Control systems for surgical instruments

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staple cartridges therefor that are designed to cut and staple tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of an articulation joint which rotatable connects the shaft and the end effector of FIG. 1 which illustrates the end effector in a neutral, or centered, position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an articulation control of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in a neutral, or centered, position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the end effector, elongate shaft, and articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 depicts the end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 articulated about the articulation joint;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the articulation control of FIG. 6 actuated to move the end effector as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a firing member and a pinion gear positioned within the handle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the firing member and the pinion gear of FIG. 14 and a gear reducer assembly operably engaged with the pinion gear;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 12 with portions thereof removed to illustrate the firing member and the pinion gear of FIG. 14, the gear reducer assembly of FIG. 15, and an electric motor configured to drive the firing member distally and/or proximally depending on the direction in which the electric motor is turned;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft illustrated with portions of the handle removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrated with the end effector in an open configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an articulation lock actuator of the surgical instrument handle illustrated in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the end effector in an articulated, open configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an articulation driver engaged with a firing member of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17, wherein the movement of the firing member can motivate the articulation driver and articulate the end effector;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the end effector in a closed configuration, the articulation joint in an unlocked configuration, and an end effector closing drive being actuated to close the end effector and move the articulation lock actuator into a locked configuration;

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional detail view of the handle of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrated in the configuration described with regard to FIG. 22;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the end effector in a closed configuration and the articulation joint in a locked configuration, wherein the actuated closing drive prevents the articulation lock actuator from being moved into its unlocked configuration illustrated in FIGS. 20-22;

FIG. 24A is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrated in a locked configuration;

FIG. 24B is a plan view of the articulation joint of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional detail view of the handle of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the articulation driver disconnected from the firing member by closure drive;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the firing member in an at least partially fired position and the articulation driver disconnected from the firing member by the closure drive;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating end effector in a closed configuration, the articulation joint and the articulation joint actuator in a locked configuration, and the firing member in a retracted position;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the end effector in an open configuration, the end effector closing drive in a retracted position, and the articulation joint in a locked configuration;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional detail view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 17 illustrating the end effector in an open configuration and the articulation joint and the articulation joint actuator in an unlocked configuration wherein the articulation driver can be reconnected to the firing drive and utilized to articulate the end effector once again;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a shaft and an end effector of a surgical instrument including an alternative articulation lock arrangement;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 30 illustrating the end effector in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the end effector and the shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 30 illustrating the end effector in a locked configuration;

FIG. 33 is an assembly view of one form of surgical system including a surgical instrument and a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument handle coupled to an interchangeable shaft assembly;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical instrument handle of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 35 with a portion of the handle housing removed;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of an interchangeable shaft assembly;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational assembly view of a portion of the handle and interchangeable shaft assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the alignment of those components prior to being coupled together and with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly prior to attachment to a handle of a surgical instrument;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly coupled to a handle with the lock yoke in a locked or engaged position with a portion of the frame attachment module of the handle;

FIG. 41 is another side view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 40 with the lock yoke in the disengaged or unlocked position;

FIG. 42 is a top view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly and handle prior to being coupled together;

FIG. 43 is another top view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 42 coupled together;

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a surgical instrument handle prior to being coupled together;

FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and surgical instrument handle of FIG. 44 with portions thereof removed for clarity;

FIG. 46 is a side view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a portion of a surgical instrument handle prior to being coupled together and with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 47 is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 46 wherein the shaft assembly is in partial coupling engagement with the handle;

FIG. 48 is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 46 and 47 after being coupled together;

FIG. 49 is another side elevational view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly aligned with a portion of handle prior to commencing the coupling process;

FIG. 50 is a top view of a portion of another interchangeable shaft assembly and a portion of another surgical instrument frame arrangement;

FIG. 51 is another top view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 50 after being coupled together;

FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is another exploded perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 52 with the shaft attachment module of the shaft assembly in alignment with the frame attachment module of the frame portion prior to coupling;

FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 53 and 54 after being coupled together;

FIG. 56 is a side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is another perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 55 and 56 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 58 is a top view of a portion of another interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of a surgical instrument prior to being coupled together;

FIG. 59 is another top view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 58 after being coupled together;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame of FIGS. 58 and 59 prior to being coupled together;

FIG. 61 is another perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 58-60 after being coupled together;

FIG. 62 is another perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 58-60 after being coupled together, with portions of the shaft assembly shown in cross-section;

FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective assembly view of another end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of a surgical instrument;

