Automated end effector component reloading system for use with a robotic system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10071452
  • Patent Number
    10,071,452
  • Date Filed
    Friday, May 30, 2014
    10 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 11, 2018
    5 years ago
Abstract
An automated reloading system for replacing a spent surgical end effector in a manipulatable robotic tool portion of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The automated reloading system comprises a drive assembly configured to generate rotary drive motions and a selectively movable support assembly defining a plurality of end effector reloading positions. Each reloading position being configured to support a new surgical end effector or a spent surgical end effector therein. The selectively movable support assembly being further configured to selectively serially move each reloading position into a driving position wherein the new surgical end effector or the spent surgical end effector therein is configured to selectively receive the rotary drive motions. The automated reloading system further comprises means for releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position during the application of the driving motion to the new surgical end effector or the spent surgical end effector.
Description
BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to surgical instruments, and more particularly to minimally invasive surgical instruments capable of recording various conditions of the instrument.


Endoscopic surgical instruments are often preferred over traditional open surgical devices because a smaller incision tends to reduce the post-operative recovery time and complications. Consequently, significant development has gone into a range of endoscopic surgical instruments that are suitable for precise placement of a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through a cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors engage the tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, staplers, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.).


Known surgical staplers include an end effector that simultaneously makes a longitudinal incision in tissue and applies lines of staples on opposing sides of the incision. The end effector includes a pair of cooperating jaw members that, if the instrument is intended for endoscopic or laparoscopic applications, are capable of passing through a cannula passageway. One of the jaw members receives a staple cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows of staples. The other jaw member defines an anvil having staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the cartridge. The instrument includes a plurality of reciprocating wedges which, when driven distally, pass through openings in the staple cartridge and engage drivers supporting the staples to effect the firing of the staples toward the anvil.


An example of a surgical stapler suitable for endoscopic applications is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER INSTRUMENT, which discloses an endocutter with distinct closing and firing actions. A clinician using this device is able to close the jaw members upon tissue to position the tissue prior to firing. Once the clinician has determined that the jaw members are properly gripping tissue, the clinician can then fire the surgical stapler with a single firing stroke, or multiple firing strokes, depending on the device. Firing the surgical stapler causes severing and stapling of the tissue. The simultaneous severing and stapling avoids complications that may arise when performing such actions sequentially with different surgical tools that respectively only sever and staple.


One specific advantage of being able to close upon tissue before firing is that the clinician is able to verify via an endoscope that the desired location for the cut has been achieved, including a sufficient amount of tissue has been captured between opposing jaws. Otherwise, opposing jaws may be drawn too close together, especially pinching at their distal ends, and thus not effectively forming closed staples in the severed tissue. At the other extreme, an excessive amount of clamped tissue may cause binding and an incomplete firing.


When endoscopic surgical instruments fail, they are often returned to the manufacturer, or other entity, for analysis of the failure. If the failure resulted in a critical class of defect in the instrument, it is necessary for the manufacturer to determine the cause of the failure and determine whether a design change is required. In that case, the manufacturer may spend many hundreds of man-hours analyzing a failed instrument and attempting to reconstruct the conditions under which it failed based only on the damage to the instrument. It can be expensive and very challenging to analyze instrument failures in this way. Also, many of these analyses simply conclude that the failure was due to improper use of the instrument.


SUMMARY

In various embodiments, an automated reloading system for replacing a spent surgical end effector in a manipulatable robotic tool portion of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The automated reloading system comprises a drive assembly configured to generate rotary drive motions. The automated reloading system further comprises a selectively movable support assembly defining a plurality of end effector reloading positions. Each reloading position being configured to support a new surgical end effector or a spent surgical end effector therein within a work envelope of the manipulatable robotic tool portion. The selectively movable support assembly being further configured to selectively serially move each reloading position into a driving position wherein the new surgical end effector or the spent surgical end effector therein is configured to selectively receive the rotary drive motions from the drive assembly. The automated reloading system further comprises means for releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position during the application of the driving motion to the new surgical end effector or the spent surgical end effector.


In various embodiments, a method for automatically replacing a spent end effector operably coupled to a manipulatable robotic tool portion of a robotic system with a new end effector is disclosed. The method comprises orienting an automated reloading system within a work envelope of the manipulatable robotic tool portion. The automated reloading system comprises a drive assembly configured to generate rotary drive motions. The automated reloading system further comprises a selectively movable support assembly defining a plurality of reloading positions. Each reloading position being configured to support a new end effector or a spent end effector therein. The selectively movable support assembly further configured to selectively serially move each reloading position into a driving position wherein the new end effector or the spent end effector therein is configured to selectively receive the rotary drive motions from the drive assembly. The automated reloading system further comprises means for releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position. The method further comprise supporting at least one new end effector in less than all of the reloading positions in the movable support assembly, moving the movable support assembly into a driving position wherein an empty one of the reloading positions is located adjacent the drive assembly, releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position, activating the robotic system to move the manipulatable robotic tool portion to locate the spent end effector in the empty one of the reloading positions in the driving position, actuating the drive assembly to apply a detachment drive motion to the spent end effector in the driving position to detach the spent end effector from a corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion, moving the movable support assembly into another driving position wherein one of the reloading positions supporting a new end effector therein is located adjacent the drive assembly, reactivating the robotic system to move the corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion into loading engagement with the new end effector supported in the another driving position, and actuating the drive assembly to apply an attachment drive motion to the new end effector to operably couple the new end effector to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion.





DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example in conjunction with the following figures, wherein



FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 3-5 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 6 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 10 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a proportional sensor that may be used according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a circuit used in the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 12-13 are side views of the handle according to other embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 14-22 illustrate different mechanisms for locking the closure trigger according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 23A-B show a universal joint (“u-joint”) that may be employed at the articulation point of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 24A-B shows a torsion cable that may be employed at the articulation point of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 25-31 illustrate a surgical cutting and fastening instrument with power assist according to another embodiment of the present invention;



FIGS. 32-36 illustrate a surgical cutting and fastening instrument with power assist according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;



FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a surgical cutting and fastening instrument with tactile feedback to embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the handle of a mechanically instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 43 illustrates an exploded view of the handle of the mechanically actuated instrument of FIG. 42;



FIG. 44 illustrates a block diagram of a recording system for recording various conditions of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 45-46 illustrate cut away side views of a handle of the instrument showing various sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 47 illustrates the end effector of the instrument showing various sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 48 illustrates a firing bar of the instrument including a sensor according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 49 illustrates a side view of the handle, end effector, and firing bar of the instrument showing a sensor according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view of the staple channel and portions of a staple cartridge of the instrument showing various sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 51 illustrates a top down view of the staple channel of the instrument showing various sensors according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 52A and 52B illustrate a flow chart showing a method for operating the instrument according to various embodiments;



FIG. 53 illustrates a memory chart showing exemplary recorded conditions of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 54 is a perspective view of one robotic controller embodiment;



FIG. 55 is a perspective view of one robotic surgical arm cart/manipulator of a robotic system operably supporting a plurality of surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 56 is a side view of the robotic surgical arm cart/manipulator depicted in FIG. 55;



FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an exemplary cart structure with positioning linkages for operably supporting robotic manipulators that may be used with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 59 is an exploded assembly view of an adapter and tool holder arrangement for attaching various surgical tool embodiments to a robotic system;



FIG. 60 is a side view of the adapter shown in FIG. 59;



FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIG. 59;



FIG. 62 is a top view of the adapter of FIGS. 59 and 60;



FIG. 63 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 58;



FIG. 64 is a partial exploded view of a portion of an articulatable surgical end effector embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 63 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 66 is a rear perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 63 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 63 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 68 is a partial exploded perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 67;



FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 63;



FIG. 70 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical tool depicted in FIG. 69;



FIG. 71 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool mounting portion of the surgical tool embodiment depicted in FIG. 63;



FIG. 72 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool mounting portion of FIG. 71;



FIG. 73 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool of FIG. 63;



FIG. 74 is a side view of a half portion of a closure nut embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 75 with the anvil in the open position and the closure clutch assembly in a neutral position;



FIG. 77 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly shown in FIG. 76 with the clutch assembly engaged in a closure position;



FIG. 78 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly shown in FIG. 76 with the clutch assembly engaged in a firing position;



FIG. 79 is a top view of a portion of a tool mounting portion embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 80 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 80 with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 82 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 80 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 83 is a perspective view of a closure drive nut and portion of a knife bar embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 84 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 85 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 85 with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 87 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 86 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting collar embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention showing the knife bar and distal end portion of the closure drive shaft;



FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting collar embodiment of FIG. 88;



FIG. 90 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 90A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a gear arrangement of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 90B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gear arrangement shown in FIG. 90A;



FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention employing a pressure sensor arrangement with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 92 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 91 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 93 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention in relation to a tool holder portion of a robotic system with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 94 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention in relation to a tool holder portion of a robotic system with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 95 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 96 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 97 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 98 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 99 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the end effector of FIG. 98;



FIG. 100 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the end effector of FIGS. 98 and 99;



FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 102 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 101;



FIG. 103 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of FIGS. 101 and 102 with the anvil thereof in the closed position;



FIG. 104 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIGS. 101-103;



FIG. 105 is a top view of a tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 106 is a perspective assembly view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 107 is a front perspective view of a disposable loading unit arrangement that may be employed with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 108 is a rear perspective view of the disposable loading unit of FIG. 107;



FIG. 109 is a bottom perspective view of the disposable loading unit of FIGS. 107 and 108;



FIG. 110 is a bottom perspective view of another disposable loading unit embodiment that may be employed with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 111 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting portion of a disposable loading unit depicted in FIGS. 107-109;



FIG. 112 is a perspective view of a portion of a disposable loading unit and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with the disposable loading unit in a first position;



FIG. 113 is another perspective view of a portion of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly of FIG. 112 with the disposable loading unit in a second position;



FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 112 and 113;



FIG. 115 is another cross-sectional view of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 112-114;



FIG. 116 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of another disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 117 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of another disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 118 is another partial exploded perspective view of the disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of FIG. 117;



FIG. 119 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 120 is a side view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section and in relation to a robotic tool holder of a robotic system;



FIG. 121 is an exploded assembly view of a surgical end effector embodiment that may be used in connection with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 122 is a side view of a portion of a cable-driven system for driving a cutting instrument employed in various surgical end effector embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 123 is a top view of the cable-driven system and cutting instrument of FIG. 122;



FIG. 124 is a top view of a cable drive transmission embodiment of the present invention in a closure position;



FIG. 125 is another top view of the cable drive transmission embodiment of FIG. 124 in a neutral position;



FIG. 126 is another top view of the cable drive transmission embodiment of FIGS. 124 and 125 in a firing position;



FIG. 127 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 124;



FIG. 128 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 125;



FIG. 129 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 126;



FIG. 130 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 131 is a side view of a portion of another cable-driven system embodiment for driving a cutting instrument employed in various surgical end effector embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 132 is a top view of the cable-driven system embodiment of FIG. 131;



FIG. 133 is a top view of a tool mounting portion embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 134 is a top cross-sectional view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 135 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 136 is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 103 taken along line 136-136 in FIG. 135;



FIG. 137 is a perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 135 and 136 with portions thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 138 is a side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 135-137;



FIG. 139 is a perspective view of a sled assembly embodiment of various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 140 is a cross-sectional view of the sled assembly embodiment of FIG. 139 and a portion of the elongated channel of FIG. 138;



FIGS. 141-146 diagrammatically depict the sequential firing of staples in a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 147 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 148 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 149 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 148 with a sled assembly axially advancing therethrough;



FIG. 150 is a perspective view of another sled assembly embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 151 is a partial top view of a portion of the surgical end effector embodiment depicted in FIGS. 148 and 149 with the sled assembly axially advancing therethrough;



FIG. 152 is another partial top view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 151 with the top surface of the surgical staple cartridge omitted for clarity;



FIG. 153 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a rotary driver embodiment and staple pusher embodiment of the surgical end effector depicted in FIGS. 148 and 149;



FIG. 154 is a perspective view of an automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention with a surgical end effector in extractive engagement with the extraction system thereof;



FIG. 155 is another perspective view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIG. 154;



FIG. 156 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 154 and 155;



FIG. 157 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 154-156 with the extraction system thereof removing a spent surgical staple cartridge from the surgical end effector;



FIG. 158 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 154-157 illustrating the loading of a new surgical staple cartridge into a surgical end effector;



FIG. 159 is a perspective view of another automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention with some components shown in cross-section;



FIG. 160 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the automated reloading system embodiment of FIG. 159;



FIG. 161 is another exploded perspective view of the portion of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIG. 160;



FIG. 162 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment of FIGS. 159-161;



FIG. 163 is a cross-sectional view of an orientation tube embodiment supporting a disposable loading unit therein;



FIG. 164 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 165 is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 166 is a perspective view of a closure tube embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 167 is a perspective view of the closure tube embodiment of FIG. 166 assembled on the articulation joint embodiment of FIG. 165;



FIG. 168 is a top view of a portion of a tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 169 is a perspective view of an articulation drive assembly embodiment employed in the tool mounting portion embodiment of FIG. 168;



FIG. 170 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention; and



FIG. 171 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on May 27, 2011 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,259, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,253;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,210, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED DISPOSABLE MOTOR DRIVEN LOADING UNIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0290855 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,194, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED ENDOSCOPIC ACCESSORY CHANNEL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0295242 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,253, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0295269 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,278, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0290851 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,190, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application No. US 2011/0288573 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,223, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SHAFT BASED ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0290854 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,272, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FORCE FEEDBACK CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0290856 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,246, entitled ROBOTICALLY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH E-BEAM DRIVER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0290853 A1;
    • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0298719 A1.


Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.


Uses of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment”, or the like, throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.



FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a surgical cutting and fastening instrument 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment is an endoscopic surgical instrument 10 and in general, the embodiments of the instrument 10 described herein are endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instruments. It should be noted, however, that according to other embodiments of the present invention, the instrument 10 may be a non-endoscopic surgical cutting instrument, such as a laparoscopic instrument.


The surgical instrument 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a handle 6, a shaft 8, and an articulating end effector 12 pivotally connected to the shaft 8 at an articulation pivot 14. An articulation control 16 may be provided adjacent to the handle 6 to effect rotation of the end effector 12 about the articulation pivot 14. It will be appreciated that various embodiments may include a non-pivoting end effector, and therefore may not have an articulation pivot 14 or articulation control 16. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the end effector 12 is configured to act as an endocutter for clamping, severing and stapling tissue, although, in other embodiments, different types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices, such as graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy devices, ultrasound, RF or laser devices, etc.


The handle 6 of the instrument 10 may include a closure trigger 18 and a firing trigger 20 for actuating the end effector 12. It will be appreciated that instruments having end effectors directed to different surgical tasks may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating the end effector 12. The end effector 12 is shown separated from the handle 6 by a preferably elongate shaft 8. In one embodiment, a clinician or operator of the instrument 10 may articulate the end effector 12 relative to the shaft 8 by utilizing the articulation control 16, as described in more detail in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/329,020, filed Jan. 10, 2006, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, which is incorporated herein by reference.


The end effector 12 includes in this example, among other things, a staple channel 22 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 24, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the end effector 12. The handle 6 includes a pistol grip 26 toward which a closure trigger 18 is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of the anvil 24 towards the staple channel 22 of the end effector 12 to thereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil 24 and channel 22. The firing trigger 20 is farther outboard of the closure trigger 18. Once the closure trigger 18 is locked in the closure position as further described below, the firing trigger 20 may rotate slightly toward the pistol grip 26 so that it can be reached by the operator using one hand. Then the operator may pivotally draw the firing trigger 20 toward the pistol grip 26 to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end effector 12. In other embodiments, different types of clamping members besides the anvil 24 could be used, such as, for example, an opposing jaw, etc.


It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping the handle 6 of an instrument 10. Thus, the end effector 12 is distal with respect to the more proximal handle 6. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.


The closure trigger 18 may be actuated first. Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 12, the clinician may draw back the closure trigger 18 to its fully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip 26. The firing trigger 20 may then be actuated. The firing trigger 20 returns to the open position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) when the clinician removes pressure, as described more fully below. A release button on the handle 6, when depressed may release the locked closure trigger 18. The release button may be implemented in various forms such as, for example, release button 30 shown in FIGS. 42-43, slide release button 160 shown in FIG. 14, and/or button 172 shown in FIG. 16.



FIGS. 3-6 show embodiments of a rotary-driven end effector 12 and shaft 8 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the end effector 12 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the end effector 12 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned channel 22 and anvil 24, a cutting instrument 32, a sled 33, a staple cartridge 34 that is removably seated in the channel 22, and a helical screw shaft 36. The cutting instrument 32 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 24 may be pivotably opened and closed at pivot pins 25 connected to the proximate end of the channel 22. The anvil 24 may also include a tab 27 at its proximate end that is inserted into a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 24. When the closure trigger 18 is actuated, that is, drawn in by a user of the instrument 10, the anvil 24 may pivot about the pivot pins 25 into the clamped or closed position. If clamping of the end effector 12 is satisfactory, the operator may actuate the firing trigger 20, which, as explained in more detail below, causes the knife 32 and sled 33 to travel longitudinally along the channel 22, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the end effector 12. The movement of the sled 33 along the channel 22 causes the staples (not shown) of the staple cartridge 34 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 24, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In various embodiments, the sled 33 may be an integral component of the cartridge 34. U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which is incorporated herein by reference, provides more details about such two-stroke cutting and fastening instruments. The sled 33 may be part of the cartridge 34, such that when the knife 32 retracts following the cutting operation, the sled 33 does not retract.


It should be noted that although the embodiments of the instrument 10 described herein employ an end effector 12 that staples the severed tissue, in other embodiments different techniques for fastening or sealing the severed tissue may be used. For example, end effectors that use RF energy or adhesives to fasten the severed tissue may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,680 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,270 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE WITH RECESSED AND/OR OFFSET ELECTRODES, which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose an endoscopic cutting instrument that uses RF energy to seal the severed tissue. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,811, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,783, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,383, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,557, which are also incorporated herein by reference, disclose cutting instruments that uses adhesives to fasten the severed tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein refers to cutting/stapling operations and the like below, it should be recognized that this is an exemplary embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. Other tissue fastening techniques may also be used.



FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded views and FIG. 6 is a side view of the end effector 12 and shaft 8 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 8 may include a proximate closure tube 40 and a distal closure tube 42 pivotably linked by a pivot link 44. The distal closure tube 42 includes an opening 45 into which the tab 27 on the anvil 24 is inserted in order to open and close the anvil 24, as further described below. Disposed inside the closure tubes 40, 42 may be a proximate spine tube 46. Disposed inside the proximate spine tube 46 may be a main rotational (or proximate) drive shaft 48 that communicates with a secondary (or distal) drive shaft 50 via a bevel gear assembly 52. The secondary drive shaft 50 is connected to a drive gear 54 that engages a proximate drive gear 56 of the helical screw shaft 36. The vertical bevel gear 52b may sit and pivot in an opening 57 in the distal end of the proximate spine tube 46. A distal spine tube 58 may be used to enclose the secondary drive shaft 50 and the drive gears 54, 56. Collectively, the main drive shaft 48, the secondary drive shaft 50, and the articulation assembly (e.g., the bevel gear assembly 52a-c) are sometimes referred to herein as the “main drive shaft assembly.”


A bearing 38, positioned at a distal end of the staple channel 22, receives the helical drive screw 36, allowing the helical drive screw 36 to freely rotate with respect to the channel 22. The helical screw shaft 36 may interface a threaded opening (not shown) of the knife 32 such that rotation of the shaft 36 causes the knife 32 to translate distally or proximately (depending on the direction of the rotation) through the staple channel 22. Accordingly, when the main drive shaft 48 is caused to rotate by actuation of the firing trigger 20 (as explained in more detail below), the bevel gear assembly 52a-c causes the secondary drive shaft 50 to rotate, which in turn, because of the engagement of the drive gears 54, 56, causes the helical screw shaft 36 to rotate, which causes the knife driving member 32 to travel longitudinally along the channel 22 to cut any tissue clamped within the end effector 12. The sled 33 may be made of, for example, plastic, and may have a sloped distal surface. As the sled 33 traverses the channel 22, the sloped forward surface may push up or drive the staples in the staple cartridge through the clamped tissue and against the anvil 24. The anvil 24 turns the staples, thereby stapling the severed tissue. When the knife 32 is retracted, the knife 32 and sled 33 may become disengaged, thereby leaving the sled 33 at the distal end of the channel 22.


As described above, because of the lack of user feedback for the cutting/stapling operation, there is a general lack of acceptance among physicians of motor-driven endocutters where the cutting/stapling operation is actuated by merely pressing a button. In contrast, embodiments of the present invention provide a motor-driven endocutter with user-feedback of the deployment, force and/or position of the cutting instrument 32 in end effector 12.



FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a motor-driven endocutter, and in particular the handle thereof, that provides user-feedback regarding the deployment and loading force of the cutting instrument 32 in the end effector 12. In addition, the embodiment may use power provided by the user in retracting the firing trigger 20 to power the device (a so-called “power assist” mode). The embodiment may be used with the rotary driven end effector 12 and shaft 8 embodiments described above. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 6 includes exterior lower side pieces 59, 60 and exterior upper side pieces 61, 62 that fit together to form, in general, the exterior of the handle 6. A battery 64, such as a Li ion battery, may be provided in the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6. The battery 64 powers a motor 65 disposed in an upper portion of the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6. According to various embodiments, the motor 65 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 5000 RPM. The motor 65 may drive a 90° bevel gear assembly 66 comprising a first bevel gear 68 and a second bevel gear 70. The bevel gear assembly 66 may drive a planetary gear assembly 72. The planetary gear assembly 72 may include a pinion gear 74 connected to a drive shaft 76. The pinion gear 74 may drive a mating ring gear 78 that drives a helical gear drum 80 via a drive shaft 82. A ring 84 may be threaded on the helical gear drum 80. Thus, when the motor 65 rotates, the ring 84 is caused to travel along the helical gear drum 80 by means of the interposed bevel gear assembly 66, planetary gear assembly 72 and ring gear 78.


The handle 6 may also include a run motor sensor 110 (see FIG. 10) in communication with the firing trigger 20 to detect when the firing trigger 20 has been drawn in (or “closed”) toward the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 by the operator to thereby actuate the cutting/stapling operation by the end effector 12. The sensor 110 may be a proportional sensor such as, for example, a rheostat or variable resistor. When the firing trigger 20 is drawn in, the sensor 110 detects the movement, and sends an electrical signal indicative of the voltage (or power) to be supplied to the motor 65. When the sensor 110 is a variable resistor or the like, the rotation of the motor 65 may be generally proportional to the amount of movement of the firing trigger 20. That is, if the operator only draws or closes the firing trigger 20 in a little bit, the rotation of the motor 65 is relatively low. When the firing trigger 20 is fully drawn in (or in the fully closed position), the rotation of the motor 65 is at its maximum. In other words, the harder the user pulls on the firing trigger 20, the more voltage is applied to the motor 65, causing greater rates of rotation.


The handle 6 may include a middle handle piece 104 adjacent to the upper portion of the firing trigger 20. The handle 6 also may comprise a bias spring 112 connected between posts on the middle handle piece 104 and the firing trigger 20. The bias spring 112 may bias the firing trigger 20 to its fully open position. In that way, when the operator releases the firing trigger 20, the bias spring 112 will pull the firing trigger 20 to its open position, thereby removing actuation of the sensor 110, thereby stopping rotation of the motor 65. Moreover, by virtue of the bias spring 112, any time a user closes the firing trigger 20, the user will experience resistance to the closing operation, thereby providing the user with feedback as to the amount of rotation exerted by the motor 65. Further, the operator could stop retracting the firing trigger 20 to thereby remove force from the sensor 100, to thereby stop the motor 65. As such, the user may stop the deployment of the end effector 12, thereby providing a measure of control of the cutting/fastening operation to the operator.


The distal end of the helical gear drum 80 includes a distal drive shaft 120 that drives a ring gear 122, which mates with a pinion gear 124. The pinion gear 124 is connected to the main drive shaft 48 of the main drive shaft assembly. In that way, rotation of the motor 65 causes the main drive shaft assembly to rotate, which causes actuation of the end effector 12, as described above.


The ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 may include a post 86 that is disposed within a slot 88 of a slotted arm 90. The slotted arm 90 has an opening 92 its opposite end 94 that receives a pivot pin 96 that is connected between the handle exterior side pieces 59, 60. The pivot pin 96 is also disposed through an opening 100 in the firing trigger 20 and an opening 102 in the middle handle piece 104.


In addition, the handle 6 may include a reverse motor sensor (or end-of-stroke sensor) 130 and a stop motor (or beginning-of-stroke) sensor 142. In various embodiments, the reverse motor sensor 130 may be a limit switch located at the distal end of the helical gear drum 80 such that the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 contacts and trips the reverse motor sensor 130 when the ring 84 reaches the distal end of the helical gear drum 80. The reverse motor sensor 130, when activated, sends a signal to the motor 65 to reverse its rotation direction, thereby withdrawing the knife 32 of the end effector 12 following the cutting operation.


The stop motor sensor 142 may be, for example, a normally-closed limit switch. In various embodiments, it may be located at the proximate end of the helical gear drum 80 so that the ring 84 trips the switch 142 when the ring 84 reaches the proximate end of the helical gear drum 80.


In operation, when an operator of the instrument 10 pulls back the firing trigger 20, the sensor 110 detects the deployment of the firing trigger 20 and sends a signal to the motor 65 to cause forward rotation of the motor 65, for example, at a rate proportional to how hard the operator pulls back the firing trigger 20. The forward rotation of the motor 65 in turn causes the ring gear 78 at the distal end of the planetary gear assembly 72 to rotate, thereby causing the helical gear drum 80 to rotate, causing the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 to travel distally along the helical gear drum 80. The rotation of the helical gear drum 80 also drives the main drive shaft assembly as described above, which in turn causes deployment of the knife 32 in the end effector 12. That is, the knife 32 and sled 33 are caused to traverse the channel 22 longitudinally, thereby cutting tissue clamped in the end effector 12. Also, the stapling operation of the end effector 12 is caused to happen in embodiments where a stapling-type end effector 12 is used.


By the time the cutting/stapling operation of the end effector 12 is complete, the ring 84 on the helical gear drum 80 will have reached the distal end of the helical gear drum 80, thereby causing the reverse motor sensor 130 to be tripped, which sends a signal to the motor 65 to cause the motor 65 to reverse its rotation. This in turn causes the knife 32 to retract, and also causes the ring 84 on the helical gear drum 80 to move back to the proximate end of the helical gear drum 80.


The middle handle piece 104 includes a backside shoulder 106 that engages the slotted arm 90 as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The middle handle piece 104 also has a forward motion stop 107 that engages the firing trigger 20. The movement of the slotted arm 90 is controlled, as explained above, by rotation of the motor 65. When the slotted arm 90 rotates counter clockwise as the ring 84 travels from the proximate end of the helical gear drum 80 to the distal end, the middle handle piece 104 will be free to rotate counter clockwise. Thus, as the user draws in the firing trigger 20, the firing trigger 20 will engage the forward motion stop 107 of the middle handle piece 104, causing the middle handle piece 104 to rotate counter clockwise. Due to the backside shoulder 106 engaging the slotted arm 90, however, the middle handle piece 104 will only be able to rotate counter clockwise as far as the slotted arm 90 permits. In that way, if the motor 65 should stop rotating for some reason, the slotted arm 90 will stop rotating, and the user will not be able to further draw in the firing trigger 20 because the middle handle piece 104 will not be free to rotate counter clockwise due to the slotted arm 90.



FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate two states of a variable sensor that may be used as the run motor sensor 110 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The sensor 110 may include a face portion 280, a first electrode (A) 282, a second electrode (B) 284, and a compressible dielectric material 286 between the electrodes 282, 284, such as, for example, an electroactive polymer (EAP). The sensor 110 may be positioned such that the face portion 280 contacts the firing trigger 20 when retracted. Accordingly, when the firing trigger 20 is retracted, the dielectric material 286 is compressed, as shown in FIG. 10B, such that the electrodes 282, 284 are closer together. Since the distance “b” between the electrodes 282, 284 is directly related to the impedance between the electrodes 282, 284, the greater the distance the more impedance, and the closer the distance the less impedance. In that way, the amount that the dielectric 286 is compressed due to retraction of the firing trigger 20 (denoted as force “F” in FIG. 42) is proportional to the impedance between the electrodes 282, 284, which can be used to proportionally control the motor 65.


Components of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) the anvil 24 of the end effector 12 by retracting the closure trigger 18 are also shown in FIGS. 7-10. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system includes a yoke 250 connected to the closure trigger 18 by a pivot pin 251 inserted through aligned openings in both the closure trigger 18 and the yoke 250. A pivot pin 252, about which the closure trigger 18 pivots, is inserted through another opening in the closure trigger 18 which is offset from where the pin 251 is inserted through the closure trigger 18. Thus, retraction of the closure trigger 18 causes the upper part of the closure trigger 18, to which the yoke 250 is attached via the pin 251, to rotate counterclockwise. The distal end of the yoke 250 is connected, via a pin 254, to a first closure bracket 256. The first closure bracket 256 connects to a second closure bracket 258. Collectively, the closure brackets 256, 258 define an opening in which the proximate end of the proximate closure tube 40 (see FIG. 4) is seated and held such that longitudinal movement of the closure brackets 256, 258 causes longitudinal motion by the proximate closure tube 40. The instrument 10 also includes a closure rod 260 disposed inside the proximate closure tube 40. The closure rod 260 may include a window 261 into which a post 263 on one of the handle exterior pieces, such as exterior lower side piece 59 in the illustrated embodiment, is disposed to fixedly connect the closure rod 260 to the handle 6. In that way, the proximate closure tube 40 is capable of moving longitudinally relative to the closure rod 260. The closure rod 260 may also include a distal collar 267 that fits into a cavity 269 in proximate spine tube 46 and is retained therein by a cap 271 (see FIG. 4).


In operation, when the yoke 250 rotates due to retraction of the closure trigger 18, the closure brackets 256, 258 cause the proximate closure tube 40 to move distally (i.e., away from the handle end of the instrument 10), which causes the distal closure tube 42 to move distally, which causes the anvil 24 to rotate about the pivot pins 25 into the clamped or closed position. When the closure trigger 18 is unlocked from the locked position, the proximate closure tube 40 is caused to slide proximately, which causes the distal closure tube 42 to slide proximately, which, by virtue of the tab 27 being inserted in the window 45 of the distal closure tube 42, causes the anvil 24 to pivot about the pivot pins 25 into the open or unclamped position. In that way, by retracting and locking the closure trigger 18, an operator may clamp tissue between the anvil 24 and channel 22, and may unclamp the tissue following the cutting/stapling operation by unlocking the closure trigger 20 from the locked position.



FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit of the instrument 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. When an operator initially pulls in the firing trigger 20 after locking the closure trigger 18, the sensor 110 is activated, allowing current to flow there through. If the normally-open reverse motor sensor switch 130 is open (meaning the end of the end effector stroke has not been reached), current will flow to a single pole, double throw relay 132. Since the reverse motor sensor switch 130 is not closed, the inductor 134 of the relay 132 will not be energized, so the relay 132 will be in its non-energized state. The circuit also includes a cartridge lockout sensor 136. If the end effector 12 includes a staple cartridge 34, the sensor 136 will be in the closed state, allowing current to flow. Otherwise, if the end effector 12 does not include a staple cartridge 34, the sensor 136 will be open, thereby preventing the battery 64 from powering the motor 65.


When the staple cartridge 34 is present, the sensor 136 is closed, which energizes a single pole, single throw relay 138. When the relay 138 is energized, current flows through the relay 136, through the variable resistor sensor 110, and to the motor 65 via a double pole, double throw relay 140, thereby powering the motor 65 and allowing it to rotate in the forward direction.


When the end effector 12 reaches the end of its stroke, the reverse motor sensor 130 will be activated, thereby closing the switch 130 and energizing the relay 134. This causes the relay 134 to assume its energized state (not shown in FIG. 13), which causes current to bypass the cartridge lockout sensor 136 and variable resistor 110, and instead causes current to flow to both the normally-closed double pole, double throw relay 142 and back to the motor 65, but in a manner, via the relay 140, that causes the motor 65 to reverse its rotational direction.


Because the stop motor sensor switch 142 is normally-closed, current will flow back to the relay 134 to keep it closed until the switch 142 opens. When the knife 32 is fully retracted, the stop motor sensor switch 142 is activated, causing the switch 142 to open, thereby removing power from the motor 65.


In other embodiments, rather than a proportional-type sensor 110, an on-off type sensor could be used. In such embodiments, the rate of rotation of the motor 65 would not be proportional to the force applied by the operator. Rather, the motor 65 would generally rotate at a constant rate. But the operator would still experience force feedback because the firing trigger 20 is geared into the gear drive train.



FIG. 12 is a side-view of the handle 6 of a power-assist motorized endocutter according to another embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIGS. 7-10 except that in the embodiment of FIG. 12, there is no slotted arm connected to the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80. Instead, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the ring 84 includes a sensor portion 114 that moves with the ring 84 as the ring 84 advances down (and back) on the helical gear drum 80. The sensor portion 114 includes a notch 116. The reverse motor sensor 130 may be located at the distal end of the notch 116 and the stop motor sensor 142 may be located at the proximate end of the notch 116. As the ring 84 moves down the helical gear drum 80 (and back), the sensor portion 114 moves with it. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the middle piece 104 may have an arm 118 that extends into the notch 12.


In operation, as an operator of the instrument 10 retracts in the firing trigger 20 toward the pistol grip 26, the run motor sensor 110 detects the motion and sends a signal to power the motor 65, which causes, among other things, the helical gear drum 80 to rotate. As the helical gear drum 80 rotates, the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 advances (or retracts, depending on the rotation). Also, due to the pulling in of the firing trigger 20, the middle piece 104 is caused to rotate counter clockwise with the firing trigger 20 due to the forward motion stop 107 that engages the firing trigger 20. The counter clockwise rotation of the middle piece 104 cause the arm 118 to rotate counter clockwise with the sensor portion 114 of the ring 84 such that the arm 118 stays disposed in the notch 116. When the ring 84 reaches the distal end of the helical gear drum 80, the arm 118 will contact and thereby trip the reverse motor sensor 130. Similarly, when the ring 84 reaches the proximate end of the helical gear drum 80, the arm will contact and thereby trip the stop motor sensor 142. Such actions may reverse and stop the motor 65, respectively as described above.



FIG. 13 is a side-view of the handle 6 of a power-assist motorized endocutter according to another embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 13 is similar to that of FIGS. 7-10 except that in the embodiment of FIG. 13, there is no slot in the arm 90. Instead, the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 includes a vertical channel 126. Instead of a slot, the arm 90 includes a post 128 that is disposed in the channel 126. As the helical gear drum 80 rotates, the ring 84 threaded on the helical gear drum 80 advances (or retracts, depending on the rotation). The arm 90 rotates counter clockwise as the ring 84 advances due to the post 128 being disposed in the channel 126, as shown in FIG. 13.


As mentioned above, in using a two-stroke motorized instrument, the operator first pulls back and locks the closure trigger 18. FIGS. 14 and 15 show one embodiment of a way to lock the closure trigger 18 to the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the pistol grip portion 26 includes a hook 150 that is biased to rotate counter clockwise about a pivot point 151 by a torsion spring 152. Also, the closure trigger 18 includes a closure bar 154. As the operator draws in the closure trigger 18, the closure bar 154 engages a sloped portion 156 of the hook 150, thereby rotating the hook 150 upward (or clockwise in FIGS. 14-15) until the closure bar 154 completely passes the sloped portion 156 passes into a recessed notch 158 of the hook 150, which locks the closure trigger 18 in place. The operator may release the closure trigger 18 by pushing down on a slide button release 160 on the back or opposite side of the pistol grip portion 26. Pushing down the slide button release 160 rotates the hook 150 clockwise such that the closure bar 154 is released from the recessed notch 158.



FIG. 16 shows another closure trigger locking mechanism according to various embodiments. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the closure trigger 18 includes a wedge 160 having an arrow-head portion 161. The arrow-head portion 161 is biased downward (or clockwise) by a leaf spring 162. The wedge 160 and leaf spring 162 may be made from, for example, molded plastic. When the closure trigger 18 is retracted, the arrow-head portion 161 is inserted through an opening 164 in the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6. A lower chamfered surface 166 of the arrow-head portion 161 engages a lower sidewall 168 of the opening 164, forcing the arrow-head portion 161 to rotate counter clockwise. Eventually the lower chamfered surface 166 fully passes the lower sidewall 168, removing the counter clockwise force on the arrow-head portion 161, causing the lower sidewall 168 to slip into a locked position in a notch 170 behind the arrow-head portion 161.


To unlock the closure trigger 18, a user presses down on a button 172 on the opposite side of the closure trigger 18, causing the arrow-head portion 161 to rotate counter clockwise and allowing the arrow-head portion 161 to slide out of the opening 164.



FIGS. 17-22 show a closure trigger locking mechanism according to another embodiment. As shown in this embodiment, the closure trigger 18 includes a flexible longitudinal arm 176 that includes a lateral pin 178 extending therefrom. The arm 176 and pin 178 may be made from molded plastic, for example. The pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 includes an opening 180 with a laterally extending wedge 182 disposed therein. When the closure trigger 18 is retracted, the pin 178 engages the wedge 182, and the pin 178 is forced downward (i.e., the arm 176 is rotated clockwise) by the lower surface 184 of the wedge 182, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. When the pin 178 fully passes the lower surface 184, the clockwise force on the arm 176 is removed, and the pin 178 is rotated counter clockwise such that the pin 178 comes to rest in a notch 186 behind the wedge 182, as shown in FIG. 19, thereby locking the closure trigger 18. The pin 178 is further held in place in the locked position by a flexible stop 188 extending from the wedge 184.


To unlock the closure trigger 18, the operator may further squeeze the closure trigger 18, causing the pin 178 to engage a sloped backwall 190 of the opening 180, forcing the pin 178 upward past the flexible stop 188, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The pin 178 is then free to travel out an upper channel 192 in the opening 180 such that the closure trigger 18 is no longer locked to the pistol grip portion 26, as shown in FIG. 22.



FIGS. 23A-B show a universal joint (“u-joint”) 195. The second piece 195-2 of the u-joint 195 rotates in a horizontal plane in which the first piece 195-1 lies. FIG. 23A shows the u-joint 195 in a linear (180°) orientation and FIG. 23B shows the u-joint 195 at approximately a 150° orientation. The u-joint 195 may be used instead of the bevel gears 52a-c (see FIG. 4, for example) at the articulation point 14 of the main drive shaft assembly to articulate the end effector 12. FIGS. 24A-B show a torsion cable 197 that may be used in lieu of both the bevel gears 52a-c and the u-joint 195 to realize articulation of the end effector 12.



FIGS. 25-31 illustrate another embodiment of a motorized, two-stroke surgical cutting and fastening instrument 10 with power assist according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGS. 25-31 is similar to that of FIGS. 6-10 except that instead of the helical gear drum 80, the embodiment of FIGS. 23-28 includes an alternative gear drive assembly. The embodiment of FIGS. 25-31 includes a gear box assembly 200 including a number of gears disposed in a frame 201, wherein the gears are connected between the planetary gear 72 and the pinion gear 124 at the proximate end of the drive shaft 48. As explained further below, the gear box assembly 200 provides feedback to the user via the firing trigger 20 regarding the deployment and loading force of the end effector 12. Also, the user may provide power to the system via the gear box assembly 200 to assist the deployment of the end effector 12. In that sense, like the embodiments described above, the embodiment of FIGS. 23-32 is another power assist motorized instrument 10 that provides feedback to the user regarding the loading force experienced by the instrument.


In the illustrated embodiment, the firing trigger 20 includes two pieces: a main body portion 202 and a stiffening portion 204. The main body portion 202 may be made of plastic, for example, and the stiffening portion 204 may be made out of a more rigid material, such as metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening portion 204 is adjacent to the main body portion 202, but according to other embodiments, the stiffening portion 204 could be disposed inside the main body portion 202. A pivot pin 207 may be inserted through openings in the firing trigger pieces 202, 204 and may be the point about which the firing trigger 20 rotates. In addition, a spring 222 may bias the firing trigger 20 to rotate in a counter clockwise direction. The spring 222 may have a distal end connected to a pin 224 that is connected to the pieces 202, 204 of the firing trigger 20. The proximate end of the spring 222 may be connected to one of the handle exterior lower side pieces 59, 60.


In the illustrated embodiment, both the main body portion 202 and the stiffening portion 204 includes gear portions 206, 208 (respectively) at their upper end portions. The gear portions 206, 208 engage a gear in the gear box assembly 200, as explained below, to drive the main drive shaft assembly and to provide feedback to the user regarding the deployment of the end effector 12.


The gear box assembly 200 may include as shown, in the illustrated embodiment, six (6) gears. A first gear 210 of the gear box assembly 200 engages the gear portions 206, 208 of the firing trigger 20. In addition, the first gear 210 engages a smaller second gear 212, the smaller second gear 212 being coaxial with a large third gear 214. The third gear 214 engages a smaller fourth gear 216, the smaller fourth gear being coaxial with a fifth gear 218. The fifth gear 218 is a 90° bevel gear that engages a mating 90° bevel gear 220 (best shown in FIG. 31) that is connected to the pinion gear 124 that drives the main drive shaft 48.


In operation, when the user retracts the firing trigger 20, a run motor sensor (not shown) is activated, which may provide a signal to the motor 65 to rotate at a rate proportional to the extent or force with which the operator is retracting the firing trigger 20. This causes the motor 65 to rotate at a speed proportional to the signal from the sensor. The sensor is not shown for this embodiment, but it could be similar to the run motor sensor 110 described above. The sensor could be located in the handle 6 such that it is depressed when the firing trigger 20 is retracted. Also, instead of a proportional-type sensor, an on/off type sensor may be used.


Rotation of the motor 65 causes the bevel gears 68, 70 to rotate, which causes the planetary gear 72 to rotate, which causes, via the drive shaft 76, the ring gear 122 to rotate. The ring gear 122 meshes with the pinion gear 124, which is connected to the main drive shaft 48. Thus, rotation of the pinion gear 124 drives the main drive shaft 48, which causes actuation of the cutting/stapling operation of the end effector 12.


Forward rotation of the pinion gear 124 in turn causes the bevel gear 220 to rotate, which causes, by way of the rest of the gears of the gear box assembly 200, the first gear 210 to rotate. The first gear 210 engages the gear portions 206, 208 of the firing trigger 20, thereby causing the firing trigger 20 to rotate counter clockwise when the motor 65 provides forward drive for the end effector 12 (and to rotate counter clockwise when the motor 65 rotates in reverse to retract the end effector 12). In that way, the user experiences feedback regarding loading force and deployment of the end effector 12 by way of the user's grip on the firing trigger 20. Thus, when the user retracts the firing trigger 20, the operator will experience a resistance related to the load force experienced by the end effector 12. Similarly, when the operator releases the firing trigger 20 after the cutting/stapling operation so that it can return to its original position, the user will experience a clockwise rotation force from the firing trigger 20 that is generally proportional to the reverse speed of the motor 65.


It should also be noted that in this embodiment the user can apply force (either in lieu of or in addition to the force from the motor 65) to actuate the main drive shaft assembly (and hence the cutting/stapling operation of the end effector 12) through retracting the firing trigger 20. That is, retracting the firing trigger 20 causes the gear portions 206, 208 to rotate counter clockwise, which causes the gears of the gear box assembly 200 to rotate, thereby causing the pinion gear 124 to rotate, which causes the main drive shaft 48 to rotate.


Although not shown in FIGS. 25-31, the instrument 10 may further include reverse motor and stop motor sensors. As described above, the reverse motor and stop motor sensors may detect, respectively, the end of the cutting stroke (full deployment of the knife 32) and the end of retraction operation (full retraction of the knife 32). A similar circuit to that described above in connection with FIG. 11 may be used to appropriately power the motor 65.



FIGS. 32-36 illustrate a two-stroke, motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument 10 with power assist according to another embodiment. The embodiment of FIGS. 32-36 is similar to that of FIGS. 25-31 except that in the embodiment of FIGS. 32-36, the firing trigger 20 includes a lower portion 228 and an upper portion 230. Both portions 228, 230 are connected to and pivot about a pivot pin 207 that is disposed through each portion 228, 230. The upper portion 230 includes a gear portion 232 that engages the first gear 210 of the gear box assembly 200. The spring 222 is connected to the upper portion 230 such that the upper portion is biased to rotate in the clockwise direction. The upper portion 230 may also include a lower arm 234 that contacts an upper surface of the lower portion 228 of the firing trigger 20 such that when the upper portion 230 is caused to rotate clockwise the lower portion 228 also rotates clockwise, and when the lower portion 228 rotates counter clockwise the upper portion 230 also rotates counter clockwise. Similarly, the lower portion 228 includes a rotational stop 238 that engages a shoulder of the upper portion 230. In that way, when the upper portion 230 is caused to rotate counter clockwise the lower portion 228 also rotates counter clockwise, and when the lower portion 228 rotates clockwise the upper portion 230 also rotates clockwise.


The illustrated embodiment also includes the run motor sensor 110 that communicates a signal to the motor 65 that, in various embodiments, may cause the motor 65 to rotate at a speed proportional to the force applied by the operator when retracting the firing trigger 20. The sensor 110 may be, for example, a rheostat or some other variable resistance sensor, as explained herein. In addition, the instrument 10 may include reverse motor sensor 130 that is tripped or switched when contacted by a front face 242 of the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20. When activated, the reverse motor sensor 130 sends a signal to the motor 65 to reverse direction. Also, the instrument 10 may include a stop motor sensor 142 that is tripped or actuated when contacted by the lower portion 228 of the firing trigger 20. When activated, the stop motor sensor 142 sends a signal to stop the reverse rotation of the motor 65.


In operation, when an operator retracts the closure trigger 18 into the locked position, the firing trigger 20 is retracted slightly (through mechanisms known in the art, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,057, which are incorporated herein by reference) so that the user can grasp the firing trigger 20 to initiate the cutting/stapling operation, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. At that point, as shown in FIG. 33, the gear portion 232 of the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20 moves into engagement with the first gear 210 of the gear box assembly 200. When the operator retracts the firing trigger 20, according to various embodiments, the firing trigger 20 may rotate a small amount, such as five degrees, before tripping the run motor sensor 110, as shown in FIG. 34. Activation of the sensor 110 causes the motor 65 to forward rotate at a rate proportional to the retraction force applied by the operator. The forward rotation of the motor 65 causes, as described above, the main drive shaft 48 to rotate, which causes the knife 32 in the end effector 12 to be deployed (i.e., begin traversing the channel 22). Rotation of the pinion gear 124, which is connected to the main drive shaft 48, causes the gears 210-220 in the gear box assembly 200 to rotate. Since the first gear 210 is in engagement with the gear portion 232 of the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20, the upper portion 232 is caused to rotate counter clockwise, which causes the lower portion 228 to also rotate counter clockwise.


When the knife 32 is fully deployed (i.e., at the end of the cutting stroke), the front face 242 of the upper portion 230 trips the reverse motor sensor 130, which sends a signal to the motor 65 to reverse rotational directional. This causes the main drive shaft assembly to reverse rotational direction to retract the knife 32. Reverse rotation of the main drive shaft assembly also causes the gears 210-220 in the gear box assembly to reverse direction, which causes the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20 to rotate clockwise, which causes the lower portion 228 of the firing trigger 20 to rotate clockwise until the lower portion 228 trips or actuates the stop motor sensor 142 when the knife 32 is fully retracted, which causes the motor 65 to stop. In that way, the user experiences feedback regarding deployment of the end effector 12 by way of the user's grip on the firing trigger 20. Thus, when the user retracts the firing trigger 20, the operator will experience a resistance related to the deployment of the end effector 12 and, in particular, to the loading force experienced by the knife 32. Similarly, when the operator releases the firing trigger 20 after the cutting/stapling operation so that it can return to its original position, the user will experience a clockwise rotation force from the firing trigger 20 that is generally proportional to the reverse speed of the motor 65.


It should also be noted that in this embodiment the user can apply force (either in lieu of or in addition to the force from the motor 65) to actuate the main drive shaft assembly (and hence the cutting/stapling operation of the end effector 12) through retracting the firing trigger 20. That is, retracting the firing trigger 20 causes the gear portion 232 of the upper portion 230 to rotate counter clockwise, which causes the gears of the gear box assembly 200 to rotate, thereby causing the pinion gear 124 to rotate, which causes the main drive shaft assembly to rotate.


The above-described embodiments employed power-assist user feedback systems, with or without adaptive control (e.g., using a sensor 110, 130, and 142 outside of the closed loop system of the motor 65, gear drive train, and end effector 12) for a two-stroke, motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument. That is, force applied by the user in retracting the firing trigger 20 may be added to the force applied by the motor 65 by virtue of the firing trigger 20 being geared into (either directly or indirectly) the gear drive train between the motor 65 and the main drive shaft 48. In other embodiments of the present invention, the user may be provided with tactile feedback regarding the position of the knife 32 in the end effector, but without having the firing trigger 20 geared into the gear drive train. FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument with such a tactile position feedback system.


In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 37-40, the firing trigger 20 may have a lower portion 228 and an upper portion 230, similar to the instrument 10 shown in FIGS. 32-36. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 32-36, however, the upper portion 230 does not have a gear portion that mates with part of the gear drive train. Instead, the instrument includes a second motor 265 with a threaded rod 266 threaded therein. The threaded rod 266 reciprocates longitudinally in and out of the motor 265 as the motor 265 rotates, depending on the direction of rotation. The instrument 10 also includes an encoder 268 that is responsive to the rotations of the main drive shaft 48 for translating the incremental angular motion of the main drive shaft 48 (or other component of the main drive assembly) into a corresponding series of digital signals, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the pinion gear 124 includes a proximate drive shaft 270 that connects to the encoder 268.


The instrument 10 also includes a control circuit (not shown), which may be implemented using a microcontroller or some other type of integrated circuit, that receives the digital signals from the encoder 268. Based on the signals from the encoder 268, the control circuit may calculate the stage of deployment of the knife 32 in the end effector 12. That is, the control circuit can calculate if the knife 32 is fully deployed, fully retracted, or at an intermittent stage. Based on the calculation of the stage of deployment of the end effector 12, the control circuit may send a signal to the second motor 265 to control its rotation to thereby control the reciprocating movement of the threaded rod 266.


In operation, as shown in FIG. 37, when the closure trigger 18 is not locked into the clamped position, the firing trigger 20 rotated away from the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 such that the front face 242 of the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20 is not in contact with the proximate end of the threaded rod 266. When the operator retracts the closure trigger 18 and locks it in the clamped position, the firing trigger 20 rotates slightly towards the closure trigger 20 so that the operator can grasp the firing trigger 20, as shown in FIG. 38. In this position, the front face 242 of the upper portion 230 contacts the proximate end of the threaded rod 266.


As the user then retracts the firing trigger 20, after an initial rotational amount (e.g. 5 degrees of rotation) the run motor sensor 110 may be activated such that, as explained above, the sensor 110 sends a signal to the motor 65 to cause it to rotate at a forward speed proportional to the amount of retraction force applied by the operator to the firing trigger 20. Forward rotation of the motor 65 causes the main drive shaft 48 to rotate via the gear drive train, which causes the knife 32 and sled 33 to travel down the channel 22 and sever tissue clamped in the end effector 12. The control circuit receives the output signals from the encoder 268 regarding the incremental rotations of the main drive shaft assembly and sends a signal to the second motor 265 to cause the second motor 265 to rotate, which causes the threaded rod 266 to retract into the motor 265. This allows the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20 to rotate counter clockwise, which allows the lower portion 228 of the firing trigger to also rotate counter clockwise. In that way, because the reciprocating movement of the threaded rod 266 is related to the rotations of the main drive shaft assembly, the operator of the instrument 10, by way of his/her grip on the firing trigger 20, experiences tactile feedback as to the position of the end effector 12. The retraction force applied by the operator, however, does not directly affect the drive of the main drive shaft assembly because the firing trigger 20 is not geared into the gear drive train in this embodiment.


By virtue of tracking the incremental rotations of the main drive shaft assembly via the output signals from the encoder 268, the control circuit can calculate when the knife 32 is fully deployed (i.e., fully extended). At this point, the control circuit may send a signal to the motor 65 to reverse direction to cause retraction of the knife 32. The reverse direction of the motor 65 causes the rotation of the main drive shaft assembly to reverse direction, which is also detected by the encoder 268. Based on the reverse rotation detected by the encoder 268, the control circuit sends a signal to the second motor 265 to cause it to reverse rotational direction such that the threaded rod 266 starts to extend longitudinally from the motor 265. This motion forces the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20 to rotate clockwise, which causes the lower portion 228 to rotate clockwise. In that way, the operator may experience a clockwise force from the firing trigger 20, which provides feedback to the operator as to the retraction position of the knife 32 in the end effector 12. The control circuit can determine when the knife 32 is fully retracted. At this point, the control circuit may send a signal to the motor 65 to stop rotation.


According to other embodiments, rather than having the control circuit determine the position of the knife 32, reverse motor and stop motor sensors may be used, as described above. In addition, rather than using a proportional sensor 110 to control the rotation of the motor 65, an on/off switch or sensor can be used. In such an embodiment, the operator would not be able to control the rate of rotation of the motor 65. Rather, it would rotate at a preprogrammed rate.



FIGS. 41-43 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a mechanically actuated endocutter, and in particular the handle 6, shaft 8 and end effector 12 thereof. Further details of a mechanically actuated endocutter may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/052,632 entitled, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A MULTI-STROKE FIRING MECHANISM WITH AUTOMATIC END OF FIRING TRAVEL RETRACTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,075, which is incorporated herein by reference. With reference to FIG. 41, the end effector 12 responds to the closure motion from the handle 6 (not depicted in FIG. 41) first by including an anvil face 1002 connecting to an anvil proximal end 1004 that includes laterally projecting anvil pivot pins 25 that are proximal to a vertically projecting anvil tab 27. The anvil pivot pins 25 translate within kidney shaped openings 1006 in the staple channel 22 to open and close anvil 24 relative to channel 22. The tab 27 engages a bent tab 1007 extending inwardly in tab opening 45 on a distal end 1008 of the closure tube 1005, the latter distally terminating in a distal edge 1008 that pushes against the anvil face 1002. Thus, when the closure tube 1005 moves proximally from its open position, the bent tab 1007 of the closure tube 1005 draws the anvil tab 27 proximally, and the anvil pivot pins 25 follow the kidney shaped openings 1006 of the staple channel 22 causing the anvil 24 to simultaneously translate proximally and rotate upward to the open position. When the closure tube 1005 moves distally, the bent tab 1007 in the tab opening 45 releases from the anvil tab 27 and the distal edge 1008 pushes on the anvil face 1002, closing the anvil 24.


With continued reference to FIG. 41, the shaft 8 and end effector 12 also include components that respond to a firing motion of a firing rod 1010. In particular, the firing rod 1010 rotatably engages a firing trough member 1012 having a longitudinal recess 1014. Firing trough member 1012 moves longitudinally within frame 1016 in direct response to longitudinal motion of firing rod 1010. A longitudinal slot 1018 in the closure tube 1005 operably couples with the right and left exterior side handle pieces 61, 62 of the handle 6 (not shown in FIG. 41). The length of the longitudinal slot 1018 in the closure tube 1005 is sufficiently long to allow relative longitudinal motion with the handle pieces 61, 62 to accomplish firing and closure motions respectively with the coupling of the handle pieces 61, 62 passing on through a longitudinal slot 1020 in the frame 1016 to slidingly engage the longitudinal recess 1014 in the frame trough member 1012.


The distal end of the frame trough member 1012 is attached to a proximal end of a firing bar 1022 that moves within the frame 1016, specifically within a guide 1024 therein, to distally project the knife 32 into the end effector 12. The end effector 12 includes a staple cartridge 34 that is actuated by the knife 32. The staple cartridge 34 has a tray 1028 that holds a staple cartridge body 1030, a wedge sled driver 33, staple drivers 1034 and staples 1036. It will be appreciated that the wedge sled driver 33 longitudinally moves within a firing recess (not shown) located between the cartridge tray 1028 and the cartridge body 1030. The wedge sled driver 33 presents ramming surfaces that contact and lift the staple drivers 1034 upward, driving the staples 1036. The staple cartridge body 1030 further includes a proximally open, vertical slot 1031 for passage of the knife 32. Specifically, a cutting surface 1027 is provided along a distal end of knife 32 to cut tissue after it is stapled.


