The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatus, devices and/or systems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an articulation joint for surgical apparatus, devices and/or systems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures.
During laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, access to a surgical site is achieved through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through a small entrance wound in a patient. Because of limited area to access the surgical site, many endoscopic surgical devices include mechanisms for articulating the tool assembly of the device. Typically, the articulating mechanism is controlled by an actuator which has to be manipulated by a surgeon to properly orient the tool assembly in relation to tissue to be treated.
Some endoscopic surgical devices utilize torque-transmitting flexible drive cables and the like to transmit rotation around an articulation joint of the endoscopic surgical device. In order to accommodate the articulation desired, relatively more flexible torque-transmitting cables are used. However, the more flexible a cable is, the more “wind-up” of the cable that takes place and the more loss of the torque transmission that occurs.
Accordingly, a need exists for endoscopic surgical devices which utilize torque-transmitting flexible drive cables capable of transmitting relatively more torque, with a decrease in the degree of loss of torque transmission while maintaining a degree of articulation of the endoscopic surgical device.
The present disclosure relates to electromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus, devices and/or systems configured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided and includes a handle assembly including a handle housing and a trigger operatively connected to the handle housing, and a drive mechanism actuatable by the trigger; and an endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly extending from the handle assembly. The endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly including a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion pivotably connected to one another at an articulation joint, each of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion defining a central longitudinal axis; a proximal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal tube portion, wherein the proximal inner shaft is relatively rigid, and wherein the proximal inner shaft is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism such that actuation of the trigger results in rotation of the proximal inner shaft; a distal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the distal tube portion, wherein the distal inner shaft is relatively rigid; and an intermediate drive cable mechanically interconnecting the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable is relatively flexible as compared to the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable extends from and between the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion, across the articulation joint, wherein the intermediate drive cable defines a central longitudinal axis and wherein the central longitudinal axis of the intermediate drive cable is off-set a radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion.
The endoscopic surgical device also including at least one fastener loaded in the distal tube portion, wherein the at least one fastener is acted upon by the distal inner shaft upon an actuation of the trigger.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided which comprises an endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly including a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion pivotably connected to one another at an articulation joint, each of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion defining a central longitudinal axis; a proximal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal tube portion, wherein the proximal inner shaft is relatively rigid, and wherein the proximal inner shaft is mechanically connected to a drive mechanism such that actuation of the drive mechanism results in rotation of the proximal inner shaft; a distal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the distal tube portion, wherein the distal inner shaft is relatively rigid; and an intermediate drive cable mechanically interconnecting the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable is relatively flexible as compared to the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable extends from and between the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion, across the articulation joint, wherein the intermediate drive cable defines a central longitudinal axis and wherein the central longitudinal axis of the intermediate drive cable is off-set a radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion.
The endoscopic surgical device also comprises at least one fastener loaded in the distal tube portion, wherein the at least one fastener is acted upon by the distal inner shaft upon an actuation of the drive mechanism.
The distal tube portion may be is articulatable between a non-articulated orientation and a plurality of articulated orientations relative to the proximal tube portion.
The central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the central longitudinal axis of the distal tube portion may define a central radius of curvature for each articulated orientation of the distal tube portion relative to the proximal tube portion. The central longitudinal axis of the intermediate drive cable may define a radius of curvature that is greater than the central radius of curvature for each articulated orientation of the distal tube portion relative to the proximal tube portion.
The central longitudinal axis of the intermediate drive cable may be off-set from the central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the central longitudinal axis of the distal tube portion in a direction away from a direction of articulation of the distal tube portion relative to the proximal tube portion.
The intermediate drive cable may have an outer diameter of about 0.08″ and wherein the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion may each have an outer diameter of about 0.22″.
A ratio of an outer diameter of the intermediate flexible drive cable to an outer diameter of either the proximal tube portion or the distal tube portion may be 2.8.
Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the appended figures.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Embodiments of the presently disclosed endoscopic surgical device is described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the endoscopic surgical device, that is farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the endoscopic surgical device that is closer to the user.
Non-limiting examples of endoscopic surgical devices which may include articulation joints according to the present disclosure include manual, mechanical and/or electromechanical surgical tack appliers, surgical clip appliers, surgical staplers, surgical stitching devices and the like.
