Patents by Inventor Richard F. Schwemberger
Richard F. Schwemberger 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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Patent number: 7207472Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a cartridge module having a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners and a knife. The cartridge module includes a driver disposed to push surgical fasteners out of the cartridge housing. The instrument also includes a firing mechanism associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners and the knife from the cartridge housing. The knife includes a detent disposed to contact a mating detent of the cartridge module during longitudinal travel of the knife thereby preventing undesired forward and rearward motion of the knife. The driver includes a detent disposed to contact at least one mating detent formed on the cartridge module.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger
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Patent number: 7204404Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end. The instrument also includes a cartridge housing and an anvil. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing includes a knife adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing and the anvil. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for selective actuation. The instrument also includes a tissue retention feature having an upper member and a lower member maintaining tissue between the cartridge housing and the anvil during treatment, wherein the upper and lower members respectively include channels associated with the knife for guiding it between the cartridge housing and the anvil.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Nguyen, William David Kelly, Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger, Richard C. Smith, Michael L. Kruszynski, Federico Bilotti
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Patent number: 7147140Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for stapling tissue in a highly controlled manner. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving a cartridge module containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. A firing mechanism is associated with the end effector and the cartridge module for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners. The cartridge module includes a cartridge housing in which the surgical fasteners are housed and an anvil shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the surgical fasteners to facilitate stapling. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo - Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger, Neil Chamberlin, Michael L. Kruszynski
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Patent number: 7147139Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes an anvil and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second closed position. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for activation and deactivation; the lockout mechanism preventing movement of the cartridge housing to its second closed position but permitting relative reapproximation movement of the cartridge housing and anvil, whereby reapproximation provides an indicator that the instrument is not malfunctioning.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, IncInventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, Peter Michael Wukusick, William David Kelly, Michael T. Mather, Dean L. Garner, Kristin Nicole Werner Dawson
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Patent number: 7134587Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and applying a plurality of surgical fasteners in the same direction to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing and an anvil. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing includes a knife structure adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing and the anvil. The instrument also includes a firing mechanism associated with the end effector and the cartridge housing for selective actuation of the knife structure and surgical fasteners for movement in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, Peter Michael Wukusick, William David Kelly
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Patent number: 7135030Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is described which incorporates an articulating shearing end-effector. The instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonically activated end-effector, and a substantially solid ultrasonic waveguide that connects the ultrasonic transducer to the end-effector. The waveguide comprises a transmission section extending from the transducer to a fixed node, and an articulation section extending from the fixed node to a pivoting node. The end-effector includes a bifurcated waveguide segment. A handle is adapted to hold the transducer. An outer sheath extends from the handle to the end-effector and surrounds the waveguide. An actuation trigger is rotatably positioned on the handle, and an actuation arm extends from a distal end of the actuation trigger to the pivoting node.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, John C. Wright
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Patent number: 6988650Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing and an anvil, the cartridge housing and anvil being relatively movable by actuation of a closure mechanism. The surgical instrument further includes a firing mechanism associated with the end effector and the cartridge housing for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners features. The surgical instrument also includes a retaining pin for enclosing tissue between the anvil and the cartridge housing. The retaining pin is moved by actuation of the closure mechanism from an open first position to a closed second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, Craig F. Forester, Michael T. Mather
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Patent number: 6945981Abstract: According to the invention, a finger-operated switch for activating and operating an ultrasonic surgical handpiece is provided. The power output of the surgical handpiece is responsive and proportional to the pressure applied to the finger-operated switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Ethicon-Endo Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Jason A. Born, Richard F. Schwemberger, Robert P. Gill, Mary E. Schramm
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Publication number: 20040230214Abstract: According to the invention, a finger-operated switch for activating and operating an ultrasonic surgical handpiece is provided. The power output of the surgical handpiece is responsive and proportional to the pressure applied to the finger-operated switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Richard F. Schwemberger, Robert P. Gill, Mary E. Schramm, Jason A. Born
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Patent number: 6623500Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical handpiece having a switch end cap detachably and rotatably connected to the handpiece body. A surgical instrument is inserted within the handpiece body so that a portion thereof extends beyond the handpiece body and is actuated to perform a surgical operation. The switch end cap includes a switch mechanism having one or more switch button members for selectively signaling the level of power to be delivered to the handpiece from a power source. According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism within the switch end cap is electrically connected to the handpiece body in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body, while still maintaining the electrical connection therebetween. This is accomplished by having conductive finger members and complementary conductive members provide the electrical connection between the switch end cap and the handpiece body.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Cook, Richard F. Schwemberger, Ashvani K. Madan, William T. Donofrio, Robert P. Gill
