With Magazine Patents (Class 227/176.1)
  • Patent number: 11642188
    Abstract: A tool apparatus and a method for actuating a tool apparatus are disclosed. The tool apparatus includes an actuator housing, and an elongate tool manipulator extending outwardly from the actuator housing and having a plurality of control links extending along a length of the tool manipulator. The control links are operable to cause movement of a distal end of the tool manipulator in response to movement of the control links in an actuating direction generally aligned with the length of the tool manipulator. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators, each actuator being associated with at least one of the control links and being mounted in the actuator housing to facilitate a range of travel in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the actuating direction, and a plurality of linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TITAN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Rene Robert, David Allen Zitnick
  • Patent number: 11642127
    Abstract: End effector position set point correction includes an instrument having an end effector and a control unit. In some embodiments, the control unit actuates the end effector to a first position, determines an actuation level, determines an offset based on the actuation level, adjusts a position set point based on the offset, and actuates the end effector to the adjusted position set point. In some embodiments, the control unit actuates the end effector, determines an actuation level, and determines whether the actuation level is above a threshold. In response to determining that the actuation level is above the threshold, the control unit determines a position of the end effector, identifies a nominal position associated with the determined position, determines an offset based on the nominal position and the determined position, adjusts a position set point based on the offset, and actuates the end effector to the adjusted position set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Amir Chaghajerdi, David W. Weir
  • Patent number: 11642189
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft towards a distal fastener deployment position. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a removable preload lock-out attached to the elongated shaft to prevent the follower from applying a preload to the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Davol Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Stewart Cauldwell, Donald E. Ziniti, Derek Affonce, Justin Lewis, Augustus Felix, Talia D'Ambruoso
  • Patent number: 11642128
    Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 11638581
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11638582
    Abstract: Surgical instruments with articulatable surgical end effectors and rotary driven flexible drive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Spencer J. Witte
  • Patent number: 11638989
    Abstract: An active safety device and method for fastener tools that includes a first sensor that detects a hazardous target; a first driver that drives the fastener a minimal distance into the material, the fastener being conductive and acting as a second sensor; a second driver that drives the fastener into the material; a processor that receives information from the first sensor and determines if a hazardous target is detected by said first sensor and engages a trigger interlock if the hazardous target is not detected the first driver is engaged and said second sensor provides information on the composition of the material to the processor; wherein the processor engages the trigger interlock when it determines if the composition of the material is classified as a hazardous target and otherwise initiates the second driver to drive the fastener into the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: LANTERN HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas Green, Destin Sandlin, Ty Batchelor
  • Patent number: 11633185
    Abstract: End effector position set point adjustment includes an instrument and a control unit. The instrument includes an end effector and a drive mechanism for actuating the end effector. The control unit is configured to actuate the end effector using the drive mechanism, determine an actual position of the end effector, identify an expected position associated with the determined actual position of the end effector, determine a position offset based on the expected position and the determined actual position of the end effector, adjust a position set point based on the position offset, and actuate the end effector to the adjusted position set point using the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Amir Chaghajerdi, David W. Weir
  • Patent number: 11633183
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag International GmbH
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11627963
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an end effector, an adapter assembly, and a rotation lockout assembly. The end effector includes a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are coupled to a proximal housing and movably positioned relative to one another. The staple cartridge assembly has a drive beam and a sled. The sled carries a knife that is rotatably supported on the sled. The drive beam is configured to move the knife relative to the drive beam. The adapter assembly has an elongated shaft that extends distally to an articulating assembly. The articulating assembly includes distal and proximal joint members coupled by a pin to articulate the end effector. The rotation lockout assembly prevents rotation of the end effector during a firing of the surgical stapling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John W. Beardsley, David M. Jermine, David M. Farascioni
  • Patent number: 11622764
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a reloadable cartridge assembly and a surgical handle assembly including a spring positioned in the surgical handle assembly at a proximal end of a toothed rack. Proximal movement of the toothed rack causes the spring to be compressed and allows for complete opening of the reloadable cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Lexington Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Marecki, Richard Moyer
  • Patent number: 11622825
    Abstract: Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Robert L. Koch
  • Patent number: 11622769
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a surgical stapling instrument for stapling tissue includes advancing an anvil assembly in relation to a staple cartridge to a first position defining a tissue gap between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly and clamping tissue, the clamped tissue including a suture, measuring a first force of tissue compression of the tissue clamped within the tissue gap with the anvil assembly at a first time point, determining whether the measured first force is greater than a threshold, measuring a second force of tissue compression of the tissue clamped within the tissue gap at a second time point in response to the determination that the first force is greater than the threshold, determining whether the suture failed based on the measured second force being an amount less than the measured first force, and stopping the advancing of the anvil assembly based on the determined suture failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Haley E. Strassner