It should be appreciated that the shaft 8 is shown in FIG. 4 as a non-articulating shaft. Nonetheless, applications of the present invention may include instruments capable of articulation, for example, as such shown above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 and described in the following U.S. patents and patent applications, the disclosure of each being hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: (1) SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ARTICULATION MECHANISM HAVING ROTATION ABOUT THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0006434, filed Jul. 9, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,769; (2) SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ARTICULATION JOINT FOR A FIRING BAR TRACK, U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,382; (3) A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH A LATERAL-MOVING ARTICULATION CONTROL, U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,628; (4) SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A TAPERED FIRING BAR FOR INCREASED FLEXIBILITY AROUND THE ARTICULATION JOINT, U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,363; and (5) SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ARTICULATION JOINT SUPPORT PLATES FOR SUPPORTING A FIRING BAR, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0006431, filed Jul. 9, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,731.



FIGS. 42-43 show an embodiment of the handle 6 that is configured for use in a mechanically actuated endocutter along with the embodiment of the shaft 8 and end effector 12 as shown above in FIG. 41. It will be appreciated that any suitable handle design may be used to mechanically close and fire the end effector 12. In FIGS. 42-43, the handle 6 of the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 includes a linked transmission firing mechanism 1060 that provides features such as increased strength, reduced handle size, minimized binding, etc.


Closure of the end effector 12 (not shown in FIGS. 42-43) is caused by depressing the closure trigger 18 toward the pistol grip 26 of handle 6. The closure trigger 18 pivots about a closure pivot pin 252 that is coupled to right and left exterior lower side pieces 59, 60 the handle 6, causing an upper portion 1094 of the closure trigger 18 to move forward. The closure tube 1005 receives this closure movement via the closure yoke 250 that is pinned to a closure link 1042 and to the upper portion 1094 of the closure trigger 18 respectively by a closure yoke pin 1044 and a closure link pin 1046.


In the fully open position of FIG. 42, the upper portion 1094 of the closure trigger 18 contacts and holds a locking arm 1048 of the pivoting closure release button 30 in the position shown. When the closure trigger 18 reaches its fully depressed position, the closure trigger 18 releases the locking arm 1048 and an abutting surface 1050 rotates into engagement with a distal rightward notch 1052 of the pivoting locking arm 1048, holding the closure trigger 18 in this clamped or closed position. A proximal end of the locking arm 1048 pivots about a lateral pivotal connection 1054 with the pieces 59, 60 to expose the closure release button 30. An intermediate, distal side 1056 of the closure release button 30 is urged proximally by a compression spring 1058, which is compressed between a housing structure 1040 and closure release button 30. The result is that the closure release button 30 urges the locking arm 1048 counterclockwise (when viewed from the left) into locking contact with the abutting surface 1050 of closure trigger 18, which prevents unclamping of closure trigger 18 when the linked transmission firing system 1040 is in an un-retracted condition.


With the closure trigger 18 retracted and fully depressed, the firing trigger 20 is unlocked and may be depressed toward the pistol grip 26, multiple times in this embodiment, to effect firing of the end effector 12. As depicted, the linked transmission firing mechanism 1060 is initially retracted, urged to remain in this position by a combination tension/compression spring 1062 that is constrained within the pistol grip 26 of the handle 6, with its nonmoving end 1063 connected to the pieces 59, 60 and a moving end 1064 connected to a downwardly flexed and proximal, retracted end 1067 of a steel band 1066.


A distally-disposed end 1068 of the steel band 1066 is attached to a link coupling 1070 for structural loading, which in turn is attached to a front link 1072a of a plurality of links 1072a-1072d that form a linked rack 1074. Linked rack 1074 is flexible yet has distal links that form a straight rigid rack assembly that may transfer a significant firing force through the firing rod 1010 in the shaft 6, yet readily retract into the pistol grip 26 to minimize the longitudinal length of the handle 6. It should be appreciated that the combination tension/compression spring 1062 increases the amount of firing travel available while essentially reducing the minimum length by half over a single spring.


The firing trigger 20 pivots about a firing trigger pin 96 that is connected to the handle pieces 59, 60. An upper portion 228 of the firing trigger 20 moves distally about the firing trigger pin 96 as the firing trigger 20 is depressed towards pistol grip 26, stretching a proximally placed firing trigger tension spring 222 proximally connected between the upper portion 228 of the firing trigger 20 and the pieces 59, 60. The upper portion 228 of the firing trigger 20 engages the linked rack 1074 during each firing trigger depression by a traction biasing mechanism 1078 that also disengages when the firing trigger 20 is released. Firing trigger tension spring 222 urges the firing trigger 20 distally when released and disengages the traction biasing mechanism 1078.


As the linked transmission firing mechanism 1040 actuates, an idler gear 1080 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the left side) by engagement with a toothed upper surface 1082 of the linked rack 1074. This rotation is coupled to an indicator gear 1084, which thus rotates counterclockwise in response to the idler gear 1080. Both the idler gear 1080 and indicator gear 1084 are rotatably connected to the pieces 59, 60 of the handle 6. The gear relationship between the linked rack 1074, idler gear 1080 and indicator gear 1084 may be advantageously selected so that the toothed upper surface 1082 has tooth dimensions that are suitably strong and that the indicator gear 1084 makes no more than one revolution during the full firing travel of the linked transmission firing mechanism 1060.


As described in greater detail below, the indicator gear 1084 performs at least four functions. First, when the linked rack 1074 is fully retracted and both triggers 18, 20 are open as shown in FIG. 42, an opening 1086 in a circular ridge 1088 on the left side of the indicator gear 1084 is presented to an upper surface 1090 of the locking arm 1048. Locking arm 1048 is biased into the opening 1086 by contact with the closure trigger 18, which in turn is urged to the open position by a closure tension spring 1092. Closure trigger tension spring 1092 is connected proximally to the upper portion 1094 of the closure trigger 18 and the handle pieces 59, 60, and thus has energy stored during closing of the closure trigger 18 that urges the closure trigger 18 distally to its unclosed position.


A second function of the indicator gear 1084 is that it is connected to the indicating retraction knob 1096 externally disposed on the handle 6. Thus, the indicator gear 1084 communicates the relative position of the firing mechanism 1060 to the indicating retraction knob 1096 so that the surgeon has a visual indication of how many strokes of the firing trigger 20 are required to complete firing.


A third function of the indicator gear 1084 is to longitudinally and angularly move an anti-backup release lever 1098 of an anti-backup mechanism (one-way clutch mechanism) 1097 as the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 is operated. During the firing strokes, proximal movement of anti-backup release lever 1098 by indicator gear 1084 activates the anti-backup mechanism 1097 that allows distal movement of firing bar 1010 and prevents proximal motion of firing bar 1010. This movement also extends the anti-backup release button 1100 from the proximal end of the handle pieces 59, 60 for the operator to actuate should the need arise for the linked transmission firing mechanism 1060 to be retracted during the firing strokes. After completion of the firing strokes, the indicator gear 1084 reverses direction of rotation as the firing mechanism 1060 retracts. The reversed rotation deactivates the anti-backup mechanism 1097, withdraws the anti-backup release button 1100 into the handle 6, and rotates the anti-backup release lever 1098 laterally to the right to allow continued reverse rotation of the indicator gear 1084.


A fourth function of the indicator gear 1084 is to receive a manual rotation from the indicating retraction knob 1096 (clockwise in the depiction of FIG. 42) to retract the firing mechanism 1060 with anti-backup mechanism 1097 unlocked, thereby overcoming any binding in the firing mechanism 1060 that is not readily overcome by the combination tension/compression spring 1062. This manual retraction assistance may be employed after a partial firing of the firing mechanism 1060 that would otherwise be prevented by the anti-backup mechanism 1097 that withdraws the anti-backup release button 1100 so that the latter may not laterally move the anti-backup release lever 1098.


Continuing with FIGS. 42-43, anti-backup mechanism 1097 consists of the operator accessible anti-backup release lever 1098 operably coupled at the proximal end to the anti-backup release button 1100 and at the distal end to an anti-backup yoke 1102. In particular, a distal end 1099 of the anti-backup release lever 1098 is engaged to the anti-backup yoke 1102 by an anti-backup yoke pin 1104. The anti-backup yoke 1102 moves longitudinally to impart a rotation to an anti-backup cam slot tube 1106 that is longitudinally constrained by the handle pieces 59, 90 and that encompasses the firing rod 1010 distally to the connection of the firing rod 1010 to the link coupling 1070 of the linked rack 1074. The anti-backup yoke 1102 communicates the longitudinal movement from the anti-backup release lever 1098 via a cam slot tube pin 1108 to the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106. That is, longitudinal movement of cam slot tube pin 1108 in an angled slot in the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106 rotates the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106.


Trapped between a proximal end of the frame 1016 and the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106 respectively are an anti-backup compression spring 1110, an anti-backup plate 1112, and an anti-backup cam tube 1114. As depicted, proximal movement of the firing rod 1010 causes the anti-backup plate 1112 to pivot top to the rear, presenting an increased frictional contact to the firing rod 1010 that resists further proximal movement of the firing rod 1010.


This anti-backup plate 1112 pivots in a manner similar to that of a screen door lock that holds open a screen door when the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106 is closely spaced to the anti-backup cam tube 1114. Specifically, the anti-backup compression spring 1110 is able to act upon a top surface of the plate 1112 to tip the anti-backup plate 1112 to its locked position. Rotation of the anti-backup cam slot tube 1106 causes a distal camming movement of the anti-backup cam tube 1114 thereby forcing the top of the anti-backup plate 1112 distally, overcoming the force from the anti-backup compression spring 1110, thus positioning the anti-backup plate 1112 in an untipped (perpendicular), unlocked position that allows proximal retraction of the firing rod 1010.


With particular reference to FIG. 43, the traction biasing mechanism 1078 is depicted as being composed of a pawl 1116 that has a distally projecting narrow tip 1118 and a rightwardly projecting lateral pin 1120 at its proximal end that is rotatably inserted through a hole 1076 in the upper portion 230 of the firing trigger 20. On the right side of the firing trigger 20 the lateral pin 1120 receives a biasing member, depicted as biasing wheel 1122. As the firing trigger 20 translates fore and aft, the biasing wheel 1122 traverses an arc proximate to the right half piece 59 of the handle 6, overrunning at its distal portion of travel a biasing ramp 1124 integrally formed in the right half piece 59. The biasing wheel 1122 may advantageously be formed from a resilient, frictional material that induces a counterclockwise rotation (when viewed from the left) into the lateral pin 1120 of the pawl 1116, thus traction biasing the distally projecting narrow tip 1118 downward into a ramped central track 1075 of the nearest link 1072a-d to engage the linked rack 1074.


As the firing trigger 20 is released, the biasing wheel 1122 thus tractionally biases the pawl 1116 in the opposite direction, raising the narrow tip 1118 from the ramped central track 1075 of the linked rack 1074. To ensure disengagement of the tip 1118 under high load conditions and at nearly full distal travel of the pawl 1116, the right side of the pawl 1116 ramps up onto a proximally and upwardly facing beveled surface 1126 on the rightside of the closure yoke 250 to disengage the narrow tip 1118 from the ramped central track 1075. If the firing trigger 20 is released at any point other than full travel, the biasing wheel 1122 is used to lift the narrow tip 1118 from the ramped central track 1075. Whereas a biasing wheel 1122 is depicted, it should be appreciated that the shape of the biasing member or wheel 1122 is illustrative and may be varied to accommodate a variety of shapes that use friction or traction to engage or disengage the firing of the end effector 12.


Various embodiments of the surgical instrument 10 have the capability to record instrument conditions at one or more times during use. FIG. 44 shows a block diagram of a system 2000 for recording conditions of the instrument 10. It will be appreciated that the system 2000 may be implemented in embodiments of the instrument 10 having motorized or motor-assisted firing, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-40, as well as embodiments of the instrument 10 having mechanically actuated firing, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 41-43.


The system 2000 may include various sensors 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 for sensing instrument conditions. The sensors may be positioned, for example, on or within the instrument 10. In various embodiments, the sensors may be dedicated sensors that provide output only for the system 2000, or may be dual-use sensors that perform other functions with in the instrument 10. For example, sensors 110, 130, 142 described above may be configured to also provide output to the system 2000.


Directly or indirectly, each sensor provides a signal to the memory device 2001, which records the signals as described in more detail below. The memory device 2001 may be any kind of device capable of storing or recording sensor signals. For example, the memory device 2001 may include a microprocessor, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), or any other suitable storage device. The memory device 2001 may record the signals provided by the sensors in any suitable way. For example, in one embodiment, the memory device 2001 may record the signal from a particular sensor when that signal changes states. In another embodiment, the memory device 2001 may record a state of the system 2000, e.g., the signals from all of the sensors included in the system 2000, when the signal from any sensor changes states. This may provide a snap-shot of the state of the instrument 10. In various embodiments, the memory device 2001 and/or sensors may be implemented to include 1-WIRE bus products available from DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR such as, for example, a 1-WIRE EEPROM.


In various embodiments, the memory device 2001 is externally accessible, allowing an outside device, such as a computer, to access the instrument conditions recorded by the memory device 2001. For example, the memory device 2001 may include a data port 2020. The data port 2020 may provide the stored instrument conditions according to any wired or wireless communication protocol in, for example, serial or parallel format. The memory device 2001 may also include a removable medium 2021 in addition to or instead of the output port 2020. The removable medium 2021 may be any kind of suitable data storage device that can be removed from the instrument 10. For example, the removable medium 2021 may include any suitable kind of flash memory, such as a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, a COMPACTFLASH card, a MULTIMEDIA card, a FLASHMEDIA card, etc. The removable medium 2021 may also include any suitable kind of disk-based storage including, for example, a portable hard drive, a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), etc.


The closure trigger sensor 2002 senses a condition of the closure trigger 18. FIGS. 45 and 46 show an exemplary embodiment of the closure trigger sensor 2002. In FIGS. 45 and 46, the closure trigger sensor 2002 is positioned between the closure trigger 18 and closure pivot pin 252. It will be appreciated that pulling the closure trigger 18 toward the pistol grip 26 causes the closure trigger 18 to exert a force on the closure pivot pin 252. The sensor 2002 may be sensitive to this force, and generate a signal in response thereto, for example, as described above with respect to sensor 110 and FIGS. 10A and 10B. In various embodiments, the closure trigger sensor 2002 may be a digital sensor that indicates only whether the closure trigger 18 is actuated or not actuated. In other various embodiments, the closure trigger sensor 2002 may be an analog sensor that indicates the force exerted on the closure trigger 18 and/or the position of the closure trigger 18. If the closure trigger sensor 2002 is an analog sensor, an analog-to-digital converter may be logically positioned between the sensor 2002 and the memory device 2001. Also, it will be appreciated that the closure trigger sensor 2002 may take any suitable form and be placed at any suitable location that allows sensing of the condition of the closure trigger.


The anvil closure sensor 2004 may sense whether the anvil 24 is closed. FIG. 47 shows an exemplary anvil closure sensor 2004. The sensor 2004 is positioned next to, or within the kidney shaped openings 1006 of the staple channel 22 as shown. As the anvil 24 is closed, anvil pivot pins 25 slides through the kidney shaped openings 1006 and into contact with the sensor 2004, causing the sensor 2004 to generate a signal indicating that the anvil 24 is closed. The sensor 2004 may be any suitable kind of digital or analog sensor including a proximity sensor, etc. It will be appreciated that when the anvil closure sensor 2004 is an analog sensor, an analog-to-digital converter may be included logically between the sensor 2004 and the memory device 2001.


Anvil closure load sensor 2006 is shown placed on an inside bottom surface of the staple channel 22. In use, the sensor 2006 may be in contact with a bottom side of the staple cartridge 34 (not shown in FIG. 46). As the anvil 24 is closed, it exerts a force on the staple cartridge 34 which is transferred to the sensor 2006. In response, the sensor 2006 generates a signal. The signal may be an analog signal proportional to the force exerted on the sensor 2006 by the staple cartridge 34 and due to the closing of the anvil 24. Referring the FIG. 44, the analog signal may be provided to an analog-to-digital converter 2014, which converts the analog signal to a digital signal before providing it to the memory device 2001. It will be appreciated that embodiments where the sensor 2006 is a digital or binary sensor may not include analog-to-digital converter 2014.


The firing trigger sensor 110 senses the position and/or state of the firing trigger 20. In motorized or motor-assisted embodiments of the instrument, the firing trigger sensor may double as the run motor sensor 110 described above. In addition, the firing trigger sensor 110 may take any of the forms described above, and may be analog or digital. FIGS. 45 and 46 show an additional embodiment of the firing trigger sensor 110. In FIGS. 45 and 46, the firing trigger sensor is mounted between firing trigger 20 and firing trigger pivot pin 96. When firing trigger 20 is pulled, it will exert a force on firing trigger pivot pin 96 that is sensed by the sensor 110. Referring to FIG. 44, in embodiments where the output of the firing trigger sensor 110 is analog, analog-to-digital converter 2016 is included logically between the firing trigger sensor 110 and the memory device 2001.


The knife position sensor 2008 senses the position of the knife 32 or cutting surface 1027 within the staple channel 22. FIGS. 47 and 48 show embodiments of a knife position sensor 2008 that are suitable for use with the mechanically actuated shaft 8 and end effector 12 shown in FIG. 41. The sensor 2008 includes a magnet 2009 coupled to the firing bar 1022 of the instrument 10. A coil 2011 is positioned around the firing bar 1022, and may be installed; for example, along the longitudinal recess 1014 of the firing trough member 1012 (see FIG. 41). As the knife 32 and cutting surface 1027 are reciprocated through the staple channel 22, the firing bar 1022 and magnet 2009 may move back and forth through the coil 2011. This motion relative to the coil induces a voltage in the coil proportional to the position of the firing rod within the coil and the cutting edge 1027 within the staple channel 22. This voltage may be provided to the memory device 2001, for example, via analog-to-digital converter 2018.


In various embodiments, the knife position sensor 2008 may instead be implemented as a series of digital sensors (not shown) placed at various positions on or within the shaft 8. The digital sensors may sense a feature of the firing bar 1022 such as, for example, magnet 2009, as the feature reciprocates through the shaft 8. The position of the firing bar 1022 within the shaft 8, and by extension, the position of the knife 32 within the staple channel 22, may be approximated as the position of the last digital sensor tripped.


It will be appreciated that the knife position may also be sensed in embodiments of the instrument 10 having a rotary driven end effector 12 and shaft 8, for example, as described above, with reference to FIGS. 3-6. An encoder, such as encoder 268, may be configured to generate a signal proportional to the rotation of the helical screw shaft 36, or any other drive shaft or gear. Because the rotation of the shaft 36 and other drive shafts and gears is proportional to the movement of the knife 32 through the channel 22, the signal generated by the encoder 268 is also proportional to the movement of the knife 32. Thus, the output of the encoder 268 may be provided to the memory device 2001.


The cartridge present sensor 2010 may sense the presence of the staple cartridge 34 within the staple channel 22. In motorized or motor-assisted instruments, the cartridge present sensor 2010 may double as the cartridge lock-out sensor 136 described above with reference to FIG. 11. FIGS. 50 and 51 show an embodiment of the cartridge present sensor 2010. In the embodiment shown, the cartridge present sensor 2010 includes two contacts, 2011 and 2013. When no cartridge 34 is present, the contacts 2011, 2013 form an open circuit. When a cartridge 34 is present, the cartridge tray 1028 of the staple cartridge 34 contacts the contacts 2011, 2013, a closed circuit is formed. When the circuit is open, the sensor 2010 may output a logic zero. When the circuit is closed, the sensor 2010 may output a logic one. The output of the sensor 2010 is provided to memory device 2001, as shown in FIG. 44.


The cartridge condition sensor 2012 may indicate whether a cartridge 34 installed within the staple channel 22 has been fired or spent. As the knife 32 is translated through the end effector 12, it pushes the sled 33, which fires the staple cartridge. Then the knife 32 is translated back to its original position, leaving the sled 33 at the distal end of the cartridge. Without the sled 33 to guide it, the knife 32 may fall into lock-out pocket 2022. Sensor 2012 may sense whether the knife 32 is present in the lock-out pocket 2022, which indirectly indicates whether the cartridge 34 has been spent. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, sensor 2012 may directly sense the present of the sled at the proximate end of the cartridge 34, thus eliminating the need for the knife 32 to fall into the lock-out pocket 2022.



FIGS. 52A and 52B depict a process flow 2200 for operating embodiments of the surgical instrument 10 configured as an endocutter and having the capability to record instrument conditions according to various embodiments. At box 2202, the anvil 24 of the instrument 10 may be closed. This causes the closure trigger sensor 2002 and or the anvil closure sensor 2006 to change state. In response, the memory device 2001 may record the state of all of the sensors in the system 2000 at box 2203. At box 2204, the instrument 10 may be inserted into a patient. When the instrument is inserted, the anvil 24 may be opened and closed at box 2206, for example, to manipulate tissue at the surgical site. Each opening and closing of the anvil 24 causes the closure trigger sensor 2002 and/or the anvil closure sensor 2004 to change state. In response, the memory device 2001 records the state of the system 2000 at box 2205.


At box 2208, tissue is clamped for cutting and stapling. If the anvil 24 is not closed at decision block 2210, continued clamping is required. If the anvil 24 is closed, then the sensors 2002, 2004 and/or 2006 may change state, prompting the memory device 2001 to record the state of the system at box 2213. This recording may include a closure pressure received from sensor 2006. At box 2212, cutting and stapling may occur. Firing trigger sensor 110 may change state as the firing trigger 20 is pulled toward the pistol grip 26. Also, as the knife 32 moves through the staple channel 22, knife position sensor 2008 will change state. In response, the memory device 2001 may record the state of the system 2000 at box 2013.


When the cutting and stapling operations are complete, the knife 32 may return to a pre-firing position. Because the cartridge 34 has now been fired, the knife 32 may fall into lock-out pocket 2022, changing the state of cartridge condition sensor 2012 and triggering the memory device 2001 to record the state of the system 2000 at box 2015. The anvil 24 may then be opened to clear the tissue. This may cause one or more of the closure trigger sensor 2002, anvil closure sensor 2004 and anvil closure load sensor 2006 to change state, resulting in a recordation of the state of the system 2000 at box 2017. After the tissue is cleared, the anvil 24 may be again closed at box 2220. This causes another state change for at least sensors 2002 and 2004, which in turn causes the memory device 2001 to record the state of the system at box 2019. Then the instrument 10 may be removed from the patient at box 2222.


If the instrument 10 is to be used again during the same procedure, the anvil may be opened at box 2224, triggering another recordation of the system state at box 2223. The spent cartridge 34 may be removed from the end effector 12 at box 2226. This causes cartridge present sensor 2010 to change state and cause a recordation of the system state at box 2225. Another cartridge 34 may be inserted at box 2228. This causes a state change in the cartridge present sensor 2010 and a recordation of the system state at box 2227. If the other cartridge 34 is a new cartridge, indicated at decision block 2230, its insertion may also cause a state change to cartridge condition sensor 2012. In that case, the system state may be recorded at box 2231.



FIG. 53 shows an exemplary memory map 2300 from the memory device 2001 according to various embodiments. The memory map 2300 includes a series of columns 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310, 2312, 2314, 2316 and rows (not labeled). Column 2302 shows an event number for each of the rows. The other columns represent the output of one sensor of the system 2000. All of the sensor readings recorded at a given time may be recorded in the same row under the same event number. Hence, each row represents an instance where one or more of the signals from the sensors of the system 2000 are recorded.


Column 2304 lists the closure load recorded at each event. This may reflect the output of anvil closure load sensor 2006. Column 2306 lists the firing stroke position. This may be derived from the knife position sensor 2008. For example, the total travel of the knife 32 may be divided into partitions. The number listed in column 2306 may represent the partition where the knife 32 is currently present. The firing load is listed in column 2308. This may be derived from the firing trigger sensor 110. The knife position is listed at column 2310. The knife position may be derived from the knife position sensor 2008 similar to the firing stroke. Whether the anvil 24 is open or closed may be listed at column 2312. This value may be derived from the output of the anvil closure sensor 2004 and/or the anvil closure load sensor 2006. Whether the sled 33 is present, or whether the cartridge 34 is spent, may be indicated at column 2314. This value may be derived from the cartridge condition sensor 2012. Finally, whether the cartridge 34 is present may be indicated a column 2316. This value may be derived from cartridge present sensor 2010. It will be appreciated that various other values may be stored at memory device 2001 including, for example, the end and beginning of firing strokes, for example, as measured by sensors 130, 142.


While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art.


For example, although the embodiments described above have advantages for an endoscopically employed surgical severing and stapling instrument 100, a similar embodiments may be used in other clinical procedures. It is generally accepted that endoscopic procedures are more common than laparoscopic procedures. Accordingly, the present invention has been discussed in terms of endoscopic procedures and apparatus. However, use herein of terms such as “endoscopic”, should not be construed to limit the present invention to a surgical instrument for use only in conjunction with an endoscopic tube (i.e., trocar). On the contrary, it is believed that the present invention may find use in any procedure where access is limited to a small incision, including but not limited to laparoscopic procedures, as well as open procedures.


Any patent, publication, or information, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this document. As such the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.


Over the years a variety of minimally invasive robotic (or “telesurgical”) systems have been developed to increase surgical dexterity as well as to permit a surgeon to operate on a patient in an intuitive manner Many of such systems are disclosed in the following U.S. patents which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled ARTICULATED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR PERFORMING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY WITH ENHANCED DEXTERITY AND SENSITIVITY, U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,565, entitled ROBOTIC ARM DLUS FOR PERFORMING SURGICAL TASKS, U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOL WITH ULTRASOUND CAUTERIZING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,888, entitled ALIGNMENT OF MASTER AND SLAVE IN A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL APPARATUS, U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320, entitled MECHANICAL ACTUATOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOLS, U.S. Pat. No. 7,691,098, entitled PLATFORM LINK WRIST MECHANISM, U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,891, entitled REPOSITIONING AND REORIENTATION OF MASTER/SLAVE RELATIONSHIP IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE TELESURGERY, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,401, entitled SURGICAL TOOL WITH WRISTED MONOPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL END EFFECTORS. Many of such systems, however, have in the past been unable to generate the magnitude of forces required to effectively cut and fasten tissue.



FIG. 54 depicts one version of a master controller 11001 that may be used in connection with a robotic arm slave cart 11100 of the type depicted in FIG. 55. Master controller 11001 and robotic arm slave cart 11100, as well as their respective components and control systems are collectively referred to herein as a robotic system 11000. Examples of such systems and devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320 which has been herein incorporated by reference. Thus, various details of such devices will not be described in detail herein beyond that which may be necessary to understand various embodiments and forms of the present invention. As is known, the master controller 11001 generally includes master controllers (generally represented as 11003 in FIG. 54) which are grasped by the surgeon and manipulated in space while the surgeon views the procedure via a stereo display 11002. The master controllers 11001 generally comprise manual input devices which preferably move with multiple degrees of freedom, and which often further have an actuatable handle for actuating tools (for example, for closing grasping saws, applying an electrical potential to an electrode, or the like).


As can be seen in FIG. 55, in one form, the robotic arm cart 11100 is configured to actuate a plurality of surgical tools, generally designated as 11200. Various robotic surgery systems and methods employing master controller and robotic arm cart arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,368, entitled MULTI-COMPONENT TELEPRESENCE SYSTEM AND METHOD, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In various forms, the robotic arm cart 11100 includes a base 11002 from which, in the illustrated embodiment, three surgical tools 11200 are supported. In various forms, the surgical tools 11200 are each supported by a series of manually articulatable linkages, generally referred to as set-up joints 11104, and a robotic manipulator 11106. These structures are herein illustrated with protective covers extending over much of the robotic linkage. These protective covers may be optional, and may be limited in size or entirely eliminated in some embodiments to minimize the inertia that is encountered by the servo mechanisms used to manipulate such devices, to limit the volume of moving components so as to avoid collisions, and to limit the overall weight of the cart 11100. Cart 11100 will generally have dimensions suitable for transporting the cart 11100 between operating rooms. The cart 11100 may be configured to typically fit through standard operating room doors and onto standard hospital elevators. In various forms, the cart 11100 would preferably have a weight and include a wheel (or other transportation) system that allows the cart 11100 to be positioned adjacent an operating table by a single attendant.


Referring now to FIG. 56, in at least one form, robotic manipulators 11106 may include a linkage 11108 that constrains movement of the surgical tool 11200. In various embodiments, linkage 11108 includes rigid links coupled together by rotational joints in a parallelogram arrangement so that the surgical tool 11200 rotates around a point in space 11110, as more fully described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,084, the full disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. The parallelogram arrangement constrains rotation to pivoting about an axis 11112a, sometimes called the pitch axis. The links supporting the parallelogram linkage are pivotally mounted to set-up joints 11104 (FIG. 55) so that the surgical tool 11200 further rotates about an axis 11112b, sometimes called the yaw axis. The pitch and yaw axes 11112a, 11112b intersect at the remote center 11114, which is aligned along a shaft 11208 of the surgical tool 111200. The surgical tool 11200 may have further degrees of driven freedom as supported by manipulator 11106, including sliding motion of the surgical tool 11200 along the longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT”. As the surgical tool 11200 slides along the tool axis LT-LT relative to manipulator 11106 (arrow 11112c), remote center 11114 remains fixed relative to base 11116 of manipulator 11106. Hence, the entire manipulator is generally moved to re-position remote center 11114. Linkage 11108 of manipulator 11106 is driven by a series of motors 11120. These motors actively move linkage 11108 in response to commands from a processor of a control system. As will be discussed in further detail below, motors 11120 are also employed to manipulate the surgical tool 11200.


An alternative set-up joint structure is illustrated in FIG. 57. In this embodiment, a surgical tool 11200 is supported by an alternative manipulator structure 11106′ between two tissue manipulation tools. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate a wide variety of alternative robotic structures, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,193, entitled AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL POSITIONING, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, while the data communication between a robotic component and the processor of the robotic surgical system is primarily described herein with reference to communication between the surgical tool 11200 and the master controller 11001, it should be understood that similar communication may take place between circuitry of a manipulator, a set-up joint, an endoscope or other image capture device, or the like, and the processor of the robotic surgical system for component compatibility verification, component-type identification, component calibration (such as off-set or the like) communication, confirmation of coupling of the component to the robotic surgical system, or the like.


An exemplary non-limiting surgical tool 11200 that is well-adapted for use with a robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly 11010 (FIG. 59) that is operatively coupled to a master controller 11001 that is operable by inputs from an operator (i.e., a surgeon) is depicted in FIG. 58. As can be seen in that Figure, the surgical tool 11200 includes a surgical end effector 12012 that comprises an endocutter. In at least one form, the surgical tool 11200 generally includes an elongated shaft assembly 12008 that has a proximal closure tube 12040 and a distal closure tube 12042 that are coupled together by an articulation joint 12011. The surgical tool 11200 is operably coupled to the manipulator by a tool mounting portion, generally designated as 11300. The surgical tool 11200 further includes an interface 11230 which mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion 11300 to the manipulator. One form of interface 11230 is illustrated in FIGS. 59-63. In various embodiments, the tool mounting portion 11300 includes a tool mounting plate 11302 that operably supports a plurality of (four are shown in FIG. 63) rotatable body portions, driven discs or elements 11304, that each include a pair of pins 11306 that extend from a surface of the driven element 11304. One pin 11306 is closer to an axis of rotation of each driven elements 11304 than the other pin 11306 on the same driven element 11304, which helps to ensure positive angular alignment of the driven element 11304. Interface 11230 includes an adaptor portion 11240 that is configured to mountingly engage the mounting plate 11302 as will be further discussed below. The adaptor portion 11240 may include an array of electrical connecting pins 11242 (FIG. 61) which may be coupled to a memory structure by a circuit board within the tool mounting portion 11300. While interface 11230 is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


As can be seen in FIGS. 59-62, the adapter portion 11240 generally includes a tool side 11244 and a holder side 11246. In various forms, a plurality of rotatable bodies 11250 are mounted to a floating plate 11248 which has a limited range of movement relative to the surrounding adaptor structure normal to the major surfaces of the adaptor 11240. Axial movement of the floating plate 11248 helps decouple the rotatable bodies 11250 from the tool mounting portion 11300 when the levers 11303 along the sides of the tool mounting portion housing 11301 are actuated (See FIG. 58). Other mechanisms/arrangements may be employed for releasably coupling the tool mounting portion 11300 to the adaptor 11240. In at least one form, rotatable bodies 11250 are resiliently mounted to floating plate 11248 by resilient radial members which extend into a circumferential indentation about the rotatable bodies 11250. The rotatable bodies 11250 can move axially relative to plate 11248 by deflection of these resilient structures. When disposed in a first axial position (toward tool side 11244) the rotatable bodies 11250 are free to rotate without angular limitation. However, as the rotatable bodies 11250 move axially toward tool side 11244, tabs 11252 (extending radially from the rotatable bodies 11250) laterally engage detents on the floating plates so as to limit angular rotation of the rotatable bodies 11250 about their axes. This limited rotation can be used to help drivingly engage the rotatable bodies 11250 with drive pins 11272 of a corresponding tool holder portion 11270 of the robotic system 11000, as the drive pins 11272 will push the rotatable bodies 11250 into the limited rotation position until the pins 11234 are aligned with (and slide into) openings 11256′. Openings 11256 on the tool side 11244 and openings 11256′ on the holder side 11246 of rotatable bodies 11250 are configured to accurately align the driven elements1 11304 (FIG. 63) of the tool mounting portion 11300 with the drive elements 11271 of the tool holder 11270. As described above regarding inner and outer pins 11306 of driven elements 11304, the openings 11256, 11256′ are at differing distances from the axis of rotation on their respective rotatable bodies 11250 so as to ensure that the alignment is not 180 degrees from its intended position. Additionally, each of the openings 11256 is slightly radially elongated so as to fittingly receive the pins 11306 in the circumferential orientation. This allows the pins 11306 to slide radially within the openings 11256, 11256′ and accommodate some axial misalignment between the tool 11200 and tool holder 11270, while minimizing any angular misalignment and backlash between the drive and driven elements. Openings 11256 on the tool side 11244 are offset by about 90 degrees from the openings 11256′ (shown in broken lines) on the holder side 11246, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 62.


Various embodiments may further include an array of electrical connector pins 11242 located on holder side 11246 of adaptor 11240, and the tool side 11244 of the adaptor 11240 may include slots 11258 (FIG. 62) for receiving a pin array (not shown) from the tool mounting portion 11300. In addition to transmitting electrical signals between the surgical tool 11200 and the tool holder 11270, at least some of these electrical connections may be coupled to an adaptor memory device 11260 (FIG. 61) by a circuit board of the adaptor 11240.


A detachable latch arrangement 11239 may be employed to releasably affix the adaptor 11240 to the tool holder 11270. As used herein, the term “tool drive assembly” when used in the context of the robotic system 11000, at least encompasses various embodiments of the adapter 11240 and tool holder 11270 and which has been generally designated as 11010 in FIG. 59. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 59, the tool holder 11270 may include a first latch pin arrangement 11274 that is sized to be received in corresponding clevis slots 11241 provided in the adaptor 11240. In addition, the tool holder 11270 may further have second latch pins 11276 that are sized to be retained in corresponding latch clevises 11243 in the adaptor 11240. See FIG. 61. In at least one form, a latch assembly 11245 is movably supported on the adapter 11240 and is biasable between a first latched position wherein the latch pins 11276 are retained within their respective latch clevis 11243 and an unlatched position wherein the second latch pins 11276 may be into or removed from the latch clevises 11243. A spring or springs (not shown) are employed to bias the latch assembly into the latched position. A lip on the tool side 11244 of adaptor 11240 may slidably receive laterally extending tabs of tool mounting housing 11301.


Turning next to FIGS. 63-70, in at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 11200 includes a surgical end effector 12012 that comprises in this example, among other things, at least one component 12024 that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other component 12022 in response to various control motions applied thereto as will be discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, component 12022 comprises an elongated channel 12022 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 12034 therein and component 12024 comprises a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12024. Various embodiments of the surgical end effector 12012 are configured to maintain the anvil 12024 and elongated channel 12022 at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012. As can be seen in FIG. 69, the surgical end effector 12012 further includes a cutting instrument 12032 and a sled 12033. The cutting instrument 12032 may be, for example, a knife. The surgical staple cartridge 12034 operably houses a plurality of surgical staples (not show) therein that are supported on movable staple drivers (not shown). As the cutting instrument 12032 is driven distally through a centrally-disposed slot (not shown) in the surgical staple cartridge 12034, it forces the sled 12033 distally as well. As the sled 12033 is driven distally, its “wedge-shaped” configuration contacts the movable staple drivers and drives them vertically toward the closed anvil 12024. The surgical staples are formed as they are driven into the forming surface located on the underside of the anvil 12024. The sled 12033 may be part of the surgical staple cartridge 12034, such that when the cutting instrument 12032 is retracted following the cutting operation, the sled 12033 does not retract. The anvil 12024 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12025 located at the proximal end of the elongated channel 12022. The anvil 12024 may also include a tab 12027 at its proximal end that interacts with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to facilitate the opening of the anvil 12024. The elongated channel 12022 and the anvil 12024 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of an antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12034 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12034, as was also described above.


As can be seen in FIGS. 63-70, the surgical end effector 12012 is attached to the tool mounting portion 11300 by an elongated shaft assembly 12008 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft assembly 12008 includes an articulation joint generally indicated as 12011 that enables the surgical end effector 12012 to be selectively articulated about an articulation axis AA-AA that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. See FIG. 64. In other embodiments, the articulation joint is omitted. In various embodiments, the shaft assembly 12008 may include a closure tube assembly 12009 that comprises a proximal closure tube 12040 and a distal closure tube 12042 that are pivotably linked by a pivot links 12044 and operably supported on a spine assembly generally depicted as 12049. In the illustrated embodiment, the spine assembly 12049 comprises a distal spine portion 12050 that is attached to the elongated channel 12022 and is pivotally coupled to the proximal spine portion 12052. The closure tube assembly 12009 is configured to axially slide on the spine assembly 12049 in response to actuation motions applied thereto. The distal closure tube 12042 includes an opening 12045 into which the tab 12027 on the anvil 12024 is inserted in order to facilitate opening of the anvil 12024 as the distal closure tube 12042 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD”. The closure tubes 12040, 12042 may be made of electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna, as described above. Components of the main drive shaft assembly (e.g., the drive shafts 12048, 12050) may be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic).


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 11300 includes a rotational transmission assembly 12069 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12008 (and surgical end effector 12012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In various embodiments, for example, the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 of the tool mounting portion 11300 by a forward support cradle 11309 and a closure sled 12100 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302. In at least one form, the rotational transmission assembly 12069 includes a tube gear segment 12062 that is formed on (or attached to) the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 for operable engagement by a rotational gear assembly 12070 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302. As can be seen in FIG. 66, the rotational gear assembly 12070, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 12072 that is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302 when the tool mounting portion 11300 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIG. 63. The rotational gear assembly 12070 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12074 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the tube gear segment 12062 and the rotation drive gear 12072. Application of a first rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12072. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12072 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 (and the surgical end effector 12012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 66). It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 and surgical end effector 12012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT in a first direction and an application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 and surgical end effector1 12012 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.


In at least one embodiment, the closure of the anvil 12024 relative to the staple cartridge 12034 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube assembly 12009 in the distal direction “DD” on the spine assembly 12049. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 is supported by the closure sled 12100 which comprises a portion of a closure transmission, generally depicted as 12099. In at least one form, the closure sled 12100 is configured to support the closure tube 12009 on the tool mounting plate 11320 such that the proximal closure tube 12040 can rotate relative to the closure sled 12100, yet travel axially with the closure sled 12100. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 71, the closure sled 12100 has an upstanding tab 12101 that extends into a radial groove 12063 in the proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube 12040. In addition, as can be seen in FIGS. 68 and 71, the closure sled 12100 has a tab portion 12102 that extends through a slot 11305 in the tool mounting plate 11302. The tab portion 12102 is configured to retain the closure sled 12100 in sliding engagement with the tool mounting plate 11302. In various embodiments, the closure sled 12100 has an upstanding portion 12104 that has a closure rack gear 12106 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 12106 is configured for driving engagement with a closure gear assembly 12110. See FIG. 68.


In various forms, the closure gear assembly 12110 includes a closure spur gear 12112 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 12112 when the tool mounting portion 11300 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The closure gear assembly 12110 further includes a closure reduction gear set 12114 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 12112. As can be seen in FIGS. 67 and 68, the closure reduction gear set 12114 includes a driven gear 12116 that is rotatably supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 12112. The closure reduction gear set 12114 further includes a first closure drive gear 12118 that is in meshing engagement with a second closure drive gear 12120 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the closure rack gear 12106. Thus, application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 12112 and the closure transmission 12110 and ultimately drive the closure sled 12100 and closure tube assembly 12009 axially. The axial direction in which the closure tube assembly 12009 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the second driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary output motion received from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 12100 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately drive the closure tube assembly 11009 in the distal direction. As the distal closure tube 12042 is driven distally, the end of the closure tube segment 12042 will engage a portion of the anvil 12024 and cause the anvil 12024 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an “opening” out put motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 12100 and shaft assembly 12008 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD”. As the distal closure tube 12042 is driven in the proximal direction, the opening 12045 therein interacts with the tab 12027 on the anvil 12024 to facilitate the opening thereof. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube 12042 has been moved to its starting position. In various embodiments, the various gears of the closure gear assembly 12110 are sized to generate the necessary closure forces needed to satisfactorily close the anvil 12024 onto the tissue to be cut and stapled by the surgical end effector 12012. For example, the gears of the closure transmission 12110 may be sized to generate approximately 70-120 pounds.


In various embodiments, the cutting instrument 12032 is driven through the surgical end effector 12012 by a knife bar 12200. See FIGS. 69 and 71. In at least one form, the knife bar 12200 may be fabricated from, for example, stainless steel or other similar material and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Such knife bar configuration is sufficiently rigid to push the cutting instrument 12032 through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012, while still being flexible enough to enable the surgical end effector 12012 to articulate relative to the proximal closure tube 12040 and the proximal spine portion 12052 about the articulation axis AA-AA as will be discussed in further detail below. As can be seen in FIGS. 72 and 73, the proximal spine portion 12052 has a rectangular-shaped passage 12054 extending therethrough to provide support to the knife bar 12200 as it is axially pushed therethrough. The proximal spine portion 12052 has a proximal end 12056 that is rotatably mounted to a spine mounting bracket 12057 attached to the tool mounting plate 11032. See FIG. 71. Such arrangement permits the proximal spine portion 12052 to rotate, but not move axially, within the proximal closure tube 12040.


As shown in FIG. 69, the distal end 12202 of the knife bar 12200 is attached to the cutting instrument 12032. The proximal end 12204 of the knife bar 12200 is rotatably affixed to a knife rack gear 12206 such that the knife bar 12200 is free to rotate relative to the knife rack gear 12206. See FIG. 71. As can be seen in FIGS. 65-70, the knife rack gear 12206 is slidably supported within a rack housing 12210 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 11302 such that the knife rack gear 12206 is retained in meshing engagement with a knife gear assembly 12220. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 68, in at least one embodiment, the knife gear assembly 12220 includes a knife spur gear 12222 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of another rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding third driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the knife spur gear 12222. The knife gear assembly 12220 further includes a knife gear reduction set 12224 that includes a first knife driven gear 12226 and a second knife drive gear 12228. The knife gear reduction set 12224 is rotatably mounted to the tool mounting plate 11302 such that the first knife driven gear 12226 is in meshing engagement with the knife spur gear 12222. Likewise, the second knife drive gear 12228 is in meshing engagement with a third knife drive gear 12230 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the knife rack gear 12206. In various embodiments, the gears of the knife gear assembly 12220 are sized to generate the forces needed to drive the cutting element 12032 through the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012 and actuate the staples therein. For example, the gears of the knife drive assembly 12230 may be sized to generate approximately 40 to 100 pounds. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the axial movement of the cutting instrument 12032 in a distal direction and application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12032 in a proximal direction.


In various embodiments, the surgical tool 11200 employs and articulation system 12007 that includes an articulation joint 12011 that enables the surgical end effector 12012 to be articulated about an articulation axis AA-AA that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 11200 includes first and second articulation bars 12250a, 12250b that are slidably supported within corresponding passages 12053 provided through the proximal spine portion 12052. See FIGS. 71 and 73. In at least one form, the first and second articulation bars 12250a, 12250b are actuated by an articulation transmission generally designated as 12249 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 11032. Each of the articulation bars 12250a, 12250b has a proximal end 12252 that has a guide rod protruding therefrom which extend laterally through a corresponding slot in the proximal end portion of the proximal spine portion 12052 and into a corresponding arcuate slot in an articulation nut 12260 which comprises a portion of the articulation transmission. FIG. 72 illustrates articulation bar 12250a. It will be understood that articulation bar 12250b is similarly constructed. As can be seen in FIG. 72, for example, the articulation bar 12250a has a guide rod 12254 which extends laterally through a corresponding slot 12058 in the proximal end portion 12056 of the distal spine portion 12050 and into a corresponding arcuate slot 12262 in the articulation nut 12260. In addition, the articulation bar 12250a has a distal end 12251a that is pivotally coupled to the distal spine portion 12050 by, for example, a pin 12253a and articulation bar 12250b has a distal end 12251b that is pivotally coupled to the distal spine portion 12050 by, for example, a pin 12253b. In particular, the articulation bar 12250a is laterally offset in a first lateral direction from the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT and the articulation bar 12250b is laterally offset in a second lateral direction from the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. Thus, axial movement of the articulation bars 12250a and 12250b in opposing directions will result in the articulation of the distal spine portion 12050 as well as the surgical end effector 12012 attached thereto about the articulation axis AA-AA as will be discussed in further detail below.


Articulation of the surgical end effector 12012 is controlled by rotating the articulation nut 12260 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. The articulation nut 12260 is rotatably journaled on the proximal end portion 12056 of the distal spine portion 12050 and is rotatably driven thereon by an articulation gear assembly 12270. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 66, in at least one embodiment, the articulation gear assembly 12270 includes an articulation spur gear 12272 that is coupled to a corresponding fourth one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of another rotary input motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding fourth driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the articulation spur gear 12272 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. An articulation drive gear 12274 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the articulation spur gear 12272 and a gear portion 12264 of the articulation nut 12260 as shown. As can be seen in FIGS. 71 and 72, the articulation nut 12260 has a shoulder 12266 formed thereon that defines an annular groove 12267 for receiving retaining posts 12268 therein. Retaining posts 12268 are attached to the tool mounting plate 11302 and serve to prevent the articulation nut 12260 from moving axially on the proximal spine portion 12052 while maintaining the ability to be rotated relative thereto. Thus, rotation of the articulation nut 12260 in a first direction, will result in the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250a in a distal direction “DD” and the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250b in a proximal direction “PD” because of the interaction of the guide rods 12254 with the spiral slots 12262 in the articulation gear 12260. Similarly, rotation of the articulation nut 12260 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction will result in the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250a in the proximal direction “PD” as well as cause articulation bar 2250b to axially move in the distal direction “DD”. Thus, the surgical end effector 12012 may be selectively articulated about articulation axis “AA-AA” in a first direction “FD” by simultaneously moving the articulation bar 12250a in the distal direction “DD” and the articulation bar 12250b in the proximal direction “PD”. Likewise, the surgical end effector 12012 may be selectively articulated about the articulation axis “AA-AA” in a second direction “SD” by simultaneously moving the articulation bar 12250a in the proximal direction “PD” and the articulation bar 12250b in the distal direction “DD.” See FIG. 64.


The tool embodiment described above employs an interface arrangement that is particularly well-suited for mounting the robotically controllable medical tool onto at least one form of robotic arm arrangement that generates at least four different rotary control motions. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such rotary output motions may be selectively controlled through the programmable control systems employed by the robotic system/controller. For example, the tool arrangement described above may be well-suited for use with those robotic systems manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A., many of which may be described in detail in various patents incorporated herein by reference. The unique and novel aspects of various embodiments of the present invention serve to utilize the rotary output motions supplied by the robotic system to generate specific control motions having sufficient magnitudes that enable end effectors to cut and staple tissue. Thus, the unique arrangements and principles of various embodiments of the present invention may enable a variety of different forms of the tool systems disclosed and claimed herein to be effectively employed in connection with other types and forms of robotic systems that supply programmed rotary or other output motions. In addition, as will become further apparent as the present Detailed Description proceeds, various end effector embodiments of the present invention that require other forms of actuation motions may also be effectively actuated utilizing one or more of the control motions generated by the robotic system.



FIGS. 75-79 illustrate yet another surgical tool 12300 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly that is operably coupled to a controller of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and which is configured to provide at least one rotary output motion to at least one rotatable body portion supported on the tool drive assembly. In various forms, the surgical tool 12300 includes a surgical end effector 12312 that includes an elongated channel 12322 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12324, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12312. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12312 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned elongated channel 12322 and anvil 12324, a cutting instrument 12332 that has a sled portion 12333 formed thereon, a surgical staple cartridge 12334 that is seated in the elongated channel 12322, and a rotary end effector drive shaft 12336 that has a helical screw thread formed thereon. The cutting instrument 12332 may be, for example, a knife. As will be discussed in further detail below, rotation of the end effector drive shaft 12336 will cause the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 to axially travel through the surgical staple cartridge 2334 to move between a starting position and an ending position. The direction of axial travel of the cutting instrument 12332 depends upon the direction in which the end effector drive shaft 12336 is rotated. The anvil 12324 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12325 connected to the proximate end of the elongated channel 12322. The anvil 12324 may also include a tab 12327 at its proximate end that operably interfaces with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12324. When the end effector drive shaft 12336 is rotated, the cutting instrument 12332 and sled 12333 will travel longitudinally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 from the starting position to the ending position, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12312. The movement of the sled 12333 through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 causes the staples therein to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12324, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12322 and the anvil 12324 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12334 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12334, as described above.


It should be noted that although the embodiments of the surgical tool 12300 described herein employ a surgical end effector 12312 that staples the severed tissue, in other embodiments different techniques for fastening or sealing the severed tissue may be used. For example, end effectors that use RF energy or adhesives to fasten the severed tissue may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,680, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,270, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE WITH RECESSED AND/OR OFFSET ELECTRODES, which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses cutting instruments that use RF energy to fasten the severed tissue. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,811, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,783, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,383, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,557, which are also incorporated herein by reference, disclose cutting instruments that use adhesives to fasten the severed tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein refers to cutting/stapling operations and the like, it should be recognized that this is an exemplary embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. Other tissue-fastening techniques may also be used.


In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12312 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12308 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12460 and defines a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In this embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 does not include an articulation joint. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments may have an articulation joint therein. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 comprises a hollow outer tube 12340 that is rotatably supported on a tool mounting plate 12462 of a tool mounting portion 12460 as will be discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 further includes a distal spine shaft 12350. Distal spine shaft 12350 has a distal end portion 12354 that is coupled to, or otherwise integrally formed with, a distal stationary base portion 12360 that is non-movably coupled to the channel 12322. See FIGS. 76-78.


As shown in FIG. 76, the distal spine shaft 12350 has a proximal end portion 12351 that is slidably received within a slot 12355 in a proximal spine shaft 12353 that is non-movably supported within the hollow outer tube 12340 by at least one support collar 12357. As can be further seen in FIGS. 76 and 77, the surgical tool 12300 includes a closure tube 12370 that is constrained to only move axially relative to the distal stationary base portion 12360. The closure tube 12370 has a proximal end 12372 that has an internal thread 12374 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a transmission arrangement, generally depicted as 12375 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. In various forms, the transmission arrangement 12375 includes a rotary drive shaft assembly, generally designated as 12381. When rotated, the rotary drive shaft assembly 12381 will cause the closure tube 12370 to move axially as will be describe in further detail below. In at least one form, the rotary drive shaft assembly 12381 includes a closure drive nut 12382 of a closure clutch assembly generally designated as 12380. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12382 has a proximal end portion 12384 that is rotatably supported relative to the outer tube 12340 and is in threaded engagement with the closure tube 12370. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12384 may be threadably attached to a retention ring 12386. Retention ring 12386, in cooperation with an end 12387 of the closure drive nut 12382, defines an annular slot 12388 into which a shoulder 12392 of a locking collar 12390 extends. The locking collar 12390 is non-movably attached (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) to the end of the outer tube 12340. Such arrangement serves to affix the closure drive nut 12382 to the outer tube 12340 while enabling the closure drive nut 12382 to rotate relative to the outer tube 12340. The closure drive nut 12382 further has a distal end 12383 that has a threaded portion 12385 that threadably engages the internal thread 12374 of the closure tube 12370. Thus, rotation of the closure drive nut 12382 will cause the closure tube 12370 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 77.


Closure of the anvil 12324 and actuation of the cutting instrument 12332 are accomplished by control motions that are transmitted by a hollow drive sleeve 12400. As can be seen in FIGS. 76 and 77, the hollow drive sleeve 12400 is rotatably and slidably received on the distal spine shaft 12350. The drive sleeve 12400 has a proximal end portion 12401 that is rotatably mounted to the proximal spine shaft 12353 that protrudes from the tool mounting portion 12460 such that the drive sleeve 12400 may rotate relative thereto. See FIG. 76. As can also be seen in FIGS. 76-78, the drive sleeve 12400 is rotated about the longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT” by a drive shaft 12440. The drive shaft 12440 has a drive gear 12444 that is attached to its distal end 12442 and is in meshing engagement with a driven gear 12450 that is attached to the drive sleeve 12400.


The drive sleeve 12400 further has a distal end portion 12402 that is coupled to a closure clutch 12410 portion of the closure clutch assembly 12380 that has a proximal face 12412 and a distal face 12414. The proximal face 12412 has a series of proximal teeth 12416 formed thereon that are adapted for selective engagement with corresponding proximal teeth cavities 12418 formed in the proximal end portion 12384 of the closure drive nut 12382. Thus, when the proximal teeth 12416 are in meshing engagement with the proximal teeth cavities 12418 in the closure drive nut 12382, rotation of the drive sleeve 12400 will result in rotation of the closure drive nut 12382 and ultimately cause the closure tube 12370 to move axially as will be discussed in further detail below.


As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 76 and 77, the distal face 12414 of the drive clutch portion 12410 has a series of distal teeth 12415 formed thereon that are adapted for selective engagement with corresponding distal teeth cavities 12426 formed in a face plate portion 12424 of a knife drive shaft assembly 12420. In various embodiments, the knife drive shaft assembly 12420 comprises a hollow knife shaft segment 12430 that is rotatably received on a corresponding portion of the distal spine shaft 12350 that is attached to or protrudes from the stationary base 12360. When the distal teeth 12415 of the closure clutch portion 12410 are in meshing engagement with the distal teeth cavities 12426 in the face plate portion 12424, rotation of the drive sleeve 12400 will result in rotation of the drive shaft segment 12430 about the stationary shaft 12350. As can be seen in FIGS. 76-77, a knife drive gear 12432 is attached to the drive shaft segment 12430 and is meshing engagement with a drive knife gear 12434 that is attached to the end effector drive shaft 12336. Thus, rotation of the drive shaft segment 12430 will result in the rotation of the end effector drive shaft 12336 to drive the cutting instrument 12332 and sled 12333 distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 to cut and staple tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12312. The sled 12333 may be made of, for example, plastic, and may have a sloped distal surface. As the sled 12333 traverses the elongated channel 12322, the sloped forward surface of the sled 12333 pushes up or “drive” the staples in the surgical staple cartridge 12334 through the clamped tissue and against the anvil 12324. The anvil 12324 turns or “forms” the staples, thereby stapling the severed tissue. As used herein, the term “fire” refers to the initiation of actions required to drive the cutting instrument and sled portion in a distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge to cut the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector and drive the staples through the severed tissue.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12312 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 12375 includes a rotational transmission assembly 12465 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12308 (and surgical end effector 12312) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 79, a proximal end 12341 of the outer tube 12340 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12343 attached to the tool mounting plate 12462 of the tool mounting portion 12460. A rotation gear 12345 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12341 of the outer tube 12340 of the elongated shaft assembly 12308 for meshing engagement with a rotation gear assembly 12470 operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12472 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIGS. 63 and 79. The rotation drive assembly 12470 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12474 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12345 and the rotation drive gear 12472. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12472 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12472 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12308 (and the end effector 12312) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


Closure of the anvil 12324 relative to the staple cartridge 12034 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382. To apply the rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382, the closure clutch 12410 must first be brought into meshing engagement with the proximal end portion 12384 of the closure drive nut 12382. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 12375 further includes a shifter drive assembly 12480 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 79, it can be seen that a proximal end portion 12359 of the proximal spine portion 12353 extends through the rotation gear 12345 and is rotatably coupled to a shifter gear rack 12481 that is slidably affixed to the tool mounting plate 12462 through slots 12482. The shifter drive assembly 12480 further comprises a shifter drive gear 12483 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 79. The shifter drive assembly 12480 further comprises a shifter driven gear 12478 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with the shifter drive gear 12483 and the shifter rack gear 12482. Application of a second rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 ultimately results in the axial movement of the shifter gear rack 12482 and the proximal spine portion 12353 as well as the drive sleeve 12400 and the closure clutch 12410 attached thereto. The direction of axial travel of the closure clutch 12410 depends upon the direction in which the shifter drive gear 12483 is rotated by the robotic system 11000. Thus, rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 in a first rotary direction will result in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 in the proximal direction “PD” to bring the proximal teeth 12416 into meshing engagement with the proximal teeth cavities 12418 in the closure drive nut 12382. Conversely, rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will result in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 in the distal direction “DD” to bring the distal teeth 12415 into meshing engagement with corresponding distal teeth cavities 12426 formed in the face plate portion 12424 of the knife drive shaft assembly 12420.


