Surgical Stapler Patents (Class 227/175.1)
  • Patent number: 10631860
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. The includes a power source, while the shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes a channel assembly and a cartridge assembly configured to selectively couple with the channel assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is capable of electrically coupling the power source with the electrically activated component of the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact assembly includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and an insulating membrane. The first electrical contact is associated with the channel assembly while the second electrical contact is associated with the cartridge assembly. The insulating membrane is associated with either the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory G. Scott, Stephen D. Geresy, Yvan D. Nguetio Tchoumkeu, Amy M. Krumm, Grace E. Waters, Prudence A. Vulhop, Nichole Y. Kwee, John E. Brady, Scott A. Jenkins, Laura A. Schoettmer, Andrew Kolpitcke, Joshua P. Morgan, Sarah A. Worthington, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Alexander R. Cuti
  • Patent number: 10624633
    Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member. A motor is coupled to the displacement member. A control circuit is coupled to the motor. A position sensor is coupled to the control circuit. A timer circuit is coupled to the control circuit to measure elapsed time. The control circuit is configured to receive the position of the displacement member from the position sensor, receive elapsed time from the timer circuit, and control velocity of the motor based on the position of the displacement member and the elapsed time. A method of controlling motor velocity of the surgical instrument also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10624634
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise, one, a surgical instrument including a handle, a shaft comprising a distal end, and a trigger and, two, an end effector attachable to the shaft. The instrument can further include a firing member and a motor configured to move the firing member toward the distal end, wherein the trigger is configured to operate the motor. The surgical instrument system can further include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more error conditions, a plurality of indicators, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the indicators, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the indicators to indicate the error conditions detected. A surgical instrument can comprise a plurality of actuators and a plurality of actuator locks, wherein the controller can actuate one or more of the actuator locks to indicate the error condition detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Steven G. Hall, Richard L. Leimbach, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 10617415
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a body portion, a tool assembly, a mounting assembly, a retaining member, and an articulation member that is coupled to the tool assembly for articulating the tool assembly in relation to the body portion. The retaining member is engaged with the articulation member to prevent movement of the articulation member until the articulation member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Wenchell, Stanislaw Marczyk, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Roman Czernik, Henry E. Holsten, Frank C. Maffei
  • Patent number: 10617437
    Abstract: A medical treatment implement including: a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis; a housing having distal and proximal portions, a proximal end of the shaft being attached to the distal portion of the housing to extend from the distal to the proximal portion, the elongated shaft being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing; an effector attached to a distal end of the shaft, the effector articulating relative to the longitudinal axis; a drive mechanism having an output connected to the effector to articulate the effector relative to the shaft; and an input unit attached to the housing at a position closer to the proximal portion than the distal portion, wherein the input unit receives an operation input and directly inputs the drive mechanism in response to the input, wherein the input unit rotates about the longitudinal axis together with the shaft relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Kawaguchi, Ojiro Kitamura
  • Patent number: 10617413
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between open and closed positions relative to the first jaw. A firing drive shaft is rotatably supported in one of the first and second jaws. A firing member operably interfaces with the firing drive shaft for selective axial travel in response to rotation of the firing drive shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a distal power shaft that is separate and distinct from the firing drive shaft and is configured for selective operable engagement with the firing drive shaft. A closure member is supported for axial travel on a proximal end portion of the first jaw and is configured for selective threaded engagement with a portion of the distal power shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 10610345
    Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. The proximal shaft section includes an outer sheath and the distal shaft section includes a segmented member moveable between straight and articulated configurations. A handle is secured to the proximal shaft section, and an actuator is provided on the handle that is coupled with the outer sheath. An articulation band is disposed within the outer sheath and extends from the handle to the segmented member. The articulation band has a proximal end coupled with the actuator and a distal end attached to the segmented member. The actuator is moveable in a first direction for retracting the outer sheath, exposing the segmented member, and applying tension to the articulation band for moving the segmented member into the articulated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cardinale, Simon Cohn, Jianxin Guo, Danial Paul Ferreira
  • Patent number: 10610222
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a longitudinally extending threaded hole. A shaft comprising a threaded portion is rotatably engaged within the threaded hole. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal extension of the shaft comprises a driver. A distal force applicator comprises the driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: In2Bones USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Hawkins Wahl
  • Patent number: 10603035
