Patent Applications published on Feb 26, 2015

Explore the 6,387 U.S. Patent Applications published on the 09th week of 2015, including 4,586 applications that subsequently received a Patent Grant.

Featured patent applications from Feb 26, 2015

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC.
US20150054753A1
Human necessities
Application 20150054753, fig. 01

Interactive displays

An interactive display. The interactive display can include a first layer of information and a second layer of information. The first layer of information can include video feedback of a surgical instrument as viewed by an endoscope. The second layer of information can include a control panel, feedback measured and/or sensed by the surgical instrument, and/or controls for controlling the surgical instrument. A user can interface with the interactive display via a touch screen.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC.
US20150053749A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053749, fig. 01

Closure indicator systems for surgical instruments

A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a distal end, a proximal connection portion configured to attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, a first jaw, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation. The end effector can further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of the second jaw and an array of indicators configured to simulate the orientation of the second jaw.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon LLC.
US20150053740A1
Human necessities

Attachment portions for surgical instrument assemblies

A connection portion for attaching a disposable loading unit to the shaft of a surgical instrument. The connection portion can include a rotatable collar, which can be rotated relative to the disposable loading unit and the shaft. The connection can include a spring for biasing the collar and/or the disposable loading unit into a locked orientation.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC..
US20150053737A1
Human necessities

END EFFECTOR DETECTION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument, a first end effector, and a second end effector, wherein the end effectors are attachable to the surgical instrument. The first end effector can comprise a first set of stored data pertaining to the first end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the first set of data and enter a first operating state. The second end effector can comprise a second set of stored data pertaining to the second end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the second set of data and enter a second operating state. The surgical instrument is further configured to enter a default operating state if said surgical instrument is unable to ascertain a set of stored data from an end effector.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon LLC.
US20150053744A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053744, fig. 01

Motor-powered articulatable surgical instruments

A motor driven surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector configured to perform at least one surgical procedure in response to firing motions applied thereto from a firing system. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation system that is configured to facilitate articulation of the end effector relative to an elongated tool axis. The instrument further includes a coupler assembly configured to enable the motor to selectively power the firing system and the articulation system.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon LLC.
US20150053742A1
Human necessities

Firing trigger lockout arrangements for surgical instruments

A surgical instrument system can comprise, one, a surgical instrument including a handle, a shaft comprising a distal end, and a trigger and, two, an end effector attachable to the shaft. The instrument can further include a firing member and a motor configured to move the firing member toward the distal end, wherein the trigger is configured to operate the motor. The surgical instrument system can further include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more error conditions, a plurality of indicators, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the indicators, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the indicators to indicate the error conditions detected. A surgical instrument can comprise a plurality of actuators and a plurality of actuator locks, wherein the controller can actuate one or more of the actuator locks to indicate the error condition detected.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC..
US20150053743A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053743, fig. 01

ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES

A surgical instrument system can comprise an end effector comprising, one, stored data regarding parameters of the end effector and, two, a stored checksum. The system can further comprise a surgical instrument which can comprise means for ascertaining the stored data and the stored checksum, calculating a calculated checksum using the stored data, and comparing the calculated checksum to the stored checksum, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to generate an error response if the calculated checksum does not match the stored checksum. An end effector can comprise a start bit, stored data regarding the end effector, and an end bit which can be transmitted to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can be configured to identify the start bit and the end bit and generate an error response if at least one of the start bit and the end bit are not identified.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC..
US20150053746A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053746, fig. 01

TORQUE OPTIMIZATION FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

A control system having speed management control. The control system can be in signal communication with a battery, and the battery can be coupled to a motor. The speed management control can include a pulse width modulation circuit, which can control the duration of pulses supplied from the battery to the motor. The motor can include a primary set of coils and a secondary set of coils. The control system can direct surplus current to the secondary set of coils to maximize the torque generated by the motor.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC..
US20150053748A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053748, fig. 01

SECONDARY BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

A power system, for powering a surgical instrument including an end effector and a motor configured to generate at least one motion to effectuate the end effector, includes a primary power source configured to supply a first power to operate the surgical instrument, wherein the primary power source is detachable from the surgical instrument, a secondary power source configured to supply a second power to operate the surgical instrument when the primary power source is detached from the surgical instrument, wherein the secondary power source is rechargeable, and wherein the primary power source is configured to charge the secondary power system, and a power management circuit configured to selectively transmit the first power from the primary power source and the secondary power from the secondary power source to operate the surgical instrument.

Published: 2015-02-26 Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC., Ethicon LLC.
US20150053741A1
Human necessities
Application 20150053741, fig. 01

Tamper proof circuit for surgical instrument battery pack

A surgical instrument includes a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing includes a motor configured to generate at least one motion to effectuate the end effector, and a power source configured to supply power to the surgical instrument, wherein the power source includes a casing, a data storage unit, and a deactivation mechanism configured to interrupt access to data stored in the data storage unit. In addition, the power source includes a battery pack and a deactivation mechanism configured to deactivate the battery pack if the casing is breached.