Referring initially to
In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 may include a pivot or articulation joint 150 provided along a length thereof. As seen in
As seen in
Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0087240, filed on Oct. 20, 2010, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion and description of the operation and construction of aspects of handle assembly 110 and/or anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 of tack applier 100, and for a discussion and description of the construction of anchors 10.
As seen in
Inner shaft assembly 138 includes a relatively rigid proximal inner shaft 138a, a relatively rigid distal inner shaft 138b, and an intermediate flexible drive cable 138c interconnecting proximal inner shaft 138a and distal inner shaft 138b. Desirably, intermediate flexible drive cable 138c is non-rotatably connected to each of proximal inner shaft 138a and distal inner shaft 138b, and slidably coupled to at least one of proximal inner shaft 138a and distal inner shaft 138b to accommodate and/or account for variations in length of intermediate flexible drive cable 138c when intermediate flexible drive cable 138c is in a flexed condition. It is also desirable that the drive cable 138c is long enough that it extends proximally past the most proximal pivot of the articulation link. This reduces bending stresses on the interface between the drive cable 138c and the proximal inner shaft 138a.
Proximal inner shaft 138a extends into handle housing 112 and is acted upon by drive mechanism 116. A distal end portion of distal inner shaft 138b is slotted, defining a pair of tines 142a and a central channel 142b. The distal end portion of distal inner shaft 138b is configured to retain a plurality of anchors 10 within distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130.
In particular, anchors 10 are loaded into the distal end portion of distal inner shaft 138b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 such that a pair of opposing threaded sections (not shown) of each anchor 10 extend radially beyond a diameter of distal inner shaft 138b and are slidably disposed within a helical groove of a coil 136 (
As seen in
As seen in
In accordance with the present disclosure, an articulation actuation button 118 may be slidably supported on handle housing 112. In use, it is contemplated that articulation actuation button 118 has a distal-most portion wherein distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 is oriented at about 0° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”, and a proximal-most portion wherein distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 is oriented at about 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”.
Specifically, with articulation actuation button 118 in a distal-most portion, and with distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 oriented at about 0° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”, as articulation actuation button 118 is moved in a proximal direction, articulation actuation button 118 draws stiffener tube 134 is a proximal direction which draws articulation link 152 in a proximal direction, causing distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 to pivot about pivot pin 130c.
Additionally, with articulation actuation button 118 in a non-distal-most portion, and with distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 oriented at a non-0° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”, as articulation actuation button 118 is moved in a distal direction, articulation actuation button 118 pushes stiffener tube 134 is a distal direction which pushes articulation link 152 in a distal direction, causing distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 to pivot about pivot pin 130c toward an orientation of 0° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”.
In use, when distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 is actuated to an off-axis orientation, as will be discussed in greater detail below, distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 may be angled from between about 0° to about 90° relative to the central longitudinal axis “X”.
In accordance with the present disclosure, distal tube portion 130b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 is pivotable in a single direction relative to proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130.
In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that handle assembly 110 of tack applier 100 may rotatably support an articulation collar near a proximal end of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130. It is envisioned that the articulation collar may threadably engage with a threaded end or portion of stiffener tube 134 or some other articulation rod that is pivotably connected to articulation link 152. In this manner, as the articulation collar is rotated, the threads of the articulation collar act on the threads of stiffener tube 134 and cause the stiffener tube 134 to axially translate. As stiffener tube 134 axially translates, said axial translation is transmitted to articulation link 154 to effectuate articulation of distal tube portion 130b relative to proximal tube portion 130a, as described above.
In accordance with the present disclosure, as seen in
Intermediate flexible drive cable 138c defines a central longitudinal axis “X1” which is off-set a radial distance “r” from the central longitudinal axis “X” of proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130. The central longitudinal axis “X1” of intermediate flexible drive cable 138c is off-set from the central longitudinal axis “X” of proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 in a direction away from a direction of articulation of articulation joint 150, or in a direction away from articulation link 152.
As such, as seen in
In this manner, by providing for a larger radius of curvature “R1” for intermediate flexible drive cable 138c, it is contemplated, in accordance with the present disclosure, that an intermediate flexible drive cable 138c having a relatively larger diameter or constructed from a relatively stiffer material can be used, as compared to any comparable flexible drive cable that would be located along the central longitudinal axis “X” of proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130.
In so doing, relatively greater torsional forces, and more accurate rotation, can be transmitted along intermediate flexible drive cable 138c as compared to any comparable flexible drive cable that would be located along the central longitudinal axis “X” of proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130.
