Responsive To A Condition Or Position Of A Staple Magazine Patents (Class 227/175.3)
  • Patent number: 12178462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument with a grip area, which has a first handle part, which is fixed in the position of use, and a second handle part, which can be moved relative to the first handle part along an adjustment direction, wherein a ratio between a first distance between the first handle part and the second handle part and a second distance between the first handle part and the second handle part is constant or almost constant in the direction of the first handle part, at least over a partial area of the actuating path, during a movement of the second handle part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: MORPHEUS AG
    Inventors: Timo Rack, Heiko Blessing
  • Patent number: 12171507
    Abstract: A surgical tool of a robotic surgical device is provided that is configured to be removably and replaceably attached to an electromechanical arm of a surgical robotic system that is capable of supplying electrical power to the surgical tool when the tool is attached to the arm. The tool has an elongate shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws movable between open and closed positions. The tool also has a member configured to move distally and proximally within at least a portion of the end effector to open and close the jaws. An actuator disposed on the shaft is configured to be manually moved from a first position to a second position to cause the member to move proximally to thereby open the jaws when the surgical tool is in a mode in which it is not deriving electrical power from the surgical robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jason L Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 12167849
    Abstract: A method of controlling motor velocity in a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a position sensor coupled to the control circuit, and a timer coupled to the control circuit. The method includes receiving a first position of a displacement member from a position sensor, starting a timer, advancing the displacement member to a second position by setting a motor velocity to a first velocity, receiving the second positon from the position sensor, stopping the timer when the displacement member reaches the second position, receiving elapsed time from the timer, wherein the elapsed time is the time taken by the displacement to move from the first position to the second positon, and controlling, by the control circuit, velocity of the motor based on the elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Brett E. Swensgard
  • Patent number: 12161330
    Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism. The powered handle can also include a retention mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of drivetrain components upon actuation of the manual return mechanism. For example, the retention mechanism can apply a direction-dependent frictional force on an actuation shaft of the handle assembly to prevent unintentional movement of the actuation shaft towards a distal end of the handle assembly. The retention mechanism can include a featherboard-like configuration with a plurality of ribs oriented transversely to the actuation shaft to restrict movement of the actuation shaft in one direction while allowing movement of the shaft in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Von Stein, Kimball B. McGinley, Robert Bradshaw, Alan Bylund, Christian A. Halvorsen, Jonathan R. Nash
  • Patent number: 12082816
    Abstract: A closure driving mechanism and a surgical stapler are provided. The closure driving mechanism includes a firing handle, a first slider, a locking member, a closure driver, and an actuating rod. The locking member fits with the first slider when the firing handle is actuated in an initial state and separates from the first slider after the stapler being fired. Therefore, the closure driver is locked by the fit cooperation between the first slider and the locking member after a head assembly is closed, to avoid the pulling sheet from moving distally during a firing process. After the firing process is fired, the locking member no longer locks the closure driver, therefore, the cartridge and the anvil can be opened automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Touchstone International Medical Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng Shan
  • Patent number: 12029420
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Cappola, Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Justin Williams, John W. Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11911033
    Abstract: An end effector includes an anvil and a cartridge. The anvil can include a plurality of staple pockets positioned on an anvil face. The cartridge can be configured to retain a plurality of staples. Each of the plurality of staples includes a first staple leg, a second staple leg, and a crown connecting the first staple leg and the second staple leg, and each has an open staple configuration where the first staple leg and the second staple leg are generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the crown and a closed staple configuration where a first tip of the first staple leg is bent in a first direction away from the longitudinal axis of the crown, and a second tip of the second staple leg is bent in a second direction away from the longitudinal axis of the crown, the first direction being different than the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols
  • Patent number: 11877750
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device for performing anastomoses procedures within a body of a patient includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a tool assembly. The handle assembly includes a manually actuated approximation mechanism and a motorized firing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David A. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11857152
    Abstract: A surgical hub is disclosed. The surgical hub includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first image data from a first image sensor, the first image data represents a first field of view, receive second image data from a second image sensor, wherein the second image data represents a second field of view, and display, on a display coupled to the processor, a first image rendered from the first image data corresponding to the first field of view and a second image rendered from the second image data corresponding to the second field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L Harris, Daniel E. Alesi
  • Patent number: 11779334
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a handle assembly. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members. The handle assembly includes a rack and a retraction assembly. The rack is operatively coupled to the tool assembly and slidably supported in the handle assembly. The rack includes teeth extending along a length of the rack. The retraction assembly includes a shaft, a lever including a wheel and a lever handle extending from the wheel, and a pawl pivotably secured to the wheel. The lever is secured to the shaft for concomitant rotation therewith. The shaft is transitionable between a disengage state, in which, the pawl is disengaged from the teeth of the rack, and an engaged state, in which, the pawl engages the teeth of the rack such that when the lever handle is rotate about the shaft, the rack is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David M. Chowaniec, Xingrui Chen, Andriy Buyda, Brian J. Creston, Saumya Banerjee