Once the closure clutch 12410 has been brought into meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382, the closure drive nut 12382 is rotated by rotating the closure clutch 12410. Rotation of the closure clutch 12410 is controlled by applying rotary output motions to a rotary drive transmission portion 12490 of transmission arrangement 12375 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 as shown in FIG. 79. In at least one embodiment, the rotary drive transmission 12490 includes a rotary drive assembly 12490′ that includes a gear 12491 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 79. The rotary drive transmission 12490 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 12492 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear 12493 and the rotary drive gear 12491. The second rotary driven gear 12493 is coupled to a proximal end portion 12443 of the drive shaft 12440.


Rotation of the rotary drive gear 12491 in a first rotary direction will result in the rotation of the drive shaft 12440 in a first direction. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 12491 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft 12440 to rotate in a second direction. As indicated above, the drive shaft 12440 has a drive gear 12444 that is attached to its distal end 12442 and is in meshing engagement with a driven gear 12450 that is attached to the drive sleeve 12400. Thus, rotation of the drive shaft 12440 results in rotation of the drive sleeve 12400.


A method of operating the surgical tool 12300 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 12462 has been operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000 and oriented into position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled, if the anvil 12334 is not already in the open position (FIG. 76), the robotic system 11000 may apply the first rotary output motion to the shifter drive gear 12483 which results in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 into meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382 (if it is not already in meshing engagement therewith). See FIG. 77. Once the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 has confirmed that the closure clutch 12410 is meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382 (e.g., by means of sensor(s)) in the surgical end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic control system), the robotic controller 11001 may then apply a second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12492 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the rotation of the rotary drive nut 12382 in the first direction which results in the axial travel of the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12370 moved in the distal direction, it contacts a portion of the anvil 12323 and causes the anvil 12324 to pivot to the closed position to clamp the target tissue between the anvil 12324 and the surgical staple cartridge 12334. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 12334 has been pivoted to the closed position by corresponding sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12312 in communication therewith, the robotic system 11000 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. The robotic controller 11001 may also provide the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 12334 has been fully closed. The surgeon may then initiate the firing procedure. In alternative embodiments, the firing procedure may be automatically initiated by the robotic controller 11001. The robotic controller 11001 then applies the primary rotary control motion 12483 to the shifter drive gear 12483 which results in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 into meshing engagement with the face plate portion 12424 of the knife drive shaft assembly 12420. See FIG. 78. Once the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 has confirmed that the closure clutch 12410 is meshing engagement with the face plate portion 12424 (by means of sensor(s)) in the end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001), the robotic controller 11001 may then apply the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12492 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the axial movement of the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 in the distal direction “DD” through the surgical staple cartridge 12334. As the cutting instrument 12332 moves distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334, the tissue clamped therein is severed. As the sled portion 12333 is driven distally, it causes the staples within the surgical staple cartridge to be driven through the severed tissue into forming contact with the anvil 12324. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12324 has reached the end position within the surgical staple cartridge 12334 (by means of sensor(s)) in the end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001), the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491 which ultimately results in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 in the proximal direction “PD” to the starting position. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12324 has reached the starting position by means of sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the primary rotary output motion to the shifter drive gear 12483 to cause the closure clutch 12410 to move into engagement with the rotary drive nut 12382. Once the closure clutch 12410 has been moved into meshing engagement with the rotary drive nut 12382, the robotic controller 11001 then applies the secondary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491 which ultimately results in the rotation of the rotary drive nut 12382 in the second direction to cause the closure tube 12370 to move in the proximal direction “PD”. As can be seen in FIGS. 76-78, the closure tube 12370 has an opening 12345 therein that engages the tab 12327 on the anvil 12324 to cause the anvil 12324 to pivot to the open position. In alternative embodiments, a spring may also be employed to pivot the anvil 12324 to the open position when the closure tube 12370 has been returned to the starting position (FIG. 76).



FIGS. 80-84 illustrate yet another surgical tool 12500 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 12500 includes a surgical end effector 12512 that includes a “first portion” in the form of an elongated channel 12522 and a “second movable portion” in the form of a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12524, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12512. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12512 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned elongated channel 12522 and anvil 12524, a “third movable portion” in the form of a cutting instrument 12532, a sled (not shown), and a surgical staple cartridge 12534 that is removably seated in the elongated channel 12522. The cutting instrument 12532 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 12524 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12525 connected to the proximate end of the elongated channel 12522. The anvil 12524 may also include a tab 12527 at its proximate end that is configured to operably interface with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12524. When actuated, the knife 12532 and sled travel longitudinally along the elongated channel 12522, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12512. The movement of the sled along the elongated channel 12522 causes the staples of the surgical staple cartridge 12534 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12524, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12522 and the anvil 12524 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the surgical end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12534 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12534, as described above.


It should be noted that although the embodiments of the surgical tool 12500 described herein employ a surgical end effector 12512 that staples the severed tissue, in other embodiments different techniques for fastening or sealing the severed tissue may be used. For example, end effectors that use RF energy or adhesives to fasten the severed tissue may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,680, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,270, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE WITH RECESSED AND/OR OFFSET ELECTRODES, which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses cutting instruments that use RF energy to fasten the severed tissue. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,811, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,783, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,383, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,557, which are also incorporated herein by reference, disclose cutting instruments that use adhesives to fasten the severed tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein refers to cutting/stapling operations and the like, it should be recognized that this is an exemplary embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. Other tissue-fastening techniques may also be used.


In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated channel 12522 of the surgical end effector 12512 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12508 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12600. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12508 comprises a hollow spine tube 12540 that is non-movably coupled to a tool mounting plate 12602 of the tool mounting portion 12600. As can be seen in FIGS. 81 and 82, the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 comprises a hollow tubular structure configured to be attached to the distal end 12541 of the spine tube 12540. In one embodiment, for example, the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 is welded or glued to the distal end of the spine tube 12540.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 81 and 82, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, the surgical tool 12500 further includes an axially movable actuation member in the form of a closure tube 12550 that is constrained to move axially relative to the elongated channel 12522 and the spine tube 11540. The closure tube 12550 has a proximal end 12552 that has an internal thread 12554 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a rotatably movable portion in the form of a closure drive nut 12560. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12560 has a proximal end portion 12562 that is rotatably supported relative to the elongated channel 12522 and the spine tube 12540. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12562 is threadably attached to a retention ring 12570. The retention ring 12570 is received in a groove 12529 formed between a shoulder 12527 on the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 and the distal end 12541 of the spine tube 11540. Such arrangement serves to rotatably support the closure drive nut 12560 within the elongated channel 12522. Rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 will cause the closure tube 12550 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 81.


Extending through the spine tube 12540 and the closure drive nut 12560 is a drive member which, in at least one embodiment, comprises a knife bar 12580 that has a distal end portion 12582 that is rotatably coupled to the cutting instrument 12532 such that the knife bar 12580 may rotate relative to the cutting instrument 12582. As can be seen in FIG. 81-83, the closure drive nut 12560 has a slot 12564 therein through which the knife bar 12580 can slidably extend. Such arrangement permits the knife bar 12580 to move axially relative to the closure drive nut 12560. However, rotation of the knife bar 12580 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT will also result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560. The axial direction in which the closure tube 12550 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the knife bar 12580 and the closure drive nut 12560 are rotated. As the closure tube 12550 is driven distally, the distal end thereof will contact the anvil 12524 and cause the anvil 12524 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an opening rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12550 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 12524 to the open position by virtue of the engagement of the tab 12527 with the opening 12555 in the closure tube 12550.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12512 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 12600 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 and convert that first rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12508 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 79, a proximal end 12542 of the hollow spine tube 12540 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12603 attached to a tool mounting plate 12602 of the tool mounting portion 12600. Various embodiments of the surgical tool 12500 further include a transmission arrangement, generally depicted as 12605, that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. In various forms the transmission arrangement 12605 include a rotation gear 12544 that is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12542 of the spine tube 12540 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 12610 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12612 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the rotational bodies, driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12602 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 84. The rotation drive assembly 12610 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12614 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12544 and the rotation drive gear 12612. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven rotational body 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12612 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12612 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12508 (and the end effector 12512) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT.


Closure of the anvil 12524 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 12534 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12550 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12550 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382. In various embodiments, the closure drive nut 12560 is rotated by applying a rotary output motion to the knife bar 12580. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 is controlled by applying rotary output motions to a rotary closure system 12620 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 as shown in FIG. 84. In at least one embodiment, the rotary closure system 12620 includes a closure drive gear 12622 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotatable body portions discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 84. The closure drive gear 12622, in at least one embodiment, is in meshing driving engagement with a closure gear train, generally depicted as 12623. The closure gear drive rain 12623 comprises a first driven closure gear 12624 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. The first closure driven gear 12624 is attached to a second closure driven gear 12626 by a drive shaft 12628. The second closure driven gear 12626 is in meshing engagement with a third closure driven gear 12630 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. Rotation of the closure drive gear 12622 in a second rotary direction will result in the rotation of the third closure driven gear 12630 in a second direction. Conversely, rotation of the closure drive gear 12483 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the third closure driven gear 12630 to rotate in a secondary direction.


As can be seen in FIG. 84, a drive shaft assembly 12640 is coupled to a proximal end of the knife bar 12580. In various embodiments, the drive shaft assembly 12640 includes a proximal portion 12642 that has a square cross-sectional shape. The proximal portion 12642 is configured to slideably engage a correspondingly shaped aperture in the third driven gear 12630. Such arrangement results in the rotation of the drive shaft assembly 12640 (and knife bar 12580) when the third driven gear 12630 is rotated. The drive shaft assembly 12640 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by a knife drive assembly 12650. One form of the knife drive assembly 12650 comprises a rotary drive gear 12652 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven rotatable body portions, discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 84. The rotary driven gear 12652 is in meshing driving engagement with a gear train, generally depicted as 12653. In at least one form, the gear train 12653 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 12654 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. The first rotary driven gear assembly 12654 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 12656 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 12658 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 12644 of the drive shaft assembly 12640. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 12652 in a third rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 12640 and knife bar 12580 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 12652 in a tertiary rotary direction (opposite to the third rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 12640 and the knife bar 12580 to move in the proximal direction.


A method of operating the surgical tool 12500 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 12600 has been operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000, the robotic system 11000 can orient the surgical end effector 12512 in position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled. If the anvil 12524 is not already in the open position (FIG. 81), the robotic system 11000 may apply the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which results in the rotation of the knife bar 12580 in a second direction. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 in the second direction results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 in a second direction. As the closure drive nut 12560 rotates in the second direction, the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD”. As the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD”, the tab 12527 on the anvil 12524 interfaces with the opening 12555 in the closure tube 12550 and causes the anvil 12524 to pivot to the open position. In addition or in alternative embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to pivot the anvil 12354 to the open position when the closure tube 12550 has been returned to the starting position (FIG. 81). The opened surgical end effector 12512 may then be manipulated by the robotic system 11000 to position the target tissue between the open anvil 12524 and the surgical staple cartridge 12534. Thereafter, the surgeon may initiate the closure process by activating the robotic control system 11000 to apply the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12382 in the second direction which results in the axial travel of the closure tube 12250 in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12550 moves in the distal direction, it contacts a portion of the anvil 12524 and causes the anvil 12524 to pivot to the closed position to clamp the target tissue between the anvil 12524 and the staple cartridge 12534. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 12524 has been pivoted to the closed position by corresponding sensor(s) in the end effector 12512 that are in communication therewith, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622. The robotic controller 11001 may also provide the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 12524 has been fully closed. The surgeon may then initiate the firing procedure. In alternative embodiments, the firing procedure may be automatically initiated by the robotic controller 11001.


After the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the anvil 12524 is in the closed position, the robotic controller 11001 then applies the third rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652 which results in the axial movement of the drive shaft assembly 12640 and knife bar 12580 in the distal direction “DD”. As the cutting instrument 12532 moves distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12534, the tissue clamped therein is severed. As the sled portion (not shown) is driven distally, it causes the staples within the surgical staple cartridge 12534 to be driven through the severed tissue into forming contact with the anvil 12524. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12532 has reached the end position within the surgical staple cartridge 12534 by means of sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12512 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the secondary rotary control motion to the rotary drive gear 12652 which ultimately results in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12532 and sled portion in the proximal direction “PD” to the starting position. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12524 has reached the starting position by means of sensor(s) in the end effector 12512 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 may apply the secondary rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which results in the rotation of the knife bar 12580 in a secondary direction. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 in the secondary direction results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 in a secondary direction. As the closure drive nut 12560 rotates in the secondary direction, the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD” to the open position.



FIGS. 85-90B illustrate yet another surgical tool 12700 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 12700 includes a surgical end effector 12712 that includes a “first portion” in the form of an elongated channel 12722 and a “second movable portion” in on form comprising a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12724, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12712. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12712 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned channel 12722 and anvil 12724, a “third movable portion” in the form of a cutting instrument 12732, a sled (not shown), and a surgical staple cartridge 12734 that is removably seated in the elongated channel 12722. The cutting instrument 12732 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 12724 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12725 connected to the proximal end of the elongated channel 12722. The anvil 12724 may also include a tab 12727 at its proximal end that interfaces with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12724. When actuated, the knife 12732 and sled to travel longitudinally along the elongated channel 12722, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12712. The movement of the sled along the elongated channel 12722 causes the staples of the surgical staple cartridge 12734 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12724, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12722 and the anvil 12724 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the surgical end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12734 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12734, as described above.


It should be noted that although the embodiments of the surgical tool 12500 described herein employ a surgical end effector 12712 that staples the severed tissue, in other embodiments different techniques for fastening or sealing the severed tissue may be used. For example, end effectors that use RF energy or adhesives to fasten the severed tissue may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,680, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,270, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE WITH RECESSED AND/OR OFFSET ELECTRODES, which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses cutting instruments that use RF energy to fasten the severed tissue. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,811, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,783, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,383, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,557, which are also incorporated herein by reference, disclose cutting instruments that use adhesives to fasten the severed tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein refers to cutting/stapling operations and the like, it should be recognized that this is an exemplary embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. Other tissue-fastening techniques may also be used.


In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated channel 12722 of the surgical end effector 12712 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12708 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12900. Although not shown, the elongated shaft assembly 12708 may include an articulation joint to permit the surgical end effector 12712 to be selectively articulated about an axis that is substantially transverse to the tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12708 comprises a hollow spine tube 12740 that is non-movably coupled to a tool mounting plate 12902 of the tool mounting portion 12900. As can be seen in FIGS. 86 and 87, the proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 comprises a hollow tubular structure that is attached to the spine tube 12740 by means of a mounting collar 12790. A cross-sectional view of the mounting collar 12790 is shown in FIG. 88. In various embodiments, the mounting collar 12790 has a proximal flanged end 12791 that is configured for attachment to the distal end of the spine tube 12740. In at least one embodiment, for example, the proximal flanged end 12791 of the mounting collar 12790 is welded or glued to the distal end of the spine tube 12740. As can be further seen in FIGS. 86 and 87, the mounting collar 12790 further has a mounting hub portion 12792 that is sized to receive the proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 thereon. The proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 is non-movably attached to the mounting hub portion 12792 by, for example, welding, adhesive, etc.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 86 and 87, the surgical tool 12700 further includes an axially movable actuation member in the form of a closure tube 12750 that is constrained to move axially relative to the elongated channel 12722. The closure tube 12750 has a proximal end 12752 that has an internal thread 12754 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a rotatably movable portion in the form of a closure drive nut 12760. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12760 has a proximal end portion 12762 that is rotatably supported relative to the elongated channel 12722 and the spine tube 12740. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12762 is threadably attached to a retention ring 12770. The retention ring 12770 is received in a groove 12729 formed between a shoulder 12727 on the proximal end 12723 of the channel 12722 and the mounting hub 12729 of the mounting collar 12790. Such arrangement serves to rotatably support the closure drive nut 12760 within the channel 12722. Rotation of the closure drive nut 12760 will cause the closure tube 12750 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 86.


Extending through the spine tube 12740, the mounting collar 12790, and the closure drive nut 12760 is a drive member, which in at least one embodiment, comprises a knife bar 12780 that has a distal end portion 12782 that is coupled to the cutting instrument 12732. As can be seen in FIGS. 86 and 87, the mounting collar 12790 has a passage 12793 therethrough for permitting the knife bar 12780 to slidably pass therethrough. Similarly, the closure drive nut 12760 has a slot 12764 therein through which the knife bar 12780 can slidably extend. Such arrangement permits the knife bar 12780 to move axially relative to the closure drive nut 12760.


Actuation of the anvil 12724 is controlled by a rotary driven closure shaft 12800. As can be seen in FIGS. 86 and 87, a distal end portion 12802 of the closure drive shaft 12800 extends through a passage 12794 in the mounting collar 12790 and a closure gear 12804 is attached thereto. The closure gear 12804 is configured for driving engagement with the inner surface 12761 of the closure drive nut 12760. Thus, rotation of the closure shaft 12800 will also result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12760. The axial direction in which the closure tube 12750 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the closure shaft 12800 and the closure drive nut 12760 are rotated. For example, in response to one rotary closure motion received from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12750 will be driven in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12750 is driven distally, the opening 12745 will engage the tab 12727 on the anvil 12724 and cause the anvil 12724 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an opening rotary motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12750 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 12724 to the open position. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 12724 to the open position (FIG. 86).


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12712 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 12900 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12708 about the tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 90, a proximal end 12742 of the hollow spine tube 12740 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12903 and a bearing assembly 12904 that are attached to a tool mounting plate 12902 of the tool mounting portion 12900. A rotation gear 12744 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12742 of the spine tube 12740 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 12910 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12912 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12602 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 90. The rotation drive assembly 12910 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12914 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12744 and the rotation drive gear 12912. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12912 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12912 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12708 (and the end effector 12712) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


Closure of the anvil 12724 relative to the staple cartridge 12734 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12750 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12750 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12760. In various embodiments, the closure drive nut 12760 is rotated by applying a rotary output motion to the closure drive shaft 12800. As can be seen in FIG. 90, a proximal end portion 12806 of the closure drive shaft 12800 has a driven gear 12808 thereon that is in meshing engagement with a closure drive assembly 12920. In various embodiments, the closure drive system 12920 includes a closure drive gear 12922 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotational bodies or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12900 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 90. The closure drive gear 12922 is supported in meshing engagement with a closure gear train, generally depicted as 12923. In at least one form, the closure gear rain 12923 comprises a first driven closure gear 12924 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. The first closure driven gear 12924 is attached to a second closure driven gear 12926 by a drive shaft 12928. The second closure driven gear 12926 is in meshing engagement with a planetary gear assembly 12930. In various embodiments, the planetary gear assembly 12930 includes a driven planetary closure gear 12932 that is rotatably supported within the bearing assembly 12904 that is mounted on tool mounting plate 12902. As can be seen in FIGS. 90 and 90B, the proximal end portion 12806 of the closure drive shaft 12800 is rotatably supported within the proximal end portion 12742 of the spine tube 12740 such that the driven gear 12808 is in meshing engagement with central gear teeth 12934 formed on the planetary gear 12932. As can also be seen in FIG. 90A, two additional support gears 12936 are attached to or rotatably supported relative to the proximal end portion 12742 of the spine tube 12740 to provide bearing support thereto. Such arrangement with the planetary gear assembly 12930 serves to accommodate rotation of the spine shaft 12740 by the rotation drive assembly 12910 while permitting the closure driven gear 12808 to remain in meshing engagement with the closure drive system 12920. In addition, rotation of the closure drive gear 12922 in a first direction will ultimately result in the rotation of the closure drive shaft 12800 and closure drive nut 12760 which will ultimately result in the closure of the anvil 12724 as described above. Conversely, rotation of the closure drive gear 12922 in a second opposite direction will ultimately result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12760 in an opposite direction which results in the opening of the anvil 12724.


As can be seen in FIG. 84, the proximal end 12784 of the knife bar 12780 has a threaded shaft portion 12786 attached thereto which is in driving engagement with a knife drive assembly 12940. In various embodiments, the threaded shaft portion 12786 is rotatably supported by a bearing 12906 attached to the tool mounting plate 12902. Such arrangement permits the threaded shaft portion 12786 to rotate and move axially relative to the tool mounting plate 12902. The knife bar 12780 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by the knife drive assembly 12940. One form of the knife drive assembly 12940 comprises a rotary drive gear 12942 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the rotatable bodies, driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12902 when the tool mounting portion 12900 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 90. The rotary drive gear 12942 is in meshing engagement with a knife gear train, generally depicted as 12943. In various embodiments, the knife gear train 12943 comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 12944 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. The first rotary driven gear assembly 12944 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 12946 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 12948 that is in meshing engagement with the threaded portion 12786 of the knife bar 12780. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 12942 in one direction will result in the axial advancement of the knife bar 12780 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 12942 in an opposite direction will cause the knife bar 12780 to move in the proximal direction. Tool 12700 may otherwise be used as described above.



FIGS. 91 and 92 illustrate a surgical tool embodiment 12700′ that is substantially identical to tool 12700 that was described in detail above. However tool 12700′ includes a pressure sensor 12950 that is configured to provide feedback to the robotic controller 11001 concerning the amount of clamping pressure experienced by the anvil 12724. In various embodiments, for example, the pressure sensor may comprise a spring biased contact switch. For a continuous signal, it would use either a cantilever beam with a strain gage on it or a dome button top with a strain gage on the inside. Another version may comprise an off switch that contacts only at a known desired load. Such arrangement would include a dome on the based wherein the dome is one electrical pole and the base is the other electrical pole. Such arrangement permits the robotic controller 11001 to adjust the amount of clamping pressure being applied to the tissue within the surgical end effector 12712 by adjusting the amount of closing pressure applied to the anvil 12724. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such pressure sensor arrangement may be effectively employed with several of the surgical tool embodiments described herein as well as their equivalent structures.



FIG. 93 illustrates a portion of another surgical tool 3000 that may be effectively used in connection with a robotic system 11000. The surgical tool 3003 employs on-board motor(s) for powering various components of a surgical end effector cutting instrument. In at least one non-limiting embodiment for example, the surgical tool 3000 includes a surgical end effector in the form of an endocutter (not shown) that has an anvil (not shown) and surgical staple cartridge arrangement (not shown) of the types and constructions described above. The surgical tool 3000 also includes an elongated shaft (not shown) and anvil closure arrangement (not shown) of the types described above. Thus, this portion of the Detailed Description will not repeat the description of those components beyond that which is necessary to appreciate the unique and novel attributes of the various embodiments of surgical tool 3000.


In the depicted embodiment, the end effector includes a cutting instrument 3002 that is coupled to a knife bar 3003. As can be seen in FIG. 93, the surgical tool 3000 includes a tool mounting portion 3010 that includes a tool mounting plate 3012 that is configured to mountingly interface with the adaptor portion 11240′ which is coupled to the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described above. The tool mounting portion 3010 is configured to operably support a transmission arrangement 3013 thereon. In at least one embodiment, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to the adaptor portion 11240 described in detail above without the powered rotation bodies and disc members employed by adapter 11240. In other embodiments, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to adaptor portion 11240. Still other modifications which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the various forms of the present invention may employ one or more of the mechanical motions (i.e., rotary motion(s)) from the tool holder portion 11270 (as described hereinabove) to power/actuate the transmission arrangement 3013 while also employing one or more motors within the tool mounting portion 3010 to power one or more other components of the surgical end effector. In addition, while the end effector of the depicted embodiment comprises an endocutter, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the unique and novel attributes of the depicted embodiment may be effectively employed in connection with other types of surgical end effectors without departing from the spirit and scope of various forms of the present invention.


In various embodiments, the tool mounting plate 3012 is configured to at least house a first firing motor 3011 for supplying firing and retraction motions to the knife bar 3003 which is coupled to or otherwise operably interfaces with the cutting instrument 3002. The tool mounting plate 3012 has an array of electrical connecting pins 3014 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 62) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to the electronic control circuit 3020 of the surgical tool 3000. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


Control circuit 3020 is shown in schematic form in FIG. 93. In one form or embodiment, the control circuit 3020 includes a power supply in the form of a battery 3022 that is coupled to an on-off solenoid powered switch 3024. Control circuit 3020 further includes an on/off firing solenoid 3026 that is coupled to a double pole switch 3028 for controlling the rotational direction of the motor 3011. Thus, when the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 supplies an appropriate control signal, switch 3024 will permit battery 3022 to supply power to the double pole switch 3028. The controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 will also supply an appropriate signal to the double pole switch 3028 to supply power to the motor 3011. When it is desired to fire the surgical end effector (i.e., drive the cutting instrument 3002 distally through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector, the double pole switch 3028 will be in a first position. When it is desired to retract the cutting instrument 3002 to the starting position, the double pole switch 3028 will be moved to the second position by the controller 11001.


Various embodiments of the surgical tool 3000 also employ a gear box 3030 that is sized, in cooperation with a firing gear train 3031 that, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, comprises a firing drive gear 3032 that is in meshing engagement with a firing driven gear 3034 for generating a desired amount of driving force necessary to drive the cutting instrument 3002 through tissue and to drive and form staples in the various manners described herein. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 93, the driven gear 3034 is coupled to a screw shaft 3036 that is in threaded engagement with a screw nut arrangement 3038 that is constrained to move axially (represented by arrow “D”). The screw nut arrangement 3038 is attached to the firing bar 3003. Thus, by rotating the screw shaft 3036 in a first direction, the cutting instrument 3002 is driven in the distal direction “DD” and rotating the screw shaft in an opposite second direction, the cutting instrument 3002 may be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”.



FIG. 94 illustrates a portion of another surgical tool 3000′ that is substantially identical to tool 3000 described above, except that the driven gear 3034 is attached to a drive shaft 3040. The drive shaft 3040 is attached to a second driver gear 3042 that is in meshing engagement with a third driven gear 3044 that is in meshing engagement with a screw 3046 coupled to the firing bar 3003.



FIG. 95 illustrates another surgical tool 3200 that may be effectively used in connection with a robotic system 11000. In this embodiment, the surgical tool 3200 includes a surgical end effector 3212 that in one non-limiting form, comprises a component portion that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other end effector component portion. As will be discussed in further detail below, the surgical tool 3200 employs on-board motors for powering various components of a transmission arrangement 3305. The surgical end effector 3212 includes an elongated channel 3222 that operably supports a surgical staple cartridge 3234. The elongated channel 3222 has a proximal end 3223 that slidably extends into a hollow elongated shaft assembly 3208 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 3300. In addition, the surgical end effector 3212 includes an anvil 3224 that is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 3222 by a pair of trunnions 3225 that are received within corresponding openings 3229 in the elongated channel 3222. A distal end portion 3209 of the shaft assembly 3208 includes an opening 3245 into which a tab 3227 on the anvil 3224 is inserted in order to open the anvil 3224 as the elongated channel 3222 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD” relative to the distal end portion 3209 of the shaft assembly 3208. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 3224 to the open position.


As indicated above, the surgical tool 3200 includes a tool mounting portion 3300 that includes a tool mounting plate 3302 that is configured to operably support the transmission arrangement 3305 and to mountingly interface with the adaptor portion 11240′ which is coupled to the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described above. In at least one embodiment, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to the adaptor portion 11240 described in detail above without the powered disc members employed by adapter 11240. In other embodiments, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to adaptor portion 11240. However, in such embodiments, because the various components of the surgical end effector 3212 are all powered by motor(s) in the tool mounting portion 3300, the surgical tool 3200 will not employ or require any of the mechanical (i.e., non-electrical) actuation motions from the tool holder portion 11270 to power the surgical end effector 3200 components. Still other modifications which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the various forms of the present invention may employ one or more of the mechanical motions from the tool holder portion 11270 (as described hereinabove) to power/actuate one or more of the surgical end effector components while also employing one or more motors within the tool mounting portion to power one or more other components of the surgical end effector.


In various embodiments, the tool mounting plate 3302 is configured to support a first firing motor 3310 for supplying firing and retraction motions to the transmission arrangement 3305 to drive a knife bar 3335 that is coupled to a cutting instrument 3332 of the type described above. As can be seen in FIG. 95, the tool mounting plate 3212 has an array of electrical connecting pins 3014 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 62) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to the electronic control circuits 3320, 3340 of the surgical tool 3200. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


In one form or embodiment, the first control circuit 3320 includes a first power supply in the form of a first battery 3322 that is coupled to a first on-off solenoid powered switch 3324. The first firing control circuit 3320 further includes a first on/off firing solenoid 3326 that is coupled to a first double pole switch 3328 for controlling the rotational direction of the first firing motor 3310. Thus, when the robotic controller 11001 supplies an appropriate control signal, the first switch 3324 will permit the first battery 3322 to supply power to the first double pole switch 3328. The robotic controller 11001 will also supply an appropriate signal to the first double pole switch 3328 to supply power to the first firing motor 3310. When it is desired to fire the surgical end effector (i.e., drive the cutting instrument 3232 distally through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 3212, the first switch 3328 will be positioned in a first position by the robotic controller 11001. When it is desired to retract the cutting instrument 3232 to the starting position, the robotic controller 11001 will send the appropriate control signal to move the first switch 3328 to the second position.


Various embodiments of the surgical tool 3200 also employ a first gear box 3330 that is sized, in cooperation with a firing drive gear 3332 coupled thereto that operably interfaces with a firing gear train 3333. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the firing gear train 333 comprises a firing driven gear 3334 that is in meshing engagement with drive gear 3332, for generating a desired amount of driving force necessary to drive the cutting instrument 3232 through tissue and to drive and form staples in the various manners described herein. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 95, the driven gear 3334 is coupled to a drive shaft 3335 that has a second driven gear 3336 coupled thereto. The second driven gear 3336 is supported in meshing engagement with a third driven gear 3337 that is in meshing engagement with a fourth driven gear 3338. The fourth driven gear 3338 is in meshing engagement with a threaded proximal portion 3339 of the knife bar 3235 that is constrained to move axially. Thus, by rotating the drive shaft 3335 in a first direction, the cutting instrument 3232 is driven in the distal direction “DD” and rotating the drive shaft 3335 in an opposite second direction, the cutting instrument 3232 may be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”.


As indicated above, the opening and closing of the anvil 3224 is controlled by axially moving the elongated channel 3222 relative to the elongated shaft assembly 3208. The axial movement of the elongated channel 3222 is controlled by a closure control system 3339. In various embodiments, the closure control system 3339 includes a closure shaft 3340 which has a hollow threaded end portion 3341 that threadably engages a threaded closure rod 3342. The threaded end portion 3341 is rotatably supported in a spine shaft 3343 that operably interfaces with the tool mounting portion 3300 and extends through a portion of the shaft assembly 3208 as shown. The closure system 3339 further comprises a closure control circuit 3350 that includes a second power supply in the form of a second battery 3352 that is coupled to a second on-off solenoid powered switch 3354. Closure control circuit 3350 further includes a second on/off firing solenoid 3356 that is coupled to a second double pole switch 3358 for controlling the rotation of a second closure motor 3360. Thus, when the robotic controller 11001 supplies an appropriate control signal, the second switch 3354 will permit the second battery 3352 to supply power to the second double pole switch 3354. The robotic controller 11001 will also supply an appropriate signal to the second double pole switch 3358 to supply power to the second motor 3360. When it is desired to close the anvil 3224, the second switch 3348 will be in a first position. When it is desired to open the anvil 3224, the second switch 3348 will be moved to a second position.


Various embodiments of tool mounting portion 3300 also employ a second gear box 3362 that is coupled to a closure drive gear 3364. The closure drive gear 3364 is in meshing engagement with a closure gear train 3363. In various non-limiting forms, the closure gear train 3363 includes a closure driven gear 3365 that is attached to a closure drive shaft 3366. Also attached to the closure drive shaft 3366 is a closure drive gear 3367 that is in meshing engagement with a closure shaft gear 3360 attached to the closure shaft 3340. FIG. 95 depicts the end effector 3212 in the open position. As indicated above, when the threaded closure rod 3342 is in the position depicted in FIG. 95, a spring (not shown) biases the anvil 3224 to the open position. When it is desired to close the anvil 3224, the robotic controller 11001 will activate the second motor 3360 to rotate the closure shaft 3340 to draw the threaded closure rod 3342 and the channel 3222 in the proximal direction ‘PD’. As the anvil 3224 contacts the distal end portion 3209 of the shaft 3208, the anvil 3224 is pivoted to the closed position.


A method of operating the surgical tool 3200 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 3302 has be operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000, the robotic system 11000 can orient the end effector 3212 in position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled. If the anvil 3224 is not already in the open position, the robotic controller 11001 may activate the second closure motor 3360 to drive the channel 3222 in the distal direction to the position depicted in FIG. 95. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the surgical end effector 3212 is in the open position by sensor(s) in the and effector and/or the tool mounting portion 3300, the robotic controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with a signal to inform the surgeon that the anvil 3224 may then be closed. Once the target tissue is positioned between the open anvil 3224 and the surgical staple cartridge 3234, the surgeon may then commence the closure process by activating the robotic controller 11001 to apply a closure control signal to the second closure motor 3360. The second closure motor 3360 applies a rotary motion to the closure shaft 3340 to draw the channel 3222 in the proximal direction “PD” until the anvil 3224 has been pivoted to the closed position. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 3224 has been moved to the closed position by sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 3212 and/or in the tool mounting portion 3300 that are in communication with the robotic control system, the motor 3360 may be deactivated. Thereafter, the firing process may be commenced either manually by the surgeon activating a trigger, button, etc. on the controller 11001 or the controller 11001 may automatically commence the firing process.


To commence the firing process, the robotic controller 11001 activates the firing motor 3310 to drive the firing bar 3235 and the cutting instrument 3232 in the distal direction “DD”. Once robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 3232 has moved to the ending position within the surgical staple cartridge 3234 by means of sensors in the surgical end effector 3212 and/or the motor drive portion 3300, the robotic controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with an indication signal. Thereafter the surgeon may manually activate the first motor 3310 to retract the cutting instrument 3232 to the starting position or the robotic controller 11001 may automatically activate the first motor 3310 to retract the cutting element 3232.


The embodiment depicted in FIG. 95 does not include an articulation joint. FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate surgical tools 3200′ and 3200″ that have end effectors 3212′, 3212″, respectively that may be employed with an elongated shaft embodiment that has an articulation joint of the various types disclosed herein. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 96, a threaded closure shaft 3342 is coupled to the proximal end 3223 of the elongated channel 3222 by a flexible cable or other flexible member 3345. The location of an articulation joint (not shown) within the elongated shaft assembly 3208 will coincide with the flexible member 3345 to enable the flexible member 3345 to accommodate such articulation. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the flexible member 33345 is rotatably affixed to the proximal end portion 3223 of the elongated channel 3222 to enable the flexible member 3345 to rotate relative thereto to prevent the flexible member 3229 from “winding up” relative to the channel 3222. Although not shown, the cutting element may be driven in one of the above described manners by a knife bar that can also accommodate articulation of the elongated shaft assembly. FIG. 97 depicts a surgical end effector 3212″ that is substantially identical to the surgical end effector 3212 described above, except that the threaded closure rod 3342 is attached to a closure nut 3347 that is constrained to only move axially within the elongated shaft assembly 3208. The flexible member 3345 is attached to the closure nut 3347. Such arrangement also prevents the threaded closure rod 3342 from winding-up the flexible member 3345. A flexible knife bar 3235′ may be employed to facilitate articulation of the surgical end effector 3212″.


The surgical tools 3200, 3200′, and 3200″ described above may also employ anyone of the cutting instrument embodiments described herein. As described above, the anvil of each of the end effectors of these tools is closed by drawing the elongated channel into contact with the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly. Thus, once the target tissue has been located between the staple cartridge 3234 and the anvil 3224, the robotic controller 11001 can start to draw the channel 3222 inward into the shaft assembly 3208. In various embodiments, however, to prevent the end effector 3212, 3212′, 3212″ from moving the target tissue with the end effector during this closing process, the controller 11001 may simultaneously move the tool holder and ultimately the tool such to compensate for the movement of the elongated channel 3222 so that, in effect, the target tissue is clamped between the anvil and the elongated channel without being otherwise moved.



FIGS. 98-100 depict another surgical tool embodiment 3201 that is substantially identical to surgical tool 3200″ described above, except for the differences discussed below. In this embodiment, the threaded closure rod 3342′ has variable pitched grooves. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 99, the closure rod 3342′ has a distal groove section 3380 and a proximal groove section 3382. The distal and proximal groove sections 3380, 3382 are configured for engagement with a lug 3390 supported within the hollow threaded end portion 3341′. As can be seen in FIG. 99, the distal groove section 3380 has a finer pitch than the groove section 3382. Thus, such variable pitch arrangement permits the elongated channel 3222 to be drawn into the shaft 3208 at a first speed or rate by virtue of the engagement between the lug 3390 and the proximal groove segment 3382. When the lug 3390 engages the distal groove segment, the channel 3222 will be drawn into the shaft 3208 at a second speed or rate. Because the proximal groove segment 3382 is coarser than the distal groove segment 3380, the first speed will be greater than the second speed. Such arrangement serves to speed up the initial closing of the end effector for tissue manipulation and then after the tissue has been properly positioned therein, generate the amount of closure forces to properly clamp the tissue for cutting and sealing. Thus, the anvil 3234 initially closes fast with a lower force and then applies a higher closing force as the anvil closes more slowly.


The surgical end effector opening and closing motions are employed to enable the user to use the end effector to grasp and manipulate tissue prior to fully clamping it in the desired location for cutting and sealing. The user may, for example, open and close the surgical end effector numerous times during this process to orient the end effector in a proper position which enables the tissue to be held in a desired location. Thus, in at least some embodiments, to produce the high loading for firing, the fine thread may require as many as 5-10 full rotations to generate the necessary load. In some cases, for example, this action could take as long as 2-5 seconds. If it also took an equally long time to open and close the end effector each time during the positioning/tissue manipulation process, just positioning the end effector may take an undesirably long time. If that happens, it is possible that a user may abandon such use of the end effector for use of a conventional grasper device. Use of graspers, etc. may undesirably increase the costs associated with completing the surgical procedure.


The above-described embodiments employ a battery or batteries to power the motors used to drive the end effector components. Activation of the motors is controlled by the robotic system 11000. In alternative embodiments, the power supply may comprise alternating current “AC” that is supplied to the motors by the robotic system 11000. That is, the AC power would be supplied from the system powering the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder and adapter. In still other embodiments, a power cord or tether may be attached to the tool mounting portion 3300 to supply the requisite power from a separate source of alternating or direct current.


In use, the controller 11001 may apply an initial rotary motion to the closure shaft 3340 (FIG. 95) to draw the elongated channel 3222 axially inwardly into the elongated shaft assembly 3208 and move the anvil from a first position to an intermediate position at a first rate that corresponds with the point wherein the distal groove section 3380 transitions to the proximal groove section 3382. Further application of rotary motion to the closure shaft 3340 will cause the anvil to move from the intermediate position to the closed position relative to the surgical staple cartridge. When in the closed position, the tissue to be cut and stapled is properly clamped between the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge.



FIGS. 101-104 illustrate another surgical tool embodiment 3400 of the present invention. This embodiment includes an elongated shaft assembly 3408 that extends from a tool mounting portion 3500. The elongated shaft assembly 3408 includes a rotatable proximal closure tube segment 3410 that is rotatably journaled on a proximal spine member 3420 that is rigidly coupled to a tool mounting plate 3502 of the tool mounting portion 3500. The proximal spine member 3420 has a distal end 3422 that is coupled to an elongated channel portion 3522 of a surgical end effector 3412. For example, in at least one embodiment, the elongated channel portion 3522 has a distal end portion 3523 that “hookingly engages” the distal end 3422 of the spine member 3420. The elongated channel 3522 is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge 3534 therein. This embodiment may employ one of the various cutting instrument embodiments disclosed herein to sever tissue that is clamped in the surgical end effector 3412 and fire the staples in the staple cartridge 3534 into the severed tissue.


Surgical end effector 3412 has an anvil 3524 that is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 3522 by a pair of trunnions 3525 that are received in corresponding openings 3529 in the elongated channel 3522. The anvil 3524 is moved between the open (FIG. 101) and closed positions (FIGS. 102-104) by a distal closure tube segment 3430. A distal end portion 3432 of the distal closure tube segment 3430 includes an opening 3445 into which a tab 3527 on the anvil 3524 is inserted in order to open and close the anvil 3524 as the distal closure tube segment 3430 moves axially relative thereto. In various embodiments, the opening 3445 is shaped such that as the closure tube segment 3430 is moved in the proximal direction, the closure tube segment 3430 causes the anvil 3524 to pivot to an open position. In addition or in the alternative, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 3524 to the open position.


As can be seen in FIGS. 101-104, the distal closure tube segment 3430 includes a lug 3442 that extends from its distal end 3440 into threaded engagement with a variable pitch groove/thread 3414 formed in the distal end 3412 of the rotatable proximal closure tube segment 3410. The variable pitch groove/thread 3414 has a distal section 3416 and a proximal section 3418. The pitch of the distal groove/thread section 3416 is finer than the pitch of the proximal groove/thread section 3418. As can also be seen in FIGS. 101-104, the distal closure tube segment 3430 is constrained for axial movement relative to the spine member 3420 by an axial retainer pin 3450 that is received in an axial slot 3424 in the distal end of the spine member 3420.


As indicated above, the anvil 12524 is open and closed by rotating the proximal closure tube segment 3410. The variable pitch thread arrangement permits the distal closure tube segment 3430 to be driven in the distal direction “DD” at a first speed or rate by virtue of the engagement between the lug 3442 and the proximal groove/thread section 3418. When the lug 3442 engages the distal groove/thread section 3416, the distal closure tube segment 3430 will be driven in the distal direction at a second speed or rate. Because the proximal groove/thread section 3418 is coarser than the distal groove/thread segment 3416, the first speed will be greater than the second speed.


In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 3500 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary motion from the robotic controller 11001 and convert that first rotary motion to a primary rotary motion for rotating the rotatable proximal closure tube segment 3410 about a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 105, a proximal end 3460 of the proximal closure tube segment 3410 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 3504 attached to a tool mounting plate 3502 of the tool mounting portion 3500. A rotation gear 3462 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 3460 of the closure tube segment 3410 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 3470 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 3502. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 3472 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 3502 when the tool mounting portion 3500 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 105. The rotation drive assembly 3470 further comprises a rotary driven gear 3474 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3502 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 3462 and the rotation drive gear 3472. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic controller 11001 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 3472 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 3472 ultimately results in the rotation of the closure tube segment 3410 to open and close the anvil 3524 as described above.


As indicated above, the surgical end effector 3412 employs a cutting instrument of the type and constructions described above. FIG. 105 illustrates one form of knife drive assembly 3480 for axially advancing a knife bar 3492 that is attached to such cutting instrument. One form of the knife drive assembly 3480 comprises a rotary drive gear 3482 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 3502 when the tool drive portion 3500 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 105. The knife drive assembly 3480 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 3484 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 5200. The first rotary driven gear assembly 3484 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 3486 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3502 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 3488 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 3494 of drive shaft assembly 3490 that is coupled to the knife bar 3492. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 3482 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 3490 and knife bar 3492 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 3482 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 3490 and the knife bar 3492 to move in the proximal direction.



FIGS. 106-115 illustrate another surgical tool 3600 embodiment of the present invention that may be employed in connection with a robotic system 11000. As can be seen in FIG. 106, the tool 3600 includes an end effector in the form of a disposable loading unit 3612. Various forms of disposable loading units that may be employed in connection with tool 3600 are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0206131 A1, entitled END EFFECTOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.


In at least one form, the disposable loading unit 3612 includes an anvil assembly 3620 that is supported for pivotal travel relative to a carrier 3630 that operably supports a staple cartridge 3640 therein. A mounting assembly 3650 is pivotally coupled to the cartridge carrier 3630 to enable the carrier 3630 to pivot about an articulation axis AA-AA relative to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. Referring to FIG. 111, mounting assembly 3650 includes upper and lower mounting portions 3652 and 3654. Each mounting portion includes a threaded bore 3656 on each side thereof dimensioned to receive threaded bolts (not shown) for securing the proximal end of carrier 3630 thereto. A pair of centrally located pivot members 3658 extends between upper and lower mounting portions via a pair of coupling members 3660 which engage a distal end of a housing portion 3662. Coupling members 3660 each include an interlocking proximal portion 3664 configured to be received in grooves 3666 formed in the proximal end of housing portion 3662 to retain mounting assembly 3650 and housing portion 3662 in a longitudinally fixed position in relation thereto.


In various forms, housing portion 3662 of disposable loading unit 3614 includes an upper housing half 3670 and a lower housing half 3672 contained within an outer casing 3674. The proximal end of housing half 3670 includes engagement nubs 3676 for releasably engaging an elongated shaft 3700 and an insertion tip 3678. Nubs 3676 form a bayonet-type coupling with the distal end of the elongated shaft 3700 which will be discussed in further detail below. Housing halves 3670, 3672 define a channel 3674 for slidably receiving axial drive assembly 3680. A second articulation link 3690 is dimensioned to be slidably positioned within a slot 3679 formed between housing halves 3670, 3672. A pair of blow out plates 3691 are positioned adjacent the distal end of housing portion 3662 adjacent the distal end of axial drive assembly 3680 to prevent outward bulging of drive assembly 3680 during articulation of carrier 3630.


In various embodiments, the second articulation link 3690 includes at least one elongated metallic plate. Preferably, two or more metallic plates are stacked to form link 3690. The proximal end of articulation link 3690 includes a hook portion 3692 configured to engage first articulation link 3710 extending through the elongated shaft 3700. The distal end of the second articulation link 3690 includes a loop 3694 dimensioned to engage a projection formed on mounting assembly 3650. The projection is laterally offset from pivot pin 3658 such that linear movement of second articulation link 3690 causes mounting assembly 3650 to pivot about pivot pins 3658 to articulate the carrier 3630.


In various forms, axial drive assembly 3680 includes an elongated drive beam 3682 including a distal working head 3684 and a proximal engagement section 3685. Drive beam 3682 may be constructed from a single sheet of material or, preferably, multiple stacked sheets. Engagement section 3685 includes a pair of engagement fingers which are dimensioned and configured to mountingly engage a pair of corresponding retention slots formed in drive member 3686. Drive member 3686 includes a proximal porthole 3687 configured to receive the distal end 3722 of control rod 12720 (See FIG. 115) when the proximal end of disposable loading unit 3614 is engaged with elongated shaft 3700 of surgical tool 3600.


Referring to FIGS. 106 and 113-115, to use the surgical tool 3600, a disposable loading unit 3612 is first secured to the distal end of elongated shaft 3700. It will be appreciated that the surgical tool 3600 may include an articulating or a non-articulating disposable loading unit. To secure the disposable loading unit 3612 to the elongated shaft 3700, the distal end 3722 of control rod 3720 is inserted into insertion tip 3678 of disposable loading unit 3612, and insertion tip 3678 is slid longitudinally into the distal end of the elongated shaft 3700 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 113 such that hook portion 3692 of second articulation link 3690 slides within a channel 3702 in the elongated shaft 3700. Nubs 3676 will each be aligned in a respective channel (not shown) in elongated shaft 3700. When hook portion 3692 engages the proximal wall 3704 of channel 3702, disposable loading unit 3612 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIGS. 112 and 113 to move hook portion 3692 of second articulation link 3690 into engagement with finger 3712 of first articulation link 3710. Nubs 3676 also form a “bayonet-type” coupling within annular channel 3703 in the elongated shaft 3700. During rotation of loading unit 3612, nubs 3676 engage cam surface 3732 (FIG. 113) of block plate 3730 to initially move plate 3730 in the direction indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 113 to lock engagement member 3734 in recess 3721 of control rod 3720 to prevent longitudinal movement of control rod 3720 during attachment of disposable loading unit 3612. During the final degree of rotation, nubs 3676 disengage from cam surface 3732 to allow blocking plate 3730 to move in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIGS. 112 and 115 from behind engagement member 3734 to once again permit longitudinal movement of control rod 3720. While the above-described attachment method reflects that the disposable loading unit 3612 is manipulated relative to the elongated shaft 3700, the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disposable loading unit 3612 may be supported in a stationary position and the robotic system 11000 may manipulate the elongated shaft portion 3700 relative to the disposable loading unit 3612 to accomplish the above-described coupling procedure.



FIG. 116 illustrates another disposable loading unit 3612′ that is attachable in a bayonet-type arrangement with the elongated shaft 3700′ that is substantially identical to shaft 3700 except for the differences discussed below. As can be seen in FIG. 116, the elongated shaft 3700′ has slots 3705 that extend for at least a portion thereof and which are configured to receive nubs 3676 therein. In various embodiments, the disposable loading unit 3612′ includes arms 3677 extending therefrom which, prior to the rotation of disposable loading unit 3612′, can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with nubs 3676 extending from housing portion 3662. In at least one embodiment, arms 3677 and nubs 3676 can be inserted into slots 3705 in elongated shaft 3700′, for example, when disposable loading unit 3612′ is inserted into elongated shaft 3700′. When disposable loading unit 3612′ is rotated, arms 3677 can be sufficiently confined within slots 3705 such that slots 3705 can hold them in position, whereas nubs 3676 can be positioned such that they are not confined within slots 3705 and can be rotated relative to arms 3677. When rotated, the hook portion 3692 of the articulation link 3690 is engaged with the first articulation link 3710 extending through the elongated shaft 3700′.


Other methods of coupling the disposable loading units to the end of the elongated shaft may be employed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 117 and 118, disposable loading unit 3612″ can include connector portion 3613 which can be configured to be engaged with connector portion 3740 of the elongated shaft 3700″. In at least one embodiment, connector portion 3613 can include at least one projection and/or groove which can be mated with at least one projection and/or groove of connector portion 3740. In at least one such embodiment, the connector portions can include co-operating dovetail portions. In various embodiments, the connector portions can be configured to interlock with one another and prevent, or at least inhibit, distal and/or proximal movement of disposable loading unit 3612″ along axis 3741. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of the axial drive assembly 3680′ can include aperture 3681 which can be configured to receive projection 3721 extending from control rod 3720′. In various embodiments, such an arrangement can allow disposable loading unit 3612″ to be assembled to elongated shaft 3700 in a direction which is not collinear with or parallel to axis 3741. Although not illustrated, axial drive assembly 3680′ and control rod 3720 can include any other suitable arrangement of projections and apertures to operably connect them to each other. Also in this embodiment, the first articulation link 3710 which can be operably engaged with second articulation link 3690.


As can be seen in FIGS. 106 and 119, the surgical tool 3600 includes a tool mounting portion 3750. The tool mounting portion 3750 includes a tool mounting plate 3751 that is configured for attachment to the tool drive assembly 11010. The tool mounting portion operably supported a transmission arrangement 3752 thereon. In use, it may be desirable to rotate the disposable loading unit 3612 about the longitudinal tool axis defined by the elongated shaft 3700. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 3752 includes a rotational transmission assembly 3753 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft 3700 (and the disposable loading unit 3612) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 119, a proximal end 3701 of the elongated shaft 3700 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 3754 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 3751 of the tool mounting portion 3750. A rotation gear 3755 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 3701 of the elongated shaft 3700 for meshing engagement with a rotation gear assembly 3756 operably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 3757 drivingly coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 3751 when the tool mounting portion 3750 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The rotation transmission assembly 3753 further comprises a rotary driven gear 3758 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 3755 and the rotation drive gear 3757. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 3757 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 3757 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft 3700 (and the disposable loading unit 3612) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


As can be seen in FIG. 119, a drive shaft assembly 3760 is coupled to a proximal end of the control rod 12720. In various embodiments, the control rod 12720 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by a knife/closure drive transmission 3762. One form of the knife/closure drive assembly 3762 comprises a rotary drive gear 3763 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotatable body portions, discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 3751 when the tool mounting portion 3750 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The rotary driven gear 3763 is in meshing driving engagement with a gear train, generally depicted as 3764. In at least one form, the gear train 3764 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 3765 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751. The first rotary driven gear assembly 3765 is in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear assembly 3766 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751 and which is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 3767 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 3768 of the drive shaft assembly 3760. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 3763 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 3760 and control rod 12720 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 3763 in a secondary rotary direction which is opposite to the second rotary direction will cause the drive shaft assembly 3760 and the control rod 12720 to move in the proximal direction. When the control rod 12720 moves in the distal direction, it drives the drive beam 3682 and the working head 3684 thereof distally through the surgical staple cartridge 3640. As the working head 3684 is driven distally, it operably engages the anvil 3620 to pivot it to a closed position.


The cartridge carrier 3630 may be selectively articulated about articulation axis AA-AA by applying axial articulation control motions to the first and second articulation links 3710 and 3690. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 3752 further includes an articulation drive 3770 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 119, it can be seen that a proximal end portion 3772 of an articulation drive shaft 3771 configured to operably engage with the first articulation link 3710 extends through the rotation gear 3755 and is rotatably coupled to a shifter rack gear 3774 that is slidably affixed to the tool mounting plate 3751 through slots 3775. The articulation drive 3770 further comprises a shifter drive gear 3776 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 3751 when the tool mounting portion 3750 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The articulation drive assembly 3770 further comprises a shifter driven gear 3778 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 3751 in meshing engagement with the shifter drive gear 3776 and the shifter rack gear 3774. Application of a third rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the shifter drive gear 3776 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the shifter drive gear 3776 ultimately results in the axial movement of the shifter gear rack 3774 and the articulation drive shaft 3771. The direction of axial travel of the articulation drive shaft 3771 depends upon the direction in which the shifter drive gear 3776 is rotated by the robotic system 11000. Thus, rotation of the shifter drive gear 3776 in a first rotary direction will result in the axial movement of the articulation drive shaft 3771 in the proximal direction “PD” and cause the cartridge carrier 3630 to pivot in a first direction about articulation axis AA-AA. Conversely, rotation of the shifter drive gear 3776 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will result in the axial movement of the articulation drive shaft 3771 in the distal direction “DD” to thereby cause the cartridge carrier 3630 to pivot about articulation axis AA-AA in an opposite direction.



FIG. 120 illustrates yet another surgical tool 3800 embodiment of the present invention that may be employed with a robotic system 11000. As can be seen in FIG. 120, the surgical tool 3800 includes a surgical end effector 3812 in the form of an endocutter 3814 that employs various cable-driven components. Various forms of cable driven endocutters are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,537, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH UNIVERSAL ARTICULATION AND TISSUE PRE-CLAMP and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0308603A1, entitled CABLE DRIVEN SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED CABLE ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENTS, the disclosures of each are herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. Such endocutters 3814 may be referred to as a “disposable loading unit” because they are designed to be disposed of after a single use. However, the various unique and novel arrangements of various embodiments of the present invention may also be employed in connection with cable driven end effectors that are reusable.