Intermediate flexible drive cable 138c may have an outer diameter of about 0.08″. Proximal tube portion 130a and distal tube portion 130b each have an outer diameter of about 0.22″. A ratio of the outer diameter of the intermediate flexible drive cable 138c to the outer diameter of either proximal tube portion 130a or distal tube portion 130b is about 2.8.
In accordance with the present disclosure, as seen in
Turning now to
Endoscopic surgical stapler 200 includes an endoscopic shaft assembly 210 having an articulation joint 250, and a flexible drive cable 238c, extending through articulation joint 250, to effectuate a closure and a firing of an end effector 300.
Flexible drive cable 238c is fabricated from a torsionally stiff and flexible material, such as, for example, stainless steel. Flexible drive cable 238c defines a central longitudinal axis “X1” off-set a radial distance “r” from a central longitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 210. Flexible drive cable 238c includes a proximal end that is coupled to a distal end of rotatable drive shaft 212. Flexible drive cable 238c includes a distal end that is coupled to a rotation nut, wherein rotation of flexible drive cable 238c results in corresponding rotation of the rotation nut.
The central longitudinal axis “X1” of intermediate flexible drive cable 138c is off-set from the central longitudinal axis “X” of proximal tube portion 130a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 130 in a direction away from a direction of articulation of articulation joint 150, or in a direction away from articulation link 152.
Articulation joint 250 includes an articulation link 240 having a proximal end 240a and a distal end 240b. Proximal end 240a of articulation link 240 is pivotally connected to a distal end of an articulation bar 278. A distal end 240b of articulation link 240 is pivotally connected to a distal neck housing 236 of an endoscopic shaft assembly 210, at a location offset a radial distance from the longitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 210.
Distal neck housing 236 is configured and adapted for selective connection with an end effector 300.
Shaft assembly 210 may include a reinforcing coil spring 244 surrounding flexible drive cable 238c. Reinforcing coil spring 244 functions to help keep flexible drive cable 238c from kinking during articulation of end effector 300. Reinforcing coil spring 244 also functions to help keep flexible drive cable 238c from failing due to unwinding and/or “pig tailing” during rotation thereof.
In operation, as flexible drive cable 238c is rotated, due to a rotation of first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, said rotation is transmitted, through flexible drive cable 238c, to the distal end of flexible drive cable 238c and on to the rotation nut. With end effector 300 coupled to distal neck housing 236 of shaft assembly 210, and specifically, with a drive screw of end effector 300 coupled thereto via a drive axle 326, said rotation results in actuation of end effector 300.
Also in operation, upon an axial translation of articulation bar 278, for example in a proximal direction, articulation bar 278 acts on articulation link 240 to cause articulation link 240 to translate in a proximal direction. As articulation link 240 is axially translated in a proximal direction, articulation link 240 acts on distal neck housing 236 to cause distal neck housing 236 to pivot about a pivot axis of pivot pin 234. As distal neck housing 236 is pivoted, distal neck housing 236 acts on end effector 300 to articulate end effector 300 relative to the longitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 210.
As such, as seen in
In this manner, by providing for a larger radius of curvature “R1” for flexible drive cable 238c, it is contemplated, in accordance with the present disclosure, that a flexible drive cable 238c having a relatively larger diameter or constructed from a relatively stiffer material can be used, as compared to any comparable flexible drive cable that would be located along the central longitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 210.
In so doing, relatively greater torsional forces, and more accurate rotation, can be transmitted along flexible drive cable 238c as compared to any comparable flexible drive cable that would be located along the central longitudinal axis “X” of shaft assembly 210.
Flexible drive cable 238c may have an outer diameter of about 0.08″.
Shaft assembly 210 has an outer diameter of about 0.22″. A ratio of the outer diameter of the flexible drive cable 238c to the outer diameter of shaft assembly 210 is about 2.8.
Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/799,379, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “Apparatus for Endoscopic Procedures”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,189, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of shaft assembly 210 and end effector 300.
Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/280,898, filed on Oct. 25, 2011, entitled “Apparatus for Endoscopic Procedures”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,462, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of end effector 300. End effector 300 may be configured and adapted to apply a plurality of linear rows of fasteners, which in embodiments may be of various sizes, and which, in certain embodiments may have various lengths or rows, e.g., about 30, 45 and 60 mm in length.