    Abstract: A surgical loading unit includes an elongate body, an end effector pivotably coupled to the elongate body, and a flexible knife bar extending through a distal portion of the elongate body and a proximal portion of the end effector. Articulation of the end effector relative to the elongate body in a first direction moves a first segment of the knife bar in the first direction and moves a second segment of the knife bar in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: John Beardsley
  • Patent number: 10603039
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed comprising, one, a plurality of staples removably stored within a surgical staple cartridge and, two, an implantable adjunct. The implantable adjunct is configured to be progressively released from the surgical staple cartridge during a firing progression of a firing assembly configured to travel through the surgical staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Emily A. Schellin, Lauren S. Weaner, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Trevor J. Barton
  • Patent number: 10595865
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric surgical stapler, including a handle the handle having a handle body, a driving motor and a control unit for controlling the driving motor to operate; a working head, including an anvil, a cartridge, a closing mechanism, a firing mechanism, a housing for accommodating the closing mechanism and the firing mechanism, a closing limit switch, and a closing height adjustment shift switch configured to transmit information of a closing height control shift to the control unit, wherein during closing, the control unit is configured to control the closing mechanism to move until the closing limit switch is triggered so that a closing distance between the anvil and the cartridge is at a preset closing height, and the control unit is further configured to control the closing mechanism to move after receiving information transmitted from the closing limit switch, so that the closing distance between the anvil and the cartridge is adjusted to be consistent with a preset closi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Suzhou Intocare Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Yunfeng Du, Dianchen Liu, Aiyu Huang
  • Patent number: 10595945
    Abstract: A surgical assembly for use with and for selective connection to a robotic arm includes an electromechanical instrument and an instrument drive unit. The instrument drive unit includes a motor and a feedback assembly. The motor is configured to effect rotation of the electromechanical instrument. The feedback assembly includes control circuitry and first and second annular members. The control circuitry is configured to sense a change in a condition of the motor. The first annular member has a surface feature projecting therefrom. The second annular member is disposed adjacent the first annular member and has a first surface feature projecting therefrom, circumferentially aligned with the surface feature of the first annular member. Upon a threshold amount of rotation of the first annular member, the surface feature of the first annular member abuts the first surface feature of the second annular member to change the condition of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaimeen Kapadia, Josiah Rosmarin
  • Patent number: 10588615
    Abstract: A device for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ includes a tissue port and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be coupled to a flexible filament, such as a suture, which is tensioned to constrict the hollow body organ to achieve volume reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: EndoGastric Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve G. Baker
  • Patent number: 10588623
    Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10588624
    Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly can include an instrument attachment interface, a shaft, a firing member, an articulation joint, and an end effector including a first jaw, a second jaw, an anvil, and a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a slot, at least two rows of staple cavities, and a plurality of staples stored within the staple cavities. The staples can be deployed by the firing member. Each staple can include, one, a staple leg comprising planar surfaces and, two, a staple base, wherein the staple leg extends from the staple base, wherein the staple base comprises planar surfaces and a camming surface distally offset from the staple leg and configured to be directly engaged by the firing member, and wherein the staple leg is configured to be formed over the camming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10575847
    Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hessler, Keith Milliman
  • Patent number: 10575849
    Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed that are couplable to or have an end effector or a disposable loading unit with an end effector, and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively connected to the surgical instrument for at least one of sensing a condition, measuring a parameter and controlling the condition and/or parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Russell Heinrich, Douglas Cuny
  • Patent number: 10561420
    Abstract: A compressible adjunct is used with a surgical instrument. The compressible adjunct includes a hollow fibrous construct and a core fibrous construct housed within the hollow fibrous construct, wherein the hollow fibrous construct comprises at least one biocompatible material that has experienced at least one transition from a more ordered phase to a less ordered phase in response to heating the hollow fibrous construct to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Susanne Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 10561422
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a plurality of cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. Some of the cavities can have fasteners removably stored therein. Other cavities can have deployable tissue engaging members stored therein which are movable from an undeployed position to a deployed position to engage tissue. In some instances, the fastener cartridge can include at least one longitudinal row of cavities which each include a deployable tissue engaging member. Such rows of cavities can comprise the outer-most rows of cavities in the fastener cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Emily A. Schellin, Charles J. Scheib, Nicholas Fanelli, Cortney E. Henderson, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 10548598
