Patents by Inventor Michael Whitlock

Michael Whitlock 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: 12239359
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Duy Nguyen, Aaron Jimenez, Andrea Chan, Vanna Lee
  • Publication number: 20250009413
    Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a shaft (391) and an end effector (350) coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft. The end effector may comprise a jaw mechanism (350), a movable element (380) ranslatable relative to the jaw mechanism, a first actuation element (399) operably coupled to the end effector and translatable relative to the shaft, and a second actuation element (398) operably coupled to the end effector and translatable relative to the shaft. Translation of the first actuation element in a first direction relative to the shaft drives closing of the jaw mechanism. Translation of the second actuation element in a second direction relative to the shaft, opposite from the first direction, drives opening of the jaw mechanism. Translation of the second actuation element relative to the shaft in the first and second directions drives translation of the movable element relative to the jaw mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Whitlock, Adrit Lath, Adam J. Ross
  • Publication number: 20250001947
    Abstract: A component for a system for containing/interchange of data on an article for a compartment in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The component for a vehicle interior may comprise a housing comprising a compartment for an article such as a key card or key fob; the component may retain a key card; the component may be shipped with the key fob and/or key card and installed into the vehicle interior as a unit. The component may comprise a feature to retain the key card; the retention feature may provide a gap through which the key card may slide for installation to the housing. The key card may cover the compartment; the component may provide a label/data interface for interaction and/or connection (e.g. with a code scanner, mobile device camera, etc.). The component may be installed, press-fit and/or a snap-fit in a subassembly (e.g. a cup holder, floor/center console, door, cockpit, or an instrument panel). The subassembly may comprise a module for the key fob and/or key card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Michael Whitlock, Bradley Bartyzel
  • Publication number: 20230346454
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws. A conductive post positioned on the jaw adjacent to the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Gerald Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Patent number: 11672589
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws. A conductive post positioned on the jaw adjacent to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Gerald Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Publication number: 20200397501
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Duy Nguyen, Aaron Jimenez, Andrea Chan, Vanna Lee
  • Patent number: 10792092
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Duy Nguyen, Aaron Jimenez, Andrea Chan, Vanna Lee
  • Patent number: 10405862
    Abstract: A laparoscopic clip applier can have a geared clip feed mechanism and a direct jaw clamping mechanism to provide smooth operation over a clip application stroke of a movable handle. The geared clip feed mechanism can include an idler gear and two drive gear racks to advance a feed slider feeding a clip to a jaw assembly. The two drive gear racks can be positioned to provide different gearing during clip feed and firing portions of the clip application stroke, allowing efficient packaging of the clip feed mechanism. A spring can rapidly withdraw the feed slider once the clip has been fed and before clamping begins. The movable handle can have a direct connection to a clamping slider to enhance user feedback during clamping of the clip. After clamping the clip, the movable handle can also assist in returning the clamping slider to an initial position for firing another clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Atal C. Patel, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Andrew J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20190105096
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Gerald Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Patent number: 10149713
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws. A conductive post positioned on the jaw adjacent to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Gerald Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Patent number: 10065547
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle includes an armrest substrate having a vehicle-outboard substrate member, a vehicle-inboard substrate member, and at least one end member holding the vehicle-outboard substrate member and the vehicle-inboard substrate member at a spaced distance from one another. At least one support bridge member is disposed laterally across the spaced distance. The vehicle-outboard substrate member holds an end of the at least one support bridge member without imposing an outboard restriction on the at least one support bridge member. The armrest assembly may further include a fabric member attached to the armrest substrate, a cushion member extending over the fabric member, and a cover member extending over the cushion member, the fabric member, and the armrest substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Michael Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20180079337
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle includes an armrest substrate having a vehicle-outboard substrate member, a vehicle-inboard substrate member, and at least one end member holding the vehicle-outboard substrate member and the vehicle-inboard substrate member at a spaced distance from one another. At least one support bridge member is disposed laterally across the spaced distance. The vehicle-outboard substrate member holds an end of the at least one support bridge member without imposing an outboard restriction on the at least one support bridge member. The armrest assembly may further include a fabric member attached to the armrest substrate, a cushion member extending over the fabric member, and a cover member extending over the cushion member, the fabric member, and the armrest substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Whitlock
  • Patent number: 9883905
    Abstract: An electrosurgical probe for suction and irrigation systems is provided. The electrosurgical probe comprises an elongate tube with a probe tip and a probe handle. An unobstructed fluid communication path is defined by the probe handle and elongate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Rescources Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Wayne Young
  • Publication number: 20170303921
    Abstract: A laparoscopic clip applier can have a geared clip feed mechanism and a direct jaw clamping mechanism to provide smooth operation over a clip application stroke of a movable handle. The geared clip feed mechanism can include an idler gear and two drive gear racks to advance a feed slider feeding a clip to a jaw assembly. The two drive gear racks can be positioned to provide different gearing during clip feed and firing portions of the clip application stroke, allowing efficient packaging of the clip feed mechanism. A spring can rapidly withdraw the feed slider once the clip has been fed and before clamping begins. The movable handle can have a direct connection to a clamping slider to enhance user feedback during clamping of the clip. After clamping the clip, the movable handle can also assist in returning the clamping slider to an initial position for firing another clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Atal C. Patel, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Andrew J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9579592
    Abstract: A filter element has a pleated composite and first and second end elements mounted to opposite first and second ends of the filter element. The pleated composite has a filter medium layer and a grooved mesh drainage layer pleated with the filter medium layer. The grooved mesh drainage layer has a plurality of strands and a plurality of grooves formed in the strands. The grooved mesh drainage layer directs fluid via the grooves to or from the filter medium layer and the filter medium layer removes one or more substances from fluid flowing through the filter medium layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20170042604
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Patrick Elliott, Duy Nguyen, Aaron Jimenez, Andrea Chan, Vanna Lee
  • Publication number: 20160288025
    Abstract: A filter element has a pleated composite and first and second end elements mounted to opposite first and second ends of the filter element. The pleated composite has a filter medium layer and a grooved mesh drainage layer pleated with the filter medium layer. The grooved mesh drainage layer has a plurality of strands and a plurality of grooves formed in the strands. The grooved mesh drainage layer directs fluid via the grooves to or from the filter medium layer and the filter medium layer removes one or more substances from fluid flowing through the filter medium layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20160000495
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator arranged to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to fuse tissue is provided. The generator is arranged to supply RF energy through a removably coupled electrosurgical instrument to fuse tissue grasped by the instrument. The generator monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle in comparison to predetermined thresholds and conditions to optimally fuse the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument conducts radio frequency energy to fuse tissue captured between the jaws and a blade to mechanically cut tissue between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Gary Johnson, Duy Nguyen, Daniel McFarland, Jagdish Sabarad, Benjamin Linville-Engler, Jeremy Albrecht, Dan Durant, Jerry Kowalski, Lou Tiberia, Michael Whitlock, Michael Logan, Igor Gorin, Kevin Hudson, Hank Jacobs, Thomas Matthews
  • Publication number: 20150094709
    Abstract: An electrosurgical probe for suction and irrigation systems is provided. The electrosurgical probe comprises an elongate tube with a probe tip and a probe handle. An unobstructed fluid communication path is defined by the probe handle and elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick Elliott, Daniel McFarland, Michael Whitlock, Wayne Young
  • Publication number: 20060278574
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical fluid treatment element including at least one fluid treatment zone (Z1) comprising melt-blown fibers and at least one reinforcement element comprising yarn and/or wire, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Ahamad Khan, Steven Barboza, Son Nguyen, Michael Whitlock