As can be seen in FIG. 121, in at least one form, the endocutter 3814 includes an elongated channel 3822 that operably supports a surgical staple cartridge 3834 therein. An anvil 3824 is pivotally supported for movement relative to the surgical staple cartridge 3834. The anvil 3824 has a cam surface 3825 that is configured for interaction with a preclamping collar 3840 that is supported for axial movement relative thereto. The end effector 3814 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 3808 that is attached to a tool mounting portion 3900. In various embodiments, a closure cable 3850 is employed to move pre-clamping collar 3840 distally onto and over cam surface 3825 to close the anvil 3824 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 3834 and compress the tissue therebetween. Preferably, closure cable 3850 attaches to the pre-clamping collar 3840 at or near point 3841 and is fed through a passageway in anvil 3824 (or under a proximal portion of anvil 3824) and fed proximally through shaft 3808. Actuation of closure cable 3850 in the proximal direction “PD” forces pre-clamping collar 3840 distally against cam surface 3825 to close anvil 3824 relative to staple cartridge assembly 3834. A return mechanism, e.g., a spring, cable system or the like, may be employed to return pre-clamping collar 3840 to a pre-clamping orientation which re-opens the anvil 3824.


The elongated shaft assembly 3808 may be cylindrical in shape and define a channel 3811 which may be dimensioned to receive a tube adapter 3870. See FIG. 121. In various embodiments, the tube adapter 3870 may be slidingly received in friction-fit engagement with the internal channel of elongated shaft 3808. The outer surface of the tube adapter 3870 may further include at least one mechanical interface, e.g., a cutout or notch 3871, oriented to mate with a corresponding mechanical interface, e.g., a radially inwardly extending protrusion or detent (not shown), disposed on the inner periphery of internal channel 3811 to lock the tube adapter 3870 to the elongated shaft 3808. In various embodiments, the distal end of tube adapter 3870 may include a pair of opposing flanges 3872a and 3872b which define a cavity for pivotably receiving a pivot block 3873 therein. Each flange 3872a and 3872b may include an aperture 3874a and 3874b that is oriented to receive a pivot pin 3875 that extends through an aperture in pivot block 3873 to allow pivotable movement of pivot block 3873 about an axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT”. The channel 3822 may be formed with two upwardly extending flanges 3823a, 3823b that have apertures therein, which are dimensioned to receive a pivot pin 3827. In turn, pivot pin 3875 mounts through apertures in pivot block 3873 to permit rotation of the surgical end effector 3814 about the “Y” axis as needed during a given surgical procedure. Rotation of pivot block 3873 about pin 3875 along “Z” axis rotates the surgical end effector 3814 about the “Z” axis. See FIG. 121. Other methods of fastening the elongated channel 3822 to the pivot block 3873 may be effectively employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.


The surgical staple cartridge 3834 can be assembled and mounted within the elongated channel 3822 during the manufacturing or assembly process and sold as part of the surgical end effector 3812, or the surgical staple cartridge 3834 may be designed for selective mounting within the elongated channel 3822 as needed and sold separately, e.g., as a single use replacement, replaceable or disposable staple cartridge assembly. It is within the scope of this disclosure that the surgical end effector 3812 may be pivotally, operatively, or integrally attached, for example, to distal end 3809 of the elongated shaft assembly 3808 of a disposable surgical stapler. As is known, a used or spent disposable loading unit 3814 can be removed from the elongated shaft assembly 3808 and replaced with an unused disposable unit. The endocutter 3814 may also preferably include an actuator, preferably a dynamic clamping member 3860, a sled 3862, as well as staple pushers (not shown) and staples (not shown) once an unspent or unused cartridge 3834 is mounted in the elongated channel 3822. See FIG. 121.


In various embodiments, the dynamic clamping member 3860 is associated with, e.g., mounted on and rides on, or with or is connected to or integral with and/or rides behind sled 3862. It is envisioned that dynamic clamping member 3860 can have cam wedges or cam surfaces attached or integrally formed or be pushed by a leading distal surface thereof. In various embodiments, dynamic clamping member 3860 may include an upper portion 3863 having a transverse aperture 3864 with a pin 3865 mountable or mounted therein, a central support or upward extension 3866 and substantially T-shaped bottom flange 3867 which cooperate to slidingly retain dynamic clamping member 3860 along an ideal cutting path during longitudinal, distal movement of sled 3862. The leading cutting edge 3868, here, knife blade 3869, is dimensioned to ride within slot 3835 of staple cartridge assembly 3834 and separate tissue once stapled. As used herein, the term “knife assembly” may include the aforementioned dynamic clamping member 3860, knife 3869, and sled 3862 or other knife/beam/sled drive arrangements and cutting instrument arrangements. In addition, the various embodiments of the present invention may be employed with knife assembly/cutting instrument arrangements that may be entirely supported in the staple cartridge 3834 or partially supported in the staple cartridge 3834 and elongated channel 3822 or entirely supported within the elongated channel 3822.


In various embodiments, the dynamic clamping member 3860 may be driven in the proximal and distal directions by a cable drive assembly 3870. In one non-limiting form, the cable drive assembly comprises a pair of advance cables 3880, 3882 and a firing cable 3884. FIGS. 122 and 123 illustrate the cables 3880, 3882, 3884 in diagrammatic form. As can be seen in those Figures, a first advance cable 3880 is operably supported on a first distal cable transition support 3885 which may comprise, for example, a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. that is attached to the distal end of the elongated channel 3822 and a first proximal cable transition support 3886 which may comprise, for example, a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. that is operably supported by the elongated channel 3822. A distal end 3881 of the first advance cable 3880 is affixed to the dynamic clamping assembly 3860. The second advance cable 3882 is operably supported on a second distal cable transition support 3887 which may, for example, comprise a pulley, rod, capstan etc. that is mounted to the distal end of the elongated channel 3822 and a second proximal cable transition support 3888 which may, for example, comprise a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. mounted to the proximal end of the elongated channel 3822. The proximal end 3883 of the second advance cable 3882 may be attached to the dynamic clamping assembly 3860. Also in these embodiments, an endless firing cable 3884 is employed and journaled on a support 3889 that may comprise a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. mounted within the elongated shaft 3808. In one embodiment, the retract cable 3884 may be formed in a loop and coupled to a connector 3889′ that is fixedly attached to the first and second advance cables 3880, 3882.


Various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention include a cable drive transmission 3920 that is operably supported on a tool mounting plate 3902 of the tool mounting portion 3900. The tool mounting portion 3900 has an array of electrical connecting pins 3904 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 62) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to a control circuit 3910 of the tool 3800. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


Control circuit 3910 is shown in schematic form in FIG. 120. In one form or embodiment, the control circuit 3910 includes a power supply in the form of a battery 3912 that is coupled to an on-off solenoid powered switch 3914. In other embodiments, however, the power supply may comprise a source of alternating current. Control circuit 3910 further includes an on/off solenoid 3916 that is coupled to a double pole switch 3918 for controlling motor rotation direction. Thus, when the robotic system 11000 supplies an appropriate control signal, switch 3914 will permit battery 3912 to supply power to the double pole switch 3918. The robotic system 11000 will also supply an appropriate signal to the double pole switch 3918 to supply power to a shifter motor 3922.


Turning to FIGS. 124-129, at least one embodiment of the cable drive transmission 3920 comprises a drive pulley 3930 that is operably mounted to a drive shaft 3932 that is attached to a driven element 11304 of the type and construction described above that is designed to interface with a corresponding drive element 11250 of the adapter 11240. See FIGS. 62 and 127. Thus, when the tool mounting portion 3900 is operably coupled to the tool holder 11270, the robot system 11000 can apply rotary motion to the drive pulley 3930 in a desired direction. A first drive member or belt 3934 drivingly engages the drive pulley 3930 and a second drive shaft 3936 that is rotatably supported on a shifter yoke 3940. The shifter yoke 3940 is operably coupled to the shifter motor 3922 such that rotation of the shaft 3923 of the shifter motor 3922 in a first direction will shift the shifter yoke in a first direction “FD” and rotation of the shifter motor shaft 3923 in a second direction will shift the shifter yoke 3940 in a second direction “SD”. Other embodiments of the present invention may employ a shifter solenoid arrangement for shifting the shifter yoke in said first and second directions.


As can be seen in FIGS. 124-127, a closure drive gear 3950 mounted to a second drive shaft 3936 and is configured to selectively mesh with a closure drive assembly, generally designated as 3951. Likewise a firing drive gear 3960 is also mounted to the second drive shaft 3936 and is configured to selectively mesh with a firing drive assembly generally designated as 3961. Rotation of the second drive shaft 3936 causes the closure drive gear 3950 and the firing drive gear 3960 to rotate. In one non-limiting embodiment, the closure drive assembly 3951 comprises a closure driven gear 3952 that is coupled to a first closure pulley 3954 that is rotatably supported on a third drive shaft 3956. The closure cable 3850 is drivingly received on the first closure pulley 3954 such that rotation of the closure driven gear 3952 will drive the closure cable 3850. Likewise, the firing drive assembly 3961 comprises a firing driven gear 3962 that is coupled to a first firing pulley 3964 that is rotatably supported on the third drive shaft 3956. The first and second driving pulleys 3954 and 3964 are independently rotatable on the third drive shaft 3956. The firing cable 3884 is drivingly received on the first firing pulley 3964 such that rotation of the firing driven gear 3962 will drive the firing cable 3884.


Also in various embodiments, the cable drive transmission 3920 further includes a braking assembly 3970. In at least one embodiment, for example, the braking assembly 3970 includes a closure brake 3972 that comprises a spring arm 3973 that is attached to a portion of the transmission housing 3971. The closure brake 3972 has a gear lug 3974 that is sized to engage the teeth of the closure driven gear 3952 as will be discussed in further detail below. The braking assembly 3970 further includes a firing brake 3976 that comprises a spring arm 3977 that is attached to another portion of the transmission housing 3971. The firing brake 3976 has a gear lug 3978 that is sized to engage the teeth of the firing driven gear 3962.


At least one embodiment of the surgical tool 3800 may be used as follows. The tool mounting portion 3900 is operably coupled to the interface 11240 of the robotic system 11000. The controller or control unit of the robotic system is operated to locate the tissue to be cut and stapled between the open anvil 3824 and the staple cartridge 3834. When in that initial position, the braking assembly 3970 has locked the closure driven gear 3952 and the firing driven gear 3962 such that they cannot rotate. That is, as shown in FIG. 125, the gear lug 3974 is in locking engagement with the closure driven gear 3952 and the gear lug 3978 is in locking engagement with the firing driven gear 3962. Once the surgical end effector 3814 has been properly located, the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 will provide a control signal to the shifter motor 3922 (or shifter solenoid) to move the shifter yoke 3940 in the first direction. As the shifter yoke 3940 is moved in the first direction, the closure drive gear 3950 moves the gear lug 3974 out of engagement with the closure driven gear 3952 as it moves into meshing engagement with the closure driven gear 3952. As can be seen in FIG. 124, when in that position, the gear lug 3978 remains in locking engagement with the firing driven gear 3962 to prevent actuation of the firing system. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 provides a first rotary actuation motion to the drive pulley 3930 through the interface between the driven element 11304 and the corresponding components of the tool holder 11240. As the drive pulley 3930 is rotated in the first direction, the closure cable 3850 is rotated to drive the preclamping collar 3840 into closing engagement with the cam surface 3825 of the anvil 3824 to move it to the closed position thereby clamping the target tissue between the anvil 3824 and the staple cartridge 3834. See FIG. 120. Once the anvil 3824 has been moved to the closed position, the robotic controller 11001 stops the application of the first rotary motion to the drive pulley 3930. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 may commence the firing process by sending another control signal to the shifter motor 3922 (or shifter solenoid) to cause the shifter yoke to move in the second direction “SD” as shown in FIG. 126. As the shifter yoke 3940 is moved in the second direction, the firing drive gear 3960 moves the gear lug 3978 out of engagement with the firing driven gear 3962 as it moves into meshing engagement with the firing driven gear 3962. As can be seen in FIG. 126, when in that position, the gear lug 3974 remains in locking engagement with the closure driven gear 3952 to prevent actuation of the closure system. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 is activated to provide the first rotary actuation motion to the drive pulley 3930 through the interface between the driven element 11304 and the corresponding components of the tool holder 11240. As the drive pulley 3930 is rotated in the first direction, the firing cable 3884 is rotated to drive the dynamic clamping member 3860 in the distal direction “DD” thereby firing the stapes and cutting the tissue clamped in the end effector 3814. Once the robotic system 11000 determines that the dynamic clamping member 3860 has reached its distal most position—either through sensors or through monitoring the amount of rotary input applied to the drive pulley 3930, the controller 11001 may then apply a second rotary motion to the drive pulley 3930 to rotate the closure cable 3850 in an opposite direction to cause the dynamic clamping member 3860 to be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”. Once the dynamic clamping member has been retracted to the starting position, the application of the second rotary motion to the drive pulley 3930 is discontinued. Thereafter, the shifter motor 3922 (or shifter solenoid) is powered to move the shifter yoke 3940 to the closure position (FIG. 92.). Once the closure drive gear 3950 is in meshing engagement with the closure driven gear 3952, the robotic controller 11001 may once again apply the second rotary motion to the drive pulley 3930. Rotation of the drive pulley 3930 in the second direction causes the closure cable 3850 to retract the preclamping collar 3840 out of engagement with the cam surface 3825 of the anvil 3824 to permit the anvil 3824 to move to an open position (by a spring or other means) to release the stapled tissue from the surgical end effector 3814.



FIG. 130 illustrates a surgical tool 4000 that employs a gear driven firing bar 4092 as shown in FIGS. 131-133. This embodiment includes an elongated shaft assembly 4008 that extends from a tool mounting portion 4100. The tool mounting portion 4100 includes a tool mounting plate 4102 that operable supports a transmission arrangement 4103 thereon. The elongated shaft assembly 4008 includes a rotatable proximal closure tube 4010 that is rotatably journaled on a proximal spine member 4020 that is rigidly coupled to the tool mounting plate 4102. The proximal spine member 4020 has a distal end that is coupled to an elongated channel portion 4022 of a surgical end effector 4012. The surgical effector 4012 may be substantially similar to surgical end effector 3412 described above. In addition, the anvil 4024 of the surgical end effector 4012 may be opened and closed by a distal closure tube 4030 that operably interfaces with the proximal closure tube 4010. Distal closure tube 4030 is identical to distal closure tube 3430 described above. Similarly, proximal closure tube 4010 is identical to proximal closure tube segment 3410 described above.


Anvil 4024 is opened and closed by rotating the proximal closure tube 4010 in manner described above with respect to distal closure tube 3410. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement comprises a closure transmission, generally designated as 4011. As will be further discussed below, the closure transmission 4011 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary motion from the robotic system 11000 and convert that first rotary motion to a primary rotary motion for rotating the rotatable proximal closure tube 4010 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 133, a proximal end 4060 of the proximal closure tube 4010 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 4104 that is attached to a tool mounting plate 4102 of the tool mounting portion 4100. A rotation gear 4062 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 4060 of the closure tube segment 4010 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 4070 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 4102. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 4072 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 4102 when the tool mounting portion 4100 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 133. The rotation drive assembly 4070 further comprises a rotary driven gear 4074 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 4102 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 4062 and the rotation drive gear 4072. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 4072 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 4072 ultimately results in the rotation of the closure tube segment 4010 to open and close the anvil 4024 as described above.


As indicated above, the end effector 4012 employs a cutting element 3860 as shown in FIGS. 131 and 132. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the transmission arrangement 4103 further comprises a knife drive transmission that includes a knife drive assembly 4080. FIG. 133 illustrates one form of knife drive assembly 4080 for axially advancing the knife bar 4092 that is attached to such cutting element using cables as described above with respect to surgical tool 3800. In particular, the knife bar 4092 replaces the firing cable 3884 employed in an embodiment of surgical tool 3800. One form of the knife drive assembly 4080 comprises a rotary drive gear 4082 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 4102 when the tool mounting portion 4100 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 63 and 133. The knife drive assembly 4080 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 4084 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 4102. The first rotary driven gear assembly 4084 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 4086 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 4102 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 4088 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 4094 of drive shaft assembly 4090 that is coupled to the knife bar 4092. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 4082 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 4090 and knife bar 4092 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 4082 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 4090 and the knife bar 4092 to move in the proximal direction. Movement of the firing bar 4092 in the proximal direction “PD” will drive the cutting element 3860 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, movement of the firing bar 4092 in the distal direction “DD” will result in the movement of the cutting element 3860 in the proximal direction “PD”.



FIGS. 134-140 illustrate yet another surgical tool 5000 that may be effectively employed in connection with a robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 5000 includes a surgical end effector 5012 in the form of a surgical stapling instrument that includes an elongated channel 5020 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 5070, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 5012. As can be seen in FIG. 136, the elongated channel 5020 may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and be fabricated from, for example, titanium, 203 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 416 stainless steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 17-7 stainless steel, 6061 or 7075 aluminum, chromium steel, ceramic, etc. A substantially U-shaped metal channel pan 5022 may be supported in the bottom of the elongated channel 5020 as shown.


Various embodiments include an actuation member in the form of a sled assembly 5030 that is operably supported within the surgical end effector 5012 and axially movable therein between a starting position and an ending position in response to control motions applied thereto. In some forms, the metal channel pan 5022 has a centrally-disposed slot 5024 therein to movably accommodate a base portion 5032 of the sled assembly 5030. The base portion 5032 includes a foot portion 5034 that is sized to be slidably received in a slot 5021 in the elongated channel 5020. See FIG. 136. As can be seen in FIGS. 135, 136, 139, and 140, the base portion 5032 of sled assembly 5030 includes an axially extending threaded bore 5036 that is configured to be threadedly received on a threaded drive shaft 5130 as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the sled assembly 5030 includes an upstanding support portion 5038 that supports a tissue cutting blade or tissue cutting instrument 5040. The upstanding support portion 5038 terminates in a top portion 5042 that has a pair of laterally extending retaining fins 5044 protruding therefrom. As shown in FIG. 136, the fins 5044 are positioned to be received within corresponding slots 5072 in anvil 5070. The fins 5044 and the foot 5034 serve to retain the anvil 5070 in a desired spaced closed position as the sled assembly 5030 is driven distally through the tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 5014. As can also be seen in FIGS. 138 and 140, the sled assembly 5030 further includes a reciprocatably or sequentially activatable drive assembly 5050 for driving staple pushers toward the closed anvil 5070.


More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 136 and 137, the elongated channel 5020 is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 5080 therein. In at least one form, the surgical staple cartridge 5080 comprises a body portion 5082 that may be fabricated from, for example, Vectra, Nylon (6/6 or 6/12) and include a centrally disposed slot 5084 for accommodating the upstanding support portion 5038 of the sled assembly 5030. See FIG. 136. These materials could also be filled with glass, carbon, or mineral fill of 10%-40%. The surgical staple cartridge 5080 further includes a plurality of cavities 5086 for movably supporting lines or rows of staple-supporting pushers 5088 therein. The cavities 5086 may be arranged in spaced longitudinally extending lines or rows 5090, 5092, 5094, 5096. For example, the rows 5090 may be referred to herein as first outboard rows. The rows 5092 may be referred to herein as first inboard rows. The rows 5094 may be referred to as second inboard rows and the rows 5096 may be referred to as second outboard rows. The first inboard row 5090 and the first outboard row 5092 are located on a first lateral side of the longitudinal slot 5084 and the second inboard row 5094 and the second outboard row 5096 are located on a second lateral side of the longitudinal slot 5084. The first staple pushers 5088 in the first inboard row 5092 are staggered in relationship to the first staple pushers 5088 in the first outboard row 5090. Similarly, the second staple pushers 5088 in the second outboard row 5096 are staggered in relationship to the second pushers 5088 in the second inboard row 5094. Each pusher 5088 operably supports a surgical staple 5098 thereon.


In various embodiments, the sequentially-activatable or reciprocatably—activatable drive assembly 5050 includes a pair of outboard drivers 5052 and a pair of inboard drivers 5054 that are each attached to a common shaft 5056 that is rotatably mounted within the base 5032 of the sled assembly 5030. The outboard drivers 5052 are oriented to sequentially or reciprocatingly engage a corresponding plurality of outboard activation cavities 5026 provided in the channel pan 5022. Likewise, the inboard drivers 5054 are oriented to sequentially or reciprocatingly engage a corresponding plurality of inboard activation cavities 5028 provided in the channel pan 5022. The inboard activation cavities 5028 are arranged in a staggered relationship relative to the adjacent outboard activation cavities 5026. See FIG. 137. As can also be seen in FIGS. 137 and 139, in at least one embodiment, the sled assembly 5030 further includes distal wedge segments 5060 and intermediate wedge segments 5062 located on each side of the bore 5036 to engage the pushers 5088 as the sled assembly 5030 is driven distally in the distal direction “DD”. As indicated above, the sled assembly 5030 is threadedly received on a threaded portion 5132 of a drive shaft 5130 that is rotatably supported within the end effector 5012. In various embodiments, for example, the drive shaft 5130 has a distal end 5134 that is supported in a distal bearing 5136 mounted in the surgical end effector 5012. See FIGS. 136 and 137.


In various embodiments, the surgical end effector 5012 is coupled to a tool mounting portion 5200 by an elongated shaft assembly 5108. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 5200 operably supports a transmission arrangement generally designated as 5204 that is configured to receive rotary output motions from the robotic system. The elongated shaft assembly 5108 includes an outer closure tube 5110 that is rotatable and axially movable on a spine member 5120 that is rigidly coupled to a tool mounting plate 5201 of the tool mounting portion 5200. The spine member 5120 also has a distal end 5122 that is coupled to the elongated channel portion 5020 of the surgical end effector 5012.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 5012 about a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT defined by the elongated shaft assembly 5008. In various embodiments, the outer closure tube 5110 has a proximal end 5112 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 5201 of the tool drive portion 5200 by a forward support cradle 5203. The proximal end 5112 of the outer closure tube 5110 is configured to operably interface with a rotation transmission portion 5206 of the transmission arrangement 5204. In various embodiments, the proximal end 5112 of the outer closure tube 5110 is also supported on a closure sled 5140 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 5201. A closure tube gear segment 5114 is formed on the proximal end 5112 of the outer closure tube 5110 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 5150 of the rotation transmission 5206. As can be seen in FIG. 134, the rotation drive assembly 5150, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 5152 that is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 5201 when the tool drive portion 5200 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The rotation drive assembly 5150 further comprises a rotary driven gear 5154 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 5201 in meshing engagement with the closure tube gear segment 5114 and the rotation drive gear 5152. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 5152. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 5152 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 5108 (and the end effector 5012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 134).


Closure of the anvil 5070 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 5080 is accomplished by axially moving the outer closure tube 5110 in the distal direction “DD”. Such axial movement of the outer closure tube 5110 may be accomplished by a closure transmission portion 5144 of the transmission arrangement 5204. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end 5112 of the outer closure tube 5110 is supported by the closure sled 5140 which enables the proximal end 5112 to rotate relative thereto, yet travel axially with the closure sled 5140. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 134, the closure sled 5140 has an upstanding tab 5141 that extends into a radial groove 5115 in the proximal end portion 5112 of the outer closure tube 5110. In addition, as was described above, the closure sled 5140 is slidably mounted to the tool mounting plate 5201. In various embodiments, the closure sled 5140 has an upstanding portion 5142 that has a closure rack gear 5143 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 5143 is configured for driving engagement with the closure transmission 5144.


In various forms, the closure transmission 5144 includes a closure spur gear 5145 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 5201. Thus, application of a second rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 5145 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool mounting portion 5200. The closure transmission 5144 further includes a driven closure gear set 5146 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 5145 and the closure rack gear 5143. Thus, application of a second rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 5145 and ultimately drive the closure sled 5140 and the outer closure tube 5110 axially. The axial direction in which the closure tube 5110 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the second driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary closure motion received from the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 5140 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately the outer closure tube 5110 will be driven in the distal direction as well. The outer closure tube 5110 has an opening 5117 in the distal end 5116 that is configured for engagement with a tab 5071 on the anvil 5070 in the manners described above. As the outer closure tube 5110 is driven distally, the proximal end 5116 of the closure tube 5110 will contact the anvil 5070 and pivot it closed. Upon application of an “opening” rotary motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 5140 and outer closure tube 5110 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 5070 to the open position in the manners described above.


In at least one embodiment, the drive shaft 5130 has a proximal end 5137 that has a proximal shaft gear 5138 attached thereto. The proximal shaft gear 5138 is supported in meshing engagement with a distal drive gear 5162 attached to a rotary drive bar 5160 that is rotatably supported with spine member 5120. Rotation of the rotary drive bar 5160 and ultimately rotary drive shaft 5130 is controlled by a rotary knife transmission 5207 which comprises a portion of the transmission arrangement 5204 supported on the tool mounting plate 5210. In various embodiments, the rotary knife transmission 5207 comprises a rotary knife drive system 5170 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 5201. In various embodiments, the knife drive system 5170 includes a rotary drive gear 5172 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 5201 when the tool drive portion 5200 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The knife drive system 5170 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 5174 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 5201 in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear 5176 and the rotary drive gear 5172. The second rotary driven gear 5176 is coupled to a proximal end portion 5164 of the rotary drive bar 5160.


Rotation of the rotary drive gear 5172 in a first rotary direction will result in the rotation of the rotary drive bar 5160 and rotary drive shaft 5130 in a first direction. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 5172 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will cause the rotary drive bar 5160 and rotary drive shaft 5130 to rotate in a second direction. Thus, rotation of the drive shaft 5130 results in rotation of the drive sleeve 12400.


One method of operating the surgical tool 5000 will now be described. The tool drive 5200 is operably coupled to the interface 11240 of the robotic system 11000. The controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 is operated to locate the tissue to be cut and stapled between the open anvil 5070 and the surgical staple cartridge 5080. Once the surgical end effector 5012 has been positioned by the robot system 11000 such that the target tissue is located between the anvil 5070 and the surgical staple cartridge 5080, the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 may be activated to apply the second rotary output motion to the second driven element 11304 coupled to the closure spur gear 5145 to drive the closure sled 5140 and the outer closure tube 5110 axially in the distal direction to pivot the anvil 5070 closed in the manner described above. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 5070 has been closed by, for example, sensors in the surgical end effector 5012 and/or the tool drive portion 5200, the robotic controller 11001 system may provide the surgeon with an indication that signifies the closure of the anvil. Such indication may be, for example, in the form of a light and/or audible sound, tactile feedback on the control members, etc. Then the surgeon may initiate the firing process. In alternative embodiments, however, the robotic controller 11001 may automatically commence the firing process.


To commence the firing process, the robotic controller applies a third rotary output motion to the third driven disc or element 11304 coupled to the rotary drive gear 5172. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 5172 results in the rotation of the rotary drive bar 5160 and rotary drive shaft 5130 in the manner described above. Firing and formation of the surgical staples 5098 can be best understood from reference to FIGS. 135, 137, and 138. As the sled assembly 5030 is driven in the distal direction “DD” through the surgical staple cartridge 5080, the distal wedge segments 5060 first contact the staple pushers 5088 and start to move them toward the closed anvil 5070. As the sled assembly 5030 continues to move distally, the outboard drivers 5052 will drop into the corresponding activation cavity 5026 in the channel pan 5022. The opposite end of each outboard driver 5052 will then contact the corresponding outboard pusher 5088 that has moved up the distal and intermediate wedge segments 5060, 5062. Further distal movement of the sled assembly 5030 causes the outboard drivers 5052 to rotate and drive the corresponding pushers 5088 toward the anvil 5070 to cause the staples 5098 supported thereon to be formed as they are driven into the anvil 5070. It will be understood that as the sled assembly 5030 moves distally, the knife blade 5040 cuts through the tissue that is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. Because the inboard drivers 5054 and outboard drivers 5052 are attached to the same shaft 5056 and the inboard drivers 5054 are radially offset from the outboard drivers 5052 on the shaft 5056, as the outboard drivers 5052 are driving their corresponding pushers 5088 toward the anvil 5070, the inboard drivers 5054 drop into their next corresponding activation cavity 5028 to cause them to rotatably or reciprocatingly drive the corresponding inboard pushers 5088 towards the closed anvil 5070 in the same manner. Thus, the laterally corresponding outboard staples 5098 on each side of the centrally disposed slot 5084 are simultaneously formed together and the laterally corresponding inboard staples 5098 on each side of the slot 5084 are simultaneously formed together as the sled assembly 5030 is driven distally. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the sled assembly 5030 has reached its distal most position—either through sensors or through monitoring the amount of rotary input applied to the drive shaft 5130 and/or the rotary drive bar 5160, the controller 11001 may then apply a third rotary output motion to the drive shaft 5130 to rotate the drive shaft 5130 in an opposite direction to retract the sled assembly 5030 back to its starting position. Once the sled assembly 5030 has been retracted to the starting position (as signaled by sensors in the end effector 5012 and/or the tool drive portion 5200), the application of the second rotary motion to the drive shaft 5130 is discontinued. Thereafter, the surgeon may manually activate the anvil opening process or it may be automatically commenced by the robotic controller 11001. To open the anvil 5070, the second rotary output motion is applied to the closure spur gear 5145 to drive the closure sled 5140 and the outer closure tube 5110 axially in the proximal direction. As the closure tube 5110 moves proximally, the opening 5117 in the distal end 5116 of the closure tube 5110 contacts the tab 5071 on the anvil 5070 to pivot the anvil 5070 to the open position. A spring may also be employed to bias the anvil 5070 to the open position when the closure tube 5116 has been returned to the starting position. Again, sensors in the surgical end effector 5012 and/or the tool mounting portion 5200 may provide the robotic controller 11001 with a signal indicating that the anvil 5070 is now open. Thereafter, the surgical end effector 5012 may be withdrawn from the surgical site.



FIGS. 141-146 diagrammatically depict the sequential firing of staples in a surgical tool assembly 5000′ that is substantially similar to the surgical tool assembly 5000 described above. In this embodiment, the inboard and outboard drivers 5052′, 5054′ have a cam-like shape with a cam surface 5053 and an actuator protrusion 5055 as shown in FIGS. 141-147. The drivers 5052′, 5054′ are journaled on the same shaft 5056′ that is rotatably supported by the sled assembly 5030′. In this embodiment, the sled assembly 5030′ has distal wedge segments 5060′ for engaging the pushers 5088. FIG. 141 illustrates an initial position of two inboard or outboard drivers 5052′, 5054′ as the sled assembly 5030′ is driven in the distal direction “DD”. As can be seen in that Figure, the pusher 5088a has advanced up the wedge segment 5060′ and has contacted the driver 5052′, 5054′. Further travel of the sled assembly 5030′ in the distal direction causes the driver 5052′, 5054′ to pivot in the “P” direction (FIG. 110) until the actuator portion 5055 contacts the end wall 5029a of the activation cavity 5026, 5028 as shown in FIG. 143. Continued advancement of the sled assembly 5030′ in the distal direction “DD” causes the driver 5052′, 5054′ to rotate in the “D” direction as shown in FIG. 144. As the driver 5052′, 5054′ rotates, the pusher 5088a rides up the cam surface 5053 to the final vertical position shown in FIG. 145. When the pusher 5088a reaches the final vertical position shown in FIGS. 145 and 146, the staple (not shown) supported thereon has been driven into the staple forming surface of the anvil to form the staple.



FIGS. 148-153 illustrate a surgical end effector 5312 that may be employed for example, in connection with the tool mounting portion 11300 and shaft 12008 described in detail above. In various forms, the surgical end effector 5312 includes an elongated channel 5322 that is constructed as described above for supporting a surgical staple cartridge 5330 therein. The surgical staple cartridge 5330 comprises a body portion 5332 that includes a centrally disposed slot 5334 for accommodating an upstanding support portion 5386 of a sled assembly 5380. See FIGS. 148-150. The surgical staple cartridge body portion 5332 further includes a plurality of cavities 5336 for movably supporting staple-supporting pushers 5350 therein. The cavities 5336 may be arranged in spaced longitudinally extending rows 5340, 5342, 5344, 5346. The rows 5340, 5342 are located on one lateral side of the longitudinal slot 5334 and the rows 5344, 5346 are located on the other side of longitudinal slot 5334. In at least one embodiment, the pushers 5350 are configured to support two surgical staples 5352 thereon. In particular, each pusher 5350 located on one side of the elongated slot 5334 supports one staple 5352 in row 5340 and one staple 5352 in row 5342 in a staggered orientation. Likewise, each pusher 5350 located on the other side of the elongated slot 5334 supports one surgical staple 5352 in row 5344 and another surgical staple 5352 in row 5346 in a staggered orientation. Thus, every pusher 5350 supports two surgical staples 5352.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 148, 149, the surgical staple cartridge 5330 includes a plurality of rotary drivers 5360. More particularly, the rotary drivers 5360 on one side of the elongated slot 5334 are arranged in a single line 5370 and correspond to the pushers 5350 in lines 5340, 5342. In addition, the rotary drivers 5360 on the other side of the elongated slot 5334 are arranged in a single line 5372 and correspond to the pushers 5350 in lines 5344, 5346. As can be seen in FIG. 148, each rotary driver 5360 is rotatably supported within the staple cartridge body 5332. More particularly, each rotary driver 5360 is rotatably received on a corresponding driver shaft 5362. Each driver 5360 has an arcuate ramp portion 5364 formed thereon that is configured to engage an arcuate lower surface 5354 formed on each pusher 5350. See FIG. 153. In addition, each driver 5360 has a lower support portion 5366 extend therefrom to slidably support the pusher 5360 on the channel 5322. Each driver 5360 has a downwardly extending actuation rod 5368 that is configured for engagement with a sled assembly 5380.


As can be seen in FIG. 150, in at least one embodiment, the sled assembly 5380 includes a base portion 5382 that has a foot portion 5384 that is sized to be slidably received in a slot 5333 in the channel 5322. See FIG. 148. The sled assembly 5380 includes an upstanding support portion 5386 that supports a tissue cutting blade or tissue cutting instrument 5388. The upstanding support portion 5386 terminates in a top portion 5390 that has a pair of laterally extending retaining fins 5392 protruding therefrom. The fins 5392 are positioned to be received within corresponding slots (not shown) in the anvil (not shown). As with the above-described embodiments, the fins 5392 and the foot portion 5384 serve to retain the anvil (not shown) in a desired spaced closed position as the sled assembly 5380 is driven distally through the tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 5312. The upstanding support portion 5386 is configured for attachment to a knife bar 12200 (FIG. 69). The sled assembly 5380 further has a horizontally-extending actuator plate 5394 that is shaped for actuating engagement with each of the actuation rods 5368 on the pushers 5360.


Operation of the surgical end effector 5312 will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 148 and 149. As the sled assembly 5380 is driven in the distal direction “DD” through the staple cartridge 5330, the actuator plate 5394 sequentially contacts the actuation rods 5368 on the pushers 5360. As the sled assembly 5380 continues to move distally, the actuator plate 5394 sequentially contacts the actuator rods 5368 of the drivers 5360 on each side of the elongated slot 5334. Such action causes the drivers 5360 to rotate from a first unactuated position to an actuated portion wherein the pushers 5350 are driven towards the closed anvil. As the pushers 5350 are driven toward the anvil, the surgical staples 5352 thereon are driven into forming contact with the underside of the anvil. Once the robotic system 11000 determines that the sled assembly 5080 has reached its distal most position through sensors or other means, the control system of the robotic system 11000 may then retract the knife bar and sled assembly 5380 back to the starting position. Thereafter, the robotic control system may then activate the procedure for returning the anvil to the open position to release the stapled tissue.



FIGS. 154-158 depict one form of an automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 5500. In one form, the automated reloading system 5500 is configured to replace a “spent” surgical end effector component in a manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic surgical system with a “new” surgical end effector component. As used herein, the term “surgical end effector component” may comprise, for example, a surgical staple cartridge, a disposable loading unit or other end effector components that, when used, are spent and must be replaced with a new component. Furthermore, the term “spent” means that the end effector component has been activated and is no longer useable for its intended purpose in its present state. For example, in the context of a surgical staple cartridge or disposable loading unit, the term “spent” means that at least some of the unformed staples that were previously supported therein have been “fired” therefrom. As used herein, the term “new” surgical end effector component refers to an end effector component that is in condition for its intended use. In the context of a surgical staple cartridge or disposable loading unit, for example, the term “new” refers to such a component that has unformed staples therein and which is otherwise ready for use.


In various embodiments, the automated reloading system 5500 includes a base portion 5502 that may be strategically located within a work envelope 11109 of a robotic arm cart 11100 (FIG. 55) of a robotic system 11000. As used herein, the term “manipulatable surgical tool portion” collectively refers to a surgical tool of the various types disclosed herein and other forms of surgical robotically-actuated tools that are operably attached to, for example, a robotic arm cart 11100 or similar device that is configured to automatically manipulate and actuate the surgical tool. The term “work envelope” as used herein refers to the range of movement of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of the robotic system. FIG. 55 generally depicts an area that may comprise a work envelope of the robotic arm cart 11100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shape and size of the work envelope depicted therein is merely illustrative. The ultimate size, shape and location of a work envelope will ultimately depend upon the construction, range of travel limitations, and location of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. Thus, the term “work envelope” as used herein is intended to cover a variety of different sizes and shapes of work envelopes and should not be limited to the specific size and shape of the sample work envelope depicted in FIG. 55.


As can be seen in FIG. 154, the base portion 5502 includes a new component support section or arrangement 5510 that is configured to operably support at least one new surgical end effector component in a “loading orientation”. As used herein, the term “loading orientation” means that the new end effector component is supported in such away so as to permit the corresponding component support portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion to be brought into loading engagement with (i.e., operably seated or operably attached to) the new end effector component (or the new end effector component to be brought into loading engagement with the corresponding component support portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion) without human intervention beyond that which may be necessary to actuate the robotic system. As will be further appreciated as the present Detailed Description proceeds, in at least one embodiment, the preparation nurse will load the new component support section before the surgery with the appropriate length and color cartridges (some surgical staple cartridges may support certain sizes of staples the size of which may be indicated by the color of the cartridge body) required for completing the surgical procedure. However, no direct human interaction is necessary during the surgery to reload the robotic endocutter. In one form, the surgical end effector component comprises a staple cartridge 12034 that is configured to be operably seated within a component support portion (elongated channel) of any of the various other end effector arrangements described above. For explanation purposes, new (unused) cartridges will be designated as “12034a” and spent cartridges will be designated as “12034b”. The Figures depict cartridges 12034a, 12034b designed for use with a surgical end effector 12012 that includes a channel 12022 and an anvil 12024, the construction and operation of which were discussed in detail above. Cartridges 12034a, 12034b are identical to cartridges 12034 described above. In various embodiments, the cartridges 12034a, 12034b are configured to be snappingly retained (i.e., loading engagement) within the channel 12022 of a surgical end effector 12012. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the unique and novel features of the automated cartridge reloading system 5500 may be effectively employed in connection with the automated removal and installation of other cartridge arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.


In the depicted embodiment, the term “loading orientation” means that the distal tip portion 12035a of the a new surgical staple cartridge 12034a is inserted into a corresponding support cavity 5512 in the new cartridge support section 5510 such that the proximal end portion 12037a of the new surgical staple cartridge 12034a is located in a convenient orientation for enabling the arm cart 11100 to manipulate the surgical end effector 12012 into a position wherein the new cartridge 12034a may be automatically loaded into the channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. In various embodiments, the base 5502 includes at least one sensor 5504 which communicates with the control system 11003 of the robotic controller 11001 to provide the control system 11003 with the location of the base 5502 and/or the reload length and color doe each staged or new cartridge 12034a.


As can also be seen in the Figures, the base 5502 further includes a collection receptacle 5520 that is configured to collect spent cartridges 12034b that have been removed or disengaged from the surgical end effector 12012 that is operably attached to the robotic system 11000. In addition, in one form, the automated reloading system 5500 includes an extraction system 5530 for automatically removing the spent end effector component from the corresponding support portion of the end effector or manipulatable surgical tool portion without specific human intervention beyond that which may be necessary to activate the robotic system. In various embodiments, the extraction system 5530 includes an extraction hook member 5532. In one form, for example, the extraction hook member 5532 is rigidly supported on the base portion 5502. In one embodiment, the extraction hook member has at least one hook 5534 formed thereon that is configured to hookingly engage the distal end 12035 of a spent cartridge 2034b when it is supported in the elongated channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. In various forms, the extraction hook member 5532 is conveniently located within a portion of the collection receptacle 5520 such that when the spent end effector component (cartridge 12034b) is brought into extractive engagement with the extraction hook member 5532, the spent end effector component (cartridge 12034b) is dislodged from the corresponding component support portion (elongated channel 12022), and falls into the collection receptacle 5020. Thus, to use this embodiment, the manipulatable surgical tool portion manipulates the end effector attached thereto to bring the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b therein into hooking engagement with the hook 5534 and then moves the end effector in such a way to dislodge the spent cartridge 12034b from the elongated channel 12022.


In other arrangements, the extraction hook member 5532 comprises a rotatable wheel configuration that has a pair of diametrically-opposed hooks 5334 protruding therefrom. See FIGS. 154 and 157. The extraction hook member 5532 is rotatably supported within the collection receptacle 5520 and is coupled to an extraction motor 5540 that is controlled by the controller 11001 of the robotic system. This form of the automated reloading system 5500 may be used as follows. FIG. 156 illustrates the introduction of the surgical end effector 12012 that is operably attached to the manipulatable surgical tool portion 11200. As can be seen in that Figure, the arm cart 11100 of the robotic system 11000 locates the surgical end effector 12012 in the shown position wherein the hook end 5534 of the extraction member 5532 hookingly engages the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b in the surgical end effector 12012. The anvil 12024 of the surgical end effector 12012 is in the open position. After the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b is engaged with the hook end 5532, the extraction motor 5540 is actuated to rotate the extraction wheel 5532 to disengage the spent cartridge 12034b from the channel 12022. To assist with the disengagement of the spent cartridge 12034b from the channel 12022 (or if the extraction member 5530 is stationary), the robotic system 11000 may move the surgical end effector 12012 in an upward direction (arrow “U” in FIG. 157). As the spent cartridge 12034b is dislodged from the channel 12022, the spent cartridge 12034b falls into the collection receptacle 5520. Once the spent cartridge 12034b has been removed from the surgical end effector 12012, the robotic system 11000 moves the surgical end effector 12012 to the position shown in FIG. 158.


In various embodiments, a sensor arrangement 5533 is located adjacent to the extraction member 5532 that is in communication with the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000. The sensor arrangement 5533 may comprise a sensor that is configured to sense the presence of the surgical end effector 12012 and, more particularly the tip 12035b of the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b thereof as the distal tip portion 12035b is brought into engagement with the extraction member 5532. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 5533 may comprise, for example, a light curtain arrangement. However, other forms of proximity sensors may be employed. In such arrangement, when the surgical end effector 12012 with the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b is brought into extractive engagement with the extraction member 5532, the sensor senses the distal tip 12035b of the surgical staple cartridge 12034b (e.g., the light curtain is broken). When the extraction member 5532 spins and pops the surgical staple cartridge 12034b loose and it falls into the collection receptacle 5520, the light curtain is again unbroken. Because the surgical end effector 12012 was not moved during this procedure, the robotic controller 11001 is assured that the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b has been removed therefrom. Other sensor arrangements may also be successfully employed to provide the robotic controller 11001 with an indication that the spent surgical staple cartridge 2034b has been removed from the surgical end effector 12012.


As can be seen in FIG. 158, the surgical end effector 12012 is positioned to grasp a new surgical staple cartridge 12034a between the channel 12022 and the anvil 12024. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 155 and 158, each cavity 5512 has a corresponding upstanding pressure pad 5514 associated with it. The surgical end effector 12012 is located such that the pressure pad 5514 is located between the new cartridge 12034a and the anvil 12024. Once in that position, the robotic system 11000 closes the anvil 12024 onto the pressure pad 5514 which serves to push the new cartridge 12034a into snapping engagement with the channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. Once the new cartridge 12034a has been snapped into position within the elongated channel 12022, the robotic system 11000 then withdraws the surgical end effector 12012 from the automated cartridge reloading system 5500 for use in connection with performing another surgical procedure.



FIGS. 159-163 depict another automated reloading system 5600 that may be used to remove a spent disposable loading unit 3612 from a manipulatable surgical tool arrangement 3600 (FIGS. 106-119) that is operably attached to an arm cart 11100 or other portion of a robotic system 11000 and reload a new disposable loading unit 3612 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 159 and 160, one form of the automated reloading system 5600 includes a housing 5610 that has a movable support assembly in the form of a rotary carrousel top plate 5620 supported thereon which cooperates with the housing 5610 to form a hollow enclosed area 5612. The automated reloading system 5600 is configured to be operably supported within the work envelop of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic system as was described above. In various embodiments, the rotary carrousel plate 5620 has a plurality of holes 5622 for supporting a plurality of orientation tubes 5660 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 160 and 161, the rotary carrousel plate 5620 is affixed to a spindle shaft 5624. The spindle shaft 5624 is centrally disposed within the enclosed area 5612 and has a spindle gear 5626 attached thereto. The spindle gear 5626 is in meshing engagement with a carrousel drive gear 5628 that is coupled to a carrousel drive motor 5630 that is in operative communication with the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000.


Various embodiments of the automated reloading system 5600 may also include a carrousel locking assembly, generally designated as 5640. In various forms, the carrousel locking assembly 5640 includes a cam disc 5642 that is affixed to the spindle shaft 5624. The spindle gear 5626 may be attached to the underside of the cam disc 5642 and the cam disc 5642 may be keyed onto the spindle shaft 5624. In alternative arrangements, the spindle gear 5626 and the cam disc 5642 may be independently non-rotatably affixed to the spindle shaft 5624. As can be seen in FIGS. 160 and 161, a plurality of notches 5644 are spaced around the perimeter of the cam disc 5642. A locking arm 5648 is pivotally mounted within the housing 5610 and is biased into engagement with the perimeter of the cam disc 5642 by a locking spring 5649. As can be seen in FIG. 159, the outer perimeter of the cam disc 5642 is rounded to facilitate rotation of the cam disc 5642 relative to the locking arm 5648. The edges of each notch 5644 are also rounded such that when the cam disc 5642 is rotated, the locking arm 5648 is cammed out of engagement with the notches 5644 by the perimeter of the cam disc 5642.


Various forms of the automated reloading system 5600 are configured to support a portable/replaceable tray assembly 5650 that is configured to support a plurality of disposable loading units 3612 in individual orientation tubes 5660. More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 160 and 161, the replaceable tray assembly 5650 comprises a tray 5652 that has a centrally-disposed locator spindle 5654 protruding from the underside thereof. The locator spindle 5654 is sized to be received within a hollow end 5625 of spindle shaft 5624. The tray 5652 has a plurality of holes 5656 therein that are configured to support an orientation tube 5660 therein. Each orientation tube 5660 is oriented within a corresponding hole 5656 in the replaceable tray assembly 5650 in a desired orientation by a locating fin 5666 on the orientation tube 5660 that is designed to be received within a corresponding locating slot 5658 in the tray assembly 5650. In at least one embodiment, the locating fin 5666 has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is sized to fit within a V-shaped locating slot 5658. Such arrangement serves to orient the orientation tube 5660 in a desired starting position while enabling it to rotate within the hole 5656 when a rotary motion is applied thereto. That is, when a rotary motion is applied to the orientation tube 5660 the V-shaped locating fin 5666 will pop out of its corresponding locating slot enabling the tube 5660 to rotate relative to the tray 5652 as will be discussed in further detail below. As can also be seen in FIGS. 159-161, the replaceable tray 5652 may be provided with one or more handle portions 5653 to facilitate transport of the tray assembly 5652 when loaded with orientation tubes 5660.


As can be seen in FIG. 162, each orientation tube 5660 comprises a body portion 5662 that has a flanged open end 5664. The body portion 5662 defines a cavity 5668 that is sized to receive a portion of a disposable loading unit 3612 therein. To properly orient the disposable loading unit 3612 within the orientation tube 5660, the cavity 5668 has a flat locating surface 5670 formed therein. As can be seen in FIG. 163, the flat locating surface 5670 is configured to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit into the cavity 5668 in a desired or predetermined non-rotatable orientation. In addition, the end 5669 of the cavity 5668 may include a foam or cushion material 5672 that is designed to cushion the distal end of the disposable loading unit 3612 within the cavity 5668. Also, the length of the locating surface may cooperate with a sliding support member 3689 of the axial drive assembly 3680 of the disposable loading unit 3612 to further locate the disposable loading unit 3612 at a desired position within the orientation tube 5660.


The orientation tubes 5660 may be fabricated from Nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, liquid crystal polymer, 6061 or 7075 aluminum, titanium, 300 or 400 series stainless steel, coated or painted steel, plated steel, etc. and, when loaded in the replaceable tray 5662 and the locator spindle 5654 is inserted into the hollow end 5625 of spindle shaft 5624, the orientation tubes 5660 extend through corresponding holes 5662 in the carrousel top plate 5620. Each replaceable tray 5662 is equipped with a location sensor 5663 that communicates with the control system 11003 of the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000. The sensor 5663 serves to identify the location of the reload system, and the number, length, color and fired status of each reload housed in the tray. In addition, an optical sensor or sensors 5665 that communicate with the robotic controller 11001 may be employed to sense the type/size/length of disposable loading units that are loaded within the tray 5662.


Various embodiments of the automated reloading system 5600 further include a drive assembly 5680 for applying a rotary motion to the orientation tube 5660 holding the disposable loading unit 3612 to be attached to the shaft 3700 of the surgical tool 3600 (collectively the “manipulatable surgical tool portion”) that is operably coupled to the robotic system. The drive assembly 5680 includes a support yoke 5682 that is attached to the locking arm 5648. Thus, the support yoke 5682 pivots with the locking arm 5648. The support yoke 5682 rotatably supports a tube idler wheel 5684 and a tube drive wheel 5686 that is driven by a tube motor 5688 attached thereto. Tube motor 5688 communicates with the control system 11003 and is controlled thereby. The tube idler wheel 5684 and tube drive wheel 5686 are fabricated from, for example, natural rubber, sanoprene, isoplast, etc. such that the outer surfaces thereof create sufficient amount of friction to result in the rotation of an orientation tube 5660 in contact therewith upon activation of the tube motor 5688. The idler wheel 5684 and tube drive wheel 5686 are oriented relative to each other to create a cradle area 5687 therebetween for receiving an orientation tube 5060 in driving engagement therein.


In use, one or more of the orientation tubes 5660 loaded in the automated reloading system 5600 are left empty, while the other orientation tubes 5660 may operably support a corresponding new disposable loading unit 3612 therein. As will be discussed in further detail below, the empty orientation tubes 5660 are employed to receive a spent disposable loading unit 3612 therein.


The automated reloading system 5600 may be employed as follows after the system 5600 is located within the work envelope of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic system. If the manipulatable surgical tool portion has a spent disposable loading unit 3612 operably coupled thereto, one of the orientation tubes 5660 that are supported on the replaceable tray 5662 is left empty to receive the spent disposable loading unit 3612 therein. If, however, the manipulatable surgical tool portion does not have a disposable loading unit 3612 operably coupled thereto, each of the orientation tubes 5660 may be provided with a properly oriented new disposable loading unit 3612.


As described hereinabove, the disposable loading unit 3612 employs a rotary “bayonet-type” coupling arrangement for operably coupling the disposable loading unit 3612 to a corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. That is, to attach a disposable loading unit 3612 to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion (3700—see FIG. 112, 113), a rotary installation motion must be applied to the disposable loading unit 3612 and/or the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion when those components have been moved into loading engagement with each other. Such installation motions are collectively referred to herein as “loading motions”. Likewise, to decouple a spent disposable loading unit 3612 from the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool, a rotary decoupling motion must be applied to the spent disposable loading unit 3612 and/or the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion while simultaneously moving the spent disposable loading unit and the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool away from each other. Such decoupling motions are collectively referred to herein as “extraction motions”.


To commence the loading process, the robotic system 11000 is activated to manipulate the manipulatable surgical tool portion and/or the automated reloading system 5600 to bring the manipulatable surgical tool portion into loading engagement with the new disposable loading unit 3612 that is supported in the orientation tube 5660 that is in driving engagement with the drive assembly 5680. Once the robotic controller 11001 (FIG. 54) of the robotic control system 11000 has located the manipulatable surgical tool portion in loading engagement with the new disposable loading unit 3612, the robotic controller 11001 activates the drive assembly 5680 to apply a rotary loading motion to the orientation tube 5660 in which the new disposable loading unit 3612 is supported and/or applies another rotary loading motion to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. Upon application of such rotary loading motions(s), the robotic controller 11001 also causes the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion to be moved towards the new disposable loading unit 3612 into loading engagement therewith. Once the disposable loading unit 3612 is in loading engagement with the corresponding portion of the manipulatable tool portion, the loading motions are discontinued and the manipulatable surgical tool portion may be moved away from the automated reloading system 5600 carrying with it the new disposable loading unit 3612 that has been operably coupled thereto.


To decouple a spent disposable loading unit 3612 from a corresponding manipulatable surgical tool portion, the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system manipulates the manipulatable surgical tool portion so as to insert the distal end of the spent disposable loading unit 3612 into the empty orientation tube 5660 that remains in driving engagement with the drive assembly 5680. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 activates the drive assembly 5680 to apply a rotary extraction motion to the orientation tube 5660 in which the spent disposable loading unit 3612 is supported and/or applies a rotary extraction motion to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. The robotic controller 11001 also causes the manipulatable surgical tool portion to withdraw away from the spent rotary disposable loading unit 3612. Thereafter the rotary extraction motion(s) are discontinued.


After the spent disposable loading unit 3612 has been removed from the manipulatable surgical tool portion, the robotic controller 11001 may activate the carrousel drive motor 5630 to index the carrousel top plate 5620 to bring another orientation tube 5660 that supports a new disposable loading unit 3612 therein into driving engagement with the drive assembly 5680. Thereafter, the loading process may be repeated to attach the new disposable loading unit 3612 therein to the portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. The robotic controller 11001 may record the number of disposable loading units that have been used from a particular replaceable tray 5652. Once the controller 11001 determines that all of the new disposable loading units 3612 have been used from that tray, the controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with a signal (visual and/or audible) indicating that the tray 5652 supporting all of the spent disposable loading units 3612 must be replaced with a new tray 5652 containing new disposable loading units 3612.



FIGS. 164-169 depict another non-limiting embodiment of a surgical tool 6000 of the present invention that is well-adapted for use with a robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly 11010 (FIG. 59) that is operatively coupled to a master controller 11001 that is operable by inputs from an operator (i.e., a surgeon). As can be seen in FIG. 164, the surgical tool 6000 includes a surgical end effector 6012 that comprises an endocutter. In at least one form, the surgical tool 6000 generally includes an elongated shaft assembly 6008 that has a proximal closure tube 6040 and a distal closure tube 6042 that are coupled together by an articulation joint 6100. The surgical tool 6000 is operably coupled to the manipulator by a tool mounting portion, generally designated as 6200. The surgical tool 6000 further includes an interface 6030 which may mechanically and electrically couple the tool mounting portion 6200 to the manipulator in the various manners described in detail above.


In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 6000 includes a surgical end effector 6012 that comprises, among other things, at least one component 6024 that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other component 6022 in response to various control motions applied to component 6024 as will be discussed in further detail below to perform a surgical procedure. In various embodiments, component 6022 comprises an elongated channel 6022 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 6034 therein and component 6024 comprises a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 6024. Various embodiments of the surgical end effector 6012 are configured to maintain the anvil 6024 and elongated channel 6022 at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 6012. Unless otherwise stated, the end effector 6012 is similar to the surgical end effector 12012 described above and includes a cutting instrument (not shown) and a sled (not shown). The anvil 6024 may include a tab 6027 at its proximal end that interacts with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to facilitate the opening of the anvil 6024. The elongated channel 6022 and the anvil 6024 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of an antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 6034 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 6034, as was also described above.


As can be seen in FIG. 164, the surgical end effector 6012 is attached to the tool mounting portion 6200 by the elongated shaft assembly 6008 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 6008 includes an articulation joint generally designated as 6100 that enables the surgical end effector 6012 to be selectively articulated about a first tool articulation axis AA1-AA1 that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT and a second tool articulation axis AA2-AA2 that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT as well as the first articulation axis AA1-AA1. See FIG. 165. In various embodiments, the elongated shaft assembly 6008 includes a closure tube assembly 6009 that comprises a proximal closure tube 6040 and a distal closure tube 6042 that are pivotably linked by a pivot links 6044 and 6046. The closure tube assembly 6009 is movably supported on a spine assembly generally designated as 6102.