  • Patent number: 11779327
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a firing beam, and a push bar is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The firing beam is movable from a proximal position toward a distal position during a firing stroke. The firing beam comprises a first cam configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke, a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke, and a middle span extending between the first cam and the second cam. The middle span is defined by a span distance. The span distance comprises a span midpoint. The push bar is engaged with the firing beam at a level between the first cam and the second cam other than at the span midpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11771428
    Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism. The powered handle can also include a retention mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of drivetrain components upon actuation of the manual return mechanism. For example, the retention mechanism can apply a direction-dependent frictional force on an actuation shaft of the handle assembly to prevent unintentional movement of the actuation shaft towards a distal end of the handle assembly. The retention mechanism can include a featherboard-like configuration with a plurality of ribs oriented transversely to the actuation shaft to restrict movement of the actuation shaft in one direction while allowing movement of the shaft in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Von Stein, Kimball B. McGinley, Robert Bradshaw, Alan Bylund, Christian A. Halvorsen, Jonathan R. Nash
  • Patent number: 11759201
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a firing assembly, a motorized system, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly is disclosed. The end effector is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration and comprises an elongate channel, an anvil, and a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples removably stored therein. The firing assembly is movable from a starting position toward an ending position during a firing stroke. The staples are deployable from the staple cartridge based on the firing assembly moving toward the ending position. The motorized system is configured to drive the firing assembly toward the ending position. The anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil cap welded to the anvil body. The anvil cap is configured to increase a stiffness of the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11737753
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking portion. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking portion of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive assembly beyond an initial advanced position within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit subsequent advancement of the drive assembly within the tool assembly. In the retracted position of the drive assembly subsequent to firing of the surgical stapling device, the latch member is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roanit Fernandes, Jitendra Bhargava Srinivas
  • Patent number: 11696761
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector assembly comprises a staple cartridge jaw, a threaded rod, and a replaceable staple cartridge configured to be seated in the staple cartridge jaw. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal slot extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a driver configured to support a staple, wherein the driver comprises a surface facing the threaded rod, wherein the surface comprises a clearance, and wherein at least a portion of the threaded rod is configured to be received in the clearance when the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the staple cartridge jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11678877
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. In at least one form, an anvil is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the elongate channel such that the anvil is pivotal about a discrete, non-movable anvil axis defined by the elongate channel. A firing member is configured for axial travel within the elongate channel in response to an application of firing motions thereto. The firing member is configured to movably engage the anvil and the elongate channel to space the anvil relative to the elongate channel at a desired spacing as the firing member is axially driven through the elongate channel. A closure member is configured to move the anvil from an open position to closed positions relative to the elongate channel upon application of closure motions to the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11672535
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge. The end effector is actuatable between an open state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping the tissue. A closure system operatively coupled with the end effector is operable to actuate the end effector from the open state to the closed state. A firing system operatively coupled with the end effector is actuatable to fire the end effector to staple and cut the clamped tissue. A lockout member operatively coupled with the closure system and the firing system is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system to prevent closure of the end effector when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the end effector. The lockout member is also configured to inhibit actuation of the firing system to prevent repeated firing with the same staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jesse L. Hontz, Jason M. Rector, Nicholas Fanelli
  • Patent number: 11660108
    Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members, a blade, a lever member operably coupled to the end effector, a trigger member operably coupled to the blade and defining an actuation path therealong. A trigger safety member is pivotably coupled to the lever member such that, when the lever member is disposed in an initial position, the trigger safety member is disposed in a position blocking the trigger member. When the lever member is disposed in a compressed position, the trigger safety member is disposed in a position, wherein the trigger safety member is displaced from the actuation path to permit movement of the trigger member, wherein the safety member rotates relative to the lever member as a function of movement of the lever member to block/unblock the trigger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: John R. Twomey
  • Patent number: 11589866
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw assembly, an articulating assembly and a drive shaft. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws. The articulating assembly is removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly and includes a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin. The pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member. The jaw assembly and the distal joint member together define a first longitudinal axis. The proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis. The drive shaft includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element that is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David A. Nicholas, Paul A. Scirica, Justin Williams, Kevin Slisz
