Patents by Inventor Richard C. Smith
Richard C. Smith 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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Publication number: 20190290938Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with an ultrasonic transducer via an acoustic waveguide that extends through the shaft assembly. The clamp arm is configured to pivot about a first pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along a first angular path from a first position to a second position to thereby provide a tissue sealing mode of operation. The clamp arm is further configured to pivot about a second pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along second angular path from the second position to a third position to thereby provide a tissue cutting and sealing mode of operation. The second pivot point is proximal to the first pivot point.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: John A. Hibner, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Richard W. Timm, Paul F. Riestenberg, Craig N. Faller, Richard C. Smith, David A. Witt, Benjamin D. Dickerson
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Patent number: 10327796Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with an ultrasonic transducer via an acoustic waveguide that extends through the shaft assembly. The clamp arm is configured to pivot about a first pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along a first angular path from a first position to a second position to thereby provide a tissue sealing mode of operation. The clamp arm is further configured to pivot about a second pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along second angular path from the second position to a third position to thereby provide a tissue cutting and sealing mode of operation. The second pivot point is proximal to the first pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: John A. Hibner, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Richard W. Timm, Paul F. Riestenberg, Craig N. Faller, Richard C. Smith, David A. Witt, Benjamin D. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20190133635Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section includes a collar that is located distal to a nodal portion of the waveguide and is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section. The articulation drive assembly comprises at least one translating articulation driver coupled with the collar. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue even when the articulation section is in an articulated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, David A. Monroe, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard C. Smith, Ashvani K. Madan, Craig T. Davis, Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Chad P. Boudreaux, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Amy L. Benchek, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Sean P. Conlon, John A. Hibner
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Publication number: 20190125395Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: John A. Hibner, Richard C. Smith, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig N. Faller, David A. Witt
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Patent number: 10231749Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: John A. Hibner, Richard C. Smith, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig N. Faller, David A. Witt
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Patent number: 10231048Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement and use an earpiece having an attachment mount. In one example, an earpiece includes an arcuate rib having a lobe disposed on an upper end thereof and configured to engage with a crus of a helix and an antihelix of a user's ear. The earpiece also includes a mount extending from the arcuate rib and comprising a snap clip configured to engage and position an audio device in contact with the user's ear. Other implementations and related methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith, Alfredo Soria
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Patent number: 10200778Abstract: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith
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Patent number: 10172636Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section includes a collar that is located distal to a nodal portion of the waveguide and is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section. The articulation drive assembly comprises at least one translating articulation driver coupled with the collar. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue even when the articulation section is in an articulated state.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Foster B. Stulen, David A. Monroe, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard C. Smith, Ashvani K. Madan, Craig T. Davis, Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Chad P. Boudreaux, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, Amy L. Benchek, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Sean P. Conlon, John A. Hibner
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Patent number: 10004528Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. 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, a clamp arm, and a sleeve. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is configured to move toward the ultrasonic blade. The sleeve extends along at least part of the length of an outer portion of the ultrasonic blade or the clamp arm. The sleeve is configured to prevent tissue from contacting a portion of the ultrasonic blade or clamp arm covered by the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Craig N. Faller, Cory G. Kimball, David J. Cagle, Benjamin D. Dickerson, II, Kristen Denzinger, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Phillip H. Clauda, Ryan M. Asher, Frederick L. Estera, Omar J. Vakharia, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Richard W. Timm, Richard C. Smith, Paul F. Riestenberg, Wells D. Haberstich, Gregory W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20180132888Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Zeckel, Fajian Zhang
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Publication number: 20180014111Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement and use an earpiece having an attachment mount. In one example, an earpiece includes an arcuate rib having a lobe disposed on an upper end thereof and configured to engage with a crus of a helix and an antihelix of a user's ear. The earpiece also includes a mount extending from the arcuate rib and comprising a snap clip configured to engage and position an audio device in contact with the user's ear. Other implementations and related methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith, Alfredo Soria
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Publication number: 20170238083Abstract: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith
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Publication number: 20170238079Abstract: A cable assembly for electronic devices such as cellular telephones and music devices is disclosed. The cable assembly can comprise either one or two earpieces, each of which is configured to be received into the concha of a user's ear. The earpiece(s) can be configured so as to be held in place by at least one anatomical structure of the concha. A speaker can be in acoustic communication with each earpiece. A cable can be configured to communicate a signal representative of sound from the electronic device to each earpiece. A microphone can be permanently attached or removably attachable to the cable to facilitate use with a cellular telephone. The cable assembly can facilitate hands free operation of a cellular telephone and can facilitate listening to a music device. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith
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Patent number: 9724118Abstract: Various forms are directed to a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The ultrasonic surgical instrument may be activated by generating a drive signal provided to the ultrasonic drive system to drive the end effector. A plurality of input variables may be applied to a multi-variable model to generate a multi-variable model output, where the multi-variable model output corresponds to an effect of the ultrasonic instrument on tissue. The plurality of input variables may comprise at least one variable describing the drive signal and at least one variable describing a property of the ultrasonic surgical instrument. When the multi-variable model output reaches a threshold value, feedback may be generated indicating a corresponding state of at least one of the ultrasonic surgical instrument and tissue acted upon by the ultrasonic surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: John B. Schulte, Daniel W. Price, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Richard W. Timm, Craig T. Davis, Amy L. Marcotte, David A. Witt, Karalyn R. Tellio, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke, Eitan T. Wiener, David C. Yates, James R. Giordano
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Publication number: 20170172615Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: John A. Hibner, Richard C. Smith, Catherine A. Corbett, Craig N. Faller, David A. Witt
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Patent number: 9560436Abstract: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith
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Publication number: 20160374709Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Daniel W. Price, Jeffery T. Kirk, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Craig T. Davis, Emron J. Henry, James W. Voegele, Gregory W. Johnson
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Patent number: D779461Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith, Alfredo Soria
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Patent number: D839243Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith, Alfredo Soria
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Patent number: D847124Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: SureFire, LLCInventors: Richard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith, Alfredo Soria