  • Patent number: 11617581
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly. The tool assembly includes an actuation sled that is movable through a staple cartridge to eject staples from the staple cartridge and a clamp member that is movable through the tool assembly to move the tool assembly from an open position to an approximated position. In order to minimize dead space in a proximal portion of the tool assembly, the actuation sled and clamp member are supported in a nested relationship in a pre-actuated state of the surgical stapling device. The clamp member is subsequently moved to a position proximal of the actuation sled during a firing stroke of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11607220
    Abstract: Jaw assemblies for a surgical stapler are provided. The jaw assemblies comprise a first jaw having a first clamping surface and a plurality of staples disposed therein and second jaw assembly having a second clamping surface. The jaw assemblies can be actuated from a closed configuration in which the first clamping surface contacts or is adjacent to the second clamping surface to an open configuration in which the second jaw is pivoted away from the first jaw to a stapling position in which the second clamping surface is parallel to the first clamping surface and spaced apart from the first clamping surface. A pivoting link or sliding pivot joint can couple the second jaw to the first jaw to facilitate motion between the closed position, the open position, and the stapling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Covach, Matthew M. Becerra, Gary M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11596400
    Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device, capable of effectuating a surgical procedure, includes a handle assembly having a power source; at least one motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device includes an adapter assembly having an electrical assembly having a proximal end in communication with the controller of the handle assembly. The surgical device includes a reload configured to selectively connect to a distal end of the adapter assembly. The reload includes an annular array of staples; an annular staple pusher for ejecting the staples; and a data storage device selectively connectable to a distal end of the electrical assembly. The data storage device receives and stores performance data of the surgical device from the controller of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Patrick Mozdzierz, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., James P. Delbo, Charles R. Kollar, John J. Hryb, IV, Scott G. Firth, David E. Valentine, Jr., Paul D. Richard, Stephen R. Paul, Steven H. Joyce, Haley E. Strassner, Alexander J. Hart, Joseph Eisinger
  • Patent number: 11596399
    Abstract: An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress retention clip coupled to the anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is retainable on each of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil assembly, and is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jacob C. Baril, Roanit Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11596406
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Cortney E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11576669
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11576668
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system for stapling the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein and, also, an anvil configured to deform the staples. The stapling system further comprises a firing mechanism configured to deploy the staples along a staple firing path longer than 60 mm, a camera configured to capture an image of the patient tissue, a display, and a controller configured to generate an image of the staple firing path, wherein the images are displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates, Tamara Widenhouse, Sarah A. Worthington
  • Patent number: 11576670
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that includes a drive assembly having a drive member and a working end. The working end of the drive assembly has a I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a strut interconnecting the first beam and the second beam. The strut defines a slot. The drive member includes a distal portion that is press-fit into the slot in the strut to secure the working end to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11576678
    Abstract: A circular stapling device includes an anvil assembly and an adaptor assembly including a shell assembly. The adaptor assembly includes an anvil retainer including an asymmetric tip. The anvil assembly has a center rod, an anvil head supported on the center rod, and an alignment member. The center rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a channel that extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The alignment member is positioned within the channel and is configured to engage the asymmetric trocar tip of the anvil retainer of the adaptor when the anvil assembly is attached to the anvil retainer to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph Eisinger, David Valentine
  • Patent number: 11576673
    Abstract: A stapling assembly comprising an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a tissue cutting knife is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a longitudinal slot, a first group of staple cavities, a second group of staple cavities, staple drivers, and staples. The staples comprise a first group of staples positioned in the first group of staple cavities, and a second group of staples positioned in the second group of staple cavities. The first group of staples are deformed against the anvil to a first formed height by the staple drivers during a staple firing stroke. The second group of staples are deformed against the anvil to a second formed height by the staple drivers during the staple firing stroke. The second formed height is different than the first formed height. The tissue cutting knife is movable longitudinally within the longitudinal slot to drive the staple drivers during the staple firing stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11571208
    Abstract: A surgical buttress loading assembly includes a surgical buttress applicator, an anvil buttress, and a cartridge buttress. The surgical buttress applicator includes an anvil buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein, and a cartridge buttress loading unit defining a buttress cavity and a strap cavity therein. The anvil buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the anvil buttress loading unit. The cartridge buttress includes a tubular body disposed within the buttress cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit and a strap extending from the tubular body and positioned within the strap cavity of the cartridge buttress loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Christopher Switalski, Anthony L. Ceniccola, Russell Pribanic, Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Patent number: 11571213
    Abstract: A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Douglas J. Siebenaler
  • Patent number: 11571207
