biasing force to a leg of a clip disposed within the jaws to thereby retain the clip within the jaws and maintain alignment of the clip with respect to the jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws may also have at least one recess or protrusion designed to be complementary to and mate with a protrusion or recess in a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Gregory G. Scott, Michael A. Murray, Ryan J. Laurent, Disha V. Labhasetwar
  • Patent number: 10675108
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes an elongate body, a clip forming system positioned within the body and arranged to receive an unformed surgical clip, and an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the clip forming system to actuate the clip forming system and thereby bend the unformed surgical clip into a tissue-ready surgical clip. First and second jaw members are positioned at a distal end of the body and arranged to receive the tissue-ready surgical clip for crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Matthew Kuhn, Jeffery Bruns, Joshua Young, Alex Cuti, John Brady, Gregory Scott, Disha Labhasetwar
  • Patent number: 10675041
    Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a clip cartridge coupled to the body and containing one or more surgical clips, and a head rotatably coupled to the distal end. First and second jaw members are mounted to the head such that rotation of the head correspondingly moves the first and second jaw members. The head is rotatable between a loading position, where the first and second jaw members are aligned to receive a distal-most surgical clip of the one or more surgical clips, and a clamping position, where the first and second jaw members are positioned to crimp a surgical clip interposing the first and second jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Chester Baxter, III, Tyler Brehm
  • Patent number: 10675042
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes jaws that comprise a one-piece body having opposed first and second jaw members. The first jaw member provides a first inner surface and the second jaw member provides a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces remain parallel to each other as the first and second jaw members move from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Gregory Scott, Disha Labhasetwar, John Brady
  • Patent number: 10667835
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, David A. Monroe, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Craig N. Faller, William D. Fox, Michael J. Stokes