Patents Issued in June 21, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180168591
    Abstract: A shaft assembly is disclosed which comprises an end effector configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration, a closure system configured to transition the end effector toward the closed configuration during a closure stroke, a firing member movable through a firing stroke, and a frame. In various instances, the shaft assembly comprises a first bailout configured to shift the frame in order to open the end effector and a second, independent, bailout configured to retract the firing member during and/or after the firing stroke. In certain instances, the closure system is expandable to perform the closure stroke. In at least one such instance, the closure system comprises a proximal portion mounted to the frame and a distal portion movable relative to the proximal portion. In at least one instance, the firing member engages the closure member to expand the closure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch, JR., Mark D. Overmyer, Fredrick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168592
    Abstract: A shaft assembly is disclosed which is usable with a surgical system, such as a surgical robot and/or a handle of a surgical instrument, for example. The shaft assembly is configured to receive a rotary input motion from the surgical system and a transmission, or clutch, which is shiftable between a first operating mode and a second operating mode to selectively transmit the rotary input motion to a first drive system and a second drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20180168593
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising an end effector, a frame, an articulation system configured rotate the end effector relative to the frame, and a firing system configured to perform a firing stroke within the end effector. The firing system is selectively engageable with the articulation system to rotate the end effector. In such instances, the firing system cannot perform the firing stroke until the firing system has been operably decoupled from the articulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168594
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises, among other things, an anvil configured to deform staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue-engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of a staple. The pair of forming pockets comprises a longitudinal pocket axis, an intermediate axis comprising a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis and the intermediate axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168595
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed comprising a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge positionable in the cartridge channel, and a firing assembly configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge is not positioned in the cartridge channel. Moreover, the firing assembly is configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Andrew T. Beckman, Robert L. Koch, JR., Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168596
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed which comprises a shaft, an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation driver configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint. The end effector further comprises a first articulation lock configured to engage the end effector and a second articulation lock configured to engage the articulation driver which co-operatively prevent the end effector from rotating relative to the shaft, when actuated. The actuation and/or de-actuation of the first articulation lock and the second articulation lock can be contemporaneous or, in certain instances, staggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Jeffrey S. Swayze, Mark S. Zeiner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168597
    Abstract: Methods for resetting a fuse in a surgical instrument are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam D. Hensel, Jason M. Rector, Bingshi Wang, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Publication number: 20180168598
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises, among other things, an anvil configured to deform staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue-engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of a staple. The pair of forming pockets comprises a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. Each pocket comprises a forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an entry zone comprising a first radius of curvature and an exit zone comprising a second radius of curvature, a pair of sidewalls extending at an angle from the forming surface toward the tissue-engaging surface, and a groove defined in the forming surface, wherein the groove comprises a diameter which is less than a wire diameter of the staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168599
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system comprises a staple cartridge attachment portion, a first staple cartridge configured to be operably attached to the cartridge attachment portion, wherein the first cartridge comprises a plurality of first staples comprising first staple legs, and a second staple cartridge configured to be operably attached to the cartridge attachment portion in lieu of the first cartridge, wherein the second cartridge comprises a plurality of second staples comprising second staple legs, and wherein the second staples are different than the first staples. The system further comprises an anvil comprising a tissue-engaging surface and a plurality of forming pockets defined in the surface, wherein each pocket comprises a first landing zone configured to receive a leg of a first staple of the first cartridge and a second landing zone configured to receive a leg of a second staple of the second cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20180168600
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise improved jaw control. In at least one instance, a surgical instrument is configured to apply an increased clamping force at a distal tip of the instrument. In at least one instance, a surgical instrument is configured to quickly open, or unclamp, a jaw of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168601
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises, among other things, an anvil configured to deform staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue-engaging surface and aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis, wherein the pair of forming pockets is configured to deform corresponding legs of a staple. The pair of forming pockets comprises a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. Each pocket comprises a pair of sidewalls extending between the forming surface and the tissue-engaging surface. Each sidewall comprises discrete sidewall portions oriented at different angles with respect to the tissue-engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Zhifan F. Huang
  • Publication number: 20180168602
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a cartridge jaw and a series of windows in the cartridge jaw configured to permit a clinician to observe the firing progress of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168603