FIG. 64 is a top exploded assembly view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is another exploded perspective assembly view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 63 and 64;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 63-65 after being coupled together;

FIG. 67 is a side elevational view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 66 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 68 is a top exploded assembly view of another end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of another surgical instrument;

FIG. 69 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is another perspective assembly view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 68 and 69 with the end effector shaft assembly prior to being latched in coupled engagement with the frame portion;

FIG. 71 is a top view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a top view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 68-71 after being coupled together;

FIG. 73 is a side elevational view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the end effector shaft assembly and frame portion of FIGS. 72 and 73;

FIG. 75 is an exploded assembly view of an interchangeable shaft assembly and corresponding handle with some components thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 76 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of portions of the end effector shaft assembly and the handle of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a partial perspective view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 75 and 76 coupled together with various components omitted for clarity;

FIG. 78 is a side elevational view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is a side elevational view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 75-78 coupled together with the closure drive in an unactuated position and with some components shown in cross-section;

FIG. 80 is another side elevational view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 79 with the closure drive in a fully actuated position;

FIG. 81 is an exploded assembly view of an interchangeable shaft assembly and corresponding handle with some components thereof omitted for clarity and wherein the closure drive system is in a locked orientation;

FIG. 82 is a side view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 81 coupled together with various components omitted for clarity and wherein the closure drive system is in an unlocked and unactuated position;

FIG. 83 is a side view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 82 with various components shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 84 is a side view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 81-83 coupled together with various components omitted for clarity and wherein the closure drive system is in an actuated position;

FIG. 85 is a side view of the end effector shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 84 with various components shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 86 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly and a portion of a handle of a surgical instrument;

FIG. 87 is a side elevational view of the portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 86;

FIG. 88 is another exploded perspective assembly view of portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 86 and 87 with portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 89 is another side elevational view of portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 86-88 with portions thereof shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 90 is a side elevational view of the portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 86-89 after the interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the handle and with portions of thereof shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 91 is another side elevational view of portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle coupled thereto with the closure drive system in a fully-actuated position;

FIG. 92 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a portion of another interchangeable shaft assembly and a portion of a handle of another surgical instrument;

FIG. 93 is a side elevational view of portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 92 in alignment prior to being coupled together;

FIG. 94 is another exploded perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 92 and 93 with some portions thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 95 is another perspective view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 92-94 coupled together in operable engagement;

FIG. 96 is a side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 95;

FIG. 97 is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIG. 96 with some components thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 98 is another side elevational view of the interchangeable shaft assembly and handle of FIGS. 92-96 with the closure trigger in a fully actuated position;

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of a portion of another interchangeable shaft assembly that includes a shaft locking assembly arrangement;

FIG. 100 is a perspective view of the shaft locking assembly arrangement depicted in FIG. 99 in a locked position with the intermediate firing shaft portion of the firing member of an interchangeable shaft assembly;

FIG. 101 is another perspective view of the shaft locking assembly and intermediate firing member portion with the shaft locking assembly in an unlocked position;

FIG. 102 is a schematic illustrating, one, a clutch assembly for operably connecting an articulation drive to a firing drive of a surgical instrument and, two, an articulation lock configured to releasably hold the articulation drive, and an end effector of the surgical instrument, in position, wherein FIG. 102 illustrates the clutch assembly in an engaged position and the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 103 is a schematic illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position and the articulation lock of FIG. 102 in a first unlocked condition which permits the articulation of the end effector of FIG. 102 in a first direction;

FIG. 104 is a schematic illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position and the articulation lock of FIG. 102 in a second unlocked condition which permits the articulation of the end effector of FIG. 102 in a second direction;

FIG. 104A is an exploded view of the clutch assembly and the articulation lock of FIG. 102;

FIG. 105 is a partial perspective view of a shaft assembly including the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position with portions of the shaft assembly removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 106 is a partial top plan view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position;

FIG. 107 is a partial bottom plan view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position;

FIG. 108 is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position with additional portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 109 is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in a disengaged position with additional portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 110 is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 moved into a disengaged position by a closure drive of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 111 is a partial plan view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in its engaged position with additional portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 112 is a partial plan view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 105 illustrating the clutch assembly of FIG. 102 in a disengaged position with additional portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 113 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an articulation lock illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 114 is an exploded view of the articulation lock of FIG. 113;

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an articulation lock illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 116 is an exploded view of the articulation lock of FIG. 114;