As can be seen in FIG. 166, the proximal closure tube 6040 is pivotally linked to an intermediate closure tube joint 6043 by an upper pivot link 6044U and a lower pivot link 6044L such that the intermediate closure tube joint 6043 is pivotable relative to the proximal closure tube 6040 about a first closure axis CA1-CA1 and a second closure axis CA2-CA2. In various embodiments, the first closure axis CA1-CA1 is substantially parallel to the second closure axis CA2-CA2 and both closure axes CA1-CA1, CA2-CA2 are substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be further seen in FIG. 134, the intermediate closure tube joint 6043 is pivotally linked to the distal closure tube 6042 by a left pivot link 6046L and a right pivot link 6046R such that the intermediate closure tube joint 6043 is pivotable relative to the distal closure tube 6042 about a third closure axis CA3-CA3 and a fourth closure axis CA4-CA4. In various embodiments, the third closure axis CA3-CA3 is substantially parallel to the fourth closure axis CA4-CA4 and both closure axes CA3-CA3, CA4-CA4 are substantially transverse to the first and second closure axes CA1-CA1, CA2-CA2 as well as to longitudinal tool axis LT-LT.


The closure tube assembly 6009 is configured to axially slide on the spine assembly 6102 in response to actuation motions applied thereto. The distal closure tube 6042 includes an opening 6045 which interfaces with the tab 6027 on the anvil 6024 to facilitate opening of the anvil 6024 as the distal closure tube 6042 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD”. The closure tubes 6040, 6042 may be made of electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna, as described above. Components of the spine assembly 6102 may be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic).


As indicated above, the surgical tool 6000 includes a tool mounting portion 6200 that is configured for operable attachment to the tool mounting assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described in detail above. As can be seen in FIG. 168, the tool mounting portion 6200 comprises a tool mounting plate 6202 that operably supports a transmission arrangement 6204 thereon. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 6204 includes an articulation transmission 6142 that comprises a portion of an articulation system 6140 for articulating the surgical end effector 6012 about a first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 and a second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2. The first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 is substantially transverse to the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2 and both of the first and second tool articulation axes are substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. See FIG. 165.


To facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector 6012 about the first and second tool articulation axes TA1-TA1, TA2-TA2, the spine assembly 6102 comprises a proximal spine portion 6110 that is pivotally coupled to a distal spine portion 6120 by pivot pins 6122 for selective pivotal travel about TA1-TA1. Similarly, the distal spine portion 6120 is pivotally attached to the elongated channel 6022 of the surgical end effector 6012 by pivot pins 6124 to enable the surgical end effector 6012 to selectively pivot about the second tool axis TA2-TA2 relative to the distal spine portion 6120.


In various embodiments, the articulation system 6140 further includes a plurality of articulation elements that operably interface with the surgical end effector 6012 and an articulation control arrangement 6160 that is operably supported in the tool mounting member 6200 as will described in further detail below. In at least one embodiment, the articulation elements comprise a first pair of first articulation cables 6144 and 6146. The first articulation cables are located on a first or right side of the longitudinal tool axis. Thus, the first articulation cables are referred to herein as a right upper cable 6144 and a right lower cable 6146. The right upper cable 6144 and the right lower cable 6146 extend through corresponding passages 6147, 6148, respectively along the right side of the proximal spine portion 6110. See FIG. 169. The articulation system 6140 further includes a second pair of second articulation cables 6150, 6152. The second articulation cables are located on a second or left side of the longitudinal tool axis. Thus, the second articulation cables are referred to herein as a left upper articulation cable 6150 and a left articulation cable 6152. The left upper articulation cable 6150 and the left lower articulation cable 6152 extend through passages 6153, 6154, respectively in the proximal spine portion 6110.


As can be seen in FIG. 165, the right upper cable 6144 extends around an upper pivot joint 6123 and is attached to a left upper side of the elongated channel 6022 at a left pivot joint 6125. The right lower cable 6146 extends around a lower pivot joint 6126 and is attached to a left lower side of the elongated channel 6022 at left pivot joint 6125. The left upper cable 6150 extends around the upper pivot joint 6123 and is attached to a right upper side of the elongated channel 6022 at a right pivot joint 6127. The left lower cable 6152 extends around the lower pivot joint 6126 and is attached to a right lower side of the elongated channel 6022 at right pivot joint 6127. Thus, to pivot the surgical end effector 6012 about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 to the left (arrow “L”), the right upper cable 6144 and the right lower cable 6146 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 6012 to the right (arrow “R”) about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the left upper cable 6150 and the left lower cable 6152 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 6012 about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, in an upward direction (arrow “U”), the right upper cable 6144 and the left upper cable 6150 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 6012 in the downward direction (arrow “DW”) about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the right lower cable 6146 and the left lower cable 6152 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”.


The proximal ends of the articulation cables 6144, 6146, 6150, 6152 are coupled to the articulation control arrangement 6160 which comprises a ball joint assembly that is a part of the articulation transmission 6142. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 169, the ball joint assembly 6160 includes a ball-shaped member 6162 that is formed on a proximal portion of the proximal spine 6110. Movably supported on the ball-shaped member 6162 is an articulation control ring 6164. As can be further seen in FIG. 169, the proximal ends of the articulation cables 6144, 6146, 6150, 6152 are coupled to the articulation control ring 6164 by corresponding ball joint arrangements 6166. The articulation control ring 6164 is controlled by an articulation drive assembly 6170. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 169, the proximal ends of the first articulation cables 6144, 6146 are attached to the articulation control ring 6164 at corresponding spaced first points 6149, 6151 that are located on plane 6159. Likewise, the proximal ends of the second articulation cables 6150, 6152 are attached to the articulation control ring 6164 at corresponding spaced second points 6153, 6155 that are also located along plane 6159. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such cable attachment configuration on the articulation control ring 6164 facilitates the desired range of articulation motions as the articulation control ring 6164 is manipulated by the articulation drive assembly 6170.


In various forms, the articulation drive assembly 6170 comprises a horizontal articulation assembly generally designated as 6171. In at least one form, the horizontal articulation assembly 6171 comprises a horizontal push cable 6172 that is attached to a horizontal gear arrangement 6180. The articulation drive assembly 6170 further comprises a vertically articulation assembly generally designated as 6173. In at least one form, the vertical articulation assembly 6173 comprises a vertical push cable 6174 that is attached to a vertical gear arrangement 6190. As can be seen in FIGS. 168 and 169, the horizontal push cable 6172 extends through a support plate 6167 that is attached to the proximal spine portion 6110. The distal end of the horizontal push cable 6174 is attached to the articulation control ring 6164 by a corresponding ball/pivot joint 6168. The vertical push cable 6174 extends through the support plate 6167 and the distal end thereof is attached to the articulation control ring 6164 by a corresponding ball/pivot joint 6169.


The horizontal gear arrangement 6180 includes a horizontal driven gear 6182 that is pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft 6181 that is attached to a proximal portion of the proximal spine portion 6110. The proximal end of the horizontal push cable 6172 is pivotally attached to the horizontal driven gear 6182 such that, as the horizontal driven gear 6172 is rotated about horizontal pivot axis HA, the horizontal push cable 6172 applies a first pivot motion to the articulation control ring 6164. Likewise, the vertical gear arrangement 6190 includes a vertical driven gear 6192 that is pivotally supported on a vertical shaft 6191 attached to the proximal portion of the proximal spine portion 6110 for pivotal travel about a vertical pivot axis VA. The proximal end of the vertical push cable 6174 is pivotally attached to the vertical driven gear 6192 such that as the vertical driven gear 6192 is rotated about vertical pivot axis VA, the vertical push cable 6174 applies a second pivot motion to the articulation control ring 6164.


The horizontal driven gear 6182 and the vertical driven gear 6192 are driven by an articulation gear train 6300 that operably interfaces with an articulation shifter assembly 6320. In at least one form, the articulation shifter assembly comprises an articulation drive gear 6322 that is coupled to a corresponding one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 6202. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of a rotary input motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the articulation drive gear 6322 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. An articulation driven gear 6324 is attached to a splined shifter shaft 6330 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202. The articulation driven gear 6324 is in meshing engagement with the articulation drive gear 6322 as shown. Thus, rotation of the articulation drive gear 6322 will result in the rotation of the shaft 6330. In various forms, a shifter driven gear assembly 6340 is movably supported on the splined portion 6332 of the shifter shaft 6330.


In various embodiments, the shifter driven gear assembly 6340 includes a driven shifter gear 6342 that is attached to a shifter plate 6344. The shifter plate 6344 operably interfaces with a shifter solenoid assembly 6350. The shifter solenoid assembly 6350 is coupled to corresponding pins 6352 by conductors 6352. See FIG. 168. Pins 6352 are oriented to electrically communicate with slots 11258 (FIG. 62) on the tool side 11244 of the adaptor 11240. Such arrangement serves to electrically couple the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to the robotic controller 11001. Thus, activation of the shifter solenoid 6350 will shift the shifter driven gear assembly 6340 on the splined portion 6332 of the shifter shaft 6330 as represented by arrow “S” in FIGS. 168 and 169. Various embodiments of the articulation gear train 6300 further include a horizontal gear assembly 6360 that includes a first horizontal drive gear 6362 that is mounted on a shaft 6361 that is rotatably attached to the tool mounting plate 6202. The first horizontal drive gear 6362 is supported in meshing engagement with a second horizontal drive gear 6364. As can be seen in FIG. 169, the horizontal driven gear 6182 is in meshing engagement with the distal face portion 6365 of the second horizontal driven gear 6364.


Various embodiments of the articulation gear train 6300 further include a vertical gear assembly 6370 that includes a first vertical drive gear 6372 that is mounted on a shaft 6371 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202. The first vertical drive gear 6372 is supported in meshing engagement with a second vertical drive gear 6374 that is concentrically supported with the second horizontal drive gear 6364. The second vertical drive gear 6374 is rotatably supported on the proximal spine portion 6110 for travel therearound. The second horizontal drive gear 6364 is rotatably supported on a portion of said second vertical drive gear 6374 for independent rotatable travel thereon. As can be seen in FIG. 169, the vertical driven gear 6192 is in meshing engagement with the distal face portion 6375 of the second vertical driven gear 6374.


In various forms, the first horizontal drive gear 6362 has a first diameter and the first vertical drive gear 6372 has a second diameter. As can be seen in FIGS. 168 and 169, the shaft 6361 is not on a common axis with shaft 6371. That is, the first horizontal driven gear 6362 and the first vertical driven gear 6372 do not rotate about a common axis. Thus, when the shifter gear 6342 is positioned in a center “locking” position such that the shifter gear 6342 is in meshing engagement with both the first horizontal driven gear 6362 and the first vertical drive gear 6372, the components of the articulation system 6140 are locked in position. Thus, the shiftable shifter gear 6342 and the arrangement of first horizontal and vertical drive gears 6362, 6372 as well as the articulation shifter assembly 6320 collectively may be referred to as an articulation locking system, generally designated as 6380.


In use, the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 may control the articulation system 6140 as follows. To articulate the end effector 6012 to the left about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to bring the shifter gear 6342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 6362. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes a first rotary output motion to be applied to the articulation drive gear 6322 to drive the shifter gear in a first direction to ultimately drive the horizontal driven gear 6182 in another first direction. The horizontal driven gear 6182 is driven to pivot the articulation ring 6164 on the ball-shaped portion 6162 to thereby pull right upper cable 6144 and the right lower cable 6146 in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the end effector 6012 to the right about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to bring the shifter gear 6342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 6362. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion in an opposite direction to be applied to the articulation drive gear 6322 to drive the shifter gear 6342 in a second direction to ultimately drive the horizontal driven gear 6182 in another second direction. Such actions result in the articulation control ring 6164 moving in such a manner as to pull the left upper cable 6150 and the left lower cable 6152 in the proximal direction “PD”. In various embodiments the gear ratios and frictional forces generated between the gears of the vertical gear assembly 6370 serve to prevent rotation of the vertical driven gear 6192 as the horizontal gear assembly 6360 is actuated.


To articulate the end effector 6012 in the upper direction about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to bring the shifter gear 6342 into meshing engagement with the first vertical drive gear 6372. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion to be applied to the articulation drive gear 6322 to drive the shifter gear 6342 in a first direction to ultimately drive the vertical driven gear 6192 in another first direction. The vertical driven gear 6192 is driven to pivot the articulation ring 6164 on the ball-shaped portion 6162 of the proximal spine portion 6110 to thereby pull right upper cable 6144 and the left upper cable 6150 in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the end effector 6012 in the downward direction about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to bring the shifter gear 6342 into meshing engagement with the first vertical drive gear 6372. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion to be applied in an opposite direction to the articulation drive gear 6322 to drive the shifter gear 6342 in a second direction to ultimately drive the vertical driven gear 6192 in another second direction. Such actions thereby cause the articulation control ring 6164 to pull the right lower cable 6146 and the left lower cable 6152 in the proximal direction “PD”. In various embodiments, the gear ratios and frictional forces generated between the gears of the horizontal gear assembly 6360 serve to prevent rotation of the horizontal driven gear 6182 as the vertical gear assembly 6370 is actuated.


In various embodiments, a variety of sensors may communicate with the robotic controller 11001 to determine the articulated position of the end effector 6012. Such sensors may interface with, for example, the articulation joint 6100 or be located within the tool mounting portion 6200. For example, sensors may be employed to detect the position of the articulation control ring 6164 on the ball-shaped portion 6162 of the proximal spine portion 6110. Such feedback from the sensors to the controller 11001 permits the controller 11001 to adjust the amount of rotation and the direction of the rotary output to the articulation drive gear 6322. Further, as indicated above, when the shifter drive gear 6342 is centrally positioned in meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 6362 and the first vertical drive gear 6372, the end effector 6012 is locked in the articulated position. Thus, after the desired amount of articulation has been attained, the controller 11001 may activate the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 to bring the shifter gear 6342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 6362 and the first vertical drive gear 6372. In alternative embodiments, the shifter solenoid assembly 6350 may be spring activated to the central locked position.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 6012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 6204 on the tool mounting portion includes a rotational transmission assembly 6400 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 6008 (and surgical end effector 6012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In various embodiments, for example, a proximal end portion 6041 of the proximal closure tube 6040 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202 of the tool mounting portion 6200 by a forward support cradle 6205 and a closure sled 6510 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202. In at least one form, the rotational transmission assembly 6400 includes a tube gear segment 6402 that is formed on (or attached to) the proximal end 6041 of the proximal closure tube 6040 for operable engagement by a rotational gear assembly 6410 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202. As can be seen in FIG. 168, the rotational gear assembly 6410, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 6412 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 6202 when the tool mounting portion 6200 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIG. 63. The rotational gear assembly 6410 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 6414 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202 in meshing engagement with the rotation drive gear 6412. The first rotary driven gear 6414 is attached to a drive shaft 6416 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 6202. A second rotary driven gear 6418 is attached to the drive shaft 6416 and is in meshing engagement with tube gear segment 6402 on the proximal closure tube 6040. Application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 6412. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 6412 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 6008 (and the surgical end effector 6012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 6008 and surgical end effector 6012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT in a first direction and an application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 6008 and surgical end effector 6012 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.


In at least one embodiment, the closure of the anvil 12024 relative to the staple cartridge 2034 is accomplished by axially moving a closure portion of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 in the distal direction “DD” on the spine assembly 12049. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end portion 6041 of the proximal closure tube 6040 is supported by the closure sled 6510 which comprises a portion of a closure transmission, generally depicted as 6512. As can be seen in FIG. 168, the proximal end portion 6041 of the proximal closure tube portion 6040 has a collar 6048 formed thereon. The closure sled 6510 is coupled to the collar 6048 by a yoke 6514 that engages an annular groove 6049 in the collar 6048. Such arrangement serves to enable the collar 6048 to rotate about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT while still being coupled to the closure transmission 6512. In various embodiments, the closure sled 6510 has an upstanding portion 6516 that has a closure rack gear 6518 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 6518 is configured for driving engagement with a closure gear assembly 6520. See FIG. 168.


In various forms, the closure gear assembly 6520 includes a closure spur gear 6522 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 6202. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of a third rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 6522 when the tool mounting portion 6202 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The closure gear assembly 6520 further includes a closure reduction gear set 6524 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 6522 and the closure rack gear 2106. Thus, application of a third rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 6522 and the closure transmission 6512 and ultimately drive the closure sled 6510 and the proximal closure tube 6040 axially on the proximal spine portion 6110. The axial direction in which the proximal closure tube 6040 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the third driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary output motion received from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 6510 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately drive the proximal closure tube 6040 in the distal direction “DD”. As the proximal closure tube 6040 is driven distally, the distal closure tube 6042 is also driven distally by virtue of it connection with the proximal closure tube 6040. As the distal closure tube 6042 is driven distally, the end of the closure tube 6042 will engage a portion of the anvil 6024 and cause the anvil 6024 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an “opening” out put motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 6510 and the proximal closure tube 6040 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” on the proximal spine portion 6110. As the proximal closure tube 6040 is driven in the proximal direction “PD”, the distal closure tube 6042 will also be driven in the proximal direction “PD”. As the distal closure tube 6042 is driven in the proximal direction “PD”, the opening 6045 therein interacts with the tab 6027 on the anvil 6024 to facilitate the opening thereof. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 6024 to the open position when the distal closure tube 6042 has been moved to its starting position. In various embodiments, the various gears of the closure gear assembly 6520 are sized to generate the necessary closure forces needed to satisfactorily close the anvil 6024 onto the tissue to be cut and stapled by the surgical end effector 6012. For example, the gears of the closure transmission 6520 may be sized to generate approximately 70-120 pounds of closure forces.


In various embodiments, the cutting instrument is driven through the surgical end effector 6012 by a knife bar 6530. See FIG. 168. In at least one form, the knife bar 6530 is fabricated with a joint arrangement (not shown) and/or is fabricated from material that can accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 6102 about the first and second tool articulation axes while remaining sufficiently rigid so as to push the cutting instrument through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 6012. The knife bar 6530 extends through a hollow passage 6532 in the proximal spine portion 6110.


In various embodiments, a proximal end 6534 of the knife bar 6530 is rotatably affixed to a knife rack gear 6540 such that the knife bar 6530 is free to rotate relative to the knife rack gear 6540. The distal end of the knife bar 6530 is attached to the cutting instrument in the various manners described above. As can be seen in FIG. 168, the knife rack gear 6540 is slidably supported within a rack housing 6542 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 6202 such that the knife rack gear 6540 is retained in meshing engagement with a knife drive transmission portion 6550 of the transmission arrangement 6204. In various embodiments, the knife drive transmission portion 6550 comprises a knife gear assembly 6560. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 168, in at least one embodiment, the knife gear assembly 6560 includes a knife spur gear 6562 that is coupled to a corresponding fourth one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 6202. See FIG. 63. Thus, application of another rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding fourth driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the knife spur gear 6562. The knife gear assembly 6560 further includes a knife gear reduction set 6564 that includes a first knife driven gear 6566 and a second knife drive gear 6568. The knife gear reduction set 6564 is rotatably mounted to the tool mounting plate 6202 such that the first knife driven gear 6566 is in meshing engagement with the knife spur gear 6562. Likewise, the second knife drive gear 6568 is in meshing engagement with a third knife drive gear assembly 6570. As shown in FIG. 168, the second knife driven gear 6568 is in meshing engagement with a fourth knife driven gear 6572 of the third knife drive gear assembly 6570. The fourth knife driven gear 6572 is in meshing engagement with a fifth knife driven gear assembly 6574 that is in meshing engagement with the knife rack gear 6540. In various embodiments, the gears of the knife gear assembly 6560 are sized to generate the forces needed to drive the cutting instrument through the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 6012 and actuate the staples therein. For example, the gears of the knife gear assembly 6560 may be sized to generate approximately 40 to 100 pounds of driving force. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the axial movement of the cutting instrument in a distal direction and application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the axial travel of the cutting instrument in a proximal direction.


As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the surgical tool 6000 represents a vast improvement over prior robotic tool arrangements. The unique and novel transmission arrangement employed by the surgical tool 6000 enables the tool to be operably coupled to a tool holder portion 11010 of a robotic system that only has four rotary output bodies, yet obtain the rotary output motions therefrom to: (i) articulate the end effector about two different articulation axes that are substantially transverse to each other as well as the longitudinal tool axis; (ii) rotate the end effector 6012 about the longitudinal tool axis; (iii) close the anvil 6024 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 6034 to varying degrees to enable the end effector 6012 to be used to manipulate tissue and then clamp it into position for cutting and stapling; and (iv) firing the cutting instrument to cut through the tissue clamped within the end effector 6012. The unique and novel shifter arrangements of various embodiments of the present invention described above enable two different articulation actions to be powered from a single rotatable body portion of the robotic system.


The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above in connection with cutting-type surgical instruments. It should be noted, however, that in other embodiments, the inventive surgical instrument disclosed herein need not be a cutting-type surgical instrument, but rather could be used in any type of surgical instrument including remote sensor transponders. For example, it could be a non-cutting endoscopic instrument, a grasper, a stapler, a clip applier, an access device, a drug/gene therapy delivery device, an energy device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc. In addition, the present invention may be in laparoscopic instruments, for example. The present invention also has application in conventional endoscopic and open surgical instrumentation as well as robotic-assisted surgery.



FIG. 170 depicts use of various aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention in connection with a surgical tool 7000 that has an ultrasonically powered end effector 7012. The end effector 7012 is operably attached to a tool mounting portion 7100 by an elongated shaft assembly 7008. The tool mounting portion 7100 may be substantially similar to the various tool mounting portions described hereinabove. In one embodiment, the end effector 7012 includes an ultrasonically powered jaw portion 7014 that is powered by alternating current or direct current in a known manner Such ultrasonically-powered devices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOL WITH ULTRASOUND CAUTERIZING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate power cord 7020 is shown. It will be understood, however, that the power may be supplied thereto from the robotic controller 11001 through the tool mounting portion 7100. The surgical end effector 7012 further includes a movable jaw 7016 that may be used to clamp tissue onto the ultrasonic jaw portion 7014. The movable jaw portion 7016 may be selectively actuated by the robotic controller 11001 through the tool mounting portion 7100 in anyone of the various manners herein described.



FIG. 171 illustrates use of various aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention in connection with a surgical tool 8000 that has an end effector 8012 that comprises a linear stapling device. The end effector 8012 is operably attached to a tool mounting portion 8100 by an elongated shaft assembly 3700 of the type and construction describe above. However, the end effector 8012 may be attached to the tool mounting portion 8100 by a variety of other elongated shaft assemblies described herein. In one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 8100 may be substantially similar to tool mounting portion 3750. However, various other tool mounting portions and their respective transmission arrangements describe in detail herein may also be employed. Such linear stapling head portions are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,781, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH STAPLE DRIVER THAT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE WIRE DIAMETER STAPLES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.


Various sensor embodiments described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0062212 A1, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,167,185, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be employed with many of the surgical tool embodiments disclosed herein. As was indicated above, the master controller 11001 generally includes master controllers (generally represented by 11003) which are grasped by the surgeon and manipulated in space while the surgeon views the procedure via a stereo display 11002. See FIG. 54. The master controllers 11001 are manual input devices which preferably move with multiple degrees of freedom, and which often further have an actuatable handle for actuating the surgical tools. Some of the surgical tool embodiments disclosed herein employ a motor or motors in their tool drive portion to supply various control motions to the tool's end effector. Such embodiments may also obtain additional control motion(s) from the motor arrangement employed in the robotic system components. Other embodiments disclosed herein obtain all of the control motions from motor arrangements within the robotic system.


Such motor powered arrangements may employ various sensor arrangements that are disclosed in the published U.S. patent application cited above to provide the surgeon with a variety of forms of feedback without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, those master controller arrangements 11003 that employ a manually actuatable firing trigger can employ run motor sensor(s) to provide the surgeon with feedback relating to the amount of force applied to or being experienced by the cutting member. The run motor sensor(s) may be configured for communication with the firing trigger portion to detect when the firing trigger portion has been actuated to commence the cutting/stapling operation by the end effector. The run motor sensor may be a proportional sensor such as, for example, a rheostat or variable resistor. When the firing trigger is drawn in, the sensor detects the movement, and sends an electrical signal indicative of the voltage (or power) to be supplied to the corresponding motor. When the sensor is a variable resistor or the like, the rotation of the motor may be generally proportional to the amount of movement of the firing trigger. That is, if the operator only draws or closes the firing trigger in a small amount, the rotation of the motor is relatively low. When the firing trigger is fully drawn in (or in the fully closed position), the rotation of the motor is at its maximum. In other words, the harder the surgeon pulls on the firing trigger, the more voltage is applied to the motor causing greater rates of rotation. Other arrangements may provide the surgeon with a feed back meter 11005 that may be viewed through the display 11002 and provide the surgeon with a visual indication of the amount of force being applied to the cutting instrument or dynamic clamping member. Other sensor arrangements may be employed to provide the master controller 11001 with an indication as to whether a staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector, whether the anvil has been moved to a closed position prior to firing, etc.


In still other embodiments, the various robotic systems and tools disclosed herein may employ many of the sensor/transponder arrangements disclosed above. Such sensor arrangements may include, but are not limited to, run motor sensors, reverse motor sensors, stop motor sensors, end-of-stroke sensors, beginning-of-stroke sensors, cartridge lockout sensors, sensor transponders, etc. The sensors may be employed in connection with any of the surgical tools disclosed herein that are adapted for use with a robotic system. The sensors may be configured to communicate with the robotic system controller. In other embodiments, components of the shaft/end effector may serve as antennas to communicate between the sensors and the robotic controller. In still other embodiments, the various remote programming device arrangements described above may also be employed with the robotic controller.


In alternative embodiments, a motor-controlled interface may be employed in connection with the controller 11001 that limit the maximum trigger pull based on the amount of loading (e.g., clamping force, cutting force, etc.) experienced by the surgical end effector. For example, the harder it is to drive the cutting instrument through the tissue clamped within the end effector, the harder it would be to pull/actuate the activation trigger. In still other embodiments, the trigger on the controller 11001 is arranged such that the trigger pull location is proportionate to the end effector-location/condition. For example, the trigger is only fully depressed when the end effector is fully fired.


The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.


Although the present invention has been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. For example, different types of end effectors may be employed. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.


Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims
  • 1. An automated reloading system for replacing a spent surgical end effector in a manipulatable robotic tool portion of a robotic surgical system, said automated reloading system comprising: a drive assembly configured to generate rotary drive motions;a selectively movable support assembly defining a plurality of end effector reloading positions, each said reloading position being configured to support a new surgical end effector or a spent surgical end effector therein within a work envelope of the manipulatable robotic tool portion, said selectively movable support assembly being further configured to selectively serially move each reloading position into a driving position wherein the new surgical end effector or the spent surgical end effector therein is configured to selectively receive said rotary drive motions from said drive assembly; andmeans for releasably locking said movable support assembly in said driving position during the application of said driving motion to said new surgical end effector or said spent surgical end effector.
  • 2. The automated reloading system of claim 1, wherein said movable support assembly comprises a selectively rotatable carrousel supportable within said work envelope and communicating with said robotic system, wherein each said reloading position is configured to receive a corresponding one of said new surgical end effectors therein and wherein an empty one of said reloading positions is configured to receive said spent surgical end effector therein.
  • 3. The automated reloading system of claim 2 wherein each said reloading position is configured to receive a corresponding orientation tube therein, each said orientation tube configured to receive a portion of a corresponding new or spent surgical end effector therein in a non-rotatable predetermined orientation.
  • 4. The automated reloading system of claim 3 wherein said drive assembly is configured to selectively apply at least one rotary detachment motion and at least one rotary attachment motion to said orientation tubes when said orientation tubes are serially brought into engagement therewith.
  • 5. The automated reloading system of claim 3 further comprising a portable tray configured to transport a plurality of orientation tubes therein in positions that correspond to loading positions in said rotatable carrousel.
  • 6. The automated reloading system of claim 1 wherein said spent and new surgical end effectors comprise disposable loading units.
  • 7. A method for automatically replacing a spent end effector operably coupled to a manipulatable robotic tool portion of a robotic system with a new end effector, said method comprising: orienting an automated reloading system within a work envelope of the manipulatable robotic tool portion, the automated reloading system comprising: a drive assembly configured to generate rotary drive motions;a selectively movable support assembly defining a plurality of reloading positions, each reloading position being configured to support a new end effector or a spent end effector therein, the selectively movable support assembly further configured to selectively serially move each reloading position into a driving position wherein the new end effector or the spent end effector therein is configured to selectively receive the rotary drive motions from the drive assembly; andmeans for releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position and wherein said method further comprises:supporting at least one new end effector in less than all of the reloading positions in the movable support assembly;moving the movable support assembly into a driving position wherein an empty one of the reloading positions is located adjacent the drive assembly;releasably locking the movable support assembly in the driving position;activating the robotic system to move the manipulatable robotic tool portion to locate the spent end effector in the empty one of the reloading positions in the driving position;actuating the drive assembly to apply a detachment drive motion to the spent end effector in the driving position to detach the spent end effector from a corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion;moving the movable support assembly into another driving position wherein one of the reloading positions supporting a new end effector therein is located adjacent the drive assembly;reactivating the robotic system to move the corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion into loading engagement with the new end effector supported in the another driving position; andactuating the drive assembly to apply an attachment drive motion to the new end effector to operably couple the new end effector to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable robotic tool portion.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional patent application of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 121 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/369,561, filed Feb. 9, 2012, entitled AUTOMATED END EFFECTOR COMPONENT RELOADING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A ROBOTIC SYSTEM, which issued on Sep. 30, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,789, which is a continuation patent application of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,263, filed May 27, 2011, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0295295, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The present application is related to the following U.S. patent applications, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/949,099, filed Nov. 18, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,167,185, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,498, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,210, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH USER FEEDBACK SYSTEM;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,573, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,101, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH LOADING FORCE FEEDBACK;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,035, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,447, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,770,775, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH ADAPTIVE USER FEEDBACK;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,562, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,603, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,024, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,555, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH MECHANICAL CLOSURE SYSTEM;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,321, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,563, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175951, entitled GEARING SELECTOR FOR A POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING STAPLING INSTRUMENT;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,020, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,846, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A REMOVABLE BATTERY;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,439, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,848, entitled ELECTRONIC LOCKOUTS AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING SAME;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,547, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,904, entitled ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH A HANDLE THAT CAN ARTICULATE WITH RESPECT TO THE SHAFT;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,021, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING A ROTARY FIRING AND CLOSURE SYSTEM WITH PARALLEL CLOSURE AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,546, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0175950, entitled DISPOSABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE HAVING AN ANVIL WITH TISSUE LOCATOR FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT AND MODULAR END EFFECTOR SYSTEM THEREFOR;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,545, filed Jan. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,213, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A FEEDBACK SYSTEM;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/021,105, filed Feb. 4, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,124, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES;