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise an improved staple firing and/or tissue cutting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jerome R. Morgan, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168604
    Abstract: A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the closure member comprises a closure body that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body further defines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion that comprises a lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. The upper wall thickness differs from the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective camming contact with a portion of the movable jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Adam D. Hensel, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168605
    Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising missing staple cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockouts. In various instances, such lockouts are positioned in a shaft of the surgical stapling instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Nicholas Fanelli, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168606
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to an end effector. The surgical instruments further comprise a firing force lockout configured to stop and/or prevent a firing stroke of the firing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Daniel L. Baber, Jason M. Rector, Nicholas Fanelli, Jason E. Zerkle, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168607
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member is disclosed. The firing member comprises one or more cams configured to position the first jaw relative to the second jaw. The cams are configured to reduce the strain experienced by the cams, the firing member, and the first and second jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168608
    Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a cartridge lockout configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced through the staple cartridge if the staple cartridge has been already spent. The stapling instruments further comprise a lockout in the shaft that responds to the cartridge lockout blocking the firing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168609
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to an end effector of the surgical instrument during a firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a fuse configured to interrupt the firing stroke and/or prevent the firing load from being applied to the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Fanelli, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam D. Hensel, Jason M. Rector, Bingshi Wang, Mark D. Overmyer
  • Publication number: 20180168610
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed comprising a firing assembly including a fuse having a plurality of operating states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168611
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an anvil and a firing member is disclosed. The anvil comprises longitudinal rows of staple forming pockets including inner rows of forming pockets, outer rows of forming pockets, and intermediate rows of forming pockets positioned between the inner rows of forming pockets and the outer rows of forming pockets. The firing member comprises cams configured to position the anvil which do not extend laterally beyond the inner rows of forming pockets. In other embodiments, the cams of the firing member do not extend laterally to the inner rows of forming pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos, Zhifan F. Huang, Adam D. Hensel
  • Publication number: 20180168612
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with separate actuatable closure and firing systems for closing a movable jaw and actuating a firing member. In one form, the surgical instrument comprises an elastic spine assembly that includes a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion that is elastically coupled to the proximal spine portion for axial movement relative thereto between a neutral position and an elongated position such that during actuation of the firing system results in an increased application of closure motions to the movable jaw without actuating the closure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, David B. Smith, Adam D. Hensel, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168613
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with first and second jaws that are pivotally supported relative to each other for pivotal travel about a fixed pivot axis between open and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported for selective axial travel between starting and ending positions within at least one the jaws and is configured to engage both jaws when the jaws are in a closed position. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member to selectively axially move the firing member between the starting and ending positions and a closure system that operably interfaces with at least one of the jaws to move the jaw between the open and closed positions without actuating the firing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168614
    Abstract: An anvil for a surgical stapler. In at least one form, the anvil includes an elongate anvil body portion that has an upper portion and a staple forming undersurface. An anvil mounting portion is adjacent to the elongate anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cap is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper portion of the elongate anvil body. At least one weld is provided between the anvil cap and the upper portion of the elongate anvil body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168615
    Abstract: Methods for providing and using a surgical instrument system are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168616
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member is disclosed. The firing member comprises one or more cams configured to position the first jaw relative to the second jaw. In various instances, one of the cams is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to another cam in order to reduce strain within the cams. In certain instances, at least one of the cams comprises a leading projection and a trailing projection positioned behind the leading projection which are configured to engage the same jaw. The ends of the leading projection and the trailing projection are not attached to one another and can move relative to one another. In some instances, one or more of the cams has a plastically deformable or wearable feature configured to facilitate multiple uses of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David B. Smith, Adam D. Hensel, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168617
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises first staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a first distance and, in addition, second staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a second distance which is different than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168618
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Joseph M. Nath, Ryan J. Laurent, Michael E. Setser, Zhifan F. Huang, Chloe A. Maczka, Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Nichole Y. Kwee