    Abstract: A buttress material and mounting structure assembly is provided for use with a circular surgical stapling device. The assembly comprises a ring-like mounting structure sized to have an outer diameter that frictionally engages a radial inner surface of a staple cartridge assembly, wherein the mounting structure is disposed within the radial inner surface of the staple cartridge assembly; an annular buttress material overlaying a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly, the annular buttress material defining an outer radial terminal edge extending radially beyond a pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots, and a radial inner terminal edge extending across the mounting structure; and at least one suture securing the buttress material to the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Michael Prescott, Richard P. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 10548600
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly includes a stepped staple cartridge deck and an implantable layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example, positioned thereon. The layer can include a first portion positioned over a first deck surface of the multi-step staple cartridge and a second portion positioned over a second deck surface of the multi-step staple cartridge. The first portion includes a first tissue-contacting surface and the second portion includes a second tissue-contacting surface, wherein the first tissue-contacting surface is vertically offset from the second tissue-contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10548602
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier includes an endoscopic assembly and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger, a drive bar, and a ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly includes a first rack, a second rack, a pawl housing engageable with the first rack, and a second pawl engageable with the second rack. In a first position, the pawl housing is in registration with the first rack to prohibit reversal of a direction of movement of the trigger until the pawl housing is disposed beyond a proximal end or a distal end of the first rack. In a second position, the pawl housing is out of registration with the first rack to permit reversal of the movement of the trigger after the second pawl is disposed distally beyond a distal end of the second rack or proximally beyond a proximal end of the second rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob Baril, Brian Creston, Justin Williams, Thomas Zammataro
  • Patent number: 10548597
    Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, and an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, a second jaw having a first end, a second end, and a cartridge to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face, a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw, and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link, an elongate tube, where a distal end is coupled with the end effector, a handle, where a distal end of the handle is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate tube, and a drive assembly comprising a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: STANDARD BARIATRICS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Patent number: 10542974
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member, an elongate shaft, and a handle is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a channel, and a staple cartridge. The firing member comprises a first camming member configured to engage the anvil during a staple firing stroke, a second camming member configured to engage the channel during the staple firing stroke, and a cutting member. The handle comprises a motor configured to output a rotary motion, a power source, a control system configured to control the speed of the rotary motion, a rotary drive member, and a control system. The firing member is operably responsive to the rotation of the rotary drive member. Torque is output from the motor to the rotary drive member. The control system is configured to limit the output from the motor to the rotary drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10543072
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first arm extending from the elongate member, a second arm extending from the elongate member, the second arm being configured to move with respect to the first arm, and a needle coupled to the elongate member, the needle being configured to move with respect to the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Pereira, Aaron Kirkemo, James M. Goddard, Shane Siwinski, Ayan A. Bhandari
  • Patent number: 10537324
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a staple cartridge that defines a stepped deck. The surgical instrument further includes a staple comprised of seamless unitary structure. The staple is configured to be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple includes a base and staple legs. A staple drive surface is integrally formed in the base, and a sled is configured to directly contact the staple drive surface to directly drive the staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 10531887
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to grasp tissue. The end effector comprises at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to a thickness of the grasped tissue. The surgical instrument further includes a firing member movable during a firing stroke to cause a motion at the end effector and a motor configured to drive the firing member. A feedback indicator or display is configured to display the speed of the firing member according to one of a plurality of zones of speed, such as the relative speed of the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10524794
    Abstract: A prosthesis fastener applier includes a handle, a plurality of input controls, and a fastener delivery shaft. The handle contains a motor and a control circuit. The input controls are connected to the handle and communicatively connected to the control circuit. The fastener delivery shaft includes a fastener cartridge and a driver shaft. The fastener cartridge includes a plurality of internal threads configured to receive a plurality of helical fasteners in stacked relationship. The driver shaft is operatively connected to the motor, disposed within the fastener cartridge, and configured to pass through respective inner diameters of the helical fasteners. The control circuit is configured to control the motor in response to signals from one or more of the input controls to rotate the driver shaft to cause one or more of the helical fasteners to be advanced axially relative to the fastener cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Joshua Stafford
  • Patent number: 10524787
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with a tissue grasped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member of the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a firing member to effect motion at the end effector, which is driven by a motor. Instructions stored in the memory of the surgical instrument cause the motor to driven the firing member at a firing rate that is a function of a measurement of the parameter. The parameter can, for example, include a thickness of the tissue grasped by the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10517682