  • Patent number: 11583273
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an end effector, a firing member, a firing beam, a motor configured to drive the firing beam, an elongate shaft, and an articulation region is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising staples. The firing member is movable from a proximal position toward a distal position during a firing stroke. The staples are deployable from the staple cartridge based on the firing member moving toward the distal position during the firing stroke. The firing beam extends proximally from the firing member and is configured to drive the firing member between the proximal position and the distal position. The firing beam extends through the articulation region. The end effector is rotatable relative to the elongate shaft about the articulation region about an articulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11576671
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly and an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The adapter assembly includes an end effector and an articulation assembly. The articulation assembly includes an articulation drive screw, an articulation nut threadedly mounted to the articulation drive screw, an articulation yolk coupled to the articulation nut, and an articulation tube that is positioned to move in response to movement of the articulation nut. Movement of the articulation tube causes the end effector to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Justin P. Williams
  • Patent number: 11540828
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting a formed staple height of a suture staple in a stapler comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion. The first handle portion comprises a cartridge support located at a distal end, a cartridge assembly, a drive assembly, and the adjustment mechanism for adjusting a formed staple height of a suture staple, and the second handle portion comprises an anvil located at a distal end. The cartridge assembly comprises suture staples, and the drive assembly can drive a suture staple to leave the cartridge assembly to reach the anvil to be pressed and formed. The adjustment structure adjusts a distance between the drive assembly and the anvil to adjust a formed staple height of a suture staple in a stapler. This application further relates to a stapler, comprising the adjustment mechanism for adjusting a formed staple height of a suture staple in a stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: SHANGHAI YISI MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., YISI (SUZHOU) MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Honglin Nie, Guang Yang, Xiliang Zhang, Xiufeng Shi, Anhua Li
  • Patent number: 11517390
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises at least one drive system including an actuator. The actuator and/or the handle comprise features which limit the travel of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11439474
    Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom, first and second drive members extending distally from the drive housing along the shaft, and first and second translating gears rotationally fixed to the shaft within the drive housing and operatively coupled to the first and second drive members, respectively. First and second drive gears are rotatably mounted within the drive housing to act on the first and second translating gears, respectively. Rotating the first and second drive gears in opposite angular directions causes the first and second translating gears to move axially along the shaft in opposing directions and thereby move the first and second drive members. Rotating the first and second drive gears in a same angular direction causes the first and second translating gears to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Kris Eren Kallenberger
  • Patent number: 11426171
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The stapling head assembly includes a staple driver member and a knife member. The staple driver member is configured to drive a plurality of staples into tissue. The knife member is configured to cut through the tissue. The knife member includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a cylindrical body extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cylindrical body includes at least one coupling feature that operatively couples the knife member with the staple driver member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: John S. Kimsey, Vijay K. Sakhare
  • Patent number: 11399838
    Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, and a staple cartridge supported on a distal portion of the shell housing. The reload assembly further includes a pusher, a knife carrier supported, and a holder, each of which is supported within the annular cavity. The pusher is movable from a retracted position, through a partially advanced position, to a fully advanced position. The knife carrier includes at least one flexible arm having a free end. The at least one flexible arm has a hook portion on the free end. A housing of the holder defines at least one opening for receiving the hook portion of the at least one flexible arm of the knife carrier which is received within the at least one opening of the holder when the pusher is in the retracted position and is deflected from within the at least one opening when the pusher is in the partially advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11382630
    Abstract: A stapling device is provided that includes a reload assembly and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly supports a cut ring. The reload assembly includes a knife assembly that has a distal knife portion and a proximal knife portion that are separate from each other. The distal knife portion includes a cutting edge and is movable with the proximal knife portion from a retracted position to an advanced position into engagement with the cut ring. In the advanced position, the distal knife portion is retained by the cut ring to shield the cutting edge of the distal knife portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11369371
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil body defining a longitudinal axis, a cartridge body coupled to the anvil body, a staple cartridge releasably mounted relative to the cartridge body, a firing member mounted to the cartridge body and configured for longitudinal movement through the staple cartridge, and a lockout member supported by the cartridge body. The lockout member defines a single longitudinal slot for at least partial reception of the firing member. The lockout member is configured for movement from a locked position preventing longitudinal movement of the firing member to a release position permitting longitudinal movement of the firing member upon mounting of the staple cartridge to the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mimi Ding, Hui Zhan
  • Patent number: 11364031
