Patents by Inventor Steven E. Decker
Steven E. Decker 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: 11971719Abstract: Low profile object detection can be performed on mowers or other vehicles that may be autonomous. An autonomy controller can be employed on a mower to receive and process sensor data for a detection area to determine whether an object may be present in a region of interest within the detection area. When the autonomy controller determines that an object may be present, it can cause the ground speed of the mower to be slowed and can commence buffering region of interest sensor data over a period of time. The autonomy controller can process the buffered region of interest sensor data to determine whether an object is present in the region of interest, and if so, can alter the path of the mower appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: FireFly Automatix, Inc.Inventors: Eli D. Wilson, Steven R. Aposhian, Eric E. Aston, William M. Decker
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Publication number: 20240041457Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Christina N. Reed, Matthew M. Becerra, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Joshua M. Schober, Steven E. Decker, Kevin Hudson, Andy Pham
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Publication number: 20240032921Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Timothy M. Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
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Patent number: 11826046Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Christina N. Reed, Matthew M. Becerra, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Joshua M. Schober, Steven E. Decker, Kevin Hudson, Andy Pham
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Patent number: 11812963Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Timothy M. Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
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Patent number: 11744576Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering
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Publication number: 20230218312Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Arkadiusz A. Strokosz, David T. Okihisa, Steven E. Decker, Phillip De Alday, Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
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Patent number: 11684366Abstract: A surgical stapling system can include a reload shaft. The shaft can include an elongate tubular member with have a jaw assembly at the distal end thereof and a coupling collar at the proximal end thereof. The shaft assembly also includes an articulation joint coupling the jaw assembly to the distal end. A drive member and an articulation member extend within the tubular body of the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end. A firing member is connected to the distal end of the drive member such that advancement of the drive beam advances the firing member to close the jaw assemblies and fire staples from a reload positioned in the jaw assembly. The shaft assembly can also include a lockout mechanism to prevent a firing operation on a previously-fired reload or no reload.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Babak Jasemian, Steven E. Decker, Atal C. Patel, Erik Nelson, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Timothy M. Hopkins, Joshua M. Schober, Eric J. Weiss, Matthew M. Becerra, Christina N. Reed
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Patent number: 11622783Abstract: Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Arkadiusz A. Strokosz, David T. Okihisa, Steven E. Decker, Phillip De Alday, Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
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Publication number: 20230072443Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a spring loaded lift that automatically adjusts a staple cartridge and/or staple formation between a range of sizes. The lift is automatically released as the staple firing mechanism begins its forward translation of the firing sequence. The automatic one-way adjustment also adjusts the staple cartridge while maintaining the cartridge parallel to the anvil to provide consistent staple formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Matthew M. Becerra, Steven E. Decker, Timothy M. Hopkins, Atal C. Patel, Babak D. Jasemian
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Patent number: 11523825Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that includes a spring loaded lift that automatically adjusts a staple cartridge and/or staple formation between a range of sizes. The lift is automatically released as the staple firing mechanism begins its forward translation of the firing sequence. The automatic one-way adjustment also adjusts the staple cartridge while maintaining the cartridge parallel to the anvil to provide consistent staple formations.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Matthew M. Becerra, Steven E. Decker, Timothy M. Hopkins, Atal C. Patel, Babak D. Jasemian
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Publication number: 20220313229Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 11357504Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical stapler can include an articulation joint between an elongate shaft and a jaw assembly. The articulation joint can include a latch mechanism allowing a user to selectively allow the jaw assembly to be freely pivotable with respect to the elongate shaft in an unlatched configuration and positionable in an aligned position or one of several predetermined articulated positions in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism of the articulation joint is biased to the latched configuration and is operable in a ‘push-to-release’ manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Steven E. Decker, Atal C. Patel, Erik D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20220151612Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Christina N. Reed, Matthew M. Becerra, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Joshua M. Schober, Steven E. Decker, Kevin Hudson, Andy Pham
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Patent number: 11272934Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Christina N. Reed, Matthew M. Becerra, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Joshua M. Schober, Steven E. Decker, Kevin Hudson, Andy Pham
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Patent number: 11197661Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Scarab Technology Services, LLCInventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Benjamin G. Brosch, Steven E. Decker, Michael J. Mullen
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Patent number: 11051812Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Timothy M. Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
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Publication number: 20210128150Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Timothy M. Hopkins, Donald L. Gadberry, Matthew M. Becerra, Babak Jasemian, Gary M. Johnson, Steven E. Decker
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Publication number: 20210121177Abstract: A surgical stapling system can include a reload shaft. The shaft can include an elongate tubular member with have a jaw assembly at the distal end thereof and a coupling collar at the proximal end thereof. The shaft assembly also includes an articulation joint coupling the jaw assembly to the distal end. A drive member and an articulation member extend within the tubular body of the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end. A firing member is connected to the distal end of the drive member such that advancement of the drive beam advances the firing member to close the jaw assemblies and fire staples from a reload positioned in the jaw assembly. The shaft assembly can also include a lockout mechanism to prevent a firing operation on a previously-fired reload or no reload.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Babak Jasemian, Steven E. Decker, Atal C. Patel, Erik Nelson, Andrew J. McCarthy, Scott Zimmerman, Timothy M. Hopkins, Joshua M. Schober, Eric J. Weiss, Matthew M. Becerra, Christina N. Reed
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Publication number: 20210045735Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Anthony A. Nobles, Steven E. Decker, Egbert Ratering