In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that handle assembly 100 may be replaced by an electromechanical control module configured and adapted to drive the flexible drive cables to fire or actuate the surgical device. The electromechanical control module may include at least one microprocessor, at least one drive motor controllable by the at least one microprocessor, and a source of power for energizing the at least one microprocessor and the at least one drive motor.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the length of the linear row of staples or fasteners may be modified to meet the requirements of a particular surgical procedure. Thus, the length of the linear row of staples and/or fasteners within a staple cartridge assembly may be varied accordingly. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/172,101, filed on Feb. 4, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/783,559, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3547103 | Cook | Dec 1970 | A |
3596528 | Dittrich et al. | Aug 1971 | A |
3847140 | Ayella | Nov 1974 | A |
3854473 | Matsuo | Dec 1974 | A |
3866510 | Eibes et al. | Feb 1975 | A |
4043323 | Komiya | Aug 1977 | A |
4215703 | Willson | Aug 1980 | A |
4350491 | Steuer | Sep 1982 | A |
4732163 | Bonello | Mar 1988 | A |
4884572 | Bays et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
4971033 | Ehlers | Nov 1990 | A |
5025778 | Silverstein | Jun 1991 | A |
5060660 | Gambale | Oct 1991 | A |
5085661 | Moss | Feb 1992 | A |
5092847 | Pozzo | Mar 1992 | A |
5108411 | McKenzie | Apr 1992 | A |
5125395 | Adair | Jun 1992 | A |
5171247 | Hughett et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5171249 | Stefanchik et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5176306 | Heimerl et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
5207697 | Carusillo et al. | May 1993 | A |
5228256 | Dreveny | Jul 1993 | A |
5236563 | Loh | Aug 1993 | A |
5246441 | Ross et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5246450 | Thornton et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5271543 | Grant et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5312023 | Green et al. | May 1994 | A |
5330487 | Thornton et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5344061 | Crainich | Sep 1994 | A |
5348017 | Thornton et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5356064 | Green et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5381943 | Allen et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5382254 | McGarry et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5398861 | Green | Mar 1995 | A |
5403327 | Thornton et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5419310 | Frassica | May 1995 | A |
5433721 | Hooven et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5439468 | Schulze et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5441499 | Fritzsch | Aug 1995 | A |
5466243 | Schmieding et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5467911 | Tsuruta et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5474566 | Alesi et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5474567 | Stefanchik et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
D368776 | Toy | Apr 1996 | S |
5522844 | Johnson | Jun 1996 | A |
5527319 | Green et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
5553765 | Knodel et al. | Sep 1996 | A |
5562685 | Mollenauer et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5564615 | Bishop et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5582615 | Foshee et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5582616 | Bolduc et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5584425 | Savage et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5588581 | Conlon et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5601571 | Moss | Feb 1997 | A |
5601573 | Fogelberg et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5618290 | Toy | Apr 1997 | A |
5626613 | Schmieding | May 1997 | A |
5628752 | Asnis et al. | May 1997 | A |
5649931 | Bryant et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5662662 | Bishop et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5681330 | Hughett et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5683401 | Schmieding et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5685474 | Seeber | Nov 1997 | A |
5697935 | Moran et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5709692 | Mollenauer et al. | Jan 1998 | A |
5728116 | Rosenman | Mar 1998 | A |
5730744 | Justin et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5732806 | Foshee et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5733245 | Kawano | Mar 1998 | A |
5735854 | Caron et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5741268 | Schutz | Apr 1998 | A |
5749889 | Bacich | May 1998 | A |
5752912 | Takahashi | May 1998 | A |
5762255 | Chrisman et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5772628 | Bacich | Jun 1998 | A |
5782844 | Yoon et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5810776 | Bacich | Sep 1998 | A |
5810882 | Bolduc et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5824008 | Bolduc et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5830221 | Stein et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5843087 | Jensen et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5897564 | Schulze et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5904693 | Dicesare et al. | May 1999 | A |
5910105 | Swain et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5911722 | Adler et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5928244 | Tovey et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5928252 | Steadman et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5931844 | Thompson et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5932035 | Koger et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5941439 | Kammerer et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5954259 | Viola et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5961524 | Crombie | Oct 1999 | A |
5964772 | Bolduc et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
5976160 | Crainich | Nov 1999 | A |
5997552 | Person et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6010513 | Tormala et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6013991 | Philipp | Jan 2000 | A |
6039753 | Meislin | Mar 2000 | A |
6074395 | Trott et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6099537 | Sugai et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6126670 | Walker et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6132435 | Young | Oct 2000 | A |
6146387 | Trott et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6183479 | Tormala et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6203494 | Moriyama | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6228098 | Kayan et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6235058 | Huene | May 2001 | B1 |