    Abstract: A handle assembly and a stapler including the same are provided. The handle assembly includes a first handle, a second handle, a slot provided in the second handle and a slider slidably located in the slot. When the slider is in the first section of the slot, the first handle and the second handle are not linked; when the slider is in the second section of the slot, the first handle is linked to the second handle and actuates the second handle to move from an insurance position to a firing position. Therefore, only the movement of the second handle can fire the stapler. No matter whether the stapler is ready to be fired or not, the first handle can be pressed by the doctor, while the stapler cannot be fired when the stapler is not ready to be fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventors: Wangdong Chen, Yi Guo, Zhi Chen, Jiang Lin, Xiaowei Xu
  • Patent number: 11357505
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking portion. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking portion of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive assembly beyond an initial advanced position within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit subsequent advancement of the drive assembly within the tool assembly. In the retracted position of the drive assembly subsequent to firing of the surgical stapling device, the latch member is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roanit Fernandes, Jitendra Bhargava Srinivas
  • Patent number: 11350941
    Abstract: A handle assembly and a surgical stapler including the handle assembly is provided, including a first handle and a second handle, both can rotate around a first pivot pin. Either the first or the second handle is provided with a slider and a sliding slot. When the slider moves from a first section of the sliding slot to a second section, the two handles become linked. The first handle can still be squeezed even if the stapler has not reached the firing position, but the second handle will not rotate and the stapler will not be fired; featured by the design of two torsion springs and two pivot pins, the first and the second handle are pivotally attached and can be rotated around the same rotation center that remains unchanged in both the insurance position and the firing position, rendering an enhanced stapler structure stability and improved operator experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventors: Zhi Chen, Yi Guo, Jiang Lin, Xiaowei Xu
  • Patent number: 11324504
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge. The end effector is actuatable between an open state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping the tissue. A closure system operatively coupled with the end effector is operable to actuate the end effector from the open state to the closed state. A firing system operatively coupled with the end effector is actuatable to fire the end effector to staple and cut the clamped tissue. A lockout member operatively coupled with the closure system and the firing system is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system to prevent closure of the end effector when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the end effector. The lockout member is also configured to inhibit actuation of the firing system to prevent repeated firing with the same staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jesse L. Hontz, Jason M. Rector, Nicholas Fanelli
  • Patent number: 11324509
    Abstract: A method for obviating spline crash in a surgical stapler that utilizes a motor of the surgical stapler includes oscillating an anvil retainer of the surgical stapler in a first oscillation pattern, oscillating the anvil retainer in a second oscillation pattern that is different from the first oscillation pattern after the first oscillation pattern, and retracting the anvil retainer until an anvil of the surgical stapler is in a clamped position relative to a shell assembly after the second oscillation pattern. Oscillating the anvil retainer in the first oscillation pattern includes oscillating the anvil retainer in a longitudinal direction between extension and retraction with the motor such that the anvil moves towards and away from the shell assembly. Oscillating the anvil retainer in the second oscillation pattern includes moving the anvil towards and away from the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11317913
    Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed. The surgical end effectors can include a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a lockout arrangement configured to prevent rotational movement of the second jaw toward the first jaw unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw. The lockout arrangement can comprise a pivotable lock configured to pivot between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation, a shiftable lock bar, and/or a spring-loaded lockout lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11291445
    Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The staple cartridge includes an authentication ramp that extends from a proximal end of the cartridge body and defines a ramp axis that is transverse to an axis of the cartridge. The authentication ramp is aligned with a sled cavity in the cartridge and comprises first and second cam surfaces that are configured to move a lockout of the surgical stapling device in a direction away from the cartridge axis upon contact therewith when the staple cartridge is seated into the surgical stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11246587
    Abstract: Surgical methods for cutting and fastening tissue are disclosed. The methods may include employing a surgical end effector that includes a pair of jaws wherein an upper jaw is movable relative to a lower jaw that supports a surgical fastener cartridge. The methods may include manipulating the end effector to a compact configuration to facilitate its insertion through a trocar port and then manipulating and actuating the end effector to treat target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11058504
    Abstract: A control arm assembly for controlling a robot system includes a gimbal that is moveable and rotatable about three axes, and a handle assembly coupled to the gimbal. The handle assembly includes a body portion having a controller disposed therein and a first actuator disposed thereon. The first actuator is mechanically coupled to the controller via a four-bar linkage such that actuation of the first actuator causes mechanical movement of a component of the controller which is converted by the controller into an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Matthew Blanco, Andres Chamorro, Peter Vokrot, Robert Pierce, William Peine
  • Patent number: 11026677
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising a first closure member, a second closure member, a firing member, a shaft, and an end effector is disclosed. The firing member is actuatable independently of the first and second closure members. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position, a fully-closed position, and a collapsed position. The fully-closed position defines a first gap height between the first iaw and the second iaw. The collapsed position defines a second gap height between the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing member comprises a first flange configured to engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to engage the second jaw. The first flange and the second flange are configured to control the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke of the firing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11020109