  • Publication number: 20180168619
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory G. Scott, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Joseph M. Nath, Ryan J. Laurent, Michael E. Setser, Zhifan F. Huang, Chloe A. Maczka, Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Nichole Y. Kwee
  • Publication number: 20180168620
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises, among other things, an anvil configured to deform staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets is configured to deform the legs of a staple. The forming pockets comprise, one, a proximal forming pocket comprising a forming surface, wherein the forming surface comprises an entry zone comprising a first radius of curvature and an exit zone comprising a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature comprise a ratio of 1.5:1 to 3:1, and wherein the first radius of curvature is between 8 times and 10 times larger the staple diameter and, two, a distal forming pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Zhifan F. Huang, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168621
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical end effector that includes a lock member that is movable between a locked configuration wherein a firing member is prevented from axial travel through the surgical end effector and an unlocked configuration wherein the firing member is axially advanceable. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body that supports a cam assembly therein that is movable between a starting position and an ending position. The cam assembly defines a central axis and includes at least one unlocking feature that is laterally offset from the central axis and is configured to engage the lock member when the cartridge body is seated within the end effector and the cam assembly is in said starting position to thereby move the lock member to the unlocked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Robert J. Simms
  • Publication number: 20180168622
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a failure response system with a first circuit configured to detect a first operational error of the powered surgical stapling and cutting instrument, and a control circuit configured to activate a first failure response mode if the first operational error is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Mark D. Overmyer, Kharyl Evenson George Stephens
  • Publication number: 20180168623
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system can comprise an end effector configured to receive a compatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a first outer surface, and wherein a classifying identification of the end effector is inscribed on the first outer surface. The system can also comprise the compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a second outer surface, wherein a classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge is inscribed on the second outer surface. The classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge can correspond to the classifying identification of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Simms, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Tony C. Siebel
  • Publication number: 20180168624
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a motor operably coupled to a firing member, wherein the motor is configured to generate at least one rotational motion to motivate the firing member to cause staples to be deployed during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument includes a primary processor configured to determine a first acceleration of the firing member during the firing stroke, and compare the first acceleration to predetermined threshold acceleration. The surgical instrument also includes a secondary processor configured to determine a second acceleration of the firing member during the firing stroke, and compare the second acceleration to the predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168625
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil and an elongate channel. The elongate channel includes a plurality of first electrical contacts and a plurality of electrical connectors comprising a plurality of second electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connectors are spring-biased such that a gap is maintained between the first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts. The surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge releasably attachable to the elongate channel, wherein the staple cartridge has a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples deployable from the staple cavities into the tissue, and a plurality of third electrical contacts, wherein the attachment of the staple cartridge to the elongate channel moves the electrical connectors causing the second electrical contacts to bridge the gap and become electrically coupled to the first electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Sol A. Posada, Mark D. Overmyer, Raymond E. Parfett, Brian D. Schings, Brett E. Swensgard, Richard L. Leimbach, Shane R. Adams, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kharyl Evenson George Stephens, Jason M. Rector
  • Publication number: 20180168626
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with separate closure and firing systems for applying closure and firing motions. In one form, the surgical instrument includes a hollow closure member and a firing member. The hollow closure member is configured to move axially between an unactuated position and closure positions. The firing member is supported for axial travel between a starting position in the hollow closure member and an ending position in the surgical end effector. The closure system is configured to apply closure actuation motions to the hollow closure member. The firing system is configured to apply a firing motion to the firing member in order to move the firing member from the starting position to the ending position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168627
    Abstract: A surgical end effector. A first jaw is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. A lockout system is supported within the end effector and is biased laterally into lateral retaining engagement with a firing member when the firing member is in a starting position to thereby retain the firing member in the starting position. The lockout system is configured to be laterally biased out of lateral retaining engagement when contacted by a cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and the cam assembly is in the unfired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Lauren S. Weaner, Morgan R. Hunter, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168628
    Abstract: A surgical tool assembly. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint that is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is operably coupled to the articulation joint. An elongate notch is provided in the distal end portion and is located on one lateral side of a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may be configured to prevent the distal end portion from buckling when an axial actuation motion is applied to the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, James A. Vandewalle, Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Darwin L. Schultz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20180168629
    Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can have a longitudinal axis and a cartridge body having a deck, wherein a plurality of staple cavities can be defined in the cartridge body. The staple cavities can be arranged in a plurality of patterns, and the patterns can include a first pattern and a second pattern longitudinally offset from the first pattern. The second pattern can be different than the first pattern. The first pattern can consist of a longitudinally-repetitive pattern of angularly-oriented staple cavities and/or the second pattern can consist of parallel staple cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Janna B. Volz, Jordan B. Wong
  • Publication number: 20180168630
    Abstract: A tool assembly for use with a closure actuator that is configured to move a first axial closure distance upon actuation thereof. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to a shaft assembly. A firing member assembly operably interfaces with an articulation member. A closure system operably interfaces with the closure actuator such that when the closure actuator is axially advanced through the first axial closure distance, the closure system disengages the firing member assembly and the articulation member and also moves a closure member axially through a second axial closure distance that is less than the first axial closure distance to apply closure motions to the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168631
    Abstract: An anvil for a surgical end effector is disclosed. The anvil can have a staple-forming surface having a plurality of pockets defined therein. The pockets can be nested. A first pocket can include a proximal cup, a distal cup, and a pocket axis can extend between the proximal cup and the distal cup. The pocket can be asymmetric relative to the pocket axis. A central axis can transect the pocket between the proximal cup and the distal cup. The pocket can also be asymmetric relative to the central axis. The pockets can be obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168632
    Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities can be obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. The staple cavities can be arranged in a plurality of rows including an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. The lateral and/or longitudinal spacing and/or overlap between the staples in adjacent rows can vary to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing properties of the staple line. The size and orientation of the staples can also vary row-to-row and/or longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Janna B. Volz, Nichole Y. Kwee, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20180168633
    Abstract: An adaptor for an end effector is disclosed. The adaptor can include a staple cartridge having a plurality of staple cavities and a plurality of staples positioned in the staple cavities. The adaptor can also include an anvil plate comprising an arrangement of staple-forming pockets that differs from the staple-forming pockets in the anvil of the end effector. The arrangement of staple cavities in the staple cartridge can correspond to the arrangement of staple-forming pockets in the anvil plate. Additionally or alternatively, the staples in the staple cartridge can be misaligned with the staple-forming pockets in the anvil. The adaptor can include a deformable overmold positioned over the anvil plate, and the anvil plate can comprise a stamped metal sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely
  • Publication number: 20180168634
    Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities defined therein. The staple cavities can be obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. The staple cavities can be arranged in a plurality of rows including an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. The lateral and/or longitudinal spacing and/or overlap between the staples in adjacent rows can vary to optimize the flexibility and/or sealing properties of the staple line. The size and orientation of the staples can also vary row-to-row and/or longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark S. Zeiner, Janna B. Volz, Nichole Y. Kwee
  • Publication number: 20180168635
    Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes a surgical end effector that has first and second jaws that are movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A proximal closure member is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A closure reduction linkage operably interfaces with the proximal closure member and a distal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves through the first closure stroke distance, the closure reduction linkage causes the distal closure member to axially move through a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168636
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw. The second jaw is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is constrained to only move along a vertical axis and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the first jaw. A closure member is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168637
    Abstract: A method of stapling tissue is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple has a base and a leg extending from the base. The stapling method can also include firing the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the staples are fired into tissue in a staple line. The staple line can include a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is different than the first flexibility. A method of stapling tissue can also include adapting an anvil with an anvil plate having an arrangement of staple-forming pockets that differs from the staple-forming pockets in the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Janna B. Volz, Nichole Y. Kwee, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20180168638
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft axis and first and second jaws that are configured to move relative to each other about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each second jaw engagement member is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Publication number: 20180168639
    Abstract: A surgical end effector that includes first and second jaws that are selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. At least one expandable tissue stop is located on one of the first and second jaws and is configured to extend between first and second jaw surfaces on the first and second jaws as the first and second jaws move between the fully open and the fully closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180168640
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes first and second jaws that are movable about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A closure member is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. At least one jaw opening cam is supported for movement relative to the closure member and the first and second jaws. Each of the jaw opening cams is configured to apply an opening motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris