Patents by Inventor Timothy G. Dietz
Timothy G. Dietz 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: 20170196585Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a control module, an orientation sensor communicatively coupled to the control module, and an energy component. The energy component is operable to activate the end effector at a plurality of energy settings. A storage device is communicatively coupled to the control module and includes a plurality of gesture profiles and corresponding energy settings. The control module is configured to set the energy setting of the energy component to a corresponding energy setting in response to a correlation between the output of the orientation sensor and a gesture profile. In some versions, the control module modifies the energy setting based upon output from a force sensor that measures the force on the end effector. The control module may also decrease the energy setting in response to an anomalous acceleration or deceleration detected by an accelerometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Sora Rhee, IV, Cory G. Kimball, Timothy G. Dietz, Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Foster B. Stulen, Jeffrey D. Messerly, William E. Clem, Jacqueline C. Aronhalt, William D. Dannaher, John B. Schulte, Danius P. Silkaitis, Stephen J. Balek, Michael R. Lamping
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Publication number: 20170151708Abstract: Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and uType: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Foster B. Stulen, William A. Olson, William D. Dannaher, John W. Willis, Sora Rhee, Juergen Burger, Phillippe Margairaz, Robert Lockhart, Franz Friedrich, Danik Brand, Herbert Keppner, Jean-Paul Sandoz
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Patent number: 9638770Abstract: An obturator as part of a biopsy system enhances use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by indicating location of a side aperture in an encompassing cannula. The cannula (e.g., detached probe, sleeve sized to receive a core biopsy probe) includes a side aperture for taking a tissue sample. When the obturator is inserted in lieu of the biopsy device into the cannula, a notch formed in a shaft of the obturator corresponds to the side aperture. A dugout trough into the notch may further accept aqueous material to further accentuate the side aperture. In addition, a series of dimensionally varied apertures (e.g., wells, slats) that communicate through a lateral surface of the shaft and that are proximal to the side aperture receive an aqueous material to accentuate visibility in an MRI image, even in a skewed MRI slice through the cannula/obturator.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Keshava Datta, John A. Hibner, Michael A. Murray, Robert Hughes, Mark Tsonton
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Publication number: 20170105787Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: David A. Witt, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Steve G. Bernath, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9597143Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, John W. Willis, Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Kevin D. Felder, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
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Publication number: 20170059672Abstract: An obturator as part of a biopsy system enhances use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by indicating location of a side aperture in an encompassing cannula. The cannula (e.g., detached probe, sleeve sized to receive a core biopsy probe) includes a side aperture for taking a tissue sample. When the obturator is inserted in lieu of the biopsy device into the cannula, a notch formed in a shaft of the obturator corresponds to the side aperture. A dugout trough into the notch may further accept aqueous material to further accentuate the side aperture. In addition, a series of dimensionally varied apertures (e.g., wells, slats) that communicate through a lateral surface of the shaft and that are proximal to the side aperture receive an aqueous material to accentuate visibility in an MRI image, even in a skewed MRI slice through the cannula/obturator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Keshava Datta, John A. Hibner, Michael A. Murray, Robert J. Hughes
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Patent number: 9572592Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a control module, an orientation sensor communicatively coupled to the control module, and an energy component. The energy component is operable to activate the end effector at a plurality of energy settings. A storage device is communicatively coupled to the control module and includes a plurality of gesture profiles and corresponding energy settings. The control module is configured to set the energy setting of the energy component to a corresponding energy setting in response to a correlation between the output of the orientation sensor and a gesture profile. In some versions, the control module modifies the energy setting based upon output from a force sensor that measures the force on the end effector. The control module may also decrease the energy setting in response to an anomalous acceleration or deceleration detected by an accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Daniel W. Price, Sora Rhee, Cory G. Kimball, Timothy G. Dietz, Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Foster B. Stulen, Jeffrey D. Messerly, William E. Clem, Jacqueline C. Aronhalt, William D. Dannaher, John B. Schulte, Danius P. Silkaitis, Stephen J. Balek, Michael R. Lamping
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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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Publication number: 20160329614Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Ashvani K. Madan, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, John W. Willis, Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Kevin D. Felder, Michael J. Stokes, Sora Rhee, Timothy G. Dietz, Jeffrey L. Aldridge
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Patent number: 9456864Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, and a camming assembly. The camming assembly comprises a first camming member comprising a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly further comprises a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: David A. Witt, Zhifan F. Huang, Timothy G. Dietz, Raymond M. Banks, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Steve G. Bernath, David K. Norvell, Patrick A. Weizman, Jason L. Harris
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Patent number: 9439668Abstract: Switch assemblies for handheld ultrasonic surgical instruments. The switch assemblies may include a first switch arrangement that is operably supported on a forward portion of a handle housing of the surgical instrument and is selectively movable relative to at least one first switch contact. The switch assembles may further include a second switch arrangement that comprises at least one of a right switch button that is movably supported on a right side of the handle housing relative to at least one right contact and a left switch button that is movably supported on a left side of the handle housing that is selectively movable relative to at least one left contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: 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: 9381058Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Foster B. Stulen, Daniel W. Price, Ashvani K. Madan, John W. Willis, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, David C. Yates, Timothy G. Dietz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Bret W. Smith, Hitesh Jain