US Referenced Citations (3853)
Number Name Date Kind
66052 Smith Jun 1867 A
662587 Blake Nov 1900 A
670748 Weddeler Mar 1901 A
951393 Hahn Mar 1910 A
1306107 Elliott Jun 1919 A
1314601 McCaskey Sep 1919 A
1677337 Grove Jul 1928 A
1794907 Kelly Mar 1931 A
2037727 La Chapelle Apr 1936 A
2132295 Hawkins Oct 1938 A
2161632 Nattenheimer Jun 1939 A
2211117 Hess Aug 1940 A
2214870 West Sep 1940 A
2318379 Davis et al. May 1943 A
2329440 La Place Sep 1943 A
2441096 Happe May 1948 A
2448741 Scott et al. Sep 1948 A
2450527 Smith et al. Oct 1948 A
2526902 Rublee Oct 1950 A
2527256 Jackson Oct 1950 A
2578686 Fish Dec 1951 A
2674149 Benson Apr 1954 A
2711461 Happe Jun 1955 A
2804848 O'Farrell et al. Sep 1957 A
2808482 Zanichkowsky et al. Oct 1957 A
2853074 Olson Sep 1958 A
2887004 Stewart May 1959 A
2959974 Emrick Nov 1960 A
3032769 Palmer May 1962 A
3075062 Iaccarino Jan 1963 A
3078465 Bobrov Feb 1963 A
3079606 Bobrov et al. Mar 1963 A
3166072 Sullivan, Jr. Jan 1965 A
3196869 Scholl Jul 1965 A
3204731 Bent et al. Sep 1965 A
3266494 Brownrigg et al. Aug 1966 A
3269630 Fleischer Aug 1966 A
3275211 Hirsch et al. Sep 1966 A
3317103 Cullen et al. May 1967 A
3317105 Astafjev et al. May 1967 A
3357296 Lefever Dec 1967 A
3490675 Green et al. Jan 1970 A
3494533 Green et al. Feb 1970 A
3499591 Green Mar 1970 A
3503396 Pierie et al. Mar 1970 A
3551987 Wilkinson Jan 1971 A
3568675 Harvey Mar 1971 A
3572159 Tschanz Mar 1971 A
3583393 Takahashi Jun 1971 A
3598943 Barrett Aug 1971 A
3608549 Merrill Sep 1971 A
3640317 Panfili Feb 1972 A
3643851 Green et al. Feb 1972 A
3661666 Foster et al. May 1972 A
3662939 Bryan May 1972 A
3695646 Mommsen Oct 1972 A
3709221 Riely Jan 1973 A
3717294 Green Feb 1973 A
3734207 Fishbein May 1973 A
3740994 DeCarlo, Jr. Jun 1973 A
3744495 Johnson Jul 1973 A
3746002 Haller Jul 1973 A
3751902 Kingsbury Aug 1973 A
3799151 Fukaumi et al. Mar 1974 A
3819100 Noiles et al. Jun 1974 A
3821919 Knohl Jul 1974 A
3841474 Maier Oct 1974 A
3851196 Hinds Nov 1974 A
3885491 Curtis May 1975 A
3892228 Mitsui Jul 1975 A
3894174 Cartun Jul 1975 A
3940844 Colby et al. Mar 1976 A
3950686 Randall Apr 1976 A
3955581 Spasiano et al. May 1976 A
RE28932 Noiles et al. Aug 1976 E
3981051 Brumlik Sep 1976 A
4054108 Gill Oct 1977 A
4060089 Noiles Nov 1977 A
4106446 Yamada et al. Aug 1978 A
4111206 Vishnevsky et al. Sep 1978 A
4129059 Van Eck Dec 1978 A
4169990 Lerdman Oct 1979 A
4180285 Reneau Dec 1979 A
4198734 Brumlik Apr 1980 A
4198982 Fortner et al. Apr 1980 A
4207898 Becht Jun 1980 A
4213562 Garrett et al. Jul 1980 A
4226242 Jarvik Oct 1980 A
4244372 Kapitanov et al. Jan 1981 A
4250436 Weissman Feb 1981 A
4261244 Becht et al. Apr 1981 A
4272002 Moshofsky Jun 1981 A
4272662 Simpson Jun 1981 A
4274304 Curtiss Jun 1981 A
4275813 Noiles Jun 1981 A
4289133 Rothfuss Sep 1981 A
4296654 Mercer Oct 1981 A
4304236 Conta et al. Dec 1981 A
4305539 Korolkov et al. Dec 1981 A
4312685 Riedl Jan 1982 A
4317451 Cerwin et al. Mar 1982 A
4321002 Froehlich Mar 1982 A
4321746 Grinage Mar 1982 A
4328839 Lyons et al. May 1982 A
4331277 Green May 1982 A
4340331 Savino Jul 1982 A
4347450 Colligan Aug 1982 A
4349028 Green Sep 1982 A
4353371 Cosman Oct 1982 A
4373147 Carlson, Jr. Feb 1983 A
4379457 Gravener et al. Apr 1983 A
4380312 Landrus Apr 1983 A
4382326 Rabuse May 1983 A
4383634 Green May 1983 A
4393728 Larson et al. Jul 1983 A
4396139 Hall et al. Aug 1983 A
4397311 Kanshin et al. Aug 1983 A
4402445 Green Sep 1983 A
4408692 Siegel et al. Oct 1983 A
4409057 Molenda et al. Oct 1983 A
4415112 Green Nov 1983 A
4416276 Newton et al. Nov 1983 A
4428376 Mericle Jan 1984 A
4429695 Green Feb 1984 A
4434796 Karapetian et al. Mar 1984 A
4438659 Desplats Mar 1984 A
4442964 Becht Apr 1984 A
4448194 DiGiovanni et al. May 1984 A
4451743 Suzuki et al. May 1984 A
4454887 Krüger Jun 1984 A
4467805 Fukuda Aug 1984 A
4470414 Imagawa et al. Sep 1984 A
4473077 Noiles et al. Sep 1984 A
4475679 Fleury, Jr. Oct 1984 A
4485816 Krumme Dec 1984 A
4485817 Swiggett Dec 1984 A
4486928 Tucker et al. Dec 1984 A
4488523 Shichman Dec 1984 A
4489875 Crawford et al. Dec 1984 A
4499895 Takayama Feb 1985 A
4500024 DiGiovanni et al. Feb 1985 A
4505272 Utyamyshev et al. Mar 1985 A
4505273 Braun et al. Mar 1985 A
4505414 Filipi Mar 1985 A
4506671 Green Mar 1985 A
4512038 Alexander et al. Apr 1985 A
4520817 Green Jun 1985 A
4522327 Korthoff et al. Jun 1985 A
4526174 Froehlich Jul 1985 A
4527724 Chow et al. Jul 1985 A
4530453 Green Jul 1985 A
4531522 Bedi et al. Jul 1985 A
4532927 Miksza, Jr. Aug 1985 A
4548202 Duncan Oct 1985 A
4565109 Tsay Jan 1986 A
4565189 Mabuchi Jan 1986 A
4566620 Green et al. Jan 1986 A
4569469 Mongeon et al. Feb 1986 A
4571213 Ishimoto Feb 1986 A
4573468 Conta et al. Mar 1986 A
4573469 Golden et al. Mar 1986 A
4573622 Green et al. Mar 1986 A
4576167 Noiles et al. Mar 1986 A
4580712 Green Apr 1986 A
4585153 Failla et al. Apr 1986 A
4589416 Green May 1986 A
4591085 Di Giovanni May 1986 A
4597753 Turley Jul 1986 A
4600037 Hatten Jul 1986 A
4604786 Howie, Jr. Aug 1986 A
4605001 Rothfuss et al. Aug 1986 A
4605004 Di Giovanni et al. Aug 1986 A
4606343 Conta et al. Aug 1986 A
4607638 Crainich Aug 1986 A
4608981 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4610250 Green Sep 1986 A
4610383 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4619262 Taylor Oct 1986 A
4619391 Sharkany et al. Oct 1986 A
4628459 Shinohara et al. Dec 1986 A
4629107 Fedotov et al. Dec 1986 A
4632290 Green et al. Dec 1986 A
4633874 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4634419 Kreizman et al. Jan 1987 A
4641076 Linden Feb 1987 A
4643731 Eckenhoff Feb 1987 A
4646722 Silverstein et al. Mar 1987 A
4655222 Florez et al. Apr 1987 A
4662555 Thornton May 1987 A
4663874 Sano et al. May 1987 A
4664305 Blake, III et al. May 1987 A
4665916 Green May 1987 A
4667674 Korthoff et al. May 1987 A
4669647 Storace Jun 1987 A
4671445 Barker et al. Jun 1987 A
4676245 Fukuda Jun 1987 A
4684051 Akopov et al. Aug 1987 A
4691703 Auth et al. Sep 1987 A
4693248 Failla Sep 1987 A
4700703 Resnick et al. Oct 1987 A
4708141 Inoue et al. Nov 1987 A
4709120 Pearson Nov 1987 A
4715520 Roehr, Jr. et al. Dec 1987 A
4719917 Barrows et al. Jan 1988 A
4727308 Huljak et al. Feb 1988 A
4728020 Green et al. Mar 1988 A
4728876 Mongeon et al. Mar 1988 A
4729260 Dudden Mar 1988 A
4730726 Holzwarth Mar 1988 A
4741336 Failla et al. May 1988 A
4743214 Tai-Cheng May 1988 A
4747820 Hornlein et al. May 1988 A
4750902 Wuchinich et al. Jun 1988 A
4752024 Green et al. Jun 1988 A
4754909 Barker et al. Jul 1988 A
4767044 Green Aug 1988 A
4773420 Green Sep 1988 A
4777780 Holzwarth Oct 1988 A
4787387 Burbank, III et al. Nov 1988 A
4790225 Moody et al. Dec 1988 A
4805617 Bedi et al. Feb 1989 A
4805823 Rothfuss Feb 1989 A
4809695 Gwathmey et al. Mar 1989 A
4815460 Porat et al. Mar 1989 A
4817847 Redtenbacher et al. Apr 1989 A
4819853 Green Apr 1989 A
4821939 Green Apr 1989 A
4827911 Broadwin et al. May 1989 A
4830855 Stewart May 1989 A
4834720 Blinkhorn May 1989 A
4844068 Arata et al. Jul 1989 A
4848637 Pruitt Jul 1989 A
4856078 Konopka Aug 1989 A
4865030 Polyak Sep 1989 A
4868530 Ahs Sep 1989 A
4869414 Green et al. Sep 1989 A
4869415 Fox Sep 1989 A
4873977 Avant et al. Oct 1989 A
4875486 Rapoport et al. Oct 1989 A
4880015 Nierman Nov 1989 A
4890613 Golden et al. Jan 1990 A
4892244 Fox et al. Jan 1990 A
4893622 Green et al. Jan 1990 A
4896678 Ogawa Jan 1990 A
4900303 Lemelson Feb 1990 A
4903697 Resnick et al. Feb 1990 A
4915100 Green Apr 1990 A
4930503 Pruitt Jun 1990 A
4930674 Barak Jun 1990 A
4931047 Broadwin et al. Jun 1990 A
4932960 Green et al. Jun 1990 A
4933843 Scheller et al. Jun 1990 A
4938408 Bedi et al. Jul 1990 A
4941623 Pruitt Jul 1990 A
4943182 Hoblingre Jul 1990 A
4944443 Oddsen et al. Jul 1990 A
4951860 Peters et al. Aug 1990 A
4955959 Tompkins et al. Sep 1990 A
4965709 Ngo Oct 1990 A
4973274 Hirukawa Nov 1990 A
4978049 Green Dec 1990 A
4978333 Broadwin et al. Dec 1990 A
4986808 Broadwin et al. Jan 1991 A
4988334 Hornlein et al. Jan 1991 A
4996975 Nakamura Mar 1991 A
5002543 Bradshaw et al. Mar 1991 A
5002553 Shiber Mar 1991 A
5005754 Van Overloop Apr 1991 A
5009661 Michelson Apr 1991 A
5014899 Presty et al. May 1991 A
5015227 Broadwin et al. May 1991 A
5018515 Gilman May 1991 A
5018657 Pedlick et al. May 1991 A
5024671 Tu et al. Jun 1991 A
5027834 Pruitt Jul 1991 A
5031814 Tompkins et al. Jul 1991 A
5035040 Kerrigan et al. Jul 1991 A
5038109 Goble et al. Aug 1991 A
5040715 Green et al. Aug 1991 A
5042707 Taheri Aug 1991 A
5061269 Muller Oct 1991 A
5062563 Green et al. Nov 1991 A
5065929 Schulze et al. Nov 1991 A
5071052 Rodak et al. Dec 1991 A
5071430 de Salis et al. Dec 1991 A
5074454 Peters Dec 1991 A
5079006 Urquhart Jan 1992 A
5080556 Carreno Jan 1992 A
5083695 Foslien et al. Jan 1992 A
5084057 Green et al. Jan 1992 A
5088979 Filipi et al. Feb 1992 A
5088997 Delahuerga et al. Feb 1992 A
5094247 Hernandez et al. Mar 1992 A
5100420 Green et al. Mar 1992 A
5104025 Main et al. Apr 1992 A
5104397 Vasconcelos et al. Apr 1992 A
5106008 Tompkins et al. Apr 1992 A
5108368 Hammerslag et al. Apr 1992 A
5111987 Moeinzadeh et al. May 1992 A
5116349 Aranyi May 1992 A
5122156 Granger et al. Jun 1992 A
5124990 Williamson Jun 1992 A
5129570 Schulze et al. Jul 1992 A
5137198 Nobis et al. Aug 1992 A
5139513 Segato Aug 1992 A
5141144 Foslien et al. Aug 1992 A
5142932 Moya et al. Sep 1992 A
5155941 Takahashi et al. Oct 1992 A
5156315 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5156609 Nakao et al. Oct 1992 A
5156614 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5158567 Green Oct 1992 A
D330699 Gill Nov 1992 S
5163598 Peters et al. Nov 1992 A
5171247 Hughett et al. Dec 1992 A
5171249 Stefanchik et al. Dec 1992 A
5171253 Klieman et al. Dec 1992 A
5188111 Yates et al. Feb 1993 A
5190517 Zieve et al. Mar 1993 A
5190544 Chapman et al. Mar 1993 A
5190560 Woods et al. Mar 1993 A
5192288 Thompson et al. Mar 1993 A
5195968 Lundquist et al. Mar 1993 A
5197648 Gingold Mar 1993 A
5197649 Bessler et al. Mar 1993 A
5197966 Sommerkamp Mar 1993 A
5200280 Karasa Apr 1993 A
5205459 Brinkerhoff et al. Apr 1993 A
5207697 Carusillo et al. May 1993 A
5209747 Knoepfler May 1993 A
5211649 Kohler et al. May 1993 A
5211655 Hasson May 1993 A
5217457 Delahuerga et al. Jun 1993 A
5217478 Rexroth Jun 1993 A
5219111 Bilotti et al. Jun 1993 A
5221036 Takase Jun 1993 A
5221281 Klicek Jun 1993 A
5222963 Brinkerhoff et al. Jun 1993 A
5222975 Crainich Jun 1993 A
5222976 Yoon Jun 1993 A
5223675 Taft Jun 1993 A
5234447 Kaster et al. Aug 1993 A
5236440 Hlavacek Aug 1993 A
5239981 Anapliotis Aug 1993 A
5240163 Stein et al. Aug 1993 A
5242457 Akopov et al. Sep 1993 A
5244462 Delahuerga et al. Sep 1993 A
5246156 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1993 A
5246443 Mai Sep 1993 A
5253793 Green et al. Oct 1993 A
5258009 Conners Nov 1993 A
5258012 Luscombe et al. Nov 1993 A
5259366 Reydel et al. Nov 1993 A
5259835 Clark et al. Nov 1993 A
5260637 Pizzi Nov 1993 A
5263629 Trumbull et al. Nov 1993 A
5263973 Cook Nov 1993 A
5264218 Rogozinski Nov 1993 A
5268622 Philipp Dec 1993 A
5271543 Grant et al. Dec 1993 A
5271544 Fox et al. Dec 1993 A
RE34519 Fox et al. Jan 1994 E
5275323 Schulze et al. Jan 1994 A
5275608 Forman et al. Jan 1994 A
5279416 Malec et al. Jan 1994 A
5281216 Klicek Jan 1994 A
5282806 Haber et al. Feb 1994 A
5282829 Hermes Feb 1994 A
5284128 Hart Feb 1994 A
5285381 Iskarous et al. Feb 1994 A
5285945 Brinkerhoff et al. Feb 1994 A
5289963 McGarry et al. Mar 1994 A
5290271 Jernberg Mar 1994 A
5292053 Bilotti et al. Mar 1994 A
5297714 Kramer Mar 1994 A
5304204 Bregen Apr 1994 A
5307976 Olson et al. May 1994 A
5309387 Mori et al. May 1994 A
5309927 Welch May 1994 A
5312023 Green et al. May 1994 A
5312024 Grant et al. May 1994 A
5312329 Beaty et al. May 1994 A
5314424 Nicholas May 1994 A
5314445 Heidmueller et al. May 1994 A
5314466 Stern et al. May 1994 A
5318221 Green et al. Jun 1994 A
5330487 Thornton et al. Jul 1994 A
5330502 Hassler et al. Jul 1994 A
5332142 Robinson et al. Jul 1994 A
5333422 Warren et al. Aug 1994 A
5333772 Rothfuss et al. Aug 1994 A
5333773 Main et al. Aug 1994 A
5334183 Wuchinich Aug 1994 A
5336232 Green et al. Aug 1994 A
5339799 Kami et al. Aug 1994 A
5341724 Vatel Aug 1994 A
5341810 Dardel Aug 1994 A
5342381 Tidemand Aug 1994 A
5342395 Jarrett et al. Aug 1994 A
5342396 Cook Aug 1994 A
5343391 Mushabac Aug 1994 A
5344060 Gravener et al. Sep 1994 A
5344454 Clarke et al. Sep 1994 A
5346504 Ortiz et al. Sep 1994 A
5348259 Blanco et al. Sep 1994 A
5350388 Epstein Sep 1994 A
5350391 Iacovelli Sep 1994 A
5350400 Esposito et al. Sep 1994 A
5352229 Goble et al. Oct 1994 A
5352235 Koros et al. Oct 1994 A
5352238 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5354303 Spaeth et al. Oct 1994 A
5356006 Alpern et al. Oct 1994 A
5358506 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5358510 Luscombe et al. Oct 1994 A
5359231 Flowers et al. Oct 1994 A
D352780 Glaeser et al. Nov 1994 S
5360305 Kerrigan Nov 1994 A
5360428 Hutchinson, Jr. Nov 1994 A
5364001 Bryan Nov 1994 A
5364003 Williamson, IV Nov 1994 A
5366133 Geiste Nov 1994 A
5366134 Green et al. Nov 1994 A
5366479 McGarry et al. Nov 1994 A
5368015 Wilk Nov 1994 A
5368592 Stern et al. Nov 1994 A
5370645 Klicek et al. Dec 1994 A
5372124 Takayama et al. Dec 1994 A
5372596 Klicek et al. Dec 1994 A
5372602 Burke Dec 1994 A
5374277 Hassler Dec 1994 A
5376095 Ortiz Dec 1994 A
5379933 Green et al. Jan 1995 A
5381649 Webb Jan 1995 A
5381782 DeLaRama et al. Jan 1995 A
5382247 Cimino et al. Jan 1995 A
5383880 Hooven Jan 1995 A
5383881 Green et al. Jan 1995 A
5383888 Zvenyatsky et al. Jan 1995 A
5383895 Holmes et al. Jan 1995 A
5389098 Tsuruta et al. Feb 1995 A
5389104 Hahnen et al. Feb 1995 A
5391180 Tovey et al. Feb 1995 A
5392979 Green et al. Feb 1995 A
5395030 Kuramoto et al. Mar 1995 A
5395033 Byrne et al. Mar 1995 A
5395034 Allen et al. Mar 1995 A
5395312 Desai Mar 1995 A
5395384 Duthoit Mar 1995 A
5397046 Savage et al. Mar 1995 A
5397324 Carroll et al. Mar 1995 A
5403312 Yates et al. Apr 1995 A
5405072 Zlock et al. Apr 1995 A
5405073 Porter Apr 1995 A
5405344 Williamson et al. Apr 1995 A
5405360 Tovey Apr 1995 A
5407293 Crainich Apr 1995 A
5408409 Glassman Apr 1995 A
5409498 Braddock et al. Apr 1995 A
5411481 Allen et al. May 1995 A
5411508 Bessler et al. May 1995 A
5413107 Oakley et al. May 1995 A
5413267 Solyntjes et al. May 1995 A
5413268 Green et al. May 1995 A
5413272 Green et al. May 1995 A
5413573 Koivukangas May 1995 A
5415334 Williamson, IV et al. May 1995 A
5415335 Knodell, Jr. May 1995 A
5417203 Tovey et al. May 1995 A
5417361 Williamson, IV May 1995 A
5421829 Olichney et al. Jun 1995 A
5422567 Matsunaga Jun 1995 A
5423471 Mastri et al. Jun 1995 A
5423809 Klicek Jun 1995 A
5425745 Green et al. Jun 1995 A
5431322 Green et al. Jul 1995 A
5431654 Nic Jul 1995 A
5431668 Burbank, III et al. Jul 1995 A
5433721 Hooven et al. Jul 1995 A
5437681 Meade et al. Aug 1995 A
5438302 Goble Aug 1995 A
5439155 Viola Aug 1995 A
5439156 Grant et al. Aug 1995 A
5439479 Schichman et al. Aug 1995 A
5441191 Linden Aug 1995 A
5441193 Gravener Aug 1995 A
5441483 Avitall Aug 1995 A
5441494 Ortiz Aug 1995 A
5444113 Sinclair et al. Aug 1995 A
5445155 Sieben Aug 1995 A
5445304 Plyley et al. Aug 1995 A
5445644 Pietrafitta et al. Aug 1995 A
5447265 Vidal et al. Sep 1995 A
5447417 Kuhl et al. Sep 1995 A
5447513 Davison et al. Sep 1995 A
5449355 Rhum et al. Sep 1995 A
5449365 Green et al. Sep 1995 A
5449370 Vaitekunas Sep 1995 A
5452836 Huitema et al. Sep 1995 A
5452837 Williamson, IV et al. Sep 1995 A
5454378 Palmer et al. Oct 1995 A
5454827 Aust et al. Oct 1995 A
5456401 Green et al. Oct 1995 A
5458579 Chodorow et al. Oct 1995 A
5462215 Viola et al. Oct 1995 A
5464013 Lemelson Nov 1995 A
5464144 Guy et al. Nov 1995 A
5464300 Crainich Nov 1995 A
5465894 Clark et al. Nov 1995 A
5465895 Knodel et al. Nov 1995 A
5465896 Allen et al. Nov 1995 A
5466020 Page et al. Nov 1995 A
5467911 Tsuruta et al. Nov 1995 A
5468253 Bezwada et al. Nov 1995 A
5470006 Rodak Nov 1995 A
5470007 Plyley et al. Nov 1995 A
5470009 Rodak Nov 1995 A
5470010 Rothfuss et al. Nov 1995 A
5472132 Savage et al. Dec 1995 A
5472442 Klicek Dec 1995 A
5473204 Temple Dec 1995 A
5474057 Makower et al. Dec 1995 A
5474223 Viola et al. Dec 1995 A
5474566 Alesi et al. Dec 1995 A
5476206 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5476479 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5478003 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5478354 Tovey et al. Dec 1995 A
5480089 Blewett Jan 1996 A
5480409 Riza Jan 1996 A
5482197 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5484095 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5484398 Stoddard Jan 1996 A
5484451 Akopov et al. Jan 1996 A
5485947 Olson et al. Jan 1996 A
5485952 Fontayne Jan 1996 A
5487499 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1996 A
5487500 Knodel et al. Jan 1996 A
5489058 Plyley et al. Feb 1996 A
5489256 Adair Feb 1996 A
5496312 Klicek Mar 1996 A
5496317 Goble et al. Mar 1996 A
5497933 DeFonzo et al. Mar 1996 A
5501654 Failla et al. Mar 1996 A
5503320 Webster et al. Apr 1996 A
5503635 Sauer et al. Apr 1996 A
5503638 Cooper et al. Apr 1996 A
5505363 Green et al. Apr 1996 A
5507426 Young et al. Apr 1996 A
5509596 Green et al. Apr 1996 A
5509916 Taylor Apr 1996 A
5511564 Wilk Apr 1996 A
5514129 Smith May 1996 A
5514157 Nicholas et al. May 1996 A
5518163 Hooven May 1996 A
5518164 Hooven May 1996 A
5520678 Heckele et al. May 1996 A
5520700 Beyar et al. May 1996 A
5522817 Sander et al. Jun 1996 A
5522831 Sleister et al. Jun 1996 A
5527320 Carruthers et al. Jun 1996 A
5529235 Boiarski et al. Jun 1996 A
D372086 Grasso et al. Jul 1996 S
5531305 Roberts et al. Jul 1996 A
5531744 Nardella et al. Jul 1996 A
5533521 Granger Jul 1996 A
5533581 Barth et al. Jul 1996 A
5533661 Main et al. Jul 1996 A
5535934 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5535935 Vidal et al. Jul 1996 A
5535937 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5540375 Bolanos et al. Jul 1996 A
5541376 Ladtkow et al. Jul 1996 A
5542594 McKean et al. Aug 1996 A
5542949 Yoon Aug 1996 A
5543119 Sutter et al. Aug 1996 A
5547117 Hamblin et al. Aug 1996 A
5549583 Sanford et al. Aug 1996 A
5549621 Bessler et al. Aug 1996 A
5549627 Kieturakis Aug 1996 A
5549628 Cooper et al. Aug 1996 A
5549637 Crainich Aug 1996 A
5551622 Yoon Sep 1996 A
5553675 Pitzen et al. Sep 1996 A
5553765 Knodel et al. Sep 1996 A
5554148 Aebischer et al. Sep 1996 A
5554169 Green et al. Sep 1996 A
5556416 Clark et al. Sep 1996 A
5558665 Kieturakis Sep 1996 A
5558671 Yates Sep 1996 A
5560530 Bolanos et al. Oct 1996 A
5560532 DeFonzo et al. Oct 1996 A
5561881 Klinger et al. Oct 1996 A
5562239 Boiarski et al. Oct 1996 A
5562241 Knodel et al. Oct 1996 A
5562682 Oberlin et al. Oct 1996 A
5562690 Green et al. Oct 1996 A
5562701 Huitema et al. Oct 1996 A
5562702 Huitema et al. Oct 1996 A
5563481 Krause Oct 1996 A
5564615 Bishop et al. Oct 1996 A
5569161 Ebling et al. Oct 1996 A
5569270 Weng Oct 1996 A
5569284 Young et al. Oct 1996 A
5571090 Sherts Nov 1996 A
5571100 Goble et al. Nov 1996 A
5571116 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5571285 Chow et al. Nov 1996 A
5571488 Beerstecher et al. Nov 1996 A
5573543 Akopov et al. Nov 1996 A
5574431 McKeown et al. Nov 1996 A
5575054 Klinzing et al. Nov 1996 A
5575789 Bell et al. Nov 1996 A
5575799 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5575803 Cooper et al. Nov 1996 A
5575805 Li Nov 1996 A
5577654 Bishop Nov 1996 A
5579978 Green et al. Dec 1996 A
5580067 Hamblin et al. Dec 1996 A
5582611 Tsuruta et al. Dec 1996 A
5582617 Klieman et al. Dec 1996 A
5584425 Savage et al. Dec 1996 A
5586711 Plyley et al. Dec 1996 A
5588579 Schnut et al. Dec 1996 A
5588580 Paul et al. Dec 1996 A
5588581 Conlon et al. Dec 1996 A
5591170 Spievack et al. Jan 1997 A
5591187 Dekel Jan 1997 A
5597107 Knodel et al. Jan 1997 A
5599151 Daum et al. Feb 1997 A
5599279 Slotman et al. Feb 1997 A
5599344 Paterson Feb 1997 A
5599350 Schulze et al. Feb 1997 A
5599852 Scopelianos et al. Feb 1997 A
5601224 Bishop et al. Feb 1997 A
5601573 Fogelberg et al. Feb 1997 A
5603443 Clark et al. Feb 1997 A
5605272 Witt et al. Feb 1997 A
5605273 Hamblin et al. Feb 1997 A
5607094 Clark et al. Mar 1997 A
5607095 Smith et al. Mar 1997 A
5607433 Polla et al. Mar 1997 A
5607450 Zvenyatsky et al. Mar 1997 A
5609285 Grant et al. Mar 1997 A
5609601 Kolesa et al. Mar 1997 A
5611709 McAnulty Mar 1997 A
5613966 Makower et al. Mar 1997 A
5615820 Viola Apr 1997 A
5618294 Aust et al. Apr 1997 A
5618303 Marlow et al. Apr 1997 A
5618307 Donlon et al. Apr 1997 A
5619992 Guthrie et al. Apr 1997 A
5620289 Curry Apr 1997 A
5620452 Yoon Apr 1997 A
5624398 Smith et al. Apr 1997 A
5624452 Yates Apr 1997 A
5626587 Bishop et al. May 1997 A
5626595 Sklar et al. May 1997 A
5628446 Geiste et al. May 1997 A
5628743 Cimino May 1997 A
5628745 Bek May 1997 A
5630539 Plyley et al. May 1997 A
5630540 Blewett May 1997 A
5630541 Williamson, IV et al. May 1997 A
5630782 Adair May 1997 A
5632432 Schulze et al. May 1997 A
5632433 Grant et al. May 1997 A
5634584 Okorocha et al. Jun 1997 A
5636779 Palmer Jun 1997 A
5636780 Green et al. Jun 1997 A
5639008 Gallagher et al. Jun 1997 A
5643291 Pier et al. Jul 1997 A
5645209 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5647526 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5647869 Goble et al. Jul 1997 A
5649937 Bito et al. Jul 1997 A
5649956 Jensen et al. Jul 1997 A
5651491 Heaton et al. Jul 1997 A
5653373 Green et al. Aug 1997 A
5653374 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5653677 Okada et al. Aug 1997 A
5653721 Knodel et al. Aug 1997 A
5655698 Yoon Aug 1997 A
5657429 Wang et al. Aug 1997 A
5657921 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5658238 Suzuki et al. Aug 1997 A
5658281 Heard Aug 1997 A
5658300 Bito et al. Aug 1997 A
5658307 Exconde Aug 1997 A
5662258 Knodel et al. Sep 1997 A
5662260 Yoon Sep 1997 A
5662662 Bishop et al. Sep 1997 A
5665085 Nardella Sep 1997 A
5667517 Hooven Sep 1997 A
5667526 Levin Sep 1997 A
5667527 Cook Sep 1997 A
5669544 Schulze et al. Sep 1997 A
5669904 Platt, Jr. et al. Sep 1997 A
5669907 Platt, Jr. et al. Sep 1997 A
5669918 Balazs et al. Sep 1997 A
5673840 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673841 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673842 Bittner et al. Oct 1997 A
5674286 D'Alessio et al. Oct 1997 A
5678748 Plyley et al. Oct 1997 A
5680981 Mililli et al. Oct 1997 A
5680982 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5680983 Plyley et al. Oct 1997 A
5683349 Makower et al. Nov 1997 A
5685474 Seeber Nov 1997 A
5686090 Schilder et al. Nov 1997 A
5688270 Yates et al. Nov 1997 A
5690269 Bolanos et al. Nov 1997 A
5692668 Schulze et al. Dec 1997 A
5693020 Rauh Dec 1997 A
5693042 Boiarski et al. Dec 1997 A
5693051 Schulze et al. Dec 1997 A
5695494 Becker Dec 1997 A
5695502 Pier et al. Dec 1997 A
5695504 Gifford, III et al. Dec 1997 A
5695524 Kelley et al. Dec 1997 A
5697542 Knodel et al. Dec 1997 A
5697543 Burdorff Dec 1997 A
5697909 Eggers et al. Dec 1997 A
5697943 Sauer et al. Dec 1997 A
5700270 Peyser et al. Dec 1997 A
5702387 Arts et al. Dec 1997 A
5702408 Wales et al. Dec 1997 A
5702409 Rayburn et al. Dec 1997 A
5704087 Strub Jan 1998 A
5704534 Huitema et al. Jan 1998 A
5706997 Green et al. Jan 1998 A
5706998 Plyley et al. Jan 1998 A
5707392 Kortenbach Jan 1998 A
5709334 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1998 A
5709680 Yates et al. Jan 1998 A
5709706 Kienzle et al. Jan 1998 A
5711472 Bryan Jan 1998 A
5712460 Carr et al. Jan 1998 A
5713128 Schrenk et al. Feb 1998 A
5713505 Huitema Feb 1998 A
5713895 Lontine et al. Feb 1998 A
5713896 Nardella Feb 1998 A
5713920 Bezwada et al. Feb 1998 A
5715987 Kelley et al. Feb 1998 A
5715988 Palmer Feb 1998 A
5716366 Yates Feb 1998 A
5718359 Palmer et al. Feb 1998 A
5718360 Green et al. Feb 1998 A
5718548 Costellessa Feb 1998 A
5718714 Livneh Feb 1998 A
5720744 Eggleston et al. Feb 1998 A
D393067 Geary et al. Mar 1998 S
5725536 Oberlin et al. Mar 1998 A
5725554 Simon et al. Mar 1998 A
5728110 Vidal et al. Mar 1998 A
5728121 Bimbo et al. Mar 1998 A
5730758 Allgeyer Mar 1998 A
5732821 Stone et al. Mar 1998 A
5732871 Clark et al. Mar 1998 A
5732872 Bolduc et al. Mar 1998 A
5733308 Daugherty et al. Mar 1998 A
5735445 Vidal et al. Apr 1998 A
5735848 Yates et al. Apr 1998 A
5735874 Measamer et al. Apr 1998 A
5738474 Blewett Apr 1998 A
5738648 Lands et al. Apr 1998 A
5743456 Jones et al. Apr 1998 A
5747953 Philipp May 1998 A
5749889 Bacich et al. May 1998 A
5749893 Vidal et al. May 1998 A
5752644 Bolanos et al. May 1998 A
5752965 Francis et al. May 1998 A
5755717 Yates et al. May 1998 A
5758814 Gallagher et al. Jun 1998 A
5762255 Chrisman et al. Jun 1998 A
5762256 Mastri et al. Jun 1998 A
5766188 Igaki Jun 1998 A
5766205 Zvenyatsky et al. Jun 1998 A
5769748 Eyerly et al. Jun 1998 A
5769892 Kingwell Jun 1998 A
5772379 Evensen Jun 1998 A
5772578 Heimberger et al. Jun 1998 A
5772659 Becker et al. Jun 1998 A
5776130 Buysse et al. Jul 1998 A
5778939 Hok-Yin Jul 1998 A
5779130 Alesi et al. Jul 1998 A
5779131 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5779132 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5782396 Mastri et al. Jul 1998 A
5782397 Koukline Jul 1998 A
5782749 Riza Jul 1998 A
5782859 Nicholas et al. Jul 1998 A
5784934 Izumisawa Jul 1998 A
5785232 Vidal et al. Jul 1998 A
5785647 Tompkins et al. Jul 1998 A
5787897 Kieturakis Aug 1998 A
5792135 Madhani et al. Aug 1998 A
5792165 Klieman et al. Aug 1998 A
5794834 Hamblin et al. Aug 1998 A
5796188 Bays Aug 1998 A
5797536 Smith et al. Aug 1998 A
5797537 Oberlin et al. Aug 1998 A
5797538 Heaton et al. Aug 1998 A
5797906 Rhum et al. Aug 1998 A
5797959 Castro et al. Aug 1998 A
5799857 Robertson et al. Sep 1998 A
5800379 Edwards Sep 1998 A
5800423 Jensen Sep 1998 A
5806676 Wasgien Sep 1998 A
5807376 Viola et al. Sep 1998 A
5807378 Jensen et al. Sep 1998 A
5807393 Williamson, IV et al. Sep 1998 A
5809441 McKee Sep 1998 A
5810721 Mueller et al. Sep 1998 A
5810811 Yates et al. Sep 1998 A
5810846 Virnich et al. Sep 1998 A
5810855 Rayburn et al. Sep 1998 A
5813813 Daum et al. Sep 1998 A
5814055 Knodel et al. Sep 1998 A
5814057 Oi et al. Sep 1998 A
5816471 Plyley et al. Oct 1998 A
5817084 Jensen Oct 1998 A
5817091 Nardella et al. Oct 1998 A
5817093 Williamson, IV et al. Oct 1998 A
5817109 McGarry et al. Oct 1998 A
5817119 Klieman et al. Oct 1998 A
5820009 Melling et al. Oct 1998 A
5823066 Huitema et al. Oct 1998 A
5824333 Scopelianos et al. Oct 1998 A
5826776 Schulze et al. Oct 1998 A
5827271 Buysse et al. Oct 1998 A
5827298 Hart et al. Oct 1998 A
5829662 Allen et al. Nov 1998 A
5833690 Yates et al. Nov 1998 A
5833695 Yoon Nov 1998 A
5833696 Whitfield et al. Nov 1998 A
5836503 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 1998 A
5836960 Kolesa et al. Nov 1998 A
5839639 Sauer et al. Nov 1998 A
5843021 Edwards et al. Dec 1998 A
5843096 Igaki et al. Dec 1998 A
5843097 Mayenberger et al. Dec 1998 A
5843122 Riza Dec 1998 A
5843132 Ilvento Dec 1998 A
5843169 Taheri Dec 1998 A
5846254 Schulze et al. Dec 1998 A
5849011 Jones et al. Dec 1998 A
5849023 Mericle Dec 1998 A
5855311 Hamblin et al. Jan 1999 A
5855583 Wang et al. Jan 1999 A
5860581 Robertson et al. Jan 1999 A
5860975 Goble et al. Jan 1999 A
5865361 Milliman et al. Feb 1999 A
5868760 McGuckin, Jr. Feb 1999 A
5871135 Williamson, IV et al. Feb 1999 A
5873885 Weidenbenner Feb 1999 A
5876401 Schulze et al. Mar 1999 A
5878193 Wang et al. Mar 1999 A
5878607 Nunes et al. Mar 1999 A
5878937 Green et al. Mar 1999 A
5878938 Bittner et al. Mar 1999 A
5891160 Williamson, IV et al. Apr 1999 A
5893506 Powell Apr 1999 A
5893835 Witt et al. Apr 1999 A
5893878 Pierce Apr 1999 A
5894979 Powell Apr 1999 A
5897552 Edwards et al. Apr 1999 A
5897562 Bolanos et al. Apr 1999 A
5899914 Zirps et al. May 1999 A
5901895 Heaton et al. May 1999 A
5902312 Frater et al. May 1999 A
5903117 Gregory May 1999 A
5904647 Ouchi May 1999 A
5904693 Dicesare et al. May 1999 A
5904702 Ek et al. May 1999 A
5906625 Bito et al. May 1999 A
5908402 Blythe Jun 1999 A
5908427 McKean et al. Jun 1999 A
5911353 Bolanos et al. Jun 1999 A
5915616 Viola et al. Jun 1999 A
5916225 Kugel Jun 1999 A
5918791 Sorrentino et al. Jul 1999 A
5919198 Graves, Jr. et al. Jul 1999 A
5921956 Grinberg et al. Jul 1999 A
5928256 Riza Jul 1999 A
5931847 Bittner et al. Aug 1999 A
5931853 McEwen et al. Aug 1999 A
5937951 Izuchukwu et al. Aug 1999 A
5938667 Peyser et al. Aug 1999 A
5941442 Geiste et al. Aug 1999 A
5941890 Voegele et al. Aug 1999 A
5944172 Hannula Aug 1999 A
5944715 Goble et al. Aug 1999 A
5947984 Whipple Sep 1999 A
5948030 Miller et al. Sep 1999 A
5951516 Bunyan Sep 1999 A
5951552 Long et al. Sep 1999 A
5951574 Stefanchik et al. Sep 1999 A
5951581 Saadat et al. Sep 1999 A
5954259 Viola et al. Sep 1999 A
5964394 Robertson Oct 1999 A
5964774 McKean et al. Oct 1999 A
5971916 Koren Oct 1999 A
5973221 Collyer et al. Oct 1999 A
5977746 Hershberger et al. Nov 1999 A
5984949 Levin Nov 1999 A
5988479 Palmer Nov 1999 A
5997528 Bisch et al. Dec 1999 A
5997552 Person et al. Dec 1999 A
6001108 Wang et al. Dec 1999 A
6003517 Sheffield et al. Dec 1999 A
6004319 Goble et al. Dec 1999 A
6004335 Vaitekunas et al. Dec 1999 A
6010054 Johnson et al. Jan 2000 A
6010513 Törmälä et al. Jan 2000 A
6012494 Balazs Jan 2000 A
6013076 Goble et al. Jan 2000 A
6015406 Goble et al. Jan 2000 A
6015417 Reynolds, Jr. Jan 2000 A
6017322 Snoke et al. Jan 2000 A
6017354 Culp et al. Jan 2000 A
6017356 Frederick et al. Jan 2000 A
6018227 Kumar et al. Jan 2000 A
6022352 Vandewalle Feb 2000 A
6024741 Williamson, IV et al. Feb 2000 A
6024748 Manzo et al. Feb 2000 A
6024764 Schroeppel Feb 2000 A
6027501 Goble et al. Feb 2000 A
6032849 Mastri et al. Mar 2000 A
6033378 Lundquist et al. Mar 2000 A
6033399 Gines Mar 2000 A
6033427 Lee Mar 2000 A
6037724 Buss et al. Mar 2000 A
6037927 Rosenberg Mar 2000 A
6039733 Buysse et al. Mar 2000 A
6039734 Goble Mar 2000 A
6042601 Smith Mar 2000 A
6045560 McKean et al. Apr 2000 A
6047861 Vidal et al. Apr 2000 A
6049145 Austin et al. Apr 2000 A
6050472 Shibata Apr 2000 A
6050990 Tankovich et al. Apr 2000 A
6050996 Schmaltz et al. Apr 2000 A
6053390 Green et al. Apr 2000 A
6053922 Krause et al. Apr 2000 A
RE36720 Green et al. May 2000 E
6056735 Okada et al. May 2000 A
6056746 Goble et al. May 2000 A
6062360 Shields May 2000 A
6063095 Wang et al. May 2000 A
6063097 Oi et al. May 2000 A
6063098 Houser et al. May 2000 A
6065679 Levie et al. May 2000 A
6065919 Peck May 2000 A
6066132 Chen et al. May 2000 A
6068627 Orszulak et al. May 2000 A
6071233 Ishikawa et al. Jun 2000 A
6074386 Goble et al. Jun 2000 A
6074401 Gardiner et al. Jun 2000 A
6077286 Cuschieri et al. Jun 2000 A
6079606 Milliman et al. Jun 2000 A
6080181 Jensen et al. Jun 2000 A
6082577 Coates et al. Jul 2000 A
6083191 Rose Jul 2000 A
6083234 Nicholas et al. Jul 2000 A
6083242 Cook Jul 2000 A
6086544 Hibner et al. Jul 2000 A
6086600 Kortenbach Jul 2000 A
6090106 Goble et al. Jul 2000 A
6093186 Goble Jul 2000 A
6099537 Sugai et al. Aug 2000 A
6099551 Gabbay Aug 2000 A
6102271 Longo et al. Aug 2000 A
6104304 Clark et al. Aug 2000 A
6106511 Jensen Aug 2000 A
6109500 Alli et al. Aug 2000 A
6117148 Ravo et al. Sep 2000 A
6117158 Measamer et al. Sep 2000 A
6119913 Adams et al. Sep 2000 A
6120433 Mizuno et al. Sep 2000 A
6120462 Hibner et al. Sep 2000 A
6123241 Walter et al. Sep 2000 A
H1904 Yates et al. Oct 2000 H
6126058 Adams et al. Oct 2000 A
6126359 Dittrich et al. Oct 2000 A
6126670 Walker et al. Oct 2000 A
6131789 Schulze et al. Oct 2000 A
6131790 Piraka Oct 2000 A
6132368 Cooper Oct 2000 A
6139546 Koenig et al. Oct 2000 A
6149660 Laufer et al. Nov 2000 A
6152935 Kammerer et al. Nov 2000 A
6155473 Tompkins et al. Dec 2000 A
6156056 Kearns et al. Dec 2000 A
6159146 El Gazayerli Dec 2000 A
6159200 Verdura et al. Dec 2000 A
6159224 Yoon Dec 2000 A
6162208 Hipps Dec 2000 A
6162537 Martin et al. Dec 2000 A
6165175 Wampler et al. Dec 2000 A
6165184 Verdura et al. Dec 2000 A
6165188 Saadat et al. Dec 2000 A
6168605 Measamer et al. Jan 2001 B1
6171305 Sherman Jan 2001 B1
6171316 Kovac et al. Jan 2001 B1
6171330 Benchetrit Jan 2001 B1
6174308 Goble et al. Jan 2001 B1
6174309 Wrublewski et al. Jan 2001 B1
6175290 Forsythe et al. Jan 2001 B1
6179195 Adams et al. Jan 2001 B1
6179776 Adams et al. Jan 2001 B1
6181105 Cutolo et al. Jan 2001 B1
6182673 Kindermann et al. Feb 2001 B1
6187003 Buysse et al. Feb 2001 B1
6190386 Rydell Feb 2001 B1
6193129 Bittner et al. Feb 2001 B1
6197042 Ginn et al. Mar 2001 B1
6200330 Benderev et al. Mar 2001 B1
6202914 Geiste et al. Mar 2001 B1
6206897 Jamiolkowski et al. Mar 2001 B1
6206904 Ouchi Mar 2001 B1
6210403 Klicek Apr 2001 B1
6213999 Platt, Jr. et al. Apr 2001 B1
6214028 Yoon et al. Apr 2001 B1
6220368 Ark et al. Apr 2001 B1
6223100 Green Apr 2001 B1
6223835 Habedank et al. May 2001 B1
6224617 Saadat et al. May 2001 B1
6228081 Goble May 2001 B1
6228083 Lands et al. May 2001 B1
6228084 Kirwan, Jr. May 2001 B1
6231565 Tovey May 2001 B1
6234178 Goble et al. May 2001 B1
6241139 Milliman et al. Jun 2001 B1
6241140 Adams et al. Jun 2001 B1
6241723 Heim et al. Jun 2001 B1
6245084 Mark et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248116 Chevillon et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248117 Blatter Jun 2001 B1
6249076 Madden et al. Jun 2001 B1
6249105 Andrews et al. Jun 2001 B1
6250532 Green et al. Jun 2001 B1
6258107 Balázs et al. Jul 2001 B1
6261286 Goble et al. Jul 2001 B1
6264086 McGuckin, Jr. Jul 2001 B1
6264087 Whitman Jul 2001 B1
6270508 Klieman et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273876 Klima et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273897 Dalessandro et al. Aug 2001 B1
6277114 Bullivant et al. Aug 2001 B1
6293942 Goble et al. Sep 2001 B1
6296640 Wampler et al. Oct 2001 B1
6302311 Adams et al. Oct 2001 B1
6305891 Burlingame Oct 2001 B1
6306134 Goble et al. Oct 2001 B1
6306149 Meade Oct 2001 B1
6309403 Minor et al. Oct 2001 B1
6315184 Whitman Nov 2001 B1
6320123 Reimers Nov 2001 B1
6322494 Bullivant et al. Nov 2001 B1
6324339 Hudson et al. Nov 2001 B1
6325799 Goble Dec 2001 B1
6325810 Hamilton et al. Dec 2001 B1
6330965 Milliman et al. Dec 2001 B1
6331181 Tierney et al. Dec 2001 B1
6331761 Kumar et al. Dec 2001 B1
6333029 Vyakarnam et al. Dec 2001 B1
6334860 Dorn Jan 2002 B1
6334861 Chandler et al. Jan 2002 B1
6336926 Goble Jan 2002 B1
6338737 Toledano Jan 2002 B1
6343731 Adams et al. Feb 2002 B1
6346077 Taylor et al. Feb 2002 B1
6352503 Matsui et al. Mar 2002 B1
6352532 Kramer et al. Mar 2002 B1
6355699 Vyakarnam et al. Mar 2002 B1
6356072 Chass Mar 2002 B1
6358224 Tims et al. Mar 2002 B1
6364877 Goble et al. Apr 2002 B1
6364888 Niemeyer et al. Apr 2002 B1
6370981 Watarai Apr 2002 B2
6373152 Wang et al. Apr 2002 B1
6383201 Dong May 2002 B1
6387113 Hawkins et al. May 2002 B1
6387114 Adams May 2002 B2
6391038 Vargas et al. May 2002 B2
6392854 O'Gorman May 2002 B1
6398781 Goble et al. Jun 2002 B1
6398797 Bombard et al. Jun 2002 B2
6402766 Bowman et al. Jun 2002 B2
6406440 Stefanchik Jun 2002 B1
6406472 Jensen Jun 2002 B1
6409724 Penny et al. Jun 2002 B1
H2037 Yates et al. Jul 2002 H
6413274 Pedros Jul 2002 B1
6416486 Wampler Jul 2002 B1
6416509 Goble et al. Jul 2002 B1
6419695 Gabbay Jul 2002 B1
6423079 Blake, III Jul 2002 B1
RE37814 Allgeyer Aug 2002 E
6428070 Takanashi et al. Aug 2002 B1
6429611 Li Aug 2002 B1
6430298 Kettl et al. Aug 2002 B1
6432065 Burdorff et al. Aug 2002 B1
6436097 Nardella Aug 2002 B1
6436107 Wang et al. Aug 2002 B1
6436110 Bowman et al. Aug 2002 B2
6436122 Frank et al. Aug 2002 B1
6439439 Rickard et al. Aug 2002 B1
6439446 Perry et al. Aug 2002 B1
6440146 Nicholas et al. Aug 2002 B2
6441577 Blumenkranz et al. Aug 2002 B2
6443973 Whitman Sep 2002 B1
6447518 Krause et al. Sep 2002 B1
6447864 Johnson et al. Sep 2002 B2
6450391 Kayan et al. Sep 2002 B1
6450989 Dubrul et al. Sep 2002 B2
6454781 Witt et al. Sep 2002 B1
6468275 Wampler et al. Oct 2002 B1
6471106 Reining Oct 2002 B1
6471659 Eggers et al. Oct 2002 B2
6478210 Adams et al. Nov 2002 B2
6482200 Shippert Nov 2002 B2
6485490 Wampler et al. Nov 2002 B2
6485667 Tan Nov 2002 B1
6488196 Fenton, Jr. Dec 2002 B1
6488197 Whitman Dec 2002 B1
6491201 Whitman Dec 2002 B1
6491690 Goble et al. Dec 2002 B1
6491701 Tierney et al. Dec 2002 B2
6492785 Kasten et al. Dec 2002 B1
6494896 D'Alessio et al. Dec 2002 B1
6498480 Manara Dec 2002 B1
6500176 Truckai et al. Dec 2002 B1
6500194 Benderev et al. Dec 2002 B2
6503257 Grant et al. Jan 2003 B2
6503259 Huxel et al. Jan 2003 B2
6505768 Whitman Jan 2003 B2
6510854 Goble Jan 2003 B2
6511468 Cragg et al. Jan 2003 B1
6512360 Goto et al. Jan 2003 B1
6517528 Pantages et al. Feb 2003 B1
6517535 Edwards Feb 2003 B2
6517565 Whitman et al. Feb 2003 B1
6517566 Hovland et al. Feb 2003 B1
6522101 Malackowski Feb 2003 B2
6527782 Hogg et al. Mar 2003 B2
6527785 Sancoff et al. Mar 2003 B2
6533157 Whitman Mar 2003 B1
6533784 Truckai et al. Mar 2003 B2
6535764 Imran et al. Mar 2003 B2
6543456 Freeman Apr 2003 B1
6545384 Pelrine et al. Apr 2003 B1
6547786 Goble Apr 2003 B1
6550546 Thurler et al. Apr 2003 B2
6551333 Kuhns et al. Apr 2003 B2
6554861 Knox et al. Apr 2003 B2
6555770 Kawase Apr 2003 B2
6558378 Sherman et al. May 2003 B2
6558379 Batchelor et al. May 2003 B1
6565560 Goble et al. May 2003 B1
6566619 Gillman et al. May 2003 B2
6569085 Kortenbach et al. May 2003 B2
6569171 DeGuillebon et al. May 2003 B2
6578751 Hartwick Jun 2003 B2
6582427 Goble et al. Jun 2003 B1
6582441 He et al. Jun 2003 B1
6583533 Pelrine et al. Jun 2003 B2
6585144 Adams et al. Jul 2003 B2
6587750 Gerbi et al. Jul 2003 B2
6588643 Bolduc et al. Jul 2003 B2
6588931 Betzner et al. Jul 2003 B2
6589164 Flaherty Jul 2003 B1
6592538 Hotchkiss et al. Jul 2003 B1
6592597 Grant et al. Jul 2003 B2
6596296 Nelson et al. Jul 2003 B1
6596304 Bayon et al. Jul 2003 B1
6596432 Kawakami et al. Jul 2003 B2
D478665 Isaacs et al. Aug 2003 S
D478986 Johnston et al. Aug 2003 S
6601749 Sullivan et al. Aug 2003 B2
6602252 Mollenauer Aug 2003 B2
6602262 Griego et al. Aug 2003 B2
6605078 Adams Aug 2003 B2
6605669 Awokola et al. Aug 2003 B2
6607475 Doyle et al. Aug 2003 B2
6611793 Burnside et al. Aug 2003 B1
6613069 Boyd et al. Sep 2003 B2
6616686 Coleman et al. Sep 2003 B2
6619529 Green et al. Sep 2003 B2
6620166 Wenstrom, Jr. et al. Sep 2003 B1
6626834 Dunne et al. Sep 2003 B2
6629630 Adams Oct 2003 B2
6629974 Penny et al. Oct 2003 B2
6629988 Weadock Oct 2003 B2
6635838 Kornelson Oct 2003 B1
6636412 Smith Oct 2003 B2
6638108 Tachi Oct 2003 B2
6638285 Gabbay Oct 2003 B2
6638297 Huitema Oct 2003 B1
RE38335 Aust et al. Nov 2003 E
6641528 Torii Nov 2003 B2
6644532 Green et al. Nov 2003 B2
6645201 Utley et al. Nov 2003 B1
6646307 Yu et al. Nov 2003 B1
6648816 Irion et al. Nov 2003 B2
6652595 Nicolo Nov 2003 B1
D484243 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
D484595 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
D484596 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
6656177 Truckai et al. Dec 2003 B2
6656193 Grant et al. Dec 2003 B2
6663623 Oyama et al. Dec 2003 B1
6663641 Kovac et al. Dec 2003 B1
6666854 Lange Dec 2003 B1
6666875 Sakurai et al. Dec 2003 B1
6667825 Lu et al. Dec 2003 B2
6669073 Milliman et al. Dec 2003 B2
6671185 Duval Dec 2003 B2
D484977 Ryan et al. Jan 2004 S
6676660 Wampler et al. Jan 2004 B2
6679269 Swanson Jan 2004 B2
6679410 Würsch et al. Jan 2004 B2
6681978 Geiste et al. Jan 2004 B2
6681979 Whitman Jan 2004 B2
6682527 Strul Jan 2004 B2
6682528 Frazier et al. Jan 2004 B2
6685727 Fisher et al. Feb 2004 B2
6689153 Skiba Feb 2004 B1
6692507 Pugsley et al. Feb 2004 B2
6695198 Adams et al. Feb 2004 B2
6695199 Whitman Feb 2004 B2
6695774 Hale et al. Feb 2004 B2
6697048 Rosenberg et al. Feb 2004 B2
6698643 Whitman Mar 2004 B2
6699235 Wallace et al. Mar 2004 B2
6704210 Myers Mar 2004 B1
6705503 Pedicini et al. Mar 2004 B1
6709445 Boebel et al. Mar 2004 B2
6712773 Viola Mar 2004 B1
6716223 Leopold et al. Apr 2004 B2
6716232 Vidal et al. Apr 2004 B1
6716233 Whitman Apr 2004 B1
6722552 Fenton, Jr. Apr 2004 B2
6723087 O'Neill et al. Apr 2004 B2
6723091 Goble et al. Apr 2004 B2
6726697 Nicholas et al. Apr 2004 B2
6726706 Dominguez Apr 2004 B2
6729119 Schnipke May 2004 B2
6736825 Blatter et al. May 2004 B2
6736854 Vadurro et al. May 2004 B2
6740030 Martone et al. May 2004 B2
6747121 Gogolewski Jun 2004 B2
6749560 Konstorum et al. Jun 2004 B1
6752768 Burdorff et al. Jun 2004 B2
6752816 Culp et al. Jun 2004 B2
6755195 Lemke et al. Jun 2004 B1
6755338 Hahnen et al. Jun 2004 B2
6758846 Goble et al. Jul 2004 B2
6761685 Adams et al. Jul 2004 B2
6762339 Klun et al. Jul 2004 B1
6764445 Ramans et al. Jul 2004 B2
6767352 Field et al. Jul 2004 B2
6767356 Kanner et al. Jul 2004 B2
6769590 Vresh et al. Aug 2004 B2
6769594 Orban, III Aug 2004 B2
6770027 Banik et al. Aug 2004 B2
6770070 Balbierz Aug 2004 B1
6770072 Truckai et al. Aug 2004 B1
6773409 Truckai et al. Aug 2004 B2
6773438 Knodel et al. Aug 2004 B1
6775575 Bommannan et al. Aug 2004 B2
6777838 Miekka et al. Aug 2004 B2
6780151 Grabover et al. Aug 2004 B2
6780180 Goble et al. Aug 2004 B1
6783524 Anderson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6786382 Hoffman Sep 2004 B1
6786864 Matsuura et al. Sep 2004 B2
6786896 Madani et al. Sep 2004 B1
6788018 Blumenkranz Sep 2004 B1
6790173 Saadat et al. Sep 2004 B2
6793652 Whitman et al. Sep 2004 B1
6793661 Hamilton et al. Sep 2004 B2
6793663 Kneifel et al. Sep 2004 B2
6802843 Truckai et al. Oct 2004 B2
6805273 Bilotti et al. Oct 2004 B2
6806808 Watters et al. Oct 2004 B1
6808525 Latterell et al. Oct 2004 B2
6814741 Bowman et al. Nov 2004 B2
6817508 Racenet et al. Nov 2004 B1
6817509 Geiste et al. Nov 2004 B2
6817974 Cooper et al. Nov 2004 B2
6818018 Sawhney Nov 2004 B1
6820791 Adams Nov 2004 B2
6821273 Mollenauer Nov 2004 B2
6821282 Perry et al. Nov 2004 B2
6821284 Sturtz et al. Nov 2004 B2
6827246 Sullivan et al. Dec 2004 B2
6827712 Tovey Dec 2004 B2
6827725 Batchelor et al. Dec 2004 B2
6828902 Casden Dec 2004 B2
6830174 Hillstead et al. Dec 2004 B2
6831629 Nishino et al. Dec 2004 B2
6832998 Goble Dec 2004 B2
6834001 Myono Dec 2004 B2
6835173 Couvillon, Jr. Dec 2004 B2
6835199 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Dec 2004 B2
6835336 Watt Dec 2004 B2
6837846 Jaffe et al. Jan 2005 B2
6837883 Moll et al. Jan 2005 B2
6838493 Williams et al. Jan 2005 B2
6840423 Adams et al. Jan 2005 B2
6843403 Whitman Jan 2005 B2
6843789 Goble Jan 2005 B2
6843793 Brock et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846307 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846308 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846309 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6849071 Whitman et al. Feb 2005 B2
6850817 Green Feb 2005 B1
6853879 Sunaoshi Feb 2005 B2
6858005 Ohline et al. Feb 2005 B2
RE38708 Bolanos et al. Mar 2005 E
6861142 Wilkie et al. Mar 2005 B1
6863694 Boyce et al. Mar 2005 B1
6866178 Adams et al. Mar 2005 B2
6866671 Tierney et al. Mar 2005 B2
6867248 Martin et al. Mar 2005 B1
6869430 Balbierz et al. Mar 2005 B2
6869435 Blake, III Mar 2005 B2
6872214 Sonnenschein et al. Mar 2005 B2
6874669 Adams et al. Apr 2005 B2
6877647 Green et al. Apr 2005 B2
6878106 Herrmann Apr 2005 B1
6889116 Jinno May 2005 B2
6893435 Goble May 2005 B2
6899538 Matoba May 2005 B2
6905057 Swayze et al. Jun 2005 B2
6905497 Truckai et al. Jun 2005 B2
6905498 Hooven Jun 2005 B2
6908472 Wiener et al. Jun 2005 B2
6911033 de Guillebon et al. Jun 2005 B2
6911916 Wang et al. Jun 2005 B1
6913579 Truckai et al. Jul 2005 B2
6913608 Liddicoat et al. Jul 2005 B2
6913613 Schwarz et al. Jul 2005 B2
6921397 Corcoran et al. Jul 2005 B2
6921412 Black et al. Jul 2005 B1
6923093 Ullah Aug 2005 B2
6923803 Goble Aug 2005 B2
6926716 Baker et al. Aug 2005 B2
6929641 Goble et al. Aug 2005 B2
6929644 Truckai et al. Aug 2005 B2
6931830 Liao Aug 2005 B2
6932218 Kosann et al. Aug 2005 B2
6932810 Ryan Aug 2005 B2
6936042 Wallace et al. Aug 2005 B2
6936948 Bell et al. Aug 2005 B2
6939358 Palacios et al. Sep 2005 B2
6942662 Goble et al. Sep 2005 B2
6945444 Gresham et al. Sep 2005 B2
6945981 Donofrio et al. Sep 2005 B2
6953138 Dworak et al. Oct 2005 B1
6953139 Milliman et al. Oct 2005 B2
6958035 Friedman et al. Oct 2005 B2
6959851 Heinrich Nov 2005 B2
6959852 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2005 B2
6960107 Schaub et al. Nov 2005 B1
6960163 Ewers et al. Nov 2005 B2
6960220 Marino et al. Nov 2005 B2
6962587 Johnson et al. Nov 2005 B2
6963792 Green Nov 2005 B1
6964363 Wales et al. Nov 2005 B2
6966907 Goble Nov 2005 B2
6966909 Marshall et al. Nov 2005 B2
6971988 Orban, III Dec 2005 B2
6972199 Lebouitz et al. Dec 2005 B2
6974462 Sater Dec 2005 B2
6978921 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2005 B2
6978922 Bilotti et al. Dec 2005 B2
6981628 Wales Jan 2006 B2
6981941 Whitman et al. Jan 2006 B2
6981978 Gannoe Jan 2006 B2
6984203 Tartaglia et al. Jan 2006 B2
6984231 Goble et al. Jan 2006 B2
6986451 Mastri et al. Jan 2006 B1
6988649 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2006 B2
6988650 Schwemberger et al. Jan 2006 B2
6990796 Schnipke et al. Jan 2006 B2
6993413 Sunaoshi Jan 2006 B2
6994708 Manzo Feb 2006 B2
6995729 Govari et al. Feb 2006 B2
6997931 Sauer et al. Feb 2006 B2
6998736 Lee et al. Feb 2006 B2
6998816 Wieck et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000818 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000819 Swayze et al. Feb 2006 B2
7001380 Goble Feb 2006 B2
7001408 Knodel et al. Feb 2006 B2
7008435 Cummins Mar 2006 B2
7009039 Yayon et al. Mar 2006 B2
7011657 Truckai et al. Mar 2006 B2
7018357 Emmons Mar 2006 B2
7018390 Turovskiy et al. Mar 2006 B2
7021669 Lindermeir et al. Apr 2006 B1
7025743 Mann et al. Apr 2006 B2
7029435 Nakao Apr 2006 B2
7029439 Roberts et al. Apr 2006 B2
7032798 Whitman et al. Apr 2006 B2
7032799 Viola et al. Apr 2006 B2
7033356 Latterell et al. Apr 2006 B2
7036680 Flannery May 2006 B1
7037344 Kagan et al. May 2006 B2
7041102 Truckai et al. May 2006 B2
7041868 Greene et al. May 2006 B2
7043852 Hayashida et al. May 2006 B2
7044350 Kameyama et al. May 2006 B2
7044352 Shelton, IV et al. May 2006 B2
7044353 Mastri et al. May 2006 B2
7048687 Reuss et al. May 2006 B1
7048745 Tierney et al. May 2006 B2
7052494 Goble et al. May 2006 B2
7052499 Steger et al. May 2006 B2
7055730 Ehrenfels et al. Jun 2006 B2
7055731 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7056284 Martone et al. Jun 2006 B2
7056330 Gayton Jun 2006 B2
7059331 Adams et al. Jun 2006 B2
7059508 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7063671 Couvillon, Jr. Jun 2006 B2
7063712 Vargas et al. Jun 2006 B2
7066879 Fowler et al. Jun 2006 B2
7066944 Laufer et al. Jun 2006 B2
7067038 Trokhan et al. Jun 2006 B2
7070083 Jankowski Jul 2006 B2
7070559 Adams et al. Jul 2006 B2
7070597 Truckai et al. Jul 2006 B2
7071287 Rhine et al. Jul 2006 B2
7075770 Smith Jul 2006 B1
7077856 Whitman Jul 2006 B2
7080769 Vresh et al. Jul 2006 B2
7081114 Rashidi Jul 2006 B2
7083073 Yoshie et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083075 Swayze et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083571 Wang et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083615 Peterson et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083619 Truckai et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083620 Jahns et al. Aug 2006 B2
7087054 Truckai et al. Aug 2006 B2
7087071 Nicholas et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090637 Danitz et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090673 Dycus et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090683 Brock et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090684 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Aug 2006 B2
7094202 Nobis et al. Aug 2006 B2
7094247 Monassevitch et al. Aug 2006 B2
7097089 Marczyk Aug 2006 B2
7097644 Long Aug 2006 B2
7097650 Weller et al. Aug 2006 B2
7098794 Lindsay et al. Aug 2006 B2
7100949 Williams et al. Sep 2006 B2
7101394 Hamm et al. Sep 2006 B2
7104741 Krohn Sep 2006 B2
7108695 Witt et al. Sep 2006 B2
7108701 Evens et al. Sep 2006 B2
7108709 Cummins Sep 2006 B2
7111769 Wales et al. Sep 2006 B2
7112214 Peterson et al. Sep 2006 B2
RE39358 Goble Oct 2006 E
7114642 Whitman Oct 2006 B2
7118582 Wang et al. Oct 2006 B1
7121446 Arad et al. Oct 2006 B2
7122028 Looper et al. Oct 2006 B2
7125409 Truckai et al. Oct 2006 B2
7126303 Farritor et al. Oct 2006 B2
7126879 Snyder Oct 2006 B2
7128253 Mastri et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128254 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128748 Mooradian et al. Oct 2006 B2
7131445 Amoah Nov 2006 B2
7133601 Phillips et al. Nov 2006 B2
7134587 Schwemberger et al. Nov 2006 B2
7137980 Buysse et al. Nov 2006 B2
7137981 Long Nov 2006 B2
7139016 Squilla et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140527 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140528 Shelton, IV Nov 2006 B2
7143923 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143924 Scirica et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143925 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143926 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147138 Shelton, IV Dec 2006 B2
7147139 Schwemberger et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147140 Wukusick et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147637 Goble Dec 2006 B2
7147650 Lee Dec 2006 B2
7150748 Ebbutt et al. Dec 2006 B2
7153300 Goble Dec 2006 B2
7155316 Sutherland et al. Dec 2006 B2
7156863 Sonnenschein et al. Jan 2007 B2
7159750 Racenet et al. Jan 2007 B2
7160296 Pearson et al. Jan 2007 B2
7160299 Baily Jan 2007 B2
7161036 Oikawa et al. Jan 2007 B2
7166133 Evans et al. Jan 2007 B2
7168604 Milliman et al. Jan 2007 B2
7171279 Buckingham et al. Jan 2007 B2
7172104 Scirica et al. Feb 2007 B2
7172593 Trieu et al. Feb 2007 B2
7179223 Motoki et al. Feb 2007 B2
7179267 Nolan et al. Feb 2007 B2
7182239 Myers Feb 2007 B1
7182763 Nardella Feb 2007 B2
7183737 Kitagawa Feb 2007 B2
7188758 Viola et al. Mar 2007 B2
7189207 Viola Mar 2007 B2
7195627 Amoah et al. Mar 2007 B2
7199537 Okamura et al. Apr 2007 B2
7202653 Pai Apr 2007 B2
7204835 Latterell et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207233 Wadge Apr 2007 B2
7207471 Heinrich et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207472 Wukusick et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207556 Saitoh et al. Apr 2007 B2
7208005 Frecker et al. Apr 2007 B2
7210609 Leiboff et al. May 2007 B2
7211081 Goble May 2007 B2
7211084 Goble et al. May 2007 B2
7211092 Hughett May 2007 B2
7211979 Khatib et al. May 2007 B2
7213736 Wales et al. May 2007 B2
7214224 Goble May 2007 B2
7215517 Takamatsu May 2007 B2
7217285 Vargas et al. May 2007 B2
7220260 Fleming et al. May 2007 B2
7220272 Weadock May 2007 B2
7225963 Scirica Jun 2007 B2
7225964 Mastri et al. Jun 2007 B2
7234624 Gresham et al. Jun 2007 B2
7235089 McGuckin, Jr. Jun 2007 B1
7235302 Jing et al. Jun 2007 B2
7237708 Guy et al. Jul 2007 B1
7238195 Viola Jul 2007 B2
7238901 Kim et al. Jul 2007 B2
7241288 Braun Jul 2007 B2
7246734 Shelton, IV Jul 2007 B2
7247161 Johnston et al. Jul 2007 B2
7249267 Chapius Jul 2007 B2
7252660 Kunz Aug 2007 B2
7255696 Goble et al. Aug 2007 B2
7256695 Hamel et al. Aug 2007 B2
7258262 Mastri et al. Aug 2007 B2
7258546 Beier et al. Aug 2007 B2
7260431 Libbus et al. Aug 2007 B2
7265374 Lee et al. Sep 2007 B2
7267679 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Sep 2007 B2
7273483 Wiener et al. Sep 2007 B2
7278562 Mastri et al. Oct 2007 B2
7278563 Green Oct 2007 B1
7278949 Bader Oct 2007 B2
7278994 Goble Oct 2007 B2
7282048 Goble et al. Oct 2007 B2
7286850 Frielink et al. Oct 2007 B2
7287682 Ezzat et al. Oct 2007 B1
7293685 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2007 B2
7295893 Sunaoshi Nov 2007 B2
7295907 Lu et al. Nov 2007 B2
7296722 Ivanko Nov 2007 B2
7296724 Green et al. Nov 2007 B2
7297149 Vitali et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300373 Jinno et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300450 Vleugels et al. Nov 2007 B2
7303106 Milliman et al. Dec 2007 B2
7303107 Milliman et al. Dec 2007 B2
7303108 Shelton, IV Dec 2007 B2
7303502 Thompson Dec 2007 B2
7303556 Metzger Dec 2007 B2
7306597 Manzo Dec 2007 B2
7308998 Mastri et al. Dec 2007 B2
7322859 Evans Jan 2008 B2
7322975 Goble et al. Jan 2008 B2
7322994 Nicholas et al. Jan 2008 B2
7324572 Chang Jan 2008 B2
7326203 Papineau et al. Feb 2008 B2
7326213 Benderev et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328828 Ortiz et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328829 Arad et al. Feb 2008 B2
7330004 DeJonge et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331340 Barney Feb 2008 B2
7334717 Rethy et al. Feb 2008 B2
7334718 McAlister et al. Feb 2008 B2
7335199 Goble et al. Feb 2008 B2
7336048 Lohr Feb 2008 B2
7336184 Smith et al. Feb 2008 B2
7338513 Lee et al. Mar 2008 B2
7341591 Grinberg Mar 2008 B2
7343920 Toby et al. Mar 2008 B2
7344532 Goble et al. Mar 2008 B2
7344533 Pearson et al. Mar 2008 B2
7346344 Fontaine Mar 2008 B2
7348763 Reinhart et al. Mar 2008 B1
RE40237 Bilotti et al. Apr 2008 E
7351258 Ricotta et al. Apr 2008 B2
7354447 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7354502 Polat et al. Apr 2008 B2
7357287 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7357806 Rivera et al. Apr 2008 B2
7361195 Schwartz et al. Apr 2008 B2
7364060 Milliman Apr 2008 B2
7364061 Swayze et al. Apr 2008 B2
7377918 Amoah May 2008 B2
7377928 Zubik et al. May 2008 B2
7380695 Doll et al. Jun 2008 B2
7380696 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2008 B2
7384417 Cucin Jun 2008 B2
7386365 Nixon Jun 2008 B2
7386730 Uchikubo Jun 2008 B2
7388217 Buschbeck et al. Jun 2008 B2
7388484 Hsu Jun 2008 B2
7391173 Schena Jun 2008 B2
7396356 Mollenauer Jul 2008 B2
7397364 Govari Jul 2008 B2
7398907 Racenet et al. Jul 2008 B2
7398908 Holsten et al. Jul 2008 B2
7400752 Zacharias Jul 2008 B2
7401721 Holsten et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404508 Smith et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404509 Ortiz et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404822 Viart et al. Jul 2008 B2
7407074 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407075 Holsten et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407076 Racenet et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407077 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407078 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7410086 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7413563 Corcoran et al. Aug 2008 B2
7416101 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7418078 Blanz et al. Aug 2008 B2
RE40514 Mastri et al. Sep 2008 E
7419080 Smith et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419081 Ehrenfels et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419495 Menn et al. Sep 2008 B2
7422136 Marczyk Sep 2008 B1
7422138 Bilotti et al. Sep 2008 B2
7422139 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2008 B2
7424965 Racenet et al. Sep 2008 B2
7427607 Suzuki Sep 2008 B2
7431188 Marczyk Oct 2008 B1
7431189 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431694 Stefanchik et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431730 Viola Oct 2008 B2
7434715 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7438209 Hess et al. Oct 2008 B1
7438718 Milliman et al. Oct 2008 B2
7439354 Lenges et al. Oct 2008 B2
7441684 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7441685 Boudreaux Oct 2008 B1
7442201 Pugsley et al. Oct 2008 B2
7443547 Moreno et al. Oct 2008 B2
7448525 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2008 B2
7451904 Shelton, IV Nov 2008 B2
7455208 Wales et al. Nov 2008 B2
7455676 Holsten et al. Nov 2008 B2
7455682 Viola Nov 2008 B2
7461767 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7462187 Johnston et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464846 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464847 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464849 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7467740 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7467849 Silverbrook et al. Dec 2008 B2
7472814 Mastri et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472815 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472816 Holsten et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473253 Dycus et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473263 Johnston et al. Jan 2009 B2
7476237 Taniguchi et al. Jan 2009 B2
7479608 Smith Jan 2009 B2
7481347 Roy Jan 2009 B2
7481348 Marczyk Jan 2009 B2
7481349 Holsten et al. Jan 2009 B2
7481824 Boudreaux et al. Jan 2009 B2
7485133 Cannon et al. Feb 2009 B2
7485142 Milo Feb 2009 B2
7487899 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2009 B2
7490749 Schall et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494039 Racenet et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494499 Nagase et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494501 Ahlberg et al. Feb 2009 B2
7500979 Hueil et al. Mar 2009 B2
7501198 Barley et al. Mar 2009 B2
7503474 Hillstead et al. Mar 2009 B2
7506790 Shelton, IV Mar 2009 B2
7506791 Omaits et al. Mar 2009 B2
7507202 Schoellhorn Mar 2009 B2
7510107 Timm et al. Mar 2009 B2
7510566 Jacobs et al. Mar 2009 B2
7513408 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2009 B2
7517356 Heinrich Apr 2009 B2
7524320 Tierney et al. Apr 2009 B2
7530984 Sonnenschein et al. May 2009 B2
7530985 Takemoto et al. May 2009 B2
7533906 Luettgen et al. May 2009 B2
7534259 Lashinski et al. May 2009 B2
7540867 Jinno et al. Jun 2009 B2
7542807 Bertolero et al. Jun 2009 B2
7546939 Adams et al. Jun 2009 B2
7546940 Milliman et al. Jun 2009 B2
7547312 Bauman et al. Jun 2009 B2
7549563 Mather et al. Jun 2009 B2
7549564 Boudreaux Jun 2009 B2
7549998 Braun Jun 2009 B2
7552854 Wixey et al. Jun 2009 B2
7553173 Kowalick Jun 2009 B2
7556185 Viola Jul 2009 B2
7556186 Milliman Jul 2009 B2
7556647 Drews et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559449 Viola Jul 2009 B2
7559450 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559452 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559937 de la Torre et al. Jul 2009 B2
7562910 Kertesz et al. Jul 2009 B2
7563862 Sieg et al. Jul 2009 B2
7565993 Milliman et al. Jul 2009 B2
7566300 Devierre et al. Jul 2009 B2
7567045 Fristedt Jul 2009 B2
7568603 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2009 B2
7568604 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2009 B2
7568619 Todd et al. Aug 2009 B2
7575144 Ortiz et al. Aug 2009 B2
7583063 Dooley Sep 2009 B2
7588174 Holsten et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588175 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588176 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588177 Racenet Sep 2009 B2
7591783 Boulais et al. Sep 2009 B2
7591818 Bertolero et al. Sep 2009 B2
7597229 Boudreaux et al. Oct 2009 B2
7597230 Racenet et al. Oct 2009 B2
7597693 Garrison Oct 2009 B2
7600663 Green Oct 2009 B2
7604150 Boudreaux Oct 2009 B2
7604151 Hess et al. Oct 2009 B2
7607557 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 B2
7611038 Racenet et al. Nov 2009 B2
7611474 Hibner et al. Nov 2009 B2
7615003 Stefanchik et al. Nov 2009 B2
7615067 Lee et al. Nov 2009 B2
7617961 Viola Nov 2009 B2
7624902 Marczyk et al. Dec 2009 B2
7624903 Green et al. Dec 2009 B2
7625370 Hart et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631793 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631794 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7635074 Olson et al. Dec 2009 B2
7637409 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7637410 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7638958 Philipp et al. Dec 2009 B2
7641091 Olson et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641092 Kruszynski et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641093 Doll et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641095 Viola Jan 2010 B2
7644783 Roberts et al. Jan 2010 B2
7644848 Swayze et al. Jan 2010 B2
7645230 Mikkaichi et al. Jan 2010 B2
7648519 Lee et al. Jan 2010 B2
7650185 Maile et al. Jan 2010 B2
7651017 Ortiz et al. Jan 2010 B2
7651498 Shifrin et al. Jan 2010 B2
7654431 Hueil et al. Feb 2010 B2
7655288 Bauman et al. Feb 2010 B2
7656131 Embrey et al. Feb 2010 B2
7658311 Boudreaux Feb 2010 B2
7658312 Vidal et al. Feb 2010 B2
7659219 Biran et al. Feb 2010 B2
7662161 Briganti et al. Feb 2010 B2
7665646 Prommersberger Feb 2010 B2
7665647 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2010 B2
7669746 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 B2
7669747 Weisenburgh, II et al. Mar 2010 B2
7670334 Hueil et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673780 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673781 Swayze et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673782 Hess et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673783 Morgan et al. Mar 2010 B2
7674253 Fisher et al. Mar 2010 B2
7674255 Braun Mar 2010 B2
7674263 Ryan Mar 2010 B2
7674270 Layer Mar 2010 B2
7682307 Danitz et al. Mar 2010 B2
7682367 Shah et al. Mar 2010 B2
7686201 Csiky Mar 2010 B2
7686804 Johnson et al. Mar 2010 B2
7686826 Lee et al. Mar 2010 B2
7688028 Phillips et al. Mar 2010 B2
7691098 Wallace et al. Apr 2010 B2
7691103 Fernandez et al. Apr 2010 B2
7691106 Schenberger et al. Apr 2010 B2
7694865 Scirica Apr 2010 B2
7695485 Whitman et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699204 Viola Apr 2010 B2
7699835 Lee et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699844 Utley et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699846 Ryan Apr 2010 B2
7699856 Van Wyk et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699859 Bombard et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699860 Huitema et al. Apr 2010 B2
7703653 Shah et al. Apr 2010 B2
7708180 Murray et al. May 2010 B2
7708181 Cole et al. May 2010 B2
7708758 Lee et al. May 2010 B2
7712182 Zeiler et al. May 2010 B2
7714239 Smith May 2010 B2
7717312 Beetel May 2010 B2
7717313 Criscuolo et al. May 2010 B2
7717846 Zirps et al. May 2010 B2
7718180 Karp May 2010 B2
7718556 Matsuda et al. May 2010 B2
7721930 McKenna et al. May 2010 B2
7721931 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7721933 Ehrenfels et al. May 2010 B2
7721934 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7721936 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7722527 Bouchier et al. May 2010 B2
7722607 Dumbauld et al. May 2010 B2
7722610 Viola et al. May 2010 B2
7726537 Olson et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726538 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726539 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7727954 McKay Jun 2010 B2
7729742 Govari Jun 2010 B2
7731072 Timm et al. Jun 2010 B2
7731073 Wixey et al. Jun 2010 B2
7731724 Huitema et al. Jun 2010 B2
7735703 Morgan et al. Jun 2010 B2
7736374 Vaughan et al. Jun 2010 B2
7738971 Swayze et al. Jun 2010 B2
7740159 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2010 B2
7742036 Grant et al. Jun 2010 B2
7743960 Whitman et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744624 Bettuchi Jun 2010 B2
7744627 Orban, III et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744628 Viola Jun 2010 B2
7748587 Haramiishi et al. Jul 2010 B2
7749204 Dhanaraj et al. Jul 2010 B2
7751870 Whitman Jul 2010 B2
7753245 Boudreaux et al. Jul 2010 B2
7753246 Scirica Jul 2010 B2
7753904 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2010 B2
7758612 Shipp Jul 2010 B2
7766207 Mather et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766209 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766210 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766821 Brunnen et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766894 Weitzner et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770773 Whitman et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770774 Mastri et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770775 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770776 Chen et al. Aug 2010 B2
7771396 Stefanchik et al. Aug 2010 B2
7772720 McGee et al. Aug 2010 B2
7776037 Odom Aug 2010 B2
7776060 Mooradian et al. Aug 2010 B2
7778004 Nerheim et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780054 Wales Aug 2010 B2
7780055 Scirica et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780663 Yates et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780685 Hunt et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784662 Wales et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784663 Shelton, IV Aug 2010 B2
7787256 Chan et al. Aug 2010 B2
7789875 Brock et al. Sep 2010 B2
7789883 Takashino et al. Sep 2010 B2
7789889 Zubik et al. Sep 2010 B2
7793812 Moore et al. Sep 2010 B2
7794475 Hess et al. Sep 2010 B2
7798386 Schall et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799039 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799044 Johnston et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799965 Patel et al. Sep 2010 B2
7803151 Whitman Sep 2010 B2
7806891 Nowlin et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810690 Bilotti et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810691 Boyden et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810692 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810693 Broehl et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815092 Whitman et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815565 Stefanchik et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819296 Hueil et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819297 Doll et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819298 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819299 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819884 Lee et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819886 Whitfield et al. Oct 2010 B2
7823592 Bettuchi et al. Nov 2010 B2
7823760 Zemlok et al. Nov 2010 B2
7824401 Manzo et al. Nov 2010 B2
7824426 Racenet et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828189 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828794 Sartor Nov 2010 B2
7828808 Hinman et al. Nov 2010 B2
7831292 Quaid et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832408 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832611 Boyden et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832612 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2010 B2
7833234 Bailly et al. Nov 2010 B2
7836400 May et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837079 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837080 Schwemberger Nov 2010 B2
7837081 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837694 Tethrake et al. Nov 2010 B2
7838789 Stoffers et al. Nov 2010 B2
7841503 Sonnenschein et al. Nov 2010 B2
7842025 Coleman et al. Nov 2010 B2
7842028 Lee Nov 2010 B2
7845533 Marczyk et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845534 Viola et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845535 Scircia Dec 2010 B2
7845536 Viola et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845537 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 B2
7846149 Jankowski Dec 2010 B2
7850642 Moll et al. Dec 2010 B2
7850982 Stopek et al. Dec 2010 B2
7854736 Ryan Dec 2010 B2
7857183 Shelton, IV Dec 2010 B2
7857185 Swayze et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857186 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857813 Schmitz et al. Dec 2010 B2
7861906 Doll et al. Jan 2011 B2
7862579 Ortiz et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866525 Scirica Jan 2011 B2
7866527 Hall et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866528 Olson et al. Jan 2011 B2
7870989 Viola et al. Jan 2011 B2
7871418 Thompson et al. Jan 2011 B2
7879070 Ortiz et al. Feb 2011 B2
7883465 Donofrio et al. Feb 2011 B2
7886951 Hessler Feb 2011 B2
7886952 Scirica et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887530 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887535 Lands et al. Feb 2011 B2
7891531 Ward Feb 2011 B1
7891532 Mastri et al. Feb 2011 B2
7892245 Liddicoat et al. Feb 2011 B2
7893586 West et al. Feb 2011 B2
7896214 Farascioni Mar 2011 B2
7896215 Adams et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896877 Hall et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896895 Boudreaux et al. Mar 2011 B2
7900805 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905380 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905381 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905889 Catanese, III et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905902 Huitema et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909191 Baker et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909220 Viola Mar 2011 B2
7909221 Viola et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913891 Doll et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913893 Mastri et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914543 Roth et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914551 Ortiz et al. Mar 2011 B2
7918230 Whitman et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918376 Knodel et al. Apr 2011 B1
7918377 Measamer et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918848 Lau et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918867 Dana et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922061 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922063 Zemlok et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922743 Heinrich et al. Apr 2011 B2
7923144 Kohn et al. Apr 2011 B2
7926691 Viola et al. Apr 2011 B2
7927328 Orszulak et al. Apr 2011 B2
7928281 Augustine Apr 2011 B2
7930065 Larkin et al. Apr 2011 B2
7931660 Aranyi et al. Apr 2011 B2
7931695 Ringeisen Apr 2011 B2
7934630 Shelton, IV et al. May 2011 B2
7934631 Balbierz et al. May 2011 B2
7935773 Hadba et al. May 2011 B2
7938307 Bettuchi May 2011 B2
7941865 Seman, Jr. et al. May 2011 B2
7942303 Shah May 2011 B2
7942890 D'Agostino et al. May 2011 B2
7944175 Mori et al. May 2011 B2
7945792 Cherpantier May 2011 B2
7950560 Zemlok et al. May 2011 B2
7950561 Aranyi May 2011 B2
7951071 Whitman et al. May 2011 B2
7951166 Orban et al. May 2011 B2
7954682 Giordano et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954684 Boudreaux Jun 2011 B2
7954686 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954687 Zemlok et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955257 Frasier et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955322 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955380 Chu et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959050 Smith et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959051 Smith et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959052 Sonnenschein et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963432 Knodel et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963433 Whitman et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963963 Francischelli et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963964 Santilli et al. Jun 2011 B2
7964206 Suokas et al. Jun 2011 B2
7966799 Morgan et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967178 Scirica et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967179 Olson et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967180 Scirica Jun 2011 B2