FIG. 117 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an articulation lock illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 118 is an exploded view of the articulation lock of FIG. 117;

FIG. 119 is an elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 117 illustrating the articulation lock illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 120 is an elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 117 illustrating the articulation lock in a first unlocked condition to articulate an end effector in a first direction;

FIG. 121 is an elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 117 illustrating the articulation lock in a second unlocked condition to articulate an end effector in a second direction;

FIG. 122 is another exploded view of the articulation lock of FIG. 117;

FIG. 123 is a perspective view of a first lock cam of the articulation lock of FIG. 117;

FIG. 124 is a perspective view of a second lock cam of the articulation lock of FIG. 117;

FIG. 125 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an articulation lock illustrated in a locked condition;

FIG. 126 is an exploded view of the articulation lock of FIG. 125;

FIG. 127 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 125 illustrating the articulation lock in a first unlocked condition for articulating an end effector in a first direction;

FIG. 128 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 125 illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 129 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 125 illustrating the articulation lock in a second unlocked condition for articulating an end effector in a second direction;

FIG. 130 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the articulation lock of FIG. 125 illustrating the articulation lock in a locked condition;

FIG. 131 is a perspective view of a shaft assembly;

FIG. 132 is an exploded view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating an alternative embodiment of a clutch assembly for operably connecting an articulation drive with a firing drive of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 133 is another exploded view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131;

FIG. 134 is a partial exploded view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 135 is an end view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 136 is another end view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 137 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131;

FIG. 138 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131;

FIG. 139 is another partial cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131;

FIG. 140 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, a clutch actuator is illustrated while a clutch sleeve, a switch drum, a proximal articulation driver, and a closure tube are not illustrated;

FIG. 141 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator and the clutch sleeve are illustrated while the switch drum, the proximal articulation driver, and the closure tube are not illustrated;

FIG. 142 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in a disengaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator and the clutch sleeve are illustrated while the switch drum, the proximal articulation driver, and the closure tube are not illustrated;

FIG. 143 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in a disengaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, and the closure tube are illustrated while the switch drum and the proximal articulation driver are not illustrated;

FIG. 144 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in a disengaged position; the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, the closure tube, the switch drum, and the proximal articulation driver are illustrated;

FIG. 145 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, and the proximal articulation driver are illustrated while the switch drum and the closure tube are not illustrated;

FIG. 146 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, the proximal articulation driver, and closure tube are illustrated while the switch drum is not illustrated; moreover, the articulation drive system of the shaft assembly is illustrated in a centered, or unarticulated, condition;

FIG. 147 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, and the proximal articulation driver are illustrated while the switch drum and the closure tube are not illustrated; moreover, the articulation drive system of the shaft assembly is illustrated in a condition in which an end effector of the shaft assembly would be articulated to the left of a longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 148 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, and the proximal articulation driver are illustrated while the switch drum and the closure tube are not illustrated; moreover, the articulation drive system of the shaft assembly is illustrated in a condition in which the end effector of the shaft assembly would be articulated to the right of the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 149 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 131 illustrating the clutch assembly in an engaged position and illustrated with portions removed for the purposes of clarity; specifically, the clutch actuator, the clutch sleeve, the closure tube, and the proximal articulation driver are illustrated while the switch drum is not illustrated;

FIG. 150 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 151 is a schematic block diagram of a control system of a surgical instrument in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 152 is a perspective view of an interface of a surgical instrument in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 153 is a top view of the interface of FIG. 152;

FIG. 154 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of FIG. 152 in an inactive or neutral configuration in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 155 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of FIG. 152 activated to articulate an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 156 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of FIG. 152 activated to return an end effector to an articulation home state position in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 157 is a cross-sectional view of an interface similar to the interface of FIG. 152 in an inactive or neutral configuration in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 158 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of FIG. 152 activated to articulate an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 159 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of FIG. 152 activated to return the end effector to an articulation home state position in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 160 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to a reset input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 161 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to a home state input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 162 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to a home state input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 163 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to a firing home state input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 164 is side elevational view of a surgical instrument including a handle separated from a shaft according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 165 is a side elevational view of a handle portion including an interlock switch and a shaft portion including a locking member according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 166 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument in FIG. 150 illustrating a locking member in the locked configuration and an open switch according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 167 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument in FIG. 150 illustrating a locking member in the unlocked configuration and a s closed switch depressed by the locking member according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 167A is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument in FIG. 150 illustrating an advanced firing drive according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 167B is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument in FIG. 150 illustrating a firing drive in a retracted or default position according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 168 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to an input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 169 is a schematic block diagram outlining a response of a controller of the surgical instrument of FIG. 150 to an input signal in accordance with certain embodiments described herein;