6241736 | Sater et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6261302 | Voegele et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6296656 | Bolduc et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6330964 | Kayan et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6387113 | Hawkins et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6402757 | Moore, III et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6419644 | White et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6425900 | Knodel et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6439446 | Perry et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6440136 | Gambale et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6450391 | Kayan et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6457625 | Tormala et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6551333 | Kuhns et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6562051 | Bolduc et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6572626 | Knodel et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6589249 | Sater et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
6592593 | Parodi et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6626916 | Yeung et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6632228 | Fortier et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6652538 | Kayan et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6663597 | Windheuser | Dec 2003 | B1 |
6663656 | Schmieding et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6666854 | Lange | Dec 2003 | B1 |
6695867 | Ginn et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
6733506 | McDevitt et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
6743240 | Smith et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6749621 | Pantages et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6755836 | Lewis | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6773438 | Knodel et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6800081 | Parodi | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6811552 | Weil, Sr. et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6824548 | Smith et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6837893 | Miller | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6840943 | Kennefick et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6843794 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6869416 | Windheuser | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6869435 | Blake, III | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6879854 | Windheuser | Apr 2005 | B2 |
6884248 | Bolduc et al. | Apr 2005 | B2 |
6887244 | Walker et al. | May 2005 | B1 |
6893446 | Sater et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
6905057 | Swayze et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6929661 | Bolduc et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6942674 | Belef et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6945979 | Kortenbach et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6960217 | Bolduc | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6966919 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6988650 | Schwemberger et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7000819 | Swayze et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7128754 | Bolduc | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7147657 | Chiang et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7179252 | Agro | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7204847 | Gambale | Apr 2007 | B1 |
7261716 | Strobel et al. | Aug 2007 | B2 |
7491232 | Bolduc et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
D587806 | Hahn | Mar 2009 | S |
7544198 | Parodi | Jun 2009 | B2 |
D597205 | Koch | Jul 2009 | S |
7591842 | Parodi | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7637932 | Bolduc et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7670362 | Zergiebel | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7758612 | Shipp | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7803107 | Carrillo | Sep 2010 | B2 |
7823267 | Bolduc | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7828838 | Bolduc et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7862573 | Darois et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
7867252 | Criscuolo et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
7905890 | Whitfield et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7931660 | Aranyi et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7959663 | Bolduc | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7959670 | Bolduc | Jun 2011 | B2 |
8002811 | Corradi et al. | Aug 2011 | B2 |
8034076 | Criscuolo et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8061577 | Racenet et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8062306 | Nobis et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8075570 | Bolduc et al. | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8083752 | Bolduc | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8087142 | Levin et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8092519 | Bolduc | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8114099 | Shipp | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8114101 | Criscuolo et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
8216272 | Shipp | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8231639 | Bolduc et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8282670 | Shipp | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8292933 | Zergiebel | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8323314 | Blier | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8328823 | Aranyi et al. | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8343041 | Byers | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8343176 | Criscuolo et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8343184 | Blier | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8372000 | Weisman | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8382778 | Criscuolo et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8388521 | Byers | Mar 2013 | B2 |
8414627 | Corradi et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8465520 | Blier | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8474679 | Felix | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8475453 | Marczyk et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8480570 | Tinkham | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8480629 | Crowley | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8579919 | Bolduc et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8579920 | Nering et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8597311 | Criscuolo et al. | Dec 2013 | B2 |