7967181 Viola et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967839 Flock et al. Jun 2011 B2
7972298 Wallace Jul 2011 B2
7980443 Scheib et al. Jul 2011 B2
7987405 Turner et al. Jul 2011 B2
7988026 Knodel et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988027 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988028 Farascioni et al. Aug 2011 B2
7992757 Wheeler et al. Aug 2011 B2
7993360 Hacker et al. Aug 2011 B2
7994670 Ji Aug 2011 B2
7997468 Farascioni Aug 2011 B2
7997469 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002696 Suzuki Aug 2011 B2
8002784 Jinno et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002785 Weiss et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002795 Beetel Aug 2011 B2
8006365 Levin et al. Aug 2011 B2
8006885 Marczyk Aug 2011 B2
8006889 Adams et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007511 Brock et al. Aug 2011 B2
8011550 Aranyi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011551 Marczyk et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011553 Mastri et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011555 Tarinelli et al. Sep 2011 B2
8012170 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016176 Kasvikis et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016177 Bettuchi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016178 Olson et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016855 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016858 Whitman Sep 2011 B2
8016881 Furst Sep 2011 B2
8020742 Marczyk Sep 2011 B2
8020743 Shelton, IV Sep 2011 B2
8021375 Aldrich et al. Sep 2011 B2
8025199 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8028883 Stopek Oct 2011 B2
8028884 Sniffin et al. Oct 2011 B2
8028885 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8034077 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8034363 Li et al. Oct 2011 B2
8037591 Spivey et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038045 Bettuchi et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038046 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038686 Huitema et al. Oct 2011 B2
8043207 Adams Oct 2011 B2
8043328 Hahnen et al. Oct 2011 B2
8044536 Nguyen et al. Oct 2011 B2
8047236 Perry Nov 2011 B2
8048503 Farnsworth et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056787 Boudreaux et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056788 Mastri et al. Nov 2011 B2
8057508 Shelton, IV Nov 2011 B2
8058771 Giordano et al. Nov 2011 B2
8060250 Reiland et al. Nov 2011 B2
8061576 Cappola Nov 2011 B2
8062330 Prommersberger et al. Nov 2011 B2
8063619 Zhu et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066167 Measamer et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066168 Vidal et al. Nov 2011 B2
D650074 Hunt et al. Dec 2011 S
8070033 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8070035 Holsten et al. Dec 2011 B2
8070743 Kagan et al. Dec 2011 B2
8075571 Vitali et al. Dec 2011 B2
8079950 Stern et al. Dec 2011 B2
8080004 Downey et al. Dec 2011 B2
8083118 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8083119 Prommersberger Dec 2011 B2
8083120 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 B2
8084001 Burns et al. Dec 2011 B2
8085013 Wei et al. Dec 2011 B2
8087563 Milliman et al. Jan 2012 B2
8089509 Chatenever et al. Jan 2012 B2
8091756 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8092443 Bischoff Jan 2012 B2
8092932 Phillips et al. Jan 2012 B2
8096458 Hessler Jan 2012 B2
8097017 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8100310 Zemlok Jan 2012 B2
8100872 Patel Jan 2012 B2
8102278 Deck et al. Jan 2012 B2
8105350 Lee et al. Jan 2012 B2
8107925 Natsuno et al. Jan 2012 B2
8108072 Zhao Jan 2012 B2
8109426 Milliman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8110208 Hen Feb 2012 B1
8113405 Milliman Feb 2012 B2
8113410 Hall et al. Feb 2012 B2
8114100 Smith et al. Feb 2012 B2
8122128 Burke Feb 2012 B2
8123103 Milliman Feb 2012 B2
8123766 Bauman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123767 Bauman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8125168 Johnson et al. Feb 2012 B2
8127975 Olson et al. Mar 2012 B2
8127976 Scirica et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128624 Couture et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128643 Aranyi et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128645 Sonnenschein et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132703 Milliman et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132706 Marczyk et al. Mar 2012 B2
8134306 Drader et al. Mar 2012 B2
8136712 Zingman Mar 2012 B2
8136713 Hathaway et al. Mar 2012 B2
8137339 Jinno et al. Mar 2012 B2
8140417 Shibata Mar 2012 B2
8141762 Bedi et al. Mar 2012 B2
8141763 Milliman Mar 2012 B2
8142425 Eggers Mar 2012 B2
8146790 Milliman Apr 2012 B2
8147485 Wham et al. Apr 2012 B2
8152041 Kostrzewski Apr 2012 B2
8154239 Katsuki et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157145 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157148 Scirica Apr 2012 B2
8157151 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157152 Holsten et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157153 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157793 Omori et al. Apr 2012 B2
8161977 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162138 Bettenhausen et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162197 Mastri et al. Apr 2012 B2
8167185 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8167895 D'Agostino et al. May 2012 B2
8167898 Schaller et al. May 2012 B1
8170241 Roe et al. May 2012 B2
8172120 Boyden et al. May 2012 B2
8172122 Kasvikis et al. May 2012 B2
8172124 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8177797 Shimoji et al. May 2012 B2
8179705 Chapuis May 2012 B2
8180458 Kane et al. May 2012 B2
8181840 Milliman May 2012 B2
8186555 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8186560 Hess et al. May 2012 B2
8191752 Scirica Jun 2012 B2
8192460 Orban, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8196795 Moore et al. Jun 2012 B2
8196796 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2012 B2
8197501 Shadeck et al. Jun 2012 B2
8197502 Smith et al. Jun 2012 B2
8201720 Hessler Jun 2012 B2
8201721 Zemlok et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205779 Ma Jun 2012 B2
8205780 Sorrentino et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205781 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8210411 Yates et al. Jul 2012 B2
8210414 Bettuchi et al. Jul 2012 B2
8210415 Ward Jul 2012 B2
8210416 Milliman et al. Jul 2012 B2
8211125 Spivey Jul 2012 B2
8214019 Govari et al. Jul 2012 B2
8215531 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2012 B2
8215533 Viola et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220468 Cooper et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220688 Laurent et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220690 Hess et al. Jul 2012 B2
8221424 Cha Jul 2012 B2
8225799 Bettuchi Jul 2012 B2
8226715 Hwang et al. Jul 2012 B2
8227946 Kim Jul 2012 B2
8228048 Spencer Jul 2012 B2
8231040 Zemlok et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231041 Marczyk et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231042 Hessler et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231043 Tarinelli et al. Jul 2012 B2
8236010 Ortiz et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241271 Millman Aug 2012 B2
8241308 Kortenbach et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241322 Whitman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245594 Rogers et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245898 Smith et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245899 Swensgard et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245900 Scirica Aug 2012 B2
8245901 Stopek Aug 2012 B2
8246637 Viola et al. Aug 2012 B2
8256654 Bettuchi et al. Sep 2012 B2
8256655 Sniffin et al. Sep 2012 B2
8256656 Milliman et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257251 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257356 Bleich et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257391 Orban, III et al. Sep 2012 B2
8262655 Ghabrial et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267300 Boudreaux Sep 2012 B2
8267924 Zemlok et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267946 Whitfield et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267951 Whayne et al. Sep 2012 B2
8269121 Smith Sep 2012 B2
8272553 Mastri et al. Sep 2012 B2
8272554 Whitman et al. Sep 2012 B2
8273404 Dave et al. Sep 2012 B2
8276801 Zemlok et al. Oct 2012 B2
8276802 Kostrzewski Oct 2012 B2
8277473 Sunaoshi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8281973 Wenchell et al. Oct 2012 B2
8281974 Hessler et al. Oct 2012 B2
8282654 Ferrari et al. Oct 2012 B2
8286845 Perry et al. Oct 2012 B2
8287561 Nunez et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292147 Viola Oct 2012 B2
8292150 Bryant Oct 2012 B2
8292151 Viola Oct 2012 B2
8292152 Milliman et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292155 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292157 Smith et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292888 Whitman Oct 2012 B2
8298161 Vargas Oct 2012 B2
8298677 Wiesner et al. Oct 2012 B2
8302323 Fortier et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308040 Huang et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308042 Aranyi Nov 2012 B2
8308046 Prommersberger Nov 2012 B2
8308659 Scheibe et al. Nov 2012 B2
8313496 Sauer et al. Nov 2012 B2
8313509 Kostrzewski Nov 2012 B2
8317070 Hueil et al. Nov 2012 B2
8317071 Knodel Nov 2012 B1
8317074 Ortiz et al. Nov 2012 B2
8317790 Bell et al. Nov 2012 B2
8319002 Daniels et al. Nov 2012 B2
8322455 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2012 B2
8322589 Boudreaux Dec 2012 B2
8322590 Patel et al. Dec 2012 B2
8323789 Rozhin et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328061 Kasvikis Dec 2012 B2
8328062 Viola Dec 2012 B2
8328063 Milliman et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328064 Racenet et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328802 Deville et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328823 Aranyi et al. Dec 2012 B2
8333313 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2012 B2
8333764 Francischelli et al. Dec 2012 B2
8336753 Olson et al. Dec 2012 B2
8336754 Cappola et al. Dec 2012 B2
8342377 Milliman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8342378 Marczyk et al. Jan 2013 B2
8342379 Whitman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348123 Scirica et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348125 Viola et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348126 Olson et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348127 Marczyk Jan 2013 B2
8348129 Bedi et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348130 Shah et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348131 Omaits et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348972 Soltz et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353437 Boudreaux Jan 2013 B2
8353438 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353439 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2013 B2
8356740 Knodel Jan 2013 B1
8357144 Whitman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360296 Zingman Jan 2013 B2
8360297 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360298 Farascioni et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360299 Zemlok et al. Jan 2013 B2
8361501 DiTizio et al. Jan 2013 B2
8365973 White et al. Feb 2013 B1
8365975 Manoux et al. Feb 2013 B1
8365976 Hess et al. Feb 2013 B2
8366559 Papenfuss et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371491 Huitema et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371492 Aranyi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371493 Aranyi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8372094 Bettuchi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8376865 Forster et al. Feb 2013 B2
8377044 Coe et al. Feb 2013 B2
8388633 Rousseau et al. Mar 2013 B2
8389588 Ringelsen Mar 2013 B2
8393513 Jankowski Mar 2013 B2
8393514 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2013 B2
8393516 Kostrzewski Mar 2013 B2
8397971 Yates et al. Mar 2013 B2
8398633 Mueller Mar 2013 B2
8398673 Hinchliffe et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403138 Weisshaupt et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403198 Sorrentino et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403832 Cunningham et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403945 Whitfield et al. Mar 2013 B2
8408439 Huang et al. Apr 2013 B2
8408442 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409079 Oakamoto et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409174 Omori Apr 2013 B2
8409222 Whitfield et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409223 Sorrentino et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413870 Pastorelli et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413871 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413872 Patel Apr 2013 B2
8414577 Boudreaux et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418909 Kostrzewski Apr 2013 B2
8424737 Scirica Apr 2013 B2
8424739 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8424740 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2013 B2
8424741 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Apr 2013 B2
8425600 Maxwell Apr 2013 B2
8430292 Patel et al. Apr 2013 B2
8430892 Bindra et al. Apr 2013 B2
8430898 Wiener et al. Apr 2013 B2
8435257 Smith et al. May 2013 B2
8439246 Knodel et al. May 2013 B1
8444036 Shelton, IV May 2013 B2
8444549 Viola et al. May 2013 B2
8453904 Eskaros et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453906 Huang et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453907 Laurent et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453908 Bedi et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453912 Mastri et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453914 Laurent et al. Jun 2013 B2
8454628 Smith et al. Jun 2013 B2
8457757 Cauller et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459520 Giordano et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459525 Yates et al. Jun 2013 B2
8464922 Marczyk Jun 2013 B2
8464923 Shelton, IV Jun 2013 B2
8464924 Gresham et al. Jun 2013 B2
8464925 Hull et al. Jun 2013 B2
8465502 Zergiebel Jun 2013 B2
8469973 Meade et al. Jun 2013 B2
8474677 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jul 2013 B2
8475453 Marczyk et al. Jul 2013 B2
8475474 Bombard et al. Jul 2013 B2
8479969 Shelton, IV Jul 2013 B2
8480703 Nicholas et al. Jul 2013 B2
8485412 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 B2
8485413 Scheib et al. Jul 2013 B2
8490853 Criscuolo et al. Jul 2013 B2
8491581 Deville et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496156 Sniffin et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496683 Prommersberger et al. Jul 2013 B2
8499992 Whitman et al. Aug 2013 B2
8499993 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 B2
8500762 Sholev et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506557 Zemlok et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506580 Zergiebel et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506581 Wingardner, III et al. Aug 2013 B2
8511308 Hecox et al. Aug 2013 B2
8512359 Whitman et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517239 Scheib et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517241 Nicholas et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517243 Giordano et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517244 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 B2
8521273 Kliman Aug 2013 B2
8523043 Ullrich et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523881 Cabiri et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523900 Jinno et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529588 Ahlberg et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529600 Woodard, Jr. et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529819 Ostapoff et al. Sep 2013 B2
8534528 Shelton, IV Sep 2013 B2
8535304 Sklar et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540128 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540129 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540130 Moore et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540131 Swayze Sep 2013 B2
8540133 Bedi et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540733 Whitman et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540735 Mitelberg et al. Sep 2013 B2
8551076 Duval et al. Oct 2013 B2
8556151 Viola Oct 2013 B2
8556918 Bauman et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561870 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561873 Ingmanson et al. Oct 2013 B2
8567656 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2013 B2
8573461 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 B2
8573465 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 B2
8574199 von BüLow et al. Nov 2013 B2
8574263 Mueller Nov 2013 B2
8575880 Grantz Nov 2013 B2
8579176 Smith et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579178 Holsten et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579897 Vakharia et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579937 Gresham Nov 2013 B2
8584919 Hueil et al. Nov 2013 B2
8585721 Kirsch Nov 2013 B2
8590762 Hess et al. Nov 2013 B2
8602287 Yates et al. Dec 2013 B2
8602288 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2013 B2
8603135 Mueller Dec 2013 B2
8608044 Hueil et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608045 Smith et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608046 Laurent et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608745 Guzman et al. Dec 2013 B2
8613383 Beckman et al. Dec 2013 B2
8616431 Timm et al. Dec 2013 B2
8622274 Yates et al. Jan 2014 B2
8622275 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628518 Blumenkranz et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628545 Cabrera et al. Jan 2014 B2
8631987 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632462 Yoo et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632525 Kerr et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632535 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632563 Nagase et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636187 Hueil et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636736 Yates et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636766 Milliman et al. Jan 2014 B2
8647258 Aranyi et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652120 Giordano et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652151 Lehman et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657174 Yates et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657176 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657177 Scirica et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657178 Hueil et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657482 Malackowski et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657808 McPherson et al. Feb 2014 B2
8662370 Takei Mar 2014 B2
8663192 Hester et al. Mar 2014 B2
8668129 Olson Mar 2014 B2
8668130 Hess et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672206 Aranyi et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672207 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672208 Hess et al. Mar 2014 B2
8673210 Deshays Mar 2014 B2
8678263 Viola Mar 2014 B2
8679093 Farra Mar 2014 B2
8679098 Hart Mar 2014 B2
8679137 Bauman et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679454 Guire et al. Mar 2014 B2
8684250 Bettuchi et al. Apr 2014 B2
8684253 Giordano et al. Apr 2014 B2
8685020 Weizman et al. Apr 2014 B2
8695866 Leimbach et al. Apr 2014 B2
8696665 Hunt et al. Apr 2014 B2
8701958 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2014 B2
8701959 Shah Apr 2014 B2
8708211 Zemlok et al. Apr 2014 B2
8708213 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2014 B2
8715256 Greener May 2014 B2
8720766 Hess et al. May 2014 B2
8721630 Ortiz et al. May 2014 B2
8721666 Schroeder et al. May 2014 B2
8727197 Hess et al. May 2014 B2
8727200 Roy May 2014 B2
8728119 Cummins May 2014 B2
8733613 Huitema et al. May 2014 B2
8733614 Ross et al. May 2014 B2
8734478 Widenhouse et al. May 2014 B2
8739033 Rosenberg May 2014 B2
8740034 Morgan et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740037 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740038 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740987 Geremakis et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746529 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746530 Giordano et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746533 Whitman et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746535 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8747238 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752264 Ackley et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752699 Morgan et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752747 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752749 Moore et al. Jun 2014 B2
8757465 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jun 2014 B2
8758235 Jaworek Jun 2014 B2
8758391 Swayze et al. Jun 2014 B2
8758438 Boyce et al. Jun 2014 B2
8763875 Morgan et al. Jul 2014 B2
8763877 Schall et al. Jul 2014 B2
8763879 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8771169 Whitman et al. Jul 2014 B2
8777004 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783541 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783542 Riestenberg et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783543 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784404 Doyle et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784415 Malackowski et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789737 Hodgkinson et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789739 Swensgard Jul 2014 B2
8789740 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789741 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2014 B2
8790684 Dave et al. Jul 2014 B2
8794496 Scirica Aug 2014 B2
8794497 Zingman Aug 2014 B2
8795276 Dietz et al. Aug 2014 B2
8800838 Shelton, IV Aug 2014 B2
8800839 Beetel Aug 2014 B2
8800841 Ellerhorst et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801734 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801735 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801752 Fortier et al. Aug 2014 B2
8806973 Ross et al. Aug 2014 B2
8807414 Ross et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808294 Fox et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808308 Boukhny et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808311 Heinrich et al. Aug 2014 B2
8813866 Suzuki Aug 2014 B2
8814024 Woodard, Jr. et al. Aug 2014 B2
8814025 Miller et al. Aug 2014 B2
8820603 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8820605 Shelton, IV Sep 2014 B2
8820606 Hodgkinson Sep 2014 B2
8820607 Marczyk Sep 2014 B2
8822934 Sayeh Sep 2014 B2
8827133 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8827903 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8833632 Swensgard Sep 2014 B2
8840003 Morgan et al. Sep 2014 B2
8840603 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8844789 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8851354 Swensgard et al. Oct 2014 B2
8852199 Deslauriers et al. Oct 2014 B2
8857693 Schuckmann et al. Oct 2014 B2
8857694 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858571 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858590 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864007 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864009 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8870050 Hodgkinson Oct 2014 B2
8875971 Hall et al. Nov 2014 B2
8875972 Weisenburgh, II et al. Nov 2014 B2
8876857 Burbank Nov 2014 B2
8888688 Julian et al. Nov 2014 B2
8893946 Boudreaux et al. Nov 2014 B2
8893949 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894647 Beardsley et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894654 Anderson Nov 2014 B2
8899463 Schall et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899464 Hueil et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899465 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899466 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2014 B2
8905977 Shelton et al. Dec 2014 B2
8911426 Coppeta et al. Dec 2014 B2
8911471 Spivey et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920438 Aranyi et al. Dec 2014 B2
8925782 Shelton, IV Jan 2015 B2
8925783 Zemlok et al. Jan 2015 B2
8925788 Hess et al. Jan 2015 B2
8926598 Mollere et al. Jan 2015 B2
8931682 Timm et al. Jan 2015 B2
8936614 Allen, IV Jan 2015 B2
8939343 Milliman et al. Jan 2015 B2
8939344 Olson et al. Jan 2015 B2
8955732 Zemlok et al. Feb 2015 B2
8956342 Russo et al. Feb 2015 B1
8960520 McCuen Feb 2015 B2
8960521 Kostrzewski Feb 2015 B2
8961504 Hoarau et al. Feb 2015 B2
8967443 McCuen Mar 2015 B2
8967446 Beardsley et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968276 Zemlok et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968312 Marczyk et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968337 Whitfield et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968340 Chowaniec et al. Mar 2015 B2
8970507 Holbein et al. Mar 2015 B2
8973803 Hall et al. Mar 2015 B2
8973804 Hess et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978954 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978955 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978956 Schall et al. Mar 2015 B2
8979890 Boudreaux Mar 2015 B2
8982195 Claus et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991676 Hess et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991677 Moore et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992422 Spivey et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992565 Brisson et al. Mar 2015 B2
8996165 Wang et al. Mar 2015 B2
8998058 Moore et al. Apr 2015 B2
9005230 Yates et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011471 Timm et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016539 Kostrzewski et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016540 Whitman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016542 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017331 Fox Apr 2015 B2
9017371 Whitman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9023014 Chowaniec et al. May 2015 B2
9027817 Milliman et al. May 2015 B2
9028494 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 B2
9028495 Mueller et al. May 2015 B2
9028519 Yates et al. May 2015 B2
9033203 Woodard, Jr. et al. May 2015 B2
9033204 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 B2
9038881 Schaller et al. May 2015 B1
9039690 Kersten et al. May 2015 B2
9039720 Madan May 2015 B2
9043027 Durant et al. May 2015 B2
9044227 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044228 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044230 Morgan et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050083 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050084 Schmid et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050100 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055941 Schmid et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055944 Hodgkinson et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055961 Manzo et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060770 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9072515 Hall et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072535 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072536 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 B2
9078653 Leimbach et al. Jul 2015 B2
9084601 Moore et al. Jul 2015 B2
9084602 Glieman Jul 2015 B2
9086875 Harrat et al. Jul 2015 B2
9089330 Widenhouse et al. Jul 2015 B2
9095339 Moore et al. Aug 2015 B2
9096033 Holop et al. Aug 2015 B2
9099863 Smith et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101358 Kerr et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101385 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9107663 Swensgard Aug 2015 B2
9113862 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113864 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113865 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113873 Marczyk et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113880 Zemlok et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113883 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113884 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9119657 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2015 B2
9123286 Park Sep 2015 B2
9125654 Aronhalt et al. Sep 2015 B2
9125662 Shelton, IV Sep 2015 B2
9126317 Lawton et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131940 Huitema et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131957 Sharbnik et al. Sep 2015 B2
9138225 Huang et al. Sep 2015 B2
9149274 Spivey et al. Oct 2015 B2
9149324 Huang et al. Oct 2015 B2
9149325 Worrell et al. Oct 2015 B2
9161753 Prior Oct 2015 B2
9161803 Yates et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168038 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168054 Turner et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168144 Rivin et al. Oct 2015 B2
9179911 Morgan et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186143 Timm et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186148 Felder et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192380 Racenet et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192384 Bettuchi Nov 2015 B2
9193045 Saur et al. Nov 2015 B2
9198661 Swensgard Dec 2015 B2
9198662 Barton et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204877 Whitman et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204878 Hall et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204879 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 B2
9204880 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211120 Scheib et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211121 Hall et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211122 Hagerty et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216019 Schmid et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216020 Zhang et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220500 Swayze et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220501 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2015 B2
9226750 Weir et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226751 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226767 Stulen et al. Jan 2016 B2
9232941 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Jan 2016 B2
9232945 Zingman Jan 2016 B2
9232979 Parihar et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241714 Timm et al. Jan 2016 B2
9259274 Prisco Feb 2016 B2
9271799 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9272406 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277919 Timmer et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277922 Carter et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282962 Schmid et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282966 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282974 Shelton, IV Mar 2016 B2
9283045 Rhee et al. Mar 2016 B2
9283054 Morgan et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289206 Hess et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289207 Shelton, IV Mar 2016 B2
9289210 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289212 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289225 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289256 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9293757 Chellew Mar 2016 B2
9295464 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9301752 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301753 Aldridge et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301755 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301759 Spivey et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307965 Ming et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307986 Hall et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307988 Shelton, IV Apr 2016 B2
9308011 Chao et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314246 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320518 Henderson et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320520 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320521 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320523 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9326767 Koch, Jr. et al. May 2016 B2
9326768 Shelton, IV May 2016 B2
9326769 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 B2
9326771 Baxter, III et al. May 2016 B2
9332890 Ozawa May 2016 B2
9332974 Henderson et al. May 2016 B2
9332984 Weaner et al. May 2016 B2
9332987 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9345477 Anim et al. May 2016 B2
9345481 Hall et al. May 2016 B2
9351726 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9351727 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9351730 Schmid et al. May 2016 B2
9358003 Hall et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358005 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364220 Williams Jun 2016 B2
9364230 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364233 Alexander, III et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364279 Houser et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370358 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370364 Smith et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375206 Vidal et al. Jun 2016 B2
9386984 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386988 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393015 Laurent et al. Jul 2016 B2
9398911 Auld Jul 2016 B2
9402626 Ortiz et al. Aug 2016 B2
9408604 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 B2
9408606 Shelton, IV Aug 2016 B2
9414838 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 B2
9414849 Nagashimada Aug 2016 B2
9433419 Gonzalez et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445813 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
9468438 Baber et al. Oct 2016 B2
9468447 Aman et al. Oct 2016 B2
9480476 Aldridge et al. Nov 2016 B2
9526564 Rusin Dec 2016 B2
9554794 Baber et al. Jan 2017 B2
9597104 Nicholas et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597143 Madan et al. Mar 2017 B2
9629623 Lytle, IV et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629629 Leimbach et al. Apr 2017 B2
9687230 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9693777 Schellin et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700309 Jaworek et al. Jul 2017 B2
9724094 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737301 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743927 Whitman Aug 2017 B2
9757124 Schellin et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757128 Baber et al. Sep 2017 B2
9770245 Swayze et al. Sep 2017 B2
9775608 Aronhalt et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775610 Nicholas et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782169 Swayze et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788836 Overmyer et al. Oct 2017 B2
9808244 Leimbach et al. Nov 2017 B2
9839422 Schellin et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839423 Vendely et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844374 Lytle, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844375 Overmyer et al. Dec 2017 B2
9872683 Hopkins et al. Jan 2018 B2
20010025183 Shahidi Sep 2001 A1
20010044637 Jacobs et al. Nov 2001 A1
20020014510 Richter et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020022836 Goble et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020026126 Burdorff et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020029032 Arkin Mar 2002 A1
20020029036 Goble et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020049472 Coleman et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020095175 Brock et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020103494 Pacey Aug 2002 A1
20020117534 Green et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020127265 Bowman et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020128552 Nowlin et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020134811 Napier et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020135474 Sylliassen Sep 2002 A1
20020143340 Kaneko Oct 2002 A1
20020157481 Kogiso et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020165541 Whitman Nov 2002 A1
20020188170 Santamore et al. Dec 2002 A1
20020193808 Belef et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030023316 Brown et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030066858 Holgersson Apr 2003 A1
20030078647 Vallana et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030084983 Rangachari et al. May 2003 A1
20030093103 Malackowski et al. May 2003 A1
20030096158 Takano et al. May 2003 A1
20030105478 Whitman et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030114851 Truckai et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030130677 Whitman et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030139741 Goble et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030153908 Goble et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030153968 Geis et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030163085 Tanner et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030181900 Long Sep 2003 A1
20030195387 Kortenbach et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030202901 Stetzel Oct 2003 A1
20030205029 Chapolini et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030216732 Truckai et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030220660 Kortenbach et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030236505 Bonadio et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040002726 Nunez et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040006335 Garrison Jan 2004 A1
20040006340 Latterell et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040006372 Racenet et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040006861 Haytayan Jan 2004 A1
20040030333 Goble Feb 2004 A1
20040032345 Kazuya et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040034357 Beane et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040034369 Sauer et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040044364 DeVries et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040068161 Couvillon, Jr. Apr 2004 A1
20040068224 Couvillon, Jr. et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040068307 Goble Apr 2004 A1
20040070369 Sakahibara Apr 2004 A1
20040073222 Koseki Apr 2004 A1
20040078037 Batchelor et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040093024 Lousararian et al. May 2004 A1
20040094597 Whitman et al. May 2004 A1
20040097987 Pugsley et al. May 2004 A1
20040098040 Taniguchi et al. May 2004 A1
20040101822 Weisner et al. May 2004 A1
20040102783 Sutterlin, III et al. May 2004 A1
20040108357 Milliman et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040110439 Chaikof et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040111081 Whitman et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040115022 Albertson et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040116952 Sakurai et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040133095 Dunki-Jacobs et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040143297 Ramsey Jul 2004 A1
20040147909 Johnston et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040164123 Racenet et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040167572 Roth et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040173659 Green et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040181219 Goble et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040186470 Goble et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040193189 Kortenbach et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040199181 Knodel et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040222268 Bilotti et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040225186 Horne, Jr. et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040230214 Donofrio et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040232201 Wenchell et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040236352 Wang Nov 2004 A1
20040243147 Lipow Dec 2004 A1
20040243151 Demmy et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040243163 Casiano et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040243176 Hahnen et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040247415 Mangone, Jr. Dec 2004 A1
20040254455 Iddan Dec 2004 A1
20040254566 Plicchi et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254590 Hoffman et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254608 Huitema et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040260315 Dell et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040267297 Malackowski Dec 2004 A1
20040267310 Racenet et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050010158 Brugger et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050010213 Stad et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050032511 Malone et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050033352 Zeph et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050033357 Braun Feb 2005 A1
20050054946 Krzyzanowski Mar 2005 A1
20050058890 Brazell et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050059997 Bauman et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050070929 Dalessandro et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050075561 Golden Apr 2005 A1
20050080454 Drews et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050085693 Belson et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050090817 Phan Apr 2005 A1
20050096683 Ellins et al. May 2005 A1
20050103819 Racenet et al. May 2005 A1
20050107814 Johnston et al. May 2005 A1
20050107824 Hillstead et al. May 2005 A1
20050113820 Goble et al. May 2005 A1
20050116673 Carl et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050119525 Takemoto Jun 2005 A1
20050119669 Demmy Jun 2005 A1
20050124855 Jaffe et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050125009 Perry et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050125897 Wyslucha et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131173 McDaniel et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131211 Bayley et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131390 Heinrich Jun 2005 A1
20050131436 Johnston et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131437 Johnston et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131457 Douglas et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050137454 Saadat et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050137455 Ewers et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050143759 Kelly Jun 2005 A1
20050143769 White et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050145675 Hartwick et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050150928 Kameyama et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050154258 Tartaglia et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050154406 Bombard et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050159184 Kerner et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165419 Sauer et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165435 Johnston et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050169974 Tenerz et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050171522 Christopherson Aug 2005 A1
20050177181 Kagan et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050182298 Ikeda et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050187545 Hooven et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050187572 Johnston et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050187576 Whitman et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050189397 Jankowski Sep 2005 A1
20050192609 Whitman et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050192628 Viola Sep 2005 A1
20050203550 Laufer et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050216055 Scirica et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050228224 Okada et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050240178 Morley et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050240222 Shipp Oct 2005 A1
20050245965 Orban, III et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050251128 Amoah Nov 2005 A1
20050256452 DeMarchi et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050256522 Francischelli et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050261676 Hall et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050261677 Hall et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050263563 Racenet et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050267455 Eggers et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050267530 Cummins Dec 2005 A1
20050272973 Kawano et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050274768 Cummins et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050283188 Loshakove et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060004407 Hiles et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060008787 Hayman et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060011699 Olson et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060015009 Jaffe et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020247 Kagan et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020258 Strauss et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020336 Liddicoat Jan 2006 A1
20060025811 Shelton, IV Feb 2006 A1
20060025812 Shelton, IV Feb 2006 A1
20060041188 Dirusso et al. Feb 2006 A1
20060047275 Goble Mar 2006 A1
20060047303 Ortiz et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060047307 Ortiz et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060049229 Milliman et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060052825 Ransick et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060060630 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060064086 Odom Mar 2006 A1
20060079115 Aranyi et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060079735 Martone et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060085031 Bettuchi Apr 2006 A1
20060085033 Criscuolo et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060086032 Valencic et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060087746 Lipow Apr 2006 A1
20060089535 Raz et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060100643 Laufer et al. May 2006 A1
20060100649 Hart May 2006 A1
20060108393 Heinrich et al. May 2006 A1
20060111711 Goble May 2006 A1
20060111723 Chapolini et al. May 2006 A1
20060116634 Shachar Jun 2006 A1
20060122636 Bailly et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060142772 Ralph et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060149163 Hibner et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060161185 Saadat et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060167471 Phillips Jul 2006 A1
20060173470 Oray et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060178556 Hasser et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060180634 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060185682 Marczyk Aug 2006 A1
20060200123 Ryan Sep 2006 A1
20060201989 Ojeda Sep 2006 A1
20060206100 Eskridge et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060212069 Shelton, IV Sep 2006 A1
20060217729 Eskridge et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060226196 Hueil et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060235368 Oz Oct 2006 A1
20060235469 Viola Oct 2006 A1
20060241655 Viola Oct 2006 A1
20060241692 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060244460 Weaver Nov 2006 A1
20060252990 Kubach Nov 2006 A1
20060252993 Freed et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060253069 Li et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060258904 Stefanchik et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060258910 Stefanchik et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060259073 Miyamoto et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060264831 Skwarek et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060264927 Ryan Nov 2006 A1
20060264929 Goble et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060271042 Latterell et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060271102 Bosshard et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060278680 Viola et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060278681 Viola et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060282064 Shimizu et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060284730 Schmid et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060287576 Tsuji et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060289602 Wales et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060291981 Viola et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070010702 Wang et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070010838 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070023476 Whitman et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070023477 Whitman et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070026039 Drumheller et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070026040 Crawley et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027468 Wales et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027472 Hiles et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027551 Farnsworth et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027553 Biran et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070034668 Holsten et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070049951 Menn Mar 2007 A1
20070049966 Bonadio et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070051375 Milliman Mar 2007 A1
20070055219 Whitman et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070066981 Meagher Mar 2007 A1
20070070574 Nerheim et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070073341 Smith Mar 2007 A1
20070078328 Ozaki et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070078484 Talarico et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070083193 Werneth et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070084897 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070090788 Hansford et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070093869 Bloom et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070102472 Shelton, IV May 2007 A1
20070106113 Ravo May 2007 A1
20070106317 Shelton, IV et al. May 2007 A1
20070118175 Butler et al. May 2007 A1
20070129605 Schaaf Jun 2007 A1
20070135686 Pruitt, Jr. et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070135803 Belson Jun 2007 A1
20070155010 Farnsworth et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070158358 Mason, II et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070170225 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070173687 Shima et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070173806 Orszulak et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070173813 Odom Jul 2007 A1
20070175950 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175951 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175955 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070179528 Soltz et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070181632 Milliman Aug 2007 A1
20070185545 Duke Aug 2007 A1
20070190110 Pameijer et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070191868 Theroux et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194079 Hueil et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194082 Morgan et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070198039 Jones et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070203510 Bettuchi Aug 2007 A1
20070213750 Weadock Sep 2007 A1
20070219571 Balbierz et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070225562 Spivey et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070233163 Bombard et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070239028 Houser et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070243227 Gertner Oct 2007 A1
20070244471 Malackowski Oct 2007 A1
20070246505 Pace-Floridia et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070249999 Sklar et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070250113 Hegeman et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070260278 Wheeler et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270784 Smith et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270884 Smith et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070275035 Herman et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070276409 Ortiz et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070279011 Jones et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070286892 Herzberg et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070287993 Hinman et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070288044 Jinno et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070299427 Yeung et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080003196 Jonn et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080015598 Prommersberger Jan 2008 A1
20080029570 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029573 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029574 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029575 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080030170 Dacquay et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080035701 Racenet et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080041916 Milliman et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080041917 Racenet et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080051833 Gramuglia et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080065153 Allard et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080071328 Haubrich et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080078802 Hess et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082114 McKenna et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082125 Murray et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082126 Murray et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080083808 Scirica Apr 2008 A1
20080083813 Zemlok et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080085296 Powell et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080086078 Powell et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080091072 Omori et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080097563 Petrie et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080107239 Sayeh May 2008 A1
20080108443 Jinno et al. May 2008 A1
20080114250 Urbano et al. May 2008 A1
20080114315 Voegele et al. May 2008 A1
20080114385 Byrum et al. May 2008 A1
20080128469 Dalessandro et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080129253 Shiue et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080140115 Stopek Jun 2008 A1
20080140159 Bornhoft et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080154299 Linvneh Jun 2008 A1
20080169328 Shelton Jul 2008 A1
20080169332 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169333 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080172087 Fuchs et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080172088 Smith et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080183193 Omori et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080185419 Smith et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080190989 Crews et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080197167 Viola et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200762 Stokes et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200835 Monson et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200933 Bakos et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200949 Hiles et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080228029 Mikkaichi et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080241667 Kohn et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080245841 Smith et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080249536 Stahler et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080249608 Dave Oct 2008 A1
20080251568 Zemlok et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080251569 Smith et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080255413 Zemlok et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080255607 Zemlok Oct 2008 A1
20080262654 Omori et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080281171 Fennell et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080281254 Humayun et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080283570 Boyden et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080287944 Pearson et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080287988 Smith et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080290134 Bettuchi et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080294179 Balbierz et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080296346 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080297287 Shachar et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308602 Timm et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308603 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308608 Prommersberger Dec 2008 A1
20080314960 Marczyk et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080315829 Jones et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090001121 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090001130 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090004455 Gravagna et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090005809 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090012534 Madhani et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090015195 Loth-Krausser Jan 2009 A1
20090018553 McLean et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090020958 Soul Jan 2009 A1
20090047329 Stucky et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090048589 Takashino et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090048612 Farritor et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090054908 Zand et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090069842 Lee et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076506 Baker Mar 2009 A1
20090078736 Van Lue Mar 2009 A1
20090082789 Milliman et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090088659 Graham et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090088774 Swarup et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090090763 Zemlok et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090092651 Shah et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090093728 Hyde et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090099579 Nentwick et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090099876 Whitman Apr 2009 A1
20090108048 Zemlok et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090112229 Omori et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090114701 Zemlok et al. May 2009 A1
20090119011 Kondo et al. May 2009 A1
20090137952 Ramamurthy et al. May 2009 A1
20090143805 Palmer et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090143855 Weber et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090149871 Kagan et al. Jun 2009 A9
20090157067 Kane et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090157087 Wei et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090171147 Lee et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090177226 Reinprecht et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090179757 Cohn et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090188964 Orlov Jul 2009 A1
20090198272 Kerver et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090204108 Steffen Aug 2009 A1
20090204109 Grove et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206125 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206126 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206131 Weisenburgh, II et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206133 Morgan et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206137 Hall et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206139 Hall et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206141 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206142 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090213685 Mak et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090234273 Intoccia et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090242610 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090247368 Chiang Oct 2009 A1
20090247901 Zimmer Oct 2009 A1
20090248007 Falkenstein et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090248038 Blumenkranz et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090253959 Yoshie et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090255974 Viola Oct 2009 A1
20090255975 Zemlok et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090255976 Marczyk et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090255977 Zemlok Oct 2009 A1
20090255978 Viola et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090262078 Pizzi Oct 2009 A1
20090270895 Churchill et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090277949 Viola et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090290016 Suda Nov 2009 A1
20090292283 Odom Nov 2009 A1
20090306639 Nevo et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090308907 Nalagatla et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100010511 Harris et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100012704 Racenet et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100016852 Manzo et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100016888 Calabrese et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100023024 Zeiner et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100030233 Whitman et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100036370 Mirel et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100041945 Isbell, Jr. Feb 2010 A1
20100049084 Nock et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100057087 Cha Mar 2010 A1
20100057107 Sorrentino et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100069942 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 A1
20100072254 Aranyi et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100076483 Imuta Mar 2010 A1
20100076489 Stopek et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100081883 Murray et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100087840 Ebersole et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100094289 Taylor et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100096431 Smith et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100100124 Calabrese et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100108740 Pastorelli et al. May 2010 A1
20100108741 Hessler et al. May 2010 A1
20100122339 Boccacci May 2010 A1
20100133317 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100145146 Melder Jun 2010 A1
20100147921 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100147922 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100147923 D'Agostino et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100163598 Belzer Jul 2010 A1
20100179022 Shirokoshi Jul 2010 A1
20100179540 Marczyk et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100180711 Kilibarda et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100186219 Smith Jul 2010 A1
20100191292 DeMeo et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100193566 Schieb et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100200637 Beetel Aug 2010 A1
20100204717 Knodel Aug 2010 A1
20100222901 Swayze et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100230465 Smith et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100243707 Olson et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100243708 Aranyi et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249497 Peine et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249519 Park et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249759 Hinman et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100258611 Smith et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100267662 Fielder et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100268030 Viola et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100274160 Yachi et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100276471 Whitman Nov 2010 A1
20100292540 Hess et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100294827 Boyden et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100298636 Casto et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100312261 Suzuki et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100320252 Viola et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100331856 Carlson et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100331880 Stopek Dec 2010 A1
20110003528 Lam Jan 2011 A1
20110006101 Hall et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110009890 Palmer et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110011916 Levine Jan 2011 A1
20110016960 Debrailly Jan 2011 A1
20110017799 Whitman et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110021871 Berkelaar Jan 2011 A1
20110022032 Zemlok et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110024477 Hall et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110024478 Shelton, IV Feb 2011 A1
20110025311 Chauvin et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110034910 Ross et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110034918 Reschke Feb 2011 A1
20110036887 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110036890 Ma Feb 2011 A1
20110036891 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110045047 Bennett et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110046666 Sorrentino et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110046667 Culligan et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110060356 Reschke et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110060363 Hess et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110082538 Dahlgren et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110084112 Kostrzewski Apr 2011 A1
20110087276 Bedi et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110087279 Shah et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110088921 Forgues et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110095068 Patel Apr 2011 A1
20110101065 Milliman May 2011 A1
20110101069 Bombard et al. May 2011 A1
20110112517 Peine et al. May 2011 A1
20110114697 Baxter, III et al. May 2011 A1
20110118754 Dachs, II et al. May 2011 A1
20110118778 Burbank May 2011 A1
20110121049 Malinouskas et al. May 2011 A1
20110125138 Malinouskas et al. May 2011 A1
20110125176 Yates et al. May 2011 A1
20110144640 Heinrich Jun 2011 A1
20110147433 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110155786 Shelton, IV Jun 2011 A1
20110163146 Ortiz et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110167619 Smith et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110174099 Ross et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110174861 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110178536 Kostrzewski Jul 2011 A1
20110184459 Malkowski et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110192882 Hess et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110199225 Touchberry et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110208093 Gross et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110210156 Smith et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110218550 Ma Sep 2011 A1
20110241597 Zhu et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110253765 Nicholas et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110257650 Deville et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110264119 Bayon et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110275901 Shelton, IV Nov 2011 A1
20110276083 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110278343 Knodel et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110279268 Konishi et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110282446 Schulte et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110288573 Yates et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110290851 Shelton, IV Dec 2011 A1
20110290856 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110293690 Griffin et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110295269 Swensgard et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110295295 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110307023 Tweden et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110313894 Dye et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110315413 Fisher et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120004636 Lo Jan 2012 A1
20120007550 Juergens Jan 2012 A1
20120016239 Barthe et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120016413 Timm et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120018326 Racenet et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120022523 Smith et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120022630 Wübbeling Jan 2012 A1
20120029272 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120033360 Hsu Feb 2012 A1
20120045303 Macdonald Feb 2012 A1
20120046692 Smith et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120062171 Smith et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120064483 Lint et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120074200 Schmid et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120078071 Bohm et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120078244 Worrell et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120078278 Bales, Jr. et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120080336 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080340 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080344 Shelton, IV Apr 2012 A1
20120080475 Smith et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080478 Morgan et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080498 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120089131 Zemlok et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120110810 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116265 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116367 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116388 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116391 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116395 Madan et al. May 2012 A1