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a powered surgical interface is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly comprises an attachment interface, a first closure member, a second closure member, a firing member actuatable independently of the first and second closure members, a shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position, a fully-closed position defining a first gap height, and a collapsed position defining a second gap height. The first closure member is configured to move the second jaw into the fully-closed position and the second closure member is configured to move the second jaw into the collapsed position. The firing member comprises a first flange configured to engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to engage said second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10968981
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical systems including hand-held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand-held electromechanical surgical devices. The presently described electromechanical surgical devices include single motor drives that selectively drive various output assemblies coordinated by selector motors to operate the surgical loading units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: David Nicholas
  • Patent number: 10939910
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending from the handle assembly, and an end effector supported on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The end effector includes a curved housing having a base portion and a jaw portion, a curved anvil assembly supported on the jaw portion, and a curved cartridge assembly supported on the base portion. The cartridge assembly defining first and second arrays of staples receiving slots, the first array of staple receiving slots includes three rows of staples and the second array of staple receiving slots includes two rows of staples. A height of the staples in each of the rows of three rows of staples of the first array of staple receiving slots is different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeevan Maddur Shankarsetty, Hari Naga Mahesh Kalepu
  • Patent number: 10925602
    Abstract: Surgical stapling systems and methods for stapling tissue during a surgical procedure are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a control system is provided for controlling at least one motor coupled to a drive system on a surgical stapling device for driving one or more drive assemblies. The control system can be configured to communicate with the drive system of the stapling tool and to control and modify movement of one or more drive assemblies based on certain feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Vincenzo Barbato, Mark D. Overmyer, Andrew Beckman
  • Patent number: 10842495
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, a central body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes an annular knife having an inner surface and an outer surface and first and second angled surfaces defining a blade edge. The first angled surface defines an angle S1 with a longitudinal axis of the stapling device and the second angled surface defines an angle S2 with the longitudinal axis of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Junyu Zhou, Hui Zhan
  • Patent number: 10779828
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an electrical contact assembly. 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 channel assembly includes an electrically activated component. The electrical contact assembly is configured to electrically couple a power source with the electrically activated component of the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact assembly includes a first conductive plate associated with the channel assembly, a second conductive plate associated with the cartridge assembly, and a dielectric cover. The dielectric cover is associated with either the first conductive plate or the second conductive plate. The dielectric cover is positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate when the cartridge assembly is coupled with the channel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Jerome R. Morgan, Gregory J. Bakos, Nichole Y. Kwee, John E. Brady
  • Patent number: 10729441
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
  • Patent number: 10639018
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly and a battery pack. The handle assembly includes a housing and a first control circuit located within the housing. The battery pack assembly includes a power supply and a second control circuit. The power supply is configured to selectively transition from a first state to a second state. The power supply is configured to energize the first control circuit of the handle assembly in the first state. The power supply is configured to not energize the first control circuit of the handle assembly in the second state. The second control circuit is configured to transition the power supply between the first state and the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely
  • Patent number: 10624638
    Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a surgical procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. Each of the anvil and the cartridge has a face that is positionable on the anatomical structure. The anvil is coupled to the cartridge at first and second ends. The anvil is movable relative to the cartridge to define a first gap between the faces at the first ends that is different from a second gap between the faces at the second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Thompson, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Russell L. Holscher
  • Patent number: 10542992
    Abstract: A shell assembly includes a housing, a cartridge, and a hollow bushing. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and a cavity. The cartridge is supported on the housing and includes a plurality of staples. The hollow bushing is positioned within the cavity of the housing. The hollow bushing includes a distal portion and a proximal portion formed of a rigid material, and an expandable portion that connects the distal and proximal portions. The hollow bushing has an initial configuration where the hollow bushing defines a first length along the longitudinal axis and a stretched configuration where the hollow bushing defines a second length along the longitudinal axis which is greater than the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Penna
  • Patent number: 10512466
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to a surgical instrument includes first and second drive assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion, and an actuation assembly. The second drive assembly includes a pair of push/pull cables for longitudinally advancing and retracting a drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Patrick N. Gutelius, Khalil R. Khouri, Jeffrey P. Radziunas
  • Patent number: RE49455
    Abstract: A device for clamping tissue includes a first jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first wing and a second wing. The device also includes a second jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed between a middle structure and a first lateral structure, the second slot disposed between the middle structure and a second lateral structure. The first jaw is rotatably coupleable to the second jaw with the first wing extending into the first slot and the second wing extending into the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David A. Nicholas, Peter T. Datcuk, Michael P. Whitman