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing and a tool assembly. The housing includes a power source configured to generate electrical power, a control unit in electrical communication with the power source, and a first element coupled with the control unit. The tool assembly includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a second element separate from the first element. The control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical power from the first element to the second element. The wireless transmission of electrical power energizes the second element from a passive state to an energized state. When in an energized state, the second element is configured to selectively communicate data received from a sensor to the control unit. The tool assembly is remote from the housing. The second element includes a microchip that includes a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10517597
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include an articulation mechanism including a ball screw to selectively articulate the jaw assembly relative to an elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Schober, Andrew J. McCarthy, Babak D. Jasemian
  • Patent number: 10517594
    Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a staple cartridge that includes a cartridge body with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an elongate slot extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and a tissue supporting portion that includes three stepped tissue supporting surface surfaces. The staple cartridge includes a set of staggered staples having different unformed heights. The staple cartridge also includes a staple pusher system having a plurality of pusher members that are independently driven to simultaneously deploy the set of staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10517596
    Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes an elongate shaft that has an end effector coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the shaft. A first articulation link operably interfaces with a source of articulation motions configured to selectively axially move the first articulation link a first axial distance in a first articulation direction. A second articulation link operably interfaces with the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. An articulation stroke multiplier operably interfaces with the first articulation link and the second articulation link such that when the first articulation link is axially moved the first axial distance in the first axial direction, the articulation stroke multiplier moves the second articulation link another first axial distance in the first axial direction that is greater than the first axial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Austin E. Wise, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10507039
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10507022
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (10) having an adjustable minimum tissue gap (G) is provided. The surgical stapling apparatus (10) includes a proximal handle portion (20), an elongated central body portion (30), a distal head portion (40), an anvil assembly (50), and an approximation assembly (100). The approximation assembly (100) includes a drive screw (140), a screw stop (150), and a screw extension (160). The adjustable minimum tissue gap (G) can be adjusted by selectively securing the screw extension (160) to the drive screw (140) using a first or second pair of openings (145, 147) of the drive screw (140). A method is also provided to determine the minimum tissue gap (G) of the surgical stapling apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Hui Zhan
  • Patent number: 10507034
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from the body assembly, an acoustic waveguide having a flexible portion, and an articulation section coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section has a first member and a second member translatable relative to the first member. An end effector has an ultrasonic blade that is in communication with the waveguide. An articulating control assembly has a motor. The motor is operable to translate the first and second members to thereby deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis at the articulation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Richard W. Timm
  • Patent number: 10499921
    Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus and associated method of use is disclosed. The surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle assembly, a central body portion extending from the handle assembly, and a distal head portion including an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly includes an anvil head defining an interior recess, an activator plate, a deformable member, and a securing member. The anvil center rod assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotably connected to the anvil head assembly about a pivot axis. The anvil center rod assembly includes a configured to contact the anvil head assembly upon an actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus. Upon the actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus, the deformable member is configured to deform such that the activator plate is advanced distally into the interior recess to facilitate the anvil head pivoting about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 10492783
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a closure member mechanically coupled to the anvil, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the closure member, a motor controller electrically coupled to the electric motor and a control circuit electrically connected to the motor controller. The control circuit is configured to monitor a first predefined event, monitor a second predefined event, provide a stop signal to the motor controller to stop a closing motion of at least one of the elongated channel and the anvil after an occurrence of the first predefined event, and provide a start signal to the motor controller to start the closing motion of the at least one of the elongated channel and the anvil after an occurrence of a second predefined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10498269
