Patent Applications published on Jul 13, 2017

Explore the 5,967 U.S. Patent Applications published on the 28th week of 2017, including 4,527 applications that subsequently received a Patent Grant.

Featured patent applications from Jul 13, 2017

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Ethicon LLC.
US20170196562A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196562, fig. 01

Powered surgical instrument with parameter-based firing rate

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with a tissue grasped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member of the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a firing member to effect motion at the end effector, which is driven by a motor. Instructions stored in the memory of the surgical instrument cause the motor to driven the firing member at a firing rate that is a function of a measurement of the parameter. The parameter can, for example, include a thickness of the tissue grasped by the end effector.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Ethicon LLC.
US20170196637A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196637, fig. 01

Powered multi-axial articulable electrosurgical device with external dissection features

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a first jaw and a second jaw transitionable between open and closed configurations. The first jaw comprises a first grasping surface that forms a first electrode configured to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy and the second jaw comprises a second grasping surface that forms a second electrode configured to receive the RF energy. Each jaw comprises grasping features that are configured to cooperate with the opposing grasping features. The surgical instrument further includes a tissue adhering portion disposed on an exterior of the end effector. The end effector is attached to the shaft by an articulation joint comprising a multi-axial range of movement.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Ethicon LLC.
US20170196560A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196560, fig. 01

End effector detection and firing rate modulation systems for surgical instruments

A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument for use with a loading unit comprising an end effector, wherein the loading unit is releasably attachable to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a motor configured to drive a firing member and is configured to determine whether the loading unit includes a datum identifying the loading unit or is otherwise identifiable. If the loading unit is identifiable, then the motor of the surgical instrument fires a first firing rate. If the loading unit is not identifiable, then the motor of the surgical instrument fires at a second firing rate.

Published: 2017-07-13
US20170196558A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196558, fig. 01

ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED END EFFECTOR

The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Published: 2017-07-13
US20170196649A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196649, fig. 01

ERROR DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES

A surgical system comprising a surgical instrument for use with a loading unit, which comprises an end effector, that is releasably attachable the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is configured to establish a connection with the loading unit, authenticate the loading unit or determine if the signal from the loading unit is complete, and then perform a diagnostic check of the surgical system. The surgical instrument can be configured to establish a wired or wireless connection with the loading unit.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Ethicon LLC.
US20170196561A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196561, fig. 01

Powered surgical instrument including speed display

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to grasp tissue. The end effector comprises at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter corresponding to a thickness of the grasped tissue. The surgical instrument further includes a firing member movable during a firing stroke to cause a motion at the end effector and a motor configured to drive the firing member. A feedback indicator or display is configured to display the speed of the firing member according to one of a plurality of zones of speed, such as the relative speed of the firing member.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc..
US20170196648A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196648, fig. 01

Forceps with tissue stops

An instrument that includes forceps. The forceps include a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a gripping section, and the second jaw includes a gripping section. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw is electrically conductive, the second jaw is electrically conductive, or both the first jaw and the second jaw are electrically conductive. The first jaw includes a first tissue stop that is centered on a medial plane of the first jaw. The tissue stop extends from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The first tissue stop is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of the gripping section of the first jaw, a proximal end of the gripping section of the second jaw, or both.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: ETHICON, INC..
US20170196554A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196554, fig. 01

Intra dermal tissue fixation device

A device is disclosed for the securement of dermal tissues. The device provides approximation and eversion of the tissue as well as the placement of a fixation element that bridges a wound. The fixation element may be produced in several fixed or dynamic configurations that may or may not alter the ability to engage tissue in response to stresses placed upon the fixation member post-deployment. The delivery device inserts the fastener percutaneously through the epidermis into the sub-dermal position without entering the wound margins with any part of the approximation portion of the delivery device.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: Covidien LP.
US20170196556A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196556, fig. 01

Surgical fastener apparatus

A surgical fastener apparatus includes a handle, a flexible elongate segment and an end effector having a fastener cartridge with a plurality of fasteners and an anvil, an approximator member movable relative to the longitudinal axis to cause relative movement of the fastener cartridge and the anvil between an open condition and an approximated condition, a fastener drive to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge for crimping by the anvil, at least one tissue grasper at least partially extending along the end effector and movable to engage tissue and draw the tissue between the fastener cartridge and the anvil when in the open condition, and at least one manual actuator to actuate at least one of the approximator member, the fastener drive or the at least one tissue grasper.

Published: 2017-07-13 Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED.
US20170196631A1
Human necessities
Application 20170196631, fig. 01

Electrosurgical device

An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector has different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a drive handle mechanism. The drive handle mechanism includes an actuator, a drive shaft and a spring assembly for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft, which in turn controls the end effector. The drive handle mechanism limits the amount of force transferred from the drive handle mechanism to the end effector, preventing damage to the tissue. As the actuator is operated, the spring assembly transfers the movement of the actuator to the drive shaft and the end effector. At the same time, the spring assembly compresses to absorb some of the force applied. Such configuration prevents the tissue being unintentionally damaged by the end effector.