8685044 | Bolduc et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8690897 | Bolduc | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8728102 | Criscuolo et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8728120 | Blier | May 2014 | B2 |
8777969 | Kayan | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8821514 | Aranyi | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8821522 | Criscuolo et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8821557 | Corradi et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8852215 | Criscuolo et al. | Oct 2014 | B2 |
8899462 | Kostrzewski et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8920439 | Cardinale et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8926637 | Zergiebel | Jan 2015 | B2 |
8968311 | Allen, IV et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
9017345 | Taylor et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9023065 | Bolduc et al. | May 2015 | B2 |
9028495 | Mueller et al. | May 2015 | B2 |
9186138 | Corradi et al. | Nov 2015 | B2 |
9259221 | Zergiebel | Feb 2016 | B2 |
9282961 | Whitman et al. | Mar 2016 | B2 |
9332983 | Shipp | May 2016 | B2 |
9351728 | Sniffin et al. | May 2016 | B2 |
9351733 | Fischvogt | May 2016 | B2 |
9358004 | Sniffin et al. | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9358010 | Wenchell et al. | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9364274 | Zergiebel | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9402623 | Kayan | Aug 2016 | B2 |
9486218 | Criscuolo et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
9492189 | Williams et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
9526498 | Reed | Dec 2016 | B2 |
9655621 | Abuzaina et al. | May 2017 | B2 |
9662106 | Corradi et al. | May 2017 | B2 |
9668730 | Sniffin et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
9801633 | Sholev et al. | Oct 2017 | B2 |
9867620 | Fischvogt et al. | Jan 2018 | B2 |
9987010 | Zergiebel | Jun 2018 | B2 |
10070860 | Zergiebel | Sep 2018 | B2 |
20030009441 | Holsten et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030114839 | Looper et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20040092937 | Criscuolo et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
20040111089 | Stevens et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040127916 | Bolduc et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040181222 | Culbert et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040193217 | Lubbers et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040204723 | Kayan | Oct 2004 | A1 |
20040243139 | Lewis et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20060047302 | Ortiz | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060100629 | Lee | May 2006 | A1 |
20060129152 | Shipp | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060129154 | Shipp | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20070038220 | Shipp | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070088390 | Paz et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070128901 | Schmidt | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070162030 | Aranyi et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070221701 | Ortiz | Sep 2007 | A1 |
20080086154 | Taylor et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080097523 | Bolduc et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080147113 | Nobis et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080188868 | Weitzner et al. | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080243106 | Coe et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080281336 | Zergiebel | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20080308607 | Timm | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20080312687 | Blier | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20090112234 | Crainich et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090118776 | Kelsch et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090188965 | Levin et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090236388 | Cole | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20100030262 | McLean et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100094083 | Taylor et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100270354 | Rimer et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100292710 | Daniel et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100292713 | Cohn et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100292715 | Nering et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20110022065 | Shipp | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110042441 | Shelton, IV et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
20110060349 | Cheng et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110071578 | Colesanti et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110079627 | Cardinale et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087240 | Shipp | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110121049 | Malinouskas et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
20110204120 | Crainich | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110276057 | Conlon et al. | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20110295269 | Swensgard et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20110295282 | Glick et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20120022554 | Palk et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120059397 | Criscuolo et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120083770 | Paik et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
20120109157 | Criscuolo et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20130018392 | Zergiebel | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130098966 | Kostrzewski et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130110088 | Wenchell | May 2013 | A1 |
20130131700 | Criscuolo et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130197591 | Corradi et al. | Aug 2013 | A1 |
20140114329 | Zergiebel | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20140121684 | Criscuolo et al. | May 2014 | A1 |
20140200587 | Pompee et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140243855 | Sholev et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140276967 | Fischvogt et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140276969 | Wenchell et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140276972 | Abuzaina et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140316446 | Kayan | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20140371765 | Corradi et al. | Dec 2014 | A1 |