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Patent number: 6589200Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasound instrument is described for cutting, dissecting, or cauterizing tissue. Ultrasonic vibrations, when transmitted to organic tissue at suitable energy levels and using a suitable end-effector, may be used for the safe and effective treatment of many medical conditions. An ultrasonic surgical instrument is described which incorporates an articulating shearing end-effector. The instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonically activatable end-effector, and a substantially solid ultrasonic waveguide that connects the ultrasonic transducer to the end-effector. The waveguide comprises a transmission section extending from the transducer to a fixed node, and an articulation section extending from the fixed node to a pivoting node. The end-effector includes a bifurcated waveguide segment. A handle is adapted to hold the transducer. An outer sheath extends from the handle to the end-effector and surrounds the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, John C. Wright
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Publication number: 20030114874Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The clamping mechanism includes a pivotal clamp arm, which cooperates with the end-effector for gripping tissue. The clamp arm is provided with a clamp tissue pad that has at least one raised portion to achieve the desired cutting and coagulation effect on the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: H. Wayne Craig, John Cummings, James R. Giordano, Kevin Houser, Steven K. Neuenfeldt, Richard F. Schwemberger, David C. Yates, Scott D. Wampler
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Publication number: 20030083683Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasound instrument is described for cutting, dissecting, or cauterizing tissue. Ultrasonic vibrations, when transmitted to organic tissue at suitable energy levels and using a suitable end-effector, may be used for the safe and effective treatment of many medical conditions. An ultrasonic surgical instrument is described which incorporates an articulating shearing end-effector. The instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonically activatable end-effector, and a substantially solid ultrasonic waveguide that connects the ultrasonic transducer to the end-effector. The waveguide comprises a transmission section extending from the transducer to a fixed node, and an articulation section extending from the fixed node to a pivoting node. The end-effector includes a bifurcated waveguide segment. A handle is adapted to hold the transducer. An outer sheath extends from the handle to the end-effector and surrounds the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Richard F. Schwemberger, John C. Wright
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Publication number: 20020165577Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument which incorporates a thumb and finger ring-actuated structure for the ultrasonic clamping device which is finger-operated in a scissor-like mode. Provided is either a fixed or removable blade tip and clamp assembly for ultrasonic treatments, so as to impart to the surgical instrument the ability of providing a variety of essentially exchangeable tips while reducing operationally engendered vibrations and stresses at the point of the coupling thereof to the clamp arm. The assembly is actuatable by relative movements between a blade extender and an outer tubular sheath extending to a handle end connected to the thumb and finger ring-actuated structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: David Alan Witt, Craig N. Faller, Jeffrey David Messerly, Chester O. Baxter,III, Richard F. Schwemberger, Steven K. Neuenfeldt, Kevin Lee Houser, Chester G. Haibel,Jr
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Publication number: 20020161385Abstract: The present invention provides a system for surgery which includes an ultrasonic hand piece having a end-effector, a console having a digital signal processor (DSP) for controlling the hand piece, and a memory disposed in the end-effector. The generator console sends a drive current to drive the hand piece which imparts ultrasonic longitudinal movement to the blade. As the generator console reads the memory, the hand piece is authenticated for use with the generator console if a copyrighted data string is present in the memory. In a particular embodiment, the data string is an encrypted code, where the hand piece is authenticated for use with the console by decoding a corresponding encryption algorithm resident in the generator console and providing a responding data pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Eitan T. Wiener, William T. Donofrio, Richard F. Schwemberger, Robert P. Gill
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Patent number: 6454782Abstract: An improved articulation mechanism is described in conjunction with a therapeutic ultrasound instrument. Ultrasonic vibrations, when transmitted to organic tissue at suitable energy levels and using a suitable end-effector, may be used for the safe and effective treatment of many medical conditions. The mechanism includes an actuating arm with a collar operatively connected to the actuating arm. The collar converts rotation of the actuating arm into a plurality of actuations of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment the collar includes two ranges of motion, where the first range is used to articulate the surgical instrument, and the second range is used to actuate the surgical instrument. Such instruments are particularly suited for use in minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Richard F. Schwemberger
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Publication number: 20020049464Abstract: According to the invention, a finger-operated switch for activating and operating an ultrasonic surgical handpiece is provided. The power output of the surgical handpiece is responsive and proportional to the pressure applied to the finger-operated switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery , Inc.Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Jason A. Born, Richard F. Schwemberger, Robert P. Gill, Mary E. Schramm
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Patent number: D511145Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Robert Perrin Gill, Richard F. Schwemberger, Mary E. Schramm
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Patent number: D462667Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, IncInventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Robert Perrin Gill, Richard F. Schwemberger, Mary E. Schramm
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Patent number: D486127Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Richard M. Harper, Robert Perrin Gill, Richard F. Schwemberger, Mary E. Schramm