20120123203 Riva May 2012 A1
20120125792 Cassivi May 2012 A1
20120138658 Ullrich et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120150192 Dachs, II et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120171539 Rejman et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120175398 Sandborn et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120187179 Gleiman Jul 2012 A1
20120209289 Duque et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120223121 Viola et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120228355 Combrowski et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120234895 O'Connor et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120234897 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120234899 Scheib et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120241492 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120241493 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120248167 Flanagan et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120248169 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120251861 Liang et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120253329 Zemlok et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120265176 Braun Oct 2012 A1
20120271285 Sholev et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120273550 Scirica Nov 2012 A1
20120277780 Smith et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120283707 Giordano et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120286021 Kostrzewski et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120289979 Eskaros et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120292367 Morgan et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120296333 Twomey Nov 2012 A1
20120298722 Hess et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120310255 Brisson et al. Dec 2012 A1
20120310256 Brisson Dec 2012 A1
20120325892 Kostrzewski Dec 2012 A1
20130012983 Kleyman Jan 2013 A1
20130018361 Bryant Jan 2013 A1
20130020375 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130020376 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130023861 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130026208 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130026210 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130026973 Luke et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130030608 Taylor et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130032626 Smith et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130037596 Bear et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130046290 Palmer et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130060278 Bozung et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130062391 Boudreaux et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130068816 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130075446 Wang et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130079814 Hess et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130087597 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130087599 Krumanaker et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130087602 Olson et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130090534 Burns et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130098970 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130103023 Monson et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130103024 Monson et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130105548 Hodgkinson et al. May 2013 A1
20130116668 Shelton, IV et al. May 2013 A1
20130116669 Shelton, IV et al. May 2013 A1
20130119108 Altman et al. May 2013 A1
20130123822 Wellman et al. May 2013 A1
20130126379 Medhal et al. May 2013 A1
20130131476 Siu et al. May 2013 A1
20130131651 Strobl et al. May 2013 A1
20130146641 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130146642 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130150832 Belson et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130153633 Casasanta, Jr. et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130153634 Carter et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130153635 Hodgkinson Jun 2013 A1
20130153636 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130153638 Carter et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130153641 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130168431 Zemlok et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130172929 Hess et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130175317 Yates et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130175322 Yates et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130181033 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130181034 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130184719 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130186932 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130186933 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130186934 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130190733 Giordano et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130190757 Yates et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130193188 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130193189 Swensgard et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130197556 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130214025 Zemlok et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130214030 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130221059 Racenet et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130221063 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130221064 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130221065 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130233905 Sorrentino et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130233906 Hess et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130233908 Knodel et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130238021 Gross et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130256371 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256373 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256374 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256375 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256377 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256378 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256379 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256380 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256382 Swayze et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256383 Aronhalt et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130261648 Laurent et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130267945 Behnke et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130270322 Scheib et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130277412 Gresham et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130282052 Aranyi et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130310873 Stopek et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130313303 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130313304 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130313306 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130319706 Nicholas et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130324981 Smith et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130324982 Smith et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130327809 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130327810 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334283 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334284 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334285 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334286 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334287 Shelton, IV Dec 2013 A1
20130334288 Shelton, IV Dec 2013 A1
20130341374 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2013 A1
20140001231 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001234 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001237 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001238 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001239 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001240 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005640 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005678 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005681 Gee et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005693 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005694 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005702 Timm et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005703 Stulen et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005718 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140008414 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140012237 Pribanic et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140012238 Chen et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140012289 Snow et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140014705 Baxter, III Jan 2014 A1
20140015782 Kim et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140018832 Shelton, IV Jan 2014 A1
20140025046 Williams et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140042205 Baxter, III et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140048580 Merchant et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140061279 Laurent et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140061280 Ingmanson et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140081176 Hassan Mar 2014 A1
20140100558 Schmitz et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140103093 Koch, Jr. et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140107640 Yates et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140110455 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140114327 Boudreaux et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140128850 Kerr et al. May 2014 A1
20140138423 Whitfield et al. May 2014 A1
20140151431 Hodgkinson et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140151433 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140158747 Measamer et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166722 Hess et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166724 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166725 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166726 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140171966 Giordano et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175150 Shelton et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175152 Hess et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175154 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140191014 Shelton, IV Jul 2014 A1
20140191015 Shelton, IV Jul 2014 A1
20140203061 Hodgkinson Jul 2014 A1
20140205637 Widenhouse et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140207125 Applegate et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140207166 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140224857 Schmid Aug 2014 A1
20140230595 Butt et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140232316 Philipp Aug 2014 A1
20140236184 Leimbach et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140239036 Zerkle et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140239038 Leimbach et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140246472 Kimsey et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140246475 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140249557 Koch, Jr. et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140252066 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140252068 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263541 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263552 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263554 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263558 Hausen et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263562 Patel et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263564 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263572 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140276730 Boudreaux et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140277017 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140284371 Morgan et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140284373 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140288460 Ouyang et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140291378 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140291379 Schellin et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140291380 Weaner et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140291382 Lloyd et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140291383 Spivey et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140296873 Morgan et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140296874 Morgan et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140299648 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140299649 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303645 Morgan et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303646 Morgan et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305987 Parihar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305988 Boudreaux et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305989 Parihar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305990 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305991 Parihar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305992 Kimsey et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305994 Parihar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140309665 Parihar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140309666 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140330161 Swayze et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140339286 Motooka et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140352463 Parihar Dec 2014 A1
20140353358 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140367447 Woodard, Jr. et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140378950 Chiu Dec 2014 A1
20150008248 Giordano et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150034696 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150038986 Swensgard et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150041518 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053737 Leimbach et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053738 Morgan et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053739 Morgan et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053740 Shelton, IV Feb 2015 A1
20150053741 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053742 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053743 Yates et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053744 Swayze et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053745 Yates et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053746 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053748 Yates et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150060518 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060519 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060520 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060521 Weisenburgh, II et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076207 Boudreaux et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076208 Shelton, IV Mar 2015 A1
20150076209 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076210 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076212 Shelton, IV Mar 2015 A1
20150080868 Kerr Mar 2015 A1
20150083780 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150083781 Giordano et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150083782 Scheib et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150083783 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150090759 Spivey et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150090760 Giordano et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150090761 Giordano et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150090762 Giordano et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150090763 Murray et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150108199 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150122869 Aronhalt et al. May 2015 A1
20150136830 Baxter, III et al. May 2015 A1
20150136831 Baxter, III et al. May 2015 A1
20150136832 Baxter, III et al. May 2015 A1
20150136833 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 A1
20150136835 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 A1
20150157354 Bales, Jr. et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173744 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173745 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173746 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173747 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173749 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173750 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173751 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173755 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173756 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173760 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173761 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173762 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173789 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150182220 Yates et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150182222 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196295 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196296 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196299 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196347 Yates et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196348 Yates et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201932 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201935 Weisenburgh, II et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201936 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201937 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201938 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201939 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201940 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201941 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209031 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209038 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209039 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209041 Milliman et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150223809 Scheib et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150223816 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150230783 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150230784 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150231409 Racenet et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150239180 Schellin et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150265276 Huitema et al. Sep 2015 A1
20150265357 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2015 A1
20150272557 Overmyer et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272569 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272570 Lytle, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272571 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272572 Overmyer et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272574 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272575 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272578 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272579 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272580 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272581 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272582 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272583 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150277471 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150280384 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150280424 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150282809 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150282810 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150289873 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150289874 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297210 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297217 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297218 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297219 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297221 Kerr et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297222 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297223 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297224 Hall et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297225 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297226 Hall et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297227 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297228 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297229 Schellin et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297230 Schellin et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297231 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297232 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297233 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297234 Schellin et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297235 Harris et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297236 Harris et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150305744 Moore et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150305745 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150313591 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150313594 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150327853 Aronhalt et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150327864 Hodgkinson et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150335328 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150335329 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150342606 Schmid et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150342607 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150359536 Cropper et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374367 Hall et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374368 Swayze et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374369 Yates et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374374 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374375 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374376 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 A1
20150374377 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 A1
20150374378 Giordano et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374379 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 A1
20160000430 Ming et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000431 Giordano et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000432 Huang et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000437 Giordano et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000438 Swayze et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000439 Weisenburgh, II et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000440 Weisenburgh, II et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000441 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000442 Shelton, IV Jan 2016 A1
20160000452 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000453 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000513 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160007992 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160008023 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160015390 Timm et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160015391 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160051257 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160058443 Yates et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160066911 Baber et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160066912 Baber et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160066913 Swayze et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160066915 Baber et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160069449 Kanai et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160074038 Leimbach et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160074040 Widenhouse et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089137 Hess et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089141 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089142 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089143 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089146 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089147 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089148 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160089149 Harris et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160100837 Huang et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160106426 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160106427 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160106431 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160113653 Zingman Apr 2016 A1
20160120544 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 A1
20160120545 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 A1
20160120547 Schmid et al. May 2016 A1
20160128694 Baxter, III et al. May 2016 A1
20160135812 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 A1
20160166256 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174969 Kerr et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174970 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174971 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174972 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174973 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174974 Schmid et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174975 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174976 Morgan et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174983 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174984 Smith et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174985 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183939 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183943 Shelton, IV Jun 2016 A1
20160183944 Swensgard et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183945 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183947 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183948 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183950 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160184039 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160192916 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192917 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192918 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192929 Schmid et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192933 Shelton, IV Jul 2016 A1
20160192936 Leimbach et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192996 Spivey et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160192997 Spivey et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199059 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199061 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199063 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199064 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199088 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199089 Hess et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199956 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160206309 Hess et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160206310 Shelton, IV Jul 2016 A1
20160206314 Scheib et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160220246 Timm et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220247 Timm et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220248 Timm et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220249 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220254 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220266 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160220268 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235403 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235404 Shelton, IV Aug 2016 A1
20160235405 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235406 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235408 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235409 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235494 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160238108 Kanai et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242768 Moore et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242769 Moore et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242770 Moore et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242775 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242776 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242777 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242780 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242781 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242782 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242783 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160249908 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249909 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249910 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249911 Timm et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249915 Beckman et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249916 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249917 Beckman et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249918 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249919 Savage et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249922 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249927 Beckman et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249930 Hall et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249945 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256071 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256153 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256154 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256155 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256156 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256160 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256161 Overmyer et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256162 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256163 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256184 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256185 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256186 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256187 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256229 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160262745 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160262746 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160262760 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160270780 Hall et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160287249 Alexander, III et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287250 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287251 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287253 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287254 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160331375 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2016 A1
20170014129 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (1287)
Number Date Country
2008207624 Mar 2009 AU
2010214687 Sep 2010 AU
2012200178 Jul 2013 AU
2458946 Mar 2003 CA
2477181 Apr 2004 CA
2512960 Jan 2006 CA
2514274 Jan 2006 CA
2639177 Feb 2009 CA
2576347 Aug 2015 CA
86100996 Sep 1986 CN
1163558 Oct 1997 CN
2488482 May 2002 CN
1424891 Jun 2003 CN
1523725 Aug 2004 CN
1545154 Nov 2004 CN
1634601 Jul 2005 CN
1636525 Jul 2005 CN
1636526 Jul 2005 CN
2716900 Aug 2005 CN
2738962 Nov 2005 CN
1726874 Feb 2006 CN
1726878 Feb 2006 CN
1868411 Nov 2006 CN
1915180 Feb 2007 CN
2868212 Feb 2007 CN
1960679 May 2007 CN
101011286 Aug 2007 CN
101073509 Nov 2007 CN
200991269 Dec 2007 CN
101095621 Jan 2008 CN
101111196 Jan 2008 CN
201001747 Jan 2008 CN
101137402 Mar 2008 CN
101143105 Mar 2008 CN
201029899 Mar 2008 CN
101224122 Jul 2008 CN
101224124 Jul 2008 CN
101254126 Sep 2008 CN
101507620 Aug 2009 CN
101507622 Aug 2009 CN
101507623 Aug 2009 CN
101507625 Aug 2009 CN
101507628 Aug 2009 CN
101534724 Sep 2009 CN
101541251 Sep 2009 CN
101626731 Jan 2010 CN
101675898 Mar 2010 CN
101683280 Mar 2010 CN
101801284 Aug 2010 CN
101868203 Oct 2010 CN
101873834 Oct 2010 CN
101912285 Dec 2010 CN
101028205 Jan 2011 CN
101933824 Jan 2011 CN
101934098 May 2011 CN
102038531 May 2011 CN
102038532 May 2011 CN
101534722 Jun 2011 CN
101361666 Aug 2011 CN
201949071 Aug 2011 CN
101224119 Sep 2011 CN
101336835 Sep 2011 CN
102188270 Sep 2011 CN
101779977 Dec 2011 CN
101534723 Jan 2012 CN
101310680 Apr 2012 CN
101912284 Jul 2012 CN
202397539 Aug 2012 CN
101317782 Oct 2012 CN
101507639 Nov 2012 CN
102835977 Dec 2012 CN
101507633 Feb 2013 CN
101023879 Mar 2013 CN
101507624 Mar 2013 CN
101327137 Jun 2013 CN
101401736 Jun 2013 CN
101332110 Jul 2013 CN
101683281 Jan 2014 CN
103648408 Mar 2014 CN
203597997 May 2014 CN
103908313 Jul 2014 CN
203736251 Jul 2014 CN
102783741 Oct 2014 CN
102973300 Oct 2014 CN
102793571 Dec 2014 CN
104337556 Feb 2015 CN
102166129 Mar 2015 CN
102113902 Apr 2015 CN
102247177 Feb 2016 CN
103750872 May 2016 CN
273689 May 1914 DE
1775926 Jan 1972 DE
3036217 Apr 1982 DE
3212828 Nov 1982 DE
3210466 Sep 1983 DE
3709067 Sep 1988 DE
4228909 Mar 1994 DE
9412228 Sep 1994 DE
19509116 Sep 1996 DE
19534043 Mar 1997 DE
19707373 Feb 1998 DE
19851291 Jan 2000 DE
19924311 Nov 2000 DE
69328576 Jan 2001 DE
20016423 Feb 2001 DE
10052679 May 2001 DE
20112837 Oct 2001 DE
20121753 Apr 2003 DE
10314827 Apr 2004 DE
10314072 Oct 2004 DE
202004012389 Nov 2004 DE
202007003114 Jun 2007 DE
102010013150 Sep 2011 DE
0000756 Feb 1979 EP
0122046 Oct 1984 EP
0070230 Oct 1985 EP
0156774 Oct 1985 EP
0072754 Apr 1986 EP
0033548 May 1986 EP
0077262 Aug 1986 EP
0189807 Aug 1986 EP
0212278 Mar 1987 EP
0129442 Nov 1987 EP
0255631 Feb 1988 EP
0276104 Jul 1988 EP
0379721 Aug 1990 EP
0178940 Jan 1991 EP
0178941 Jan 1991 EP
0169044 Jun 1991 EP
0248844 Jan 1993 EP
0539762 May 1993 EP
0545029 Jun 1993 EP
0548998 Jun 1993 EP
0277959 Oct 1993 EP
0591946 Oct 1993 EP
0233940 Nov 1993 EP
0261230 Nov 1993 EP
0639349 Feb 1994 EP
0324636 Mar 1994 EP
0593920 Apr 1994 EP
0594148 Apr 1994 EP
0427949 Jun 1994 EP
0523174 Jun 1994 EP
0600182 Jun 1994 EP
0310431 Nov 1994 EP
0375302 Nov 1994 EP
0376562 Nov 1994 EP
0623311 Nov 1994 EP
0630612 Dec 1994 EP
0630614 Dec 1994 EP
0634144 Jan 1995 EP
0646356 Apr 1995 EP
0646357 Apr 1995 EP
0505036 May 1995 EP
0653189 May 1995 EP
0669104 Aug 1995 EP
0387980 Oct 1995 EP
0511470 Oct 1995 EP
0674876 Oct 1995 EP
0679367 Nov 1995 EP
0392547 Dec 1995 EP
0685204 Dec 1995 EP
0686374 Dec 1995 EP
0364216 Jan 1996 EP
0699418 Mar 1996 EP
0702937 Mar 1996 EP
0488768 Apr 1996 EP
0705571 Apr 1996 EP
0528478 May 1996 EP
0711611 May 1996 EP
0484677 Jun 1996 EP
0541987 Jul 1996 EP
0667119 Jul 1996 EP
0737446 Oct 1996 EP
0748614 Dec 1996 EP
0708618 Mar 1997 EP
0770355 May 1997 EP
0503662 Jun 1997 EP
0447121 Jul 1997 EP
0621009 Jul 1997 EP
0625077 Jul 1997 EP
0633749 Aug 1997 EP
0710090 Aug 1997 EP
0578425 Sep 1997 EP
0623312 Sep 1997 EP
0621006 Oct 1997 EP
0625335 Nov 1997 EP
0552423 Jan 1998 EP
0592244 Jan 1998 EP
0648476 Jan 1998 EP
0649290 Mar 1998 EP
0598618 Sep 1998 EP
0676173 Sep 1998 EP
0678007 Sep 1998 EP
0869104 Oct 1998 EP
0603472 Nov 1998 EP
0605351 Nov 1998 EP
0878169 Nov 1998 EP
0879742 Nov 1998 EP
0695144 Dec 1998 EP
0722296 Dec 1998 EP
0760230 Feb 1999 EP
0623316 Mar 1999 EP
0650701 Mar 1999 EP
0537572 Jun 1999 EP
0923907 Jun 1999 EP
0640317 Sep 1999 EP
0843906 Mar 2000 EP
0552050 May 2000 EP
0833592 May 2000 EP
0832605 Jun 2000 EP
0830094 Sep 2000 EP
1034747 Sep 2000 EP
1034748 Sep 2000 EP
0694290 Nov 2000 EP
1050278 Nov 2000 EP
1053719 Nov 2000 EP
1053720 Nov 2000 EP
1055399 Nov 2000 EP
1055400 Nov 2000 EP
1058177 Dec 2000 EP
1080694 Mar 2001 EP
1090592 Apr 2001 EP
1095627 May 2001 EP
0806914 Sep 2001 EP
0768840 Dec 2001 EP
0908152 Jan 2002 EP
0717959 Feb 2002 EP
0872213 May 2002 EP
0862386 Jun 2002 EP
0949886 Sep 2002 EP
1238634 Sep 2002 EP
0858295 Dec 2002 EP
0656188 Jan 2003 EP
0717960 Feb 2003 EP
1284120 Feb 2003 EP
1287788 Mar 2003 EP
0717966 Apr 2003 EP
0869742 May 2003 EP
0829235 Jun 2003 EP
0887046 Jul 2003 EP
1323384 Jul 2003 EP
0852480 Aug 2003 EP
0891154 Sep 2003 EP
0813843 Oct 2003 EP
0873089 Oct 2003 EP
0856326 Nov 2003 EP
1374788 Jan 2004 EP
0741996 Feb 2004 EP
0814712 Feb 2004 EP
1402837 Mar 2004 EP
0705570 Apr 2004 EP
0959784 Apr 2004 EP
1407719 Apr 2004 EP
1411626 Apr 2004 EP
1086713 May 2004 EP
0996378 Jun 2004 EP
1426012 Jun 2004 EP
0833593 Jul 2004 EP
1442694 Aug 2004 EP
0888749 Sep 2004 EP
0959786 Sep 2004 EP
1453432 Sep 2004 EP
1459695 Sep 2004 EP
1254636 Oct 2004 EP
1473819 Nov 2004 EP
1477119 Nov 2004 EP
1479345 Nov 2004 EP
1479347 Nov 2004 EP
1479348 Nov 2004 EP
0754437 Dec 2004 EP
1025807 Dec 2004 EP
1001710 Jan 2005 EP
1496805 Jan 2005 EP
1256318 Feb 2005 EP
1520521 Apr 2005 EP
1520522 Apr 2005 EP
1520523 Apr 2005 EP
1520525 Apr 2005 EP
1522264 Apr 2005 EP
1523942 Apr 2005 EP
1550408 Jul 2005 EP
1557129 Jul 2005 EP
1064883 Aug 2005 EP
1067876 Aug 2005 EP
0870473 Sep 2005 EP
1157666 Sep 2005 EP
0880338 Oct 2005 EP
1158917 Nov 2005 EP
1344498 Nov 2005 EP
0906764 Dec 2005 EP
1330989 Dec 2005 EP
0771176 Jan 2006 EP
1621138 Feb 2006 EP
1621139 Feb 2006 EP
1621141 Feb 2006 EP
1621143 Feb 2006 EP
1621145 Feb 2006 EP
1621151 Feb 2006 EP
1034746 Mar 2006 EP
1201196 Mar 2006 EP
1632191 Mar 2006 EP
1647231 Apr 2006 EP
1065981 May 2006 EP
1082944 May 2006 EP
1230899 May 2006 EP
1652481 May 2006 EP
1382303 Jun 2006 EP
1253866 Jul 2006 EP
1676539 Jul 2006 EP
1032318 Aug 2006 EP
1045672 Aug 2006 EP
1617768 Aug 2006 EP
1693015 Aug 2006 EP
1400214 Sep 2006 EP
1702567 Sep 2006 EP
1129665 Nov 2006 EP
1400206 Nov 2006 EP
1721568 Nov 2006 EP
1256317 Dec 2006 EP
1285633 Dec 2006 EP
1728473 Dec 2006 EP
1728475 Dec 2006 EP
1736105 Dec 2006 EP
1011494 Jan 2007 EP
1479346 Jan 2007 EP
1484024 Jan 2007 EP
1749485 Feb 2007 EP
1754445 Feb 2007 EP
1759812 Mar 2007 EP
1767157 Mar 2007 EP
1767163 Mar 2007 EP
1563792 Apr 2007 EP
1769756 Apr 2007 EP
1769758 Apr 2007 EP
1581128 May 2007 EP
1780825 May 2007 EP
1785097 May 2007 EP
1790293 May 2007 EP
1790294 May 2007 EP
1563793 Jun 2007 EP
1791473 Jun 2007 EP
1800610 Jun 2007 EP
1300117 Aug 2007 EP
1813199 Aug 2007 EP
1813200 Aug 2007 EP
1813201 Aug 2007 EP
1813202 Aug 2007 EP
1813203 Aug 2007 EP
1813207 Aug 2007 EP
1813209 Aug 2007 EP
1815950 Aug 2007 EP
1330991 Sep 2007 EP
1806103 Sep 2007 EP
1837041 Sep 2007 EP
0922435 Oct 2007 EP
1487359 Oct 2007 EP
1599146 Oct 2007 EP
1839596 Oct 2007 EP
2110083 Oct 2007 EP
1679096 Nov 2007 EP
1857057 Nov 2007 EP
1402821 Dec 2007 EP
1872727 Jan 2008 EP
1550410 Feb 2008 EP
1671593 Feb 2008 EP
1897502 Mar 2008 EP
1611856 Apr 2008 EP
1908417 Apr 2008 EP
1917929 May 2008 EP
1330201 Jun 2008 EP
1702568 Jul 2008 EP
1943955 Jul 2008 EP
1943957 Jul 2008 EP
1943959 Jul 2008 EP
1943962 Jul 2008 EP
1943964 Jul 2008 EP
1943976 Jul 2008 EP
1593337 Aug 2008 EP
1970014 Sep 2008 EP
1974678 Oct 2008 EP
1980213 Oct 2008 EP
1980214 Oct 2008 EP
1759645 Nov 2008 EP
1987780 Nov 2008 EP
1990014 Nov 2008 EP
1992296 Nov 2008 EP
1552795 Dec 2008 EP
1693008 Dec 2008 EP
1759640 Dec 2008 EP
1997439 Dec 2008 EP
2000101 Dec 2008 EP
2000102 Dec 2008 EP
2005894 Dec 2008 EP
2005897 Dec 2008 EP
2005901 Dec 2008 EP
2008595 Dec 2008 EP
2025293 Feb 2009 EP
1736104 Mar 2009 EP
1749486 Mar 2009 EP
1782743 Mar 2009 EP
2039302 Mar 2009 EP
2039308 Mar 2009 EP
2039316 Mar 2009 EP
1721576 Apr 2009 EP
1733686 Apr 2009 EP
2044890 Apr 2009 EP
2055243 May 2009 EP
1550409 Jun 2009 EP
1550413 Jun 2009 EP
1719461 Jun 2009 EP
1834594 Jun 2009 EP
1709911 Jul 2009 EP
2077093 Jul 2009 EP
1745748 Aug 2009 EP
2090231 Aug 2009 EP
2090237 Aug 2009 EP
2090241 Aug 2009 EP
2090244 Aug 2009 EP
2090245 Aug 2009 EP
2090254 Aug 2009 EP
2090256 Aug 2009 EP
2095777 Sep 2009 EP
2098170 Sep 2009 EP
2100562 Sep 2009 EP
2110082 Oct 2009 EP
2110084 Oct 2009 EP
2111803 Oct 2009 EP
1762190 Nov 2009 EP
1813208 Nov 2009 EP
1908426 Nov 2009 EP
2116195 Nov 2009 EP
2116197 Nov 2009 EP
1607050 Dec 2009 EP
1815804 Dec 2009 EP
1875870 Dec 2009 EP
1878395 Jan 2010 EP
2151204 Feb 2010 EP
1813211 Mar 2010 EP
2165654 Mar 2010 EP
2165656 Mar 2010 EP
2165660 Mar 2010 EP
2165663 Mar 2010 EP
2165664 Mar 2010 EP
1566150 Apr 2010 EP
1813206 Apr 2010 EP
2184014 May 2010 EP
1769754 Jun 2010 EP
1854416 Jun 2010 EP
1911408 Jun 2010 EP
2198787 Jun 2010 EP
2214610 Aug 2010 EP
2218409 Aug 2010 EP
1647286 Sep 2010 EP
1825821 Sep 2010 EP
1535565 Oct 2010 EP
1702570 Oct 2010 EP
1785098 Oct 2010 EP
2005896 Oct 2010 EP
2030578 Nov 2010 EP
2036505 Nov 2010 EP
2245993 Nov 2010 EP
2245994 Nov 2010 EP
2253280 Nov 2010 EP
1627605 Dec 2010 EP
2027811 Dec 2010 EP
2130498 Dec 2010 EP
2258282 Dec 2010 EP
2263568 Dec 2010 EP
1994890 Jan 2011 EP
2005900 Jan 2011 EP
2277667 Jan 2011 EP
2283780 Feb 2011 EP
2286738 Feb 2011 EP
1494595 Mar 2011 EP
1690502 Mar 2011 EP
1884201 Mar 2011 EP
2292153 Mar 2011 EP
1769755 Apr 2011 EP
2090240 Apr 2011 EP
2305135 Apr 2011 EP
2308388 Apr 2011 EP
2314254 Apr 2011 EP
2316345 May 2011 EP
2316366 May 2011 EP
2319443 May 2011 EP
2324776 May 2011 EP
1813205 Jun 2011 EP
2042107 Jun 2011 EP
2090243 Jun 2011 EP
2329773 Jun 2011 EP
2090239 Jul 2011 EP
2340771 Jul 2011 EP
2353545 Aug 2011 EP
2361562 Aug 2011 EP
2377472 Oct 2011 EP
1836986 Nov 2011 EP
1908414 Nov 2011 EP
2153781 Nov 2011 EP
2387943 Nov 2011 EP
2389928 Nov 2011 EP
1847225 Dec 2011 EP
2397079 Dec 2011 EP
2399538 Dec 2011 EP
1785102 Jan 2012 EP
1316290 Feb 2012 EP
2415416 Feb 2012 EP
2090253 Mar 2012 EP
2430986 Mar 2012 EP
1347638 May 2012 EP
1943956 May 2012 EP
2446834 May 2012 EP
2455007 May 2012 EP
2457519 May 2012 EP
2462878 Jun 2012 EP
2462880 Jun 2012 EP
1813204 Jul 2012 EP
2189121 Jul 2012 EP
2248475 Jul 2012 EP
2478845 Jul 2012 EP
2005895 Aug 2012 EP
2090248 Aug 2012 EP
2481359 Aug 2012 EP
2484304 Aug 2012 EP
2486860 Aug 2012 EP
2486862 Aug 2012 EP
2486868 Aug 2012 EP
1908412 Sep 2012 EP
1935351 Sep 2012 EP
2497431 Sep 2012 EP
1550412 Oct 2012 EP
1616549 Oct 2012 EP
2030579 Oct 2012 EP
2090252 Oct 2012 EP
2517637 Oct 2012 EP
2517638 Oct 2012 EP
2517642 Oct 2012 EP
2517645 Oct 2012 EP
2517649 Oct 2012 EP
2517651 Oct 2012 EP
2526877 Nov 2012 EP
2526883 Nov 2012 EP
1884206 Mar 2013 EP
2286735 Mar 2013 EP
2090238 Apr 2013 EP
2586380 May 2013 EP
2586383 May 2013 EP
2606812 Jun 2013 EP
2606834 Jun 2013 EP
1982657 Jul 2013 EP
2614782 Jul 2013 EP
2617369 Jul 2013 EP
2090234 Sep 2013 EP
2633830 Sep 2013 EP
2644124 Oct 2013 EP
2644209 Oct 2013 EP
2649948 Oct 2013 EP
2649949 Oct 2013 EP
1997438 Nov 2013 EP
2684529 Jan 2014 EP
2687164 Jan 2014 EP
2700367 Feb 2014 EP
2713902 Apr 2014 EP
1772105 May 2014 EP
2759267 Jul 2014 EP
2764826 Aug 2014 EP
2764827 Aug 2014 EP
2767243 Aug 2014 EP
2772206 Sep 2014 EP
2772209 Sep 2014 EP
2777520 Sep 2014 EP
2777528 Sep 2014 EP
2777537 Sep 2014 EP
2777538 Sep 2014 EP
2786714 Oct 2014 EP
2792313 Oct 2014 EP
2803324 Nov 2014 EP
2815704 Dec 2014 EP
2446835 Jan 2015 EP
2845545 Mar 2015 EP
1943960 Apr 2015 EP
2090255 Apr 2015 EP
2923647 Sep 2015 EP
2923653 Sep 2015 EP
2923660 Sep 2015 EP
2944270 Nov 2015 EP
1774914 Dec 2015 EP
2090235 Apr 2016 EP
2823773 Apr 2016 EP
2131750 May 2016 EP
2298220 Jun 2016 EP
2510891 Jun 2016 EP
1915957 Aug 2016 EP
2296559 Aug 2016 EP
2586379 Aug 2016 EP
2777533 Oct 2016 EP
2364651 Nov 2016 EP
2116192 Mar 2017 EP
2311386 Jun 2017 EP
2839787 Jun 2017 EP
2745782 Oct 2017 EP
2396594 Feb 2013 ES
459743 Nov 1913 FR
999646 Feb 1952 FR
1112936 Mar 1956 FR
2452275 Apr 1983 FR
2598905 Nov 1987 FR
2689749 Jul 1994 FR
2765794 Jan 1999 FR
2815842 Oct 2000 FR
939929 Oct 1963 GB
1210522 Oct 1970 GB
1217159 Dec 1970 GB
1339394 Dec 1973 GB
2024012 Jan 1980 GB
2109241 Jun 1983 GB
2272159 May 1994 GB
2284242 May 1995 GB
2286435 Aug 1995 GB
2336214 Oct 1999 GB
2425903 Nov 2006 GB
2423199 May 2009 GB
2509523 Jul 2014 GB
930100110 Nov 1993 GR
S 47-11908 May 1972 JP
S 50-33988 Apr 1975 JP
S 56-112235 Sep 1981 JP
S 58500053 Jan 1983 JP
S 58-501360 Aug 1983 JP
S 59-174920 Mar 1984 JP
S 60-100955 Jun 1985 JP
S 60-212152 Oct 1985 JP
S 61-98249 May 1986 JP
S 61502036 Sep 1986 JP
S 62-170011 Oct 1987 JP
S 63-59764 Mar 1988 JP
S 63-147449 Jun 1988 JP
S 63-203149 Aug 1988 JP
H 02-279149 Nov 1990 JP
H 03-12126 Jan 1991 JP
H 03-18354 Jan 1991 JP
H 03-78514 Aug 1991 JP
H 03-85009 Aug 1991 JP
H 04-215747 Aug 1992 JP
H 04-131860 Dec 1992 JP
H 05-84252 Apr 1993 JP
H 05-123325 May 1993 JP
H 06-30945 Feb 1994 JP
H 06-54857 Mar 1994 JP
H 06-63054 Mar 1994 JP
H 06-26812 Apr 1994 JP
H 06-121798 May 1994 JP
H 06-125913 May 1994 JP
H 06-197901 Jul 1994 JP
H 06-237937 Aug 1994 JP
H 06-327684 Nov 1994 JP
H 07-9622 Feb 1995 JP
H 07-31623 Feb 1995 JP
H 07-47070 Feb 1995 JP
H 07-51273 Feb 1995 JP
H 07-124166 May 1995 JP
H 07-163573 Jun 1995 JP
H 07-163574 Jun 1995 JP
H 07-171163 Jul 1995 JP
H 07-255735 Oct 1995 JP
H 07-285089 Oct 1995 JP
H 07-299074 Nov 1995 JP
H 08-33641 Feb 1996 JP
H 08-33642 Feb 1996 JP
H 08-164141 Jun 1996 JP
H 08-173437 Jul 1996 JP
H 08-182684 Jul 1996 JP
H 08-215201 Aug 1996 JP
H 08-507708 Aug 1996 JP
H 08-229050 Sep 1996 JP
H 08-289895 Nov 1996 JP
H 08-336540 Dec 1996 JP
H 08-336544 Dec 1996 JP
H 09-501081 Feb 1997 JP
H 09-501577 Feb 1997 JP
H 09-164144 Jun 1997 JP
H 10-113352 May 1998 JP
H 10-118090 May 1998 JP
H 10-296660 Nov 1998 JP
H 10-512465 Dec 1998 JP
H 10-512469 Dec 1998 JP
2000-014632 Jan 2000 JP
2000-033071 Feb 2000 JP
2000-112002 Apr 2000 JP
2000-166932 Jun 2000 JP
2000-171730 Jun 2000 JP
3056672 Jun 2000 JP
2000-287987 Oct 2000 JP
2000-325303 Nov 2000 JP
2001-037763 Feb 2001 JP
2001-046384 Feb 2001 JP
2001-087272 Apr 2001 JP
2001-514541 Sep 2001 JP
2001-276091 Oct 2001 JP
2001-286477 Oct 2001 JP
2001-517473 Oct 2001 JP
2002-051974 Feb 2002 JP
2002-085415 Mar 2002 JP
2002-143078 May 2002 JP
2002-204801 Jul 2002 JP
2002-528161 Sep 2002 JP
2002-314298 Oct 2002 JP
2002-369820 Dec 2002 JP
2002-542186 Dec 2002 JP
2003-000603 Jan 2003 JP
2003-500153 Jan 2003 JP
2003-504104 Feb 2003 JP
2003-135473 May 2003 JP
2003-148903 May 2003 JP
2003-164066 Jun 2003 JP
2003-521301 Jul 2003 JP
2003-521304 Jul 2003 JP
2003-523251 Aug 2003 JP
2003-523254 Aug 2003 JP
2003-524431 Aug 2003 JP
3442423 Sep 2003 JP
2003-300416 Oct 2003 JP
2004-147701 May 2004 JP
2004-162035 Jun 2004 JP
2004-229976 Aug 2004 JP
2004-524076 Aug 2004 JP
2004-531280 Oct 2004 JP
2004-532084 Oct 2004 JP
2004-532676 Oct 2004 JP
2004-329624 Nov 2004 JP
2004-535217 Nov 2004 JP
2004-337617 Dec 2004 JP
2004-344662 Dec 2004 JP
2004-344663 Dec 2004 JP
2005-013573 Jan 2005 JP
2005-028147 Feb 2005 JP
2005-028148 Feb 2005 JP
2005-028149 Feb 2005 JP
2005-505309 Feb 2005 JP
2005-505322 Feb 2005 JP
2005-505334 Feb 2005 JP
2005-080702 Mar 2005 JP
2005-103280 Apr 2005 JP
2005-103281 Apr 2005 JP
2005-103293 Apr 2005 JP
2005-511131 Apr 2005 JP
2005-511137 Apr 2005 JP
2005-131163 May 2005 JP
2005-131164 May 2005 JP
2005-131173 May 2005 JP
2005-131211 May 2005 JP
2005-131212 May 2005 JP
2005-137423 Jun 2005 JP
2005-137919 Jun 2005 JP
2005-144183 Jun 2005 JP
2005-152416 Jun 2005 JP
2005-516714 Jun 2005 JP
2005-187954 Jul 2005 JP
2005-521109 Jul 2005 JP
2005-523105 Aug 2005 JP
2005-524474 Aug 2005 JP
4461008 Aug 2005 JP
2005-296412 Oct 2005 JP
2005-529675 Oct 2005 JP
2005-529677 Nov 2005 JP
2005-328882 Dec 2005 JP
2005-335432 Dec 2005 JP
2005-342267 Dec 2005 JP
2006-034975 Feb 2006 JP
2006-034977 Feb 2006 JP
2006-034978 Feb 2006 JP
2006-034980 Feb 2006 JP
2006-043451 Feb 2006 JP
2006-506106 Feb 2006 JP
2006-510879 Mar 2006 JP
3791856 Jun 2006 JP
2006-187649 Jul 2006 JP
2006-218228 Aug 2006 JP
2006-218297 Aug 2006 JP
2006-223872 Aug 2006 JP
2006-281405 Oct 2006 JP
2006-289064 Oct 2006 JP
2006-334412 Dec 2006 JP
2006-334417 Dec 2006 JP
2006-346445 Dec 2006 JP
2007-000634 Jan 2007 JP
2007-050253 Mar 2007 JP
2007-061628 Mar 2007 JP
2007-083051 Apr 2007 JP
2007-098130 Apr 2007 JP
2007-105481 Apr 2007 JP
3906843 Apr 2007 JP
2007-117725 May 2007 JP
2007-130471 May 2007 JP
2007-130479 May 2007 JP
2007-222615 Jun 2007 JP
3934161 Jun 2007 JP
2007-203047 Aug 2007 JP
2007-203049 Aug 2007 JP
2007-203051 Aug 2007 JP
2007-203055 Aug 2007 JP
2007-203057 Aug 2007 JP
2007-524435 Aug 2007 JP
2007-229448 Sep 2007 JP
2007-526026 Sep 2007 JP
2007-252916 Oct 2007 JP
4001860 Oct 2007 JP
2007-307373 Nov 2007 JP
2007-325922 Dec 2007 JP
2008-068073 Mar 2008 JP
2008-510515 Apr 2008 JP
2008-516669 May 2008 JP
2008-528203 Jul 2008 JP
2008-206967 Sep 2008 JP
2008-212637 Sep 2008 JP
2008-212638 Sep 2008 JP
2008-212640 Sep 2008 JP
2008-220956 Sep 2008 JP
2008-237881 Oct 2008 JP
2008-259860 Oct 2008 JP
2008-264535 Nov 2008 JP
2008-283459 Nov 2008 JP
2008-307393 Dec 2008 JP
2009-000531 Jan 2009 JP
2009-006137 Jan 2009 JP
2009-502351 Jan 2009 JP
2009-502352 Jan 2009 JP
2009-022742 Feb 2009 JP
2009-506799 Feb 2009 JP
2009-507526 Feb 2009 JP
2009-072595 Apr 2009 JP
2009-072599 Apr 2009 JP
2009-090113 Apr 2009 JP
2009-106752 May 2009 JP
2009-189821 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189823 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189836 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189837 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189838 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189846 Aug 2009 JP
2009-189847 Aug 2009 JP
2009-201998 Sep 2009 JP
2009-536082 Oct 2009 JP
2009-261944 Nov 2009 JP
2009-268908 Nov 2009 JP
2009-538684 Nov 2009 JP
2009-539420 Nov 2009 JP
2009-291604 Dec 2009 JP
2010-504808 Feb 2010 JP
2010-504809 Feb 2010 JP
2010-504813 Feb 2010 JP
2010-504846 Feb 2010 JP
2010-505524 Feb 2010 JP
2010-069307 Apr 2010 JP
2010-069310 Apr 2010 JP
2010-075694 Apr 2010 JP
2010-075695 Apr 2010 JP
2010-088876 Apr 2010 JP
2010-094514 Apr 2010 JP
2010-098844 Apr 2010 JP
2010-520025 Jun 2010 JP
2010-142636 Jul 2010 JP
2010-148879 Jul 2010 JP
2010-214166 Sep 2010 JP
4549018 Sep 2010 JP
2010-240411 Oct 2010 JP
2010-240429 Oct 2010 JP
2010-246948 Nov 2010 JP
2010-279690 Dec 2010 JP
2010-540041 Dec 2010 JP
2010-540192 Dec 2010 JP
2011-005260 Jan 2011 JP
2011-504391 Feb 2011 JP
2011-509786 Mar 2011 JP
2011-072797 Apr 2011 JP
2011-078763 Apr 2011 JP
2011-115594 Jun 2011 JP
2011-520564 Jul 2011 JP
2011-524199 Sep 2011 JP
4783373 Sep 2011 JP
2011-251156 Dec 2011 JP
2012-040398 Mar 2012 JP
2012-507356 Mar 2012 JP
2012-517289 Aug 2012 JP
5140421 Feb 2013 JP
5162595 Mar 2013 JP
2013-517891 May 2013 JP
2013-526342 Jun 2013 JP
2013-128791 Jul 2013 JP
5212039 Jul 2013 JP
5333899 Nov 2013 JP
6007357 Oct 2016 JP
20110003229 Jan 2011 KR
2008830 Mar 1994 RU
2052979 Jan 1996 RU
2066128 Sep 1996 RU
2098025 Dec 1997 RU
2141279 Nov 1999 RU
2144791 Jan 2000 RU
2181566 Apr 2002 RU
2187249 Aug 2002 RU
2189091 Sep 2002 RU
32984 Oct 2003 RU
2225170 Mar 2004 RU
42750 Dec 2004 RU
61114 Feb 2007 RU
2007-103563 Aug 2008 RU
189517 Jan 1967 SU
328636 Sep 1972 SU
511939 Apr 1976 SU
674747 Jul 1979 SU
886900 Dec 1981 SU
1009439 Apr 1983 SU
1022703 Jun 1983 SU
1271497 Nov 1986 SU
1333319 Aug 1987 SU
1377053 Feb 1988 SU
1443874 Dec 1988 SU
1509051 Sep 1989 SU
1561964 May 1990 SU
1708312 Jan 1992 SU
1722476 Mar 1992 SU
1752361 Aug 1992 SU
1814161 May 1993 SU
1377052 Feb 1998 SU
WO 8202824 Sep 1982 WO
WO 8602254 Apr 1986 WO
WO 9115157 Oct 1991 WO
WO 9220295 Nov 1992 WO
WO 9221300 Dec 1992 WO
WO 9308755 May 1993 WO
WO 9313718 Jul 1993 WO
WO 9314690 Aug 1993 WO
WO 9315648 Aug 1993 WO
WO 9315850 Aug 1993 WO
WO 9319681 Oct 1993 WO
WO 9400060 Jan 1994 WO
WO 9411057 May 1994 WO
WO 9412108 Jun 1994 WO
WO 9414129 Jun 1994 WO
WO 9417737 Aug 1994 WO
WO 9418893 Sep 1994 WO
WO 9420030 Sep 1994 WO
WO 9422378 Oct 1994 WO
WO 9423659 Oct 1994 WO
WO 9424943 Nov 1994 WO
WO 9424947 Nov 1994 WO
WO 9502369 Jan 1995 WO
WO 9503743 Feb 1995 WO
WO 9506817 Mar 1995 WO
WO 9509576 Apr 1995 WO
WO 9509577 Apr 1995 WO
WO 9514436 Jun 1995 WO
WO 9517855 Jul 1995 WO
WO 9518383 Jul 1995 WO
WO 9518572 Jul 1995 WO
WO 9519739 Jul 1995 WO
WO 9520360 Aug 1995 WO
WO 9523557 Sep 1995 WO
WO 9524865 Sep 1995 WO
WO 9525471 Sep 1995 WO
WO 9526562 Oct 1995 WO
WO 9529639 Nov 1995 WO
WO 9604858 Feb 1996 WO
WO 9618344 Jun 1996 WO
WO 9619151 Jun 1996 WO
WO 9619152 Jun 1996 WO
WO 9620652 Jul 1996 WO
WO 9621119 Jul 1996 WO
WO 9622055 Jul 1996 WO
WO 9623448 Aug 1996 WO
WO 9624301 Aug 1996 WO
WO 9627337 Sep 1996 WO
WO 9631155 Oct 1996 WO
WO 9635464 Nov 1996 WO
WO 9639085 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9639086 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9639087 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9639088 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9639089 Dec 1996 WO
WO 9700646 Jan 1997 WO
WO 9700647 Jan 1997 WO
WO 9701989 Jan 1997 WO
WO 9706582 Feb 1997 WO
WO 9710763 Mar 1997 WO
WO 9710764 Mar 1997 WO
WO 9711648 Apr 1997 WO
WO 9711649 Apr 1997 WO
WO 9715237 May 1997 WO
WO 9724073 Jul 1997 WO
WO 9724993 Jul 1997 WO
WO 9730644 Aug 1997 WO
WO 9730659 Aug 1997 WO
WO 9734533 Sep 1997 WO
WO 9737598 Oct 1997 WO
WO 9739688 Oct 1997 WO
WO 9741767 Nov 1997 WO
WO 9801080 Jan 1998 WO
WO 9817180 Apr 1998 WO
WO 9822154 May 1998 WO
WO 9827880 Jul 1998 WO
WO 9830153 Jul 1998 WO
WO 9847436 Oct 1998 WO
WO 9858589 Dec 1998 WO
WO 9902090 Jan 1999 WO
WO 9903407 Jan 1999 WO
WO 9903408 Jan 1999 WO
WO 9903409 Jan 1999 WO
WO 9912483 Mar 1999 WO
WO 9912487 Mar 1999 WO
WO 9912488 Mar 1999 WO
WO 9915086 Apr 1999 WO
WO 9915091 Apr 1999 WO
WO 9923933 May 1999 WO
WO 9923959 May 1999 WO
WO 9925261 May 1999 WO
WO 9929244 Jun 1999 WO
WO 9934744 Jul 1999 WO
WO 9945849 Sep 1999 WO
WO 9948430 Sep 1999 WO
WO 9951158 Oct 1999 WO
WO 0024322 May 2000 WO
WO 0024330 May 2000 WO
WO 0033755 Jun 2000 WO
WO 0041638 Jul 2000 WO
WO 0048506 Aug 2000 WO
WO 0053112 Sep 2000 WO
WO 0054653 Sep 2000 WO
WO 00057796 Oct 2000 WO
WO 0064365 Nov 2000 WO
WO 0072762 Dec 2000 WO
WO 0072765 Dec 2000 WO
WO 0078222 Dec 2000 WO
WO 0103587 Jan 2001 WO
WO 0105702 Jan 2001 WO
WO 01010482 Feb 2001 WO
WO 0135845 May 2001 WO
WO 0154594 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0158371 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162158 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162161 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162162 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162163 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162164 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0162169 Aug 2001 WO
WO 0178605 Oct 2001 WO
WO 0180757 Nov 2001 WO
WO 0191646 Dec 2001 WO
WO 0200121 Jan 2002 WO
WO 0207608 Jan 2002 WO
WO 0207618 Jan 2002 WO
WO 0217799 Mar 2002 WO
WO 0219920 Mar 2002 WO
WO 0219932 Mar 2002 WO
WO 0226143 Apr 2002 WO
WO 0230297 Apr 2002 WO
WO 0232322 Apr 2002 WO
WO 0236028 May 2002 WO
WO 0243571 Jun 2002 WO
WO 02058568 Aug 2002 WO
WO 02060328 Aug 2002 WO
WO 02065933 Aug 2002 WO
WO 02067785 Sep 2002 WO
WO 02080781 Oct 2002 WO
WO 02085218 Oct 2002 WO
WO 02087586 Nov 2002 WO
WO 02098302 Dec 2002 WO
WO 03000138 Jan 2003 WO
WO 03001329 Jan 2003 WO
WO 03001986 Jan 2003 WO
WO 03013363 Feb 2003 WO
WO 03013372 Feb 2003 WO
WO 03015604 Feb 2003 WO
WO 03020106 Mar 2003 WO
WO 03020139 Mar 2003 WO
WO 03024339 Mar 2003 WO
WO 2003079909 Mar 2003 WO
WO 03030743 Apr 2003 WO
WO 03037193 May 2003 WO
WO 2003047436 Jun 2003 WO
WO 03055402 Jul 2003 WO
WO 03057048 Jul 2003 WO
WO 03057058 Jul 2003 WO
WO 2003063694 Aug 2003 WO
WO 03077769 Sep 2003 WO
WO 03079911 Oct 2003 WO
WO 03082126 Oct 2003 WO
WO 03086206 Oct 2003 WO
WO 03088845 Oct 2003 WO
WO 03090630 Nov 2003 WO
WO 03094743 Nov 2003 WO
WO 03094745 Nov 2003 WO
WO 2003094746 Nov 2003 WO
WO 2003094747 Nov 2003 WO
WO 03101313 Dec 2003 WO
WO 03105698 Dec 2003 WO
WO 03105702 Dec 2003 WO
WO 2004004578 Jan 2004 WO
WO 2004006980 Jan 2004 WO
WO 2004011037 Feb 2004 WO
WO 2004014238 Feb 2004 WO
WO 2004019769 Mar 2004 WO
WO 2004019803 Mar 2004 WO
WO 2004021868 Mar 2004 WO
WO 2004028585 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004030554 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004032754 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004032760 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004032762 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004032763 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004032783 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004034875 Apr 2004 WO
WO 2004047626 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004047653 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004049956 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004050971 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004052426 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004056276 Jul 2004 WO
WO 2004056277 Jul 2004 WO
WO 2004062516 Jul 2004 WO
WO 2004064600 Aug 2004 WO
WO 2004078050 Sep 2004 WO
WO 2004078051 Sep 2004 WO
WO 2004078236 Sep 2004 WO
WO 2004086987 Oct 2004 WO
WO 2004096015 Nov 2004 WO
WO 2004096057 Nov 2004 WO
WO 2004103157 Dec 2004 WO
WO 2004105593 Dec 2004 WO
WO 2004105621 Dec 2004 WO
WO 2004112618 Dec 2004 WO
WO 2004112652 Dec 2004 WO
WO 2005027983 Mar 2005 WO
WO 2005037329 Apr 2005 WO
WO 2005042041 May 2005 WO
WO 2005044078 May 2005 WO
WO 2005048809 Jun 2005 WO
WO 2005055846 Jun 2005 WO
WO 2005072634 Aug 2005 WO
WO 2005078892 Aug 2005 WO
WO 2005079675 Sep 2005 WO
WO 2005087128 Sep 2005 WO
WO 2005096954 Oct 2005 WO
WO 2005110243 Nov 2005 WO
WO 2005112806 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2005112808 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2005115251 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2005115253 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2005117735 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2005122936 Dec 2005 WO
WO 2006023486 Mar 2006 WO
WO 2006023578 Mar 2006 WO
WO 2006026520 Mar 2006 WO
WO 2006027014 Mar 2006 WO
WO 2006028314 Mar 2006 WO
WO 2006044490 Apr 2006 WO
WO 2006044581 Apr 2006 WO
WO 2006044810 Apr 2006 WO
WO 2006049852 May 2006 WO
WO 2006050360 May 2006 WO
WO 2006051252 May 2006 WO
WO 2006057702 Jun 2006 WO
WO 2006059067 Jun 2006 WO
WO 2006073581 Jul 2006 WO
WO 2006083748 Aug 2006 WO
WO 2006085389 Aug 2006 WO
WO 2006092563 Sep 2006 WO
WO 2006092565 Sep 2006 WO
WO 2006115958 Nov 2006 WO
WO 2006125940 Nov 2006 WO
WO 2006132992 Dec 2006 WO
WO 2007002180 Jan 2007 WO
WO 2007016290 Feb 2007 WO
WO 2007018898 Feb 2007 WO
WO 2007034161 Mar 2007 WO
WO 2007051000 May 2007 WO
WO 2007059233 May 2007 WO
WO 2007074430 Jul 2007 WO
WO 2007089603 Aug 2007 WO
WO 2007098220 Aug 2007 WO
WO 2007121579 Nov 2007 WO
WO 2007129121 Nov 2007 WO
WO 2007131110 Nov 2007 WO
WO 2007137304 Nov 2007 WO
WO 2007139734 Dec 2007 WO
WO 2007142625 Dec 2007 WO
WO 2007145825 Dec 2007 WO
WO 2007146987 Dec 2007 WO
WO 2007147439 Dec 2007 WO
WO 2008020964 Feb 2008 WO
WO 2008021687 Feb 2008 WO
WO 2008021969 Feb 2008 WO
WO 2008027972 Mar 2008 WO
WO 2008039237 Apr 2008 WO
WO 2008039249 Apr 2008 WO
WO 2008039270 Apr 2008 WO
WO 2008045383 Apr 2008 WO
WO 2008057281 May 2008 WO
WO 2008070763 Jun 2008 WO
WO 2008080148 Jul 2008 WO
WO 2008089404 Jul 2008 WO
WO 2008101080 Aug 2008 WO
WO 2008101228 Aug 2008 WO
WO 2008103797 Aug 2008 WO
WO 2008109123 Sep 2008 WO
WO 2008109125 Sep 2008 WO
WO 2008112912 Sep 2008 WO
WO 2008118728 Oct 2008 WO
WO 2008118928 Oct 2008 WO
WO 2008124748 Oct 2008 WO
WO 2008131357 Oct 2008 WO
WO 2009005969 Jan 2009 WO
WO 2009022614 Feb 2009 WO
WO 2009023851 Feb 2009 WO
WO 2009033057 Mar 2009 WO
WO 2009039506 Mar 2009 WO
WO 2009046394 Apr 2009 WO
WO 2009066105 May 2009 WO
WO 2009067649 May 2009 WO
WO 2009091497 Jul 2009 WO
WO 2009120944 Oct 2009 WO
WO 2009137761 Nov 2009 WO
WO 2009143092 Nov 2009 WO
WO 2009143331 Nov 2009 WO
WO 2009150650 Dec 2009 WO
WO 2009152307 Dec 2009 WO
WO 2010028332 Mar 2010 WO
WO 2010030434 Mar 2010 WO
WO 2010045425 Apr 2010 WO
WO 2010050771 May 2010 WO
WO 2010054404 May 2010 WO
WO 2010056714 May 2010 WO
WO 2010063795 Jun 2010 WO
WO 2010090940 Aug 2010 WO
WO 2010093333 Aug 2010 WO
WO 2010098871 Sep 2010 WO
WO 2011008672 Jan 2011 WO
WO 2011013103 Feb 2011 WO
WO 2011044343 Apr 2011 WO
WO 2011060311 May 2011 WO
WO 2011084969 Jul 2011 WO
WO 2011127137 Oct 2011 WO
WO 2012006306 Jan 2012 WO
WO 2012009431 Jan 2012 WO
WO 2012021671 Feb 2012 WO
WO 2012040438 Mar 2012 WO
WO 2012044551 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044554 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044597 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044606 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044820 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044844 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044853 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012044854 Apr 2012 WO
WO 2012058213 May 2012 WO
WO 2012068156 May 2012 WO
WO 2012109760 Aug 2012 WO
WO 2012127462 Sep 2012 WO
WO 2012135705 Oct 2012 WO
WO 2012143913 Oct 2012 WO
WO 2012148667 Nov 2012 WO
WO 2012148668 Nov 2012 WO
WO 2012148703 Nov 2012 WO
WO 2012160163 Nov 2012 WO
WO 2012166503 Dec 2012 WO
WO 2013009252 Jan 2013 WO
WO 2013009699 Jan 2013 WO
WO 2013023114 Feb 2013 WO
WO 2013036409 Mar 2013 WO
WO 2013043707 Mar 2013 WO
WO 2013043717 Mar 2013 WO
WO 2013043721 Mar 2013 WO
WO 2013062978 May 2013 WO
WO 2013116869 Aug 2013 WO
WO 2013148762 Oct 2013 WO
WO 2013167427 Nov 2013 WO
WO 2013188130 Dec 2013 WO
WO 2014004199 Jan 2014 WO
WO 2014004294 Jan 2014 WO
WO 2014008289 Jan 2014 WO
WO 2014134034 Sep 2014 WO
WO 2014172213 Oct 2014 WO
WO 2015032797 Mar 2015 WO
WO 2015148136 Oct 2015 WO
WO 2015148141 Oct 2015 WO
WO 2015153642 Oct 2015 WO
WO 2007014355 Feb 2017 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (66)
Entry
European Search Report, Application No. 07250373.3, dated Jul. 4, 2007 (8 pages).
Singapore Examination Report for Application No. 200700736-2, dated Jan. 19, 2009 (11 pages).
Singapore Search Report and Written Opinion for Application No. 200700736-2, dated Mar. 28, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2008 (25 pages).
European Search Report, Application No. 10179727.2, dated Dec. 15, 2010 (8 pages).
European Search Opinion, Application No. 07250373.3, dated Feb. 2008 (4 pages).
European Examination Report for Application No. 10179727.2, dated Apr. 19, 2013 (23 pages).
International Search Report for PCT/US2012/039141, dated Oct. 19, 2012 (5 pages).
Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/039141, dated Oct. 19, 2012 (6 pages).
International Search Report for PCT/US2012/026988, dated Jul. 3, 2012 (5 pages).
Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/026988, dated Jul. 3, 2012 (5 pages).
International Search Report for PCT/US2012/026993, dated Jul. 2, 2012 (5 pages).
Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/026993, dated Jul. 2, 2012 (5 pages).
International Search Report for PCT/US2012/039149, dated Sep. 21, 2012 (4 pages).
Written Opinion for PCT/US2012/039149, dated Sep. 21, 2012 (7 pages).
European Search Report for Application No. 09252252.3, dated Jun. 17, 2013 (8 pages).
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2012/026988, dated Sep. 3, 2013 (5 pages).
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2012/026993, dated Sep. 3, 2013 (8 pages).
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2012/039149, dated Dec. 2, 2013 (7 pages).
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2012/039141, dated Dec. 2, 2013 (6 pages).
European Examination Report for Application No. 12733816.8, dated May 6, 2015 (5 pages).
Disclosed Anonymously, “Motor-Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements,” Research Disclosure Database No. 526041, Published: Feb. 2008.
C.C. Thompson et al., “Peroral Endoscopic Reduction of Dilated Gastrojejunal Anastomosis After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Possible New Option for Patients with Weight Regain,” Surg Endosc (2006) vol. 20, pp. 1744-1748.
B.R. Coolman, DVM, MS et al., “Comparison of Skin Staples With Sutures for Anastomosis of the Small Intestine in Dogs,” Abstract; http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1053/jvet.2000.7539?cookieSet=1&journalCode=vsu which redirects to http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119040681/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0; [online] accessed: Sep. 22, 2008 (2 pages).
The Sodem Aseptic Battery Transfer Kit, Sodem Systems, (2000), 3 pages.
“Biomedical Coatings,” Fort Wayne Metals, Research Products Corporation, obtained online at www.fwmetals.com on Jun. 21, 2010 (1 page).
Van Meer et al., “A Disposable Plastic Compact Wrist for Smart Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools,” LAAS/CNRS (Aug. 2005).
Breedveld et al., “A New, Easily Miniaturized Sterrable Endoscope,” IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine (Nov./Dec. 2005).
D. Tuite, Ed., “Get the Lowdown on Ultracapacitors,” Nov. 15, 2007; [online] URL: http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/Print.cfm?ArticleID=17465, accessed Jan. 15, 2008 (5 pages).
Datasheet for Panasonic TK Relays Ultra Low Profile 2 A Polarized Relay, Copyright Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (Known of at least as early as Aug. 17, 2010), 5 pages.
ASTM procedure D2240-00, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness,” (Published Aug. 2000).
ASTM procedure D2240-05, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness,” (Published Apr. 2010).
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 1 page.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology and Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Staplers,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Black Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Curved Tip Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Stapler,” (2010), 2 pages.
Miyata et al., “Biomolecule-Sensitive Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 79-98.
Jeong et al., “Thermosensitive Sol-Gel Reversible Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 37-51.
Byrne et al., “Molecular Imprinting Within Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 149-161.
Qiu et al., “Environment-Sensitive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 53 (2001) pp. 321-339.
Hoffman, “Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 43 (2002) pp. 3-12.
Hoffman, “Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 3-12.
Peppas, “Physiologically Responsive Hydrogels,” Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, vol. 6 (Jul. 1991) pp. 241-246.
Ebara, “Carbohydrate-Derived Hydrogels and Microgels,” Engineered Carbohydrate-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications: Polymers, Surfaes, Dendrimers, Nanoparticles, and Hydrogels, Edited by Ravin Narain, 2011, pp. 337-345.
Peppas, Editor “Hydrogels in Medicine and Pharmacy,” vol. I, Fundamentals, CRC Press, 1986.
Matsuda, “Thermodynamics of Formation of Porous Polymeric Membrane from Solutions,” Polymer Journal, vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 435-444 (1991).
Young, “Microcellular foams via phase separation,” Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 4(3), (May/Jun. 1986).
Chen et al., “Elastomeric Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering,” Progress in Polymer Science 38 (2013), pp. 584-671.
Pitt et al., “Attachment of Hyaluronan to Metallic Surfaces,” J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 68A: pp. 95-106, 2004.
Schellhammer et al., “Poly-Lactic-Acid for Coating of Endovascular Stents: Preliminary Results in Canine Experimental Av-Fistulae,” Mat.-wiss. u. Werkstofftech., 32, pp. 193-199 (2001).
Solorio et al., “Gelatin Microspheres Crosslinked with Genipin for Local Delivery of Growth Factors,” J. Tissue Eng. Regen. Med. (2010), 4(7): pp. 514-523.
http://ninpgan.net/publications/51-100/89.pdf; 2004, Ning Pan, On Uniqueness of Fibrous Materials, Design & Nature II. Eds: Colins, M. and Brebbia, C. WIT Press, Boston, 493-504.
Covidien iDrive™ Ultra in Service Reference Card, “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling Device,” (4 pages).
Covidien iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System ibrochure, “The Power of iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System and Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (23 pages).
Seils et al., Covidien Summary: Clinical Study “UCONN Biodynamics: Final Report on Results,” (2 pages).
Covidien “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System, A Guide for Surgeons,” (6 pages).
Covidien “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System, Cleaning and Sterilization Guide,” (2 pages).
Covidien brochure “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System,” (6 pages).
“Indian Standard: Automotive Vehicles—Brakes and Braking Systems (IS 11852-1:2001)”, Mar. 1, 2001.
Fast, Versatile Blackfin Processors Handle Advanced RFID Reader Applications; Analog Dialogue: vol. 40—Sep. 2006; http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/40-09/rfid.pdf; Wayback Machine to Feb. 15, 2012.
Serial Communication Protocol; Michael Lemmon Feb. 1, 2009; http://www3.nd.edu/˜lemmon/courses/ee224/web-manual/web-manual/lab12/node2.html; Wayback Machine to Apr. 29, 2012.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC, Automotive Full Bridge MOSFET Driver, A3941-DS, Rev. 5, 21 pages, http://www.allegromicro.com/˜/media/Files/Datasheets/A3941-Datasheet.ashx?la=en.
Patrick J. Sweeney: “RFID for Dummies”, Mar. 11, 2010, pp. 365-365, XP055150775, ISBN: 978-1-11-805447-5, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: books.google.de/books?isbn=1118054474 [retrieved on Nov. 4, 2014]—book not attached.
Data Sheet of LM4F230H5QR, 2007.
Cuper et al., “The Use of Near-Infrared Light for Safe and Effective Visualization of Subsurface Blood Vessels to Facilitate Blood Withdrawal in Children,” Medical Engineering & Physics, vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 433-440 (2013).
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20140259591 A1 Sep 2014 US
Divisions (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 13369561 Feb 2012 US
Child 14292205 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 13118263 May 2011 US
Child 13369561 US