Patents by Inventor Michael P. Weir

Michael P. Weir 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: 11939765
    Abstract: A sound damping wallboard and methods of forming a sound damping wallboard are disclosed. The sound damping wallboard comprises a gypsum layer with a gypsum surface having an encasing layer. The encasing layer is partially removed to expose the gypsum surface and form a gypsum surface portion and a first encasing layer portion on the gypsum layer. A sound damping layer is applied to the gypsum layer to cover at least part of the gypsum surface portion and the encasing layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Gold Bond Building Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael N. Blades, John M. Watt, John E. Yakowenko, Todd D. Broud, Keith R. O'Leary, Stephen A. Cusa, Mauricio Quiros, Brian G. Randall, Richard P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20240065721
    Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Foster B. Stulen, Carl J. Draginoff, JR.
  • Patent number: 11717311
    Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Foster B. Stulen, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11259886
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 10987123
    Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Carl J. Draginoff, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210100578
    Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Michael P. Weir, Joseph B. Kraimer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Stephen J. Balek, Zhifan F. Huang, Sora Rhee, Foster B. Stulen, Carl J. Draginoff, JR.
  • Patent number: 10814501
    Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow an electromechanical surgical arm to be coupled at a location adjacent to a patient, such as a surgical table. A first mating element can be formed on a support member and it can be in electrical communication with a power source and a controller, and a second mating element can be formed on the electromechanical arm. The first and second mating elements can each have a respective electrical contact, and they can be configured such that mechanical coupling between the first and second mating element causes electrical communication to be established between the first and second electrical contacts and thus between the electromechanical arm and the power source and the controller. The mating elements can include tolerance elements that allow for some discrepancies between the mating elements while still providing a desired mechanical and electrical connection between the mating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20200156267
    Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow an electromechanical surgical arm to be coupled at a location adjacent to a patient, such as a surgical table. A first mating element can be formed on a support member and it can be in electrical communication with a power source and a controller, and a second mating element can be formed on the electromechanical arm. The first and second mating elements can each have a respective electrical contact, and they can be configured such that mechanical coupling between the first and second mating element causes electrical communication to be established between the first and second electrical contacts and thus between the electromechanical arm and the power source and the controller. The mating elements can include tolerance elements that allow for some discrepancies between the mating elements while still providing a desired mechanical and electrical connection between the mating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 10500739
    Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow an electromechanical surgical arm to be coupled at a location adjacent to a patient, such as a surgical table. A first mating element can be formed on a support member and it can be in electrical communication with a power source and a controller, and a second mating element can be formed on the electromechanical arm. The first and second mating elements can each have a respective electrical contact, and they can be configured such that mechanical coupling between the first and second mating element causes electrical communication to be established between the first and second electrical contacts and thus between the electromechanical arm and the power source and the controller. The mating elements can include tolerance elements that allow for some discrepancies between the mating elements while still providing a desired mechanical and electrical connection between the mating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20190076202
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 10219868
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments are simultaneously usable during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments is coupled to a robotic surgical system that is configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 10154886
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 10130429
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments are simultaneously usable during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments is coupled to a robotic surgical system, that is configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 9949798
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 9872738
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for control of surgical tools in a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a robotic surgical system can be configured to control a surgical instrument in one of first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from a master tool indicating movement of the master tool. In response to the input, the robotic surgical system can be configured to cause the instrument to corresponding move. In the second mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from the master tool indicating movement of the master tool, and, in response to the input, adjust a non-positional output characteristic of the instrument. The robotic surgical system can be configured to switch control of the instrument between the first and second modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170189127
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170189126
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170189130
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for control of surgical tools in a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a robotic surgical system can be configured to control a surgical instrument in one of first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from a master tool indicating movement of the master tool. In response to the input, the robotic surgical system can be configured to cause the instrument to corresponding move. In the second mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from the master tool indicating movement of the master tool, and, in response to the input, adjust a non-positional output characteristic of the instrument. The robotic surgical system can be configured to switch control of the instrument between the first and second modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170189131
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170135771
    Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow an electromechanical surgical arm to be coupled at a location adjacent to a patient, such as a surgical table. A first mating element can be formed on a support member and it can be in electrical communication with a power source and a controller, and a second mating element can be formed on the electromechanical arm. The first and second mating elements can each have a respective electrical contact, and they can be configured such that mechanical coupling between the first and second mating element causes electrical communication to be established between the first and second electrical contacts and thus between the electromechanical arm and the power source and the controller. The mating elements can include tolerance elements that allow for some discrepancies between the mating elements while still providing a desired mechanical and electrical connection between the mating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Michael P. Weir