    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: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11571214
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a handle assembly that supports a drive rack, a motor assembly, a gear assembly, a reload select mechanism, and a safety toggle mechanism. The gear assembly is adapted to facilitate uncoupling of the motor assembly from the drive rack to allow manual movement of the drive rack. The reload select mechanism allows the length of a stroke of the drive rack to be selectively adjusted to allow the stapling device to accommodate different length staple reloads. The safety toggle mechanism is provided to move the stapling device from a non-firing state to a firing state to allow for firing of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Xiaowen Sun, Yezhou Wu, Lin Chen, Fen Du, Shouwei Li
  • Patent number: 11564681
    Abstract: A cartridge of a surgical instrument includes a housing, a drive member, and a knife member. The knife member is driven distally by the drive member and is configured to cut when moved distally. During an initial distal movement of the drive member, the knife member is coupled with the housing to restrain the knife member from moving distally. Subsequent to the initial distal movement of the drive member, the drive member drives the knife member toward the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: William Burbank
  • Patent number: 11564689
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener applicator including a handle, a first trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle, and a second trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle. An interlock is disposed with the second trigger and comprises a cam follower engaged in a cam channel that selectively prevents rotation of the second trigger relative to the first trigger depending on a location of the cam follower within the cam channel. The location of the cam follower in the cam channel is set by a position of the first trigger. Methods of operating the various embodiments disclosed are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: DATASCOPE CORP.
    Inventors: William K. Wheeler, Ashik A. Mohan
  • Patent number: 11559302
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard W. Timm, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11559303
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and stapling end effector. Various embodiments comprise a channel that is configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge. A rotary end effector drive shaft is supported within the channel and is configured to move a firing assembly longitudinally within the end effector to cause the sled to eject surgical staples from the staple cartridge. The firing assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel unless a surgical staple cartridge that has a sled in a starting position has been seated within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11559301
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Racenet, Lee Ann Olson, Ralph Stearns, Philip Roy, John Beardsley
  • Patent number: 11553919
    Abstract: A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method can comprise inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system, receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system, comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge, and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Shane R. Adams, Nicholas J. Ross, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11553911
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to rotate relative to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a first direction and a second articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuators can be configured to push the end effector. The articulation actuators can assume different configurations depending on whether they are experiencing a compressive load or a tensile load. The articulation joint can comprise an articulation frame which forms a proximal joint with the shaft and a distal joint with the end effector. The joints can comprise fixed axis joints and/or ball-and-socket joints, for example. The articulation joint can comprise links having different sizes to facilitate the articulation of the articulation joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11547410
    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: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael S. Cropper, Michael E. Setser, Barry T. Jamison, Paul H. Kistler, John R. Dugan, Sudhir B. Patel
  • Patent number: 11547407
    Abstract: A loading unit includes a staple cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and an anvil hook assembly. The anvil assembly has an opening defined therethrough, and the anvil hook assembly includes an anvil hook disposed within the opening of the anvil assembly and a pivot pin extending through the anvil hook and the anvil assembly. The anvil hook is pivotable with respect to the anvil assembly about the pivot pin between a loading position and a loaded position. The loading unit may further include a surgical buttress assembly including a cartridge buttress releasably attached to the staple cartridge assembly, an anvil buttress releasably attachable to the anvil assembly by the anvil hook, and a connecting member interconnecting the cartridge and anvil buttresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Roanit Fernandes, Kenneth H. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 11547439
    Abstract: A sensing device for sensing one or more tissue properties includes an adapter assembly, an actuation assembly, a shuttle, and a piston assembly. The adapter assembly is configured to couple to surgical handheld devices. The actuation assembly extends distally from the adapter assembly and is configured to operably couple to and be engaged by handheld devices coupled thereto. The actuation assembly includes a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft. The shuttle has a clamp and a shuttle sensor, and is coupled to the first drive shaft via a coupling. The shuttle sensor is disposed on the clamp. The piston assembly is coupled to the second drive shaft and configured to compress target tissue between the piston assembly and the clamp of the shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11547394
    Abstract: An adapter assembly configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit includes a switch, an elongated member, and an annular member. The switch is configured to be toggled in response to the surgical loading unit being coupled to the adapter assembly. The elongated member is in communication with the switch and is resiliently biased in a distal direction toward a locking position in which the switch is toggled. The annular member is disposed adjacent the elongated member and is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the annular member prevents distal movement of the elongated member, and a second orientation, in which the elongated member moves distally to toggle the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Earl M. Zergiebel, David Chowaniec, Ryan Williams, Anand Subramanian
  • Patent number: 11540831
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a cartridge assembly having a channel member that defines a cavity and a staple cartridge that is received within the cavity. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, pushers, staples, and an actuation sled. The cartridge body includes a proximal portion that has resilient tabs and wall portions that define a proximal portion of the knife slot. The tabs are positioned to engage inner surfaces of the channel member when the staple cartridge is inserted into the cavity. The actuation member includes a guide member that is received within the knife slot and prevents movement of the wall portions from a non-deformed state to a deformed state when the actuation sled is present in the staple cartridge. In the deformed state, passage of a drive assembly into the knife slot is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin P. Williams
  • Patent number: 11540827
    Abstract: A handle assembly of a hand-held surgical instrument includes a motor and an actuation trigger. Clamping and/or stapling tissue may be carried out by actuation of the trigger. The motor may be activated to assist the manual actuation of the trigger. The handle assembly may include distinct gears for effecting discrete functions of an attached end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 11540851
    Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system having an instrument housing for connecting with a shaft assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector is an articulating end effector and the system includes a cable tensioning system for tensioning the articulation cables. The system includes a clutch mechanism for preventing slippage of a drive cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Kostrzewski, Ernest Aranyi, Paul Scirica
  • Patent number: 11534170
    Abstract: An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is releasably retained on the anvil buttress loading tool with a body of the anvil buttress is positioned on a base of the anvil buttress loading tool, a proximal tab of the anvil buttress positioned over a loading ramp of the anvil buttress loading tool, and a distal tab of the anvil buttress positioned within a flange of the anvil buttress loading tool. The anvil buttress is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly such that the anvil buttress is releasably secured to the anvil assembly with the body positioned on a tissue facing surface of the anvil assembly, the proximal tab engaged with a pin assembly of the anvil assembly, and the distal tab engaged with an anvil tip of the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Suresh Kumar Prema Mohanasundaram
  • Patent number: 11529203
    Abstract: An instrument drive connector includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing assembly, and a first drive assembly at least partially disposed within the housing assembly and the elongated shaft. The first drive assembly includes a first drive screw, a first input drive coupler non-rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the first drive screw, a first drive nut threadedly engaged with a threaded body portion of the first drive screw and longitudinally movable relative thereto in response to rotation of the first drive screw, and a locking link. The locking link includes an elongated body having a proximal end portion coupled to the first drive nut and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a proximal non-locking position and a distal locking position, and a distal end portion including a switch actuation assembly including a switch actuating arm biased towards the distal locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Brock Kopp
  • Patent number: 11529141
    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 a rotational mechanism arranged to discretely position the rotatable actuation shaft in one of the rotational orientations. The rotational mechanism can be arranged for single handed operation such as by including a slidable switch or selector to rotate the actuation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Atal C. Patel, Jonathan Covach, Christina N. Reed, Gary M. Johnson, Matthew M. Becerra
  • Patent number: 11529139
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising motor-driven drive systems is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to shift the surgical instrument between an end effector articulation mode and a staple firing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11523823
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about an articulation axis that is laterally offset from the shaft axis and extends transversely relative thereto. An end effector driver link is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and an articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel in distal and proximal directions upon application of articulation motions thereto. A flexible de-articulation member is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and the surgical end effector to apply de-articulation motions to the surgical end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Sarah A. Worthington, Austin E. Wise, Lauren S. Weaner
  • Patent number: 11517313
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotably coupled to the elongate body for articulation, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is movable in relation to the tool assembly to eject staples from the tool assembly and cut tissue clamped between jaws of the tool assembly. The drive assembly includes a working end that is coupled to a flexible drive beam. The flexible drive beam includes a metallic core member and outer laminates secured to opposite sides of the core member. The outer laminates are formed of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the core member to minimize firing forces of the surgical stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jacob C. Baril
  • Patent number: 11517308
    Abstract: A loading unit for use with a surgical instrument includes a body configured for coupling to a surgical instrument and defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, and an end effector coupled to the distal end of the body. The end effector includes a staple cartridge assembly having a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly having an anvil plate. A drive assembly is at least partially disposed within the body. The drive assembly includes an actuator member having a roller engageable with at least one of the staple cartridge assembly or the anvil assembly. The roller is configured to rotate upon longitudinal movement of the drive assembly to facilitate movement of the drive assembly and relative movement of the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly between open and approximated conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jitendra Bhargava Srinivas, Roanit Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11517315
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can include, one, a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities and, two, a plurality of fasteners positioned in the fastener cavities. The cartridge body can further comprise extensions extending from the deck having different sizes and/or configurations. The extensions can control the flow of tissue relative to the deck and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11517310
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David C. Racenet, Philip Roy, John Beardsley, Lee Olson, Ralph Stearns, Clifford L. Emmons