Patents by Inventor Robert J. Simms
Robert J. Simms 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: 11963681Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Publication number: 20240108332Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven G. Hall, Robert J. Simms, Spencer J. Witte, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Paul Moubarak, William C. Ryle
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Patent number: 11883024Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven G. Hall, Robert J. Simms, Spencer J. Witte, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Paul Moubarak, William C. Ryle
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Publication number: 20230404578Abstract: A system for stapling tissue is disclosed. The system can include a channel and a compatible staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The channel and the compatible staple cartridge comprise mating or cooperating alignment features for permitting complete insertion of the compatible staple cartridge and for preventing an incompatible staple cartridge from being completely inserted in the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Estera, Joseph M. Nath, Ryan J. Laurent, Michael E. Setser, Zhifan F. Huang, Chloe A. Eyers, Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Nichole Y. Kwee
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Publication number: 20230355237Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw that includes an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets. The first and second jaws are operable to clamp and staple tissue positioned therebetween. A tip member is movably disposed at a distal end of the anvil and is configured to toggle relative to the anvil between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is oriented angularly toward the first jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is oriented angularly away from the first discrete position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bruns, Nicholas Fanelli, Robert J. Simms, Scott A. Jenkins
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Patent number: 11684363Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft in communication with the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector is operable to drive staples through tissue. The end effector comprises an anvil and a cartridge. The anvil is operable to move pivotally relative to the cartridge. The cartridge is positioned to drive staples upwardly toward the anvil. The cartridge comprises a plurality of protrusions operable to prevent lateral rocking of the anvil. The plurality of protrusions is pointed toward the anvil. In some versions, an alignment member and/or a lateral stabilization member may be used between the anvil and the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Robert J. Simms, Douglas B. Hoffman, Jason E. Zerkle, Charles J. Scheib, Janna B. Volz
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Patent number: 11660090Abstract: Surgical instruments with axially movable firing members that are driven by a series of drive components that are loosely linked to each other when traversing an articulation joint of the surgical instrument. The drive components are configured to serially engage a rotary drive member located distal to the articulation joint such that the rotary drive member causes the drive components to form an axially rigid series of said drive components configured to apply an axial drive motion to the firing member.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Cllag GmbH InternationalInventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Robert J. Simms, Taylor W. Aronhalt
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Patent number: 11653917Abstract: A system for stapling tissue is disclosed. The system can include a channel and a compatible staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples. The channel and the compatible staple cartridge comprise mating or cooperating alignment features for permitting complete insertion of the compatible staple cartridge and for preventing an incompatible staple cartridge from being completely inserted in the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Estera, Joseph M. Nath, Ryan J. Laurent, Michael E. Setser, Zhifan F. Huang, Chloe A. Eyers, Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Nichole Y. Kwee
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Publication number: 20230082255Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw that includes an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets. The first and second jaws are operable to clamp and staple tissue positioned therebetween. A tip member is movably disposed at a distal end of the anvil and is configured to toggle relative to the anvil between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is oriented angularly toward the first jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is oriented angularly away from the first discrete position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Jeffery D. Bruns, Nicholas Fanelli, Robert J. Simms, Scott A. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20220370069Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a first staple cartridge and obtaining a second staple cartridge, wherein the first staple cartridge and the second staple cartridge comprise the same length and the same width. The method can further comprise inserting the first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile, wherein complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into the channel is prevented by the keyed profile. Additionally, the method can comprise inserting the second staple cartridge into the channel, wherein complete insertion of the second staple cartridge into the channel is permitted by the keyed profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Nichole Y. Kwee
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Patent number: 11439391Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw that includes an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets. The first and second jaws are operable to clamp and staple tissue positioned therebetween. A tip member is movably disposed at a distal end of the anvil and is configured to toggle relative to the anvil between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is oriented angularly toward the first jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is oriented angularly away from the first discrete position.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jeffery D. Bruns, Nicholas Fanelli, Robert J. Simms, Scott A. Jenkins
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Patent number: 11432819Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Patent number: 11369376Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a first staple cartridge and obtaining a second staple cartridge, wherein the first staple cartridge and the second staple cartridge comprise the same length and the same width. The method can further comprise inserting the first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile, wherein complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into the channel is prevented by the keyed profile. Additionally, the method can comprise inserting the second staple cartridge into the channel, wherein complete insertion of the second staple cartridge into the channel is permitted by the keyed profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Nichole Y. Kwee
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Patent number: 11317912Abstract: A surgical stapler that includes a body, a shaft extending from the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw; a second jaw opposed from the first jaw, and a tip member. The first and second jaws are operable to transition from an open state to a closed state to clamp tissue therebetween. The tip member is coupled with a distal end of the first jaw. The tip member is selectively rotatable along a rotation axis to toggle between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is configured to assume a first orientation relative to the second jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is configured to assume a second orientation relative to the second jaw.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Scott A. Jenkins, Jeffery D. Bruns, Robert J. Simms
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Patent number: 11304697Abstract: An apparatus that includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a tip. The second jaw includes an anvil. At least one of the first jaw or the second jaw is configured to move relative to the other of the first jaw or the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The tip is connected with the anvil. The tip includes a deformable member. The tip is movable relative to the anvil between first and second discrete positions using the deformable member. The tip remains in the first discrete position located closer toward the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by an external input force. The tip remains in the second discrete position that is located further from the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by the external input force.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Bret W. Smith, Robert J. Simms, Scott A. Jenkins, Matthew S. Corbin, Cory G. Kimball
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Patent number: 11278288Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jason M. Rector, Douglas B. Hoffman, Robert J. Simms, John C. Schuckmann, Ryan J. Laurent, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey C. Gagel, Nicholas Fanelli
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Patent number: 11266403Abstract: A staple cartridge unit configured for use with a surgical stapler includes a cartridge housing having a deck and a plurality of openings that house staples configured to be driven distally into tissue positioned against the deck. A knife movably disposed within the cartridge housing is configured to be driven distally through the tissue. An anvil arranged distal to the cartridge housing includes an elongate slot and a plurality of staple-forming pockets. A cutting washer is fixed relative to the anvil and includes a cutting portion disposed within the elongate slot of the anvil. The knife is movable distally to cut tissue against the cutting portion. The cutting washer includes a pair of side flanges that extend transversely to the anvil and are configured to cover a gap defined between the anvil and a distal support structure of the surgical stapler in which the staple cartridge unit is received.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventor: Robert J. Simms
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Publication number: 20220031314Abstract: Surgical instruments with axially movable firing members that are driven by a series of drive components that are loosely linked to each other when traversing an articulation joint of the surgical instrument. The drive components are configured to serially engage a rotary drive member located distal to the articulation joint such that the rotary drive member causes the drive components to form an axially ridged series of said drive components configured to apply an axial drive motion to the firing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Robert J. Simms, Taylor W. Aronhalt
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Publication number: 20220031315Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven G. Hall, Robert J. Simms, Spencer J. Witte, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Paul Moubarak, William C. Ryle
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Patent number: 11224428Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system can comprise a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a proximal laterally-protruding lug, and a distal laterally-protruding lug. The system can further comprise a channel configured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the channel comprises a sidewall comprising a proximal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the proximal laterally-protruding lug and a distal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the distal laterally-protruding lug.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Estera, Joseph M. Nath, Ryan J. Laurent, Michael E. Setser, Zhifan F. Huang, Chloe A. Eyers, Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Nichole Y. Kwee