20150001272 | Sniffin et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150005748 | Sniffin et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150005788 | Sniffin et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150005789 | Sniffin et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150018847 | Criscuolo et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150032130 | Russo | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150080888 | Mueller | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150080911 | Reed | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150133970 | Ranucci et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150133971 | Ranucci et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150133972 | Ranucci et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150150558 | Zergiebel | Jun 2015 | A1 |
20150209043 | Taylor et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150327859 | Bolduc | Nov 2015 | A1 |
20160007991 | Bolduc | Jan 2016 | A1 |
20160007996 | Bolduc | Jan 2016 | A1 |
20160066971 | Corradi et al. | Mar 2016 | A1 |
20160074034 | Shipp | Mar 2016 | A1 |
20160135807 | Zergiebel | May 2016 | A1 |
20160166255 | Fischvogt | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160249912 | Fischvogt | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160270778 | Zergiebel | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160270835 | Reed | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160278766 | Wenchell et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160338694 | Kayan | Nov 2016 | A1 |
20160345967 | Sniftin et al. | Dec 2016 | A1 |
20170042657 | Criscuolo et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170128068 | Zhang et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
20170151048 | Russo | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170231631 | Abuzaina et al. | Aug 2017 | A1 |
20170265859 | Sniffin et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20180042591 | Russo et al. | Feb 2018 | A1 |
20180116670 | Fischvogt et al. | May 2018 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
10300787 | Sep 2004 | DE |
10 2010 015009 | Oct 2011 | DE |
0374088 | Jun 1990 | EP |
0834280 | Apr 1998 | EP |
1273272 | Jan 2003 | EP |
1990013 | Nov 2008 | EP |
2055241 | May 2009 | EP |
1908409 | Dec 2010 | EP |
2399538 | Dec 2011 | EP |
2484294 | Aug 2012 | EP |
2853202 | Apr 2015 | EP |
9149906 | Jun 1997 | JP |
0016701 | Mar 2000 | WO |
200234140 | May 2002 | WO |
2003034925 | May 2003 | WO |
2003103507 | Dec 2003 | WO |
2005004727 | Jan 2005 | WO |
2004112841 | Jul 2005 | WO |
2009039506 | Mar 2009 | WO |
2012064692 | May 2012 | WO |
2013046115 | Apr 2013 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Japanese Patent Appln. No. 2014-048652 dated Mar. 15, 2018. |
U.S. Appl. No. 13/799,379, filed Mar. 2013, Williams. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP No. 10 01 2659.8, completed Dec. 21, 2010 and dated Jan. 3, 2011; 3 pages. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP No. 10 01 2646.5, completed Feb. 11, 2011 and dated Feb. 22, 2011; 3 pages. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP No. 11 25 0549.0, completed Sep. 9, 2013 and dated Sep. 17, 2014; 9 pages. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 15 9394.7, completed Apr. 16, 2014 and dated Apr. 29, 2014; (8 pp). |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 15 8946.5, completed Jun. 20, 2014 and dated Jul. 8, 2014; (9 pp). |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 17 8107.0, completed Nov. 24, 2014 and dated Dec. 3, 2014; (5 pp). |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 17 4656.0, completed Jan. 16, 2015 and dated Jan. 26, 2015; (7 pp). |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 18 4907.5, completed Jan. 12, 2015 and dated Jan. 27, 2015; (9 pp). |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart application EP 14 19 7885.8 dated Apr. 30, 2015; 9pp. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart application EP 14 18 1900.3 dated Apr. 9, 2015; 7pp. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to Int'l Application No. EP 14 15 1663.3 dated Jun. 7, 2016. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CN 2014100975478 dated Mar. 22, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 14 81 7036.8 dated Feb. 2, 2017. |
European Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 14 19 7885.8 dated Feb. 7, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CN 201410090675 dated Feb. 28, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 19 8333.3 dated Mar. 15, 2017. |
European Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 14 15 16633 dated May 10, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 17 15 7259.7 dated May 10, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CN 2014103559671 dated Jun. 13, 2017. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to counterpart Intl Appln. No. AU 2014200071 dated Jun. 20, 2017. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. AU 2014201338 dated Jul. 10, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Chinese Patent Appln. No. 201480037169.2 dated Jun. 29, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Chinese Patent Appln. No. 201410418879.1 dated Jun. 29, 2017. |
European Office Action corresponding to European Patent Appln. No. 14 17 8107.0 dated Oct. 12, 2017. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to Australian Patent Appln. No. 2014200870 dated Oct. 26, 2017. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Chinese Patent Appln. No. 201410090675 dated Nov. 6, 2017. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Japanese Patent Appln. No. 2014-048652 dated Nov. 14, 2017. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Japanese Patent Appln. No. 2014-047708 dated Nov. 14, 2017. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Chinese Patent Appln. No. 2014103063407 dated Feb. 1, 2018. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to Australian Patent Appln. No. 2014202970 dated Mar. 9, 2018. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Chinese Patent Appln. No. 201480077682.4 dated Mar. 21, 2018. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to Australian Patent Appln. No. 2014202972 dated Mar. 27, 2018. |
European Office Action corresponding to Patent Application EP 14 15 8946.5 dated Apr. 26, 2018. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Patent Application JP 2014-132105 dated May 1, 2018. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Patent Application JP 2014-047708 dated May 14, 2018. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Patent Application CN 2014103559671 dated May 25, 2018. |
Australian Examination Report No. 1 corresponding to Patent Application AU 2014302551 dated Jul. 16, 2018. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Patent Application JP 2014-047708 dated Aug. 15, 2018. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180116670 A1 | May 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61783559 | Mar 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 14172101 | Feb 2014 | US |
Child | 15851791 | US |