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Patent number: 9364249Abstract: A surgical instrument operable to sever tissue includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling mechanism portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. A cartridge positionable between the instrument and a generator includes information regarding operating parameters unique to the selectively coupleable end effector assembly and/or the desired surgical procedure, such as information regarding setting a maximum current set point within an ultrasonic transducer. The instrument is programmable with operating parameter information while within a sealed and sterilized packaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Cory G. Kimball, Daniel W. Price, William E. Clem, William D. Dannaher, Amy L. Marcotte, Timothy G. Dietz, Donna L. Korvick, Ashvani K. Madan
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Patent number: 9364279Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece having a user input feature and a user feedback feature. A shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes an active feature responsive to actuation of the user input feature. The active feature is operable to operate on tissue in response to actuation of the user input feature. The user feedback feature is operable to provide feedback to the user that indicates information relating to operation of the end effector. The feedback may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Houser, William D. Dannaher, Timothy G. Dietz, Foster B. Stulen, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Barry C. Worrell
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Publication number: 20160121143Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a rotatable electrical coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that electrically couple and rotate relative to each other. The second part is carried by and rotates with a tube collar coupled to a transducer. A portion of the transducer is inserted through an aperture of the second part, but does not contact the second part. The first part of the assembly may electrically couple to the second part via pogo pins, brush contacts, or ball bearings. Alternatively, the first part may comprise conductive channels formed in the casing. The second part may comprise a rotatable drum with a conductive trace. In some versions, one or more components may comprise MID components. In another version, the rotatable electrical coupling assembly comprises a rotatable PC board and brush contact. Further still, a circuit board may be provided with the transducer inside a transducer casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2016Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Daniel J. Mumaw, Shawn D. Bialczak, Sora Rhee, Craig T. Davis, John A. Weed, III, Kip M. Rupp, Foster B. Stulen, Timothy G. Dietz, Kevin L. Houser
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Publication number: 20160095617Abstract: An end effector of a surgical instrument may generally comprise a blade, and a clamp arm assembly comprising a clamp arm movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the blade, and at least one camming member rotationally attached to the clamp arm, wherein the at least one camming member is configured to rotate relative to the blade as the clamp arm moves from the open position to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Prasanna Malaviya, Robert J. Beetel, III, Timothy G. Dietz, David A. Witt, Douglas J. Turner, David K. Norvell, Kip M. Rupp, John A. Weed, III, Kevin D. Felder, Kevin L. Houser, Paul T. Franer, Craig N. Faller, Craig T. Davis
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Patent number: 9241731Abstract: A connector module for an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having a spindle and a coupling rotatably mounted on the spindle. A first conductor is mechanically coupled to the housing. A first link is rotatable relative to the first conductor between a first position and a second position and includes a first contact positioned to electrically contact the first conductor and a second contact electrically coupled to the first contact and positioned to electrically contact an ultrasonic hand piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Daniel W. Price, Jeffery T. Kirk, Jose Domingo Vasquez, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard C. Smith, Ryan M. Asher, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Richard W. Timm, Craig T. Davis
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Patent number: 9241728Abstract: A nested trigger assembly for a surgical instrument may generally comprise a first trigger and a second trigger, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are movable together on a first stroke of the nested trigger assembly, wherein the second trigger is configured to be biased away from the first trigger after the first stroke and before a second stroke, and wherein the second trigger is configured to be moved toward to the first trigger during the second stroke. A surgical instrument may generally comprise a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a handle extending from the proximal end, wherein the handle comprises a gripping portion, and a nested trigger assembly extending from the handle. The nested trigger assemble may comprise one of a separable trigger assembly and a divisible trigger assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Prasanna Malaviya, Robert J. Beetel, III, Timothy G. Dietz, David A. Witt, Douglas J. Turner, David K. Norvell, John A. Weed, III, Kevin D. Felder, Kevin L. Houser, Paul T. Franer, Craig N. Faller, Craig T. Davis
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Patent number: 9237923Abstract: An end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a firing beam, and a lockout feature. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The firing beam has a sharp distal end and translates between the first and second jaws. The firing beam translates from a proximal position to a first distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The end effector applies bipolar RF energy when the firing beam is in the first distal position. The firing beam then translates to a second distal position to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature prevents the firing beam from advancing from the first distal position to the second distal position until the lockout feature is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Jonathan T. Batross, Michael J. Stokes, David A. Witt, Chad P. Boudreaux, David K. Norvell, Matthew C. Miller, Timothy G. Dietz
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Patent number: D749730Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Stephen J. Balek, David A. Witt, Ashvani K. Madan, Benjamin M. Boyd