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, a drive motor coupled to the firing rod, a sensor, and a controller. The end effector includes a first and second jaw member moveable relative to one another. The first jaw member includes a surgical fastener and the second jaw member includes an anvil. The drive motor is configured to advance the firing rod to cause the first and second jaw members to clamp tissue and to eject a surgical fastener. The surgical stapler includes a sensor that is configured measure a clamping force exerted on tissue by the first and second jaw members. The controller control a speed of the drive motor based on the measured clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Richard Lech, Saumya Banerjee
  • Patent number: 10492782
    Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. The applicator can include guide features to direct tissue with respect to the driving head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Incisive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Peterson, Christopher J. Sperry, Joseph M. Gryskiewicz, Delmer L. Smith, David B. Herridge
  • Patent number: 10485547
    Abstract: Staple cartridges for use with a surgical stapling instrument are disclosed. In various instances, a staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, staple drivers configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke, a sled configured to engage the staple drivers during the staple firing stroke, and a pan attached to the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Patent number: 10485632
    Abstract: The intraoral attachment clip for attaching objects to edentulous ridges has a flexible body configured as an elongated U-shaped strip that is designed to be conformed to an edentulous ridge. The clip has a lower or tissue surface adapted for contacting the mucosal surface of the ridge and an upper or oral surface facing the oral cavity. The tissue surface of the clip includes a plurality of micro-projections and an adhesive for securing the device to the underlying mucosal surface of the edentulous ridge. Tracking sensors and/or radiopaque fiducial markers can be attached to the oral surface of the clip for use with surgical navigation systems and imaging procedures. Sustained release drugs may be added to the tissue surface of the device for administering time-release medications through the mucosa over a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Asma'a Abdurrahman Al-Ekrish, Shouq Abdullah Jurays
  • Patent number: 10470785
    Abstract: One example of a surgical apparatus may include an end effector; a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, the shaft including an articulation region; a handle including at least one button; an articulation gear held by the handle, where at least one cam path is defined in the articulation gear; and at least one holder post extending into each cam path; where actuation of one button causes the end effector to articulate through a discrete angular increment relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Bryan D. Knodel, Jinhoon Park, Radulf B. R. Bosuego
  • Patent number: 10471573
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a housing, a motor supported in the housing, and a drive assembly for converting a continuous torque input from the motor to consecutive rotational impacts upon a workpiece. The drive assembly includes an anvil, a hammer that is both rotationally and axially movable relative to the anvil, and a spring for biasing the hammer in an axial direction toward the anvil. The spring is rotationally unitized to the hammer for co-rotation therewith at all times during operation of the impact tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James B. Howard, Jacob P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10463383
    Abstract: A stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge jaw including staples removably stored therein, an anvil configurable in an unclamped condition and a clamped condition, a closing member configured to move the anvil to the clamped condition, a firing member movable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the firing member is disclosed. The closing member is operably isolated from the rotatable drive member. The stapling instrument further comprises an electric motor operably engaged with the firing member, a battery electrically couplable to the electric motor, a handle, and a sensing system. The electric motor and the battery are positioned in the handle. The sensing system is responsive to the clamped condition of the anvil and the movement of the firing member. The sensing system comprises a lockout configured to prevent a function of the stapling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John N. Ouwerkerk, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 10463368
    Abstract: A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge body which rotatably supports a plurality of staples within notches. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. Each of the staples includes first and second legs axially offset from each other and interconnected by an intermediate portion. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. The at least one firing cam includes axially offset cam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Kostrzewski
  • Patent number: 10448950
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, David B. Smith, Adam D. Hensel, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10441280
    Abstract: A stapling assembly for use with a robotic device is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position, an elongate shaft coupled to the first jaw, and a housing coupled to the elongate shaft. The housing comprises rotatable inputs operably engageable with the robotic device. A first system is configured to position the second jaw relative to the first jaw at a first rate. A second system is configured to position the second jaw relative to the first jaw at a second rate which is faster than the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10433843
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a cartridge; a staple strip; and staples affixed to the staple strip. Each staple is affixed to the staple strip at a joint. The staples on each staple strip are arranged in rows. The staples in adjacent rows are staggered. A wedge assembly includes a plurality of wedges spaced from one another, each wedge including a shear bump on its upper surface. Each shear bump has a first length. The shear bumps are aligned with one another within a distance equal to the first length. The wedge assembly is slidable relative to the staples to cause at least one wedge to make contact with one of the staples to rotate the staple about the joint, and then break the staple from the joint with the staple strip upon contact between the at least one of the staples and the shear bump of the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Kristopher J. Yee
  • Patent number: 10426471
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Mark D. Overmyer, Kharyl Evenson George Stephens