FIG. 170 is a bottom view of an electric motor and a resonator according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 171 is a perspective view of the resonator of FIG. 170;

FIG. 172 is a bottom view of the resonator of FIG. 170;

FIG. 173 is a partial perspective view of a handle of a surgical instrument depicting the electric motor of FIG. 170 and a resonator positioned within the handle according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 174 is a bottom view of the electric motor and the resonator of FIG. 173;

FIG. 175 is a perspective view of the resonator of FIG. 173;

FIG. 176 is a bottom view of the resonator of FIG. 173;

FIG. 177 is a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 173 depicting the electric motor of FIG. 170 and a resonator positioned within the handle according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 178 is a bottom view of the electric motor and the resonator of FIG. 177;

FIG. 179 is a first perspective view of the resonator of FIG. 177;

FIG. 180 is a second perspective view of the resonator of FIG. 177;

FIG. 181 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 173, depicting the electric motor of FIG. 170, a resonator, and a retaining ring positioned within the handle according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 182 is a flowchart of the operation of a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 183 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical instrument handle of FIG. 34 showing a portion of a sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 184 is a side elevational view of the handle of FIGS. 34 and 183 with a portion of the handle housing removed showing a portion of a sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 185 is a schematic diagram of an absolute positioning system comprising a microcontroller controlled motor drive circuit arrangement comprising a sensor arrangement, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 186 is a detail perspective view of a sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 187 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system showing a control circuit board assembly and the relative alignment of the elements of the sensor arrangement, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 188 is a side perspective view of the sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system showing a control circuit board assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 189 is a side perspective view of the sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system with the control circuit board assembly removed to show a sensor element holder assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 190 is a side perspective view of the sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system with the control circuit board and the sensor element holder assemblies removed to show the sensor element, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 191 is a top view of the sensor arrangement for an absolute positioning system shown in with the control circuit board removed but the electronic components still visible to show the relative position between the position sensor and the circuit components, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 192 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a position sensor for an absolute positioning system comprising a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 193 illustrates an articulation joint in a straight position, i.e., at a zero angle relative to the longitudinal direction, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 194 illustrates the articulation joint of FIG. 193 articulated in one direction at a first angle defined between a longitudinal axis L-A and an articulation axis A-A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 195 illustrates the articulation joint of FIG. 193 articulated in another at a second angle defined between the longitudinal axis L-A and the articulation axis A′-A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 196 illustrates one embodiment of a logic diagram for a method of compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length;

FIG. 197 is a schematic of a system for powering down an electrical connector of a surgical instrument handle when a shaft assembly is not coupled thereto;

FIG. 198 is a schematic illustrating a system for controlling the speed of a motor and/or the speed of a driveable member of a surgical instrument disclosed herein;

FIG. 199 is a schematic illustrating another system for controlling the speed of a motor and/or the speed of a driveable member of a surgical instrument disclosed herein;

FIG. 200 is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 200A is a partial view of the schematic of FIG. 200;

FIG. 200B is a partial view of the schematic of FIG. 200;

FIG. 201 is a schematic illustrating a switching circuit for a control system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 202 is a schematic illustrating a switching circuit for a control system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 203 is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 203A is a partial view of the schematic of FIG. 203;

FIG. 203B is a partial view of the schematic of FIG. 203;

FIG. 204 is a schematic illustrating a control system for controlling various operations of the various surgical instruments described herein according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 205 is a schematic illustrating various sub-operations of the Transection Operation of FIG. 204 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 206 is a schematic illustrating various sub-operations of the Fire Out Near Hard Stop Operation of FIG. 205 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,309;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,169;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,883,860;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,244;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,919; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,230.

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.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment”, or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be 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/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparascopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary surgical instrument 100 which can include a handle 103, a shaft 104 and an articulating end effector 102 pivotally connected to the shaft 104 at articulation joint 110. An articulation control 112 is provided to effect rotation of the end effector 102 about articulation joint 110. The end effector 102 is shown configured to act as an endocutter for clamping, severing and stapling tissue, however, it will be appreciated that various embodiments may include end effectors configured to act as other surgical devices including, for example, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy delivery devices, ultrasound, RF, and/or laser energy devices, etc. The handle 103 of the instrument 100 may include closure trigger 114 and firing trigger 116 for actuating the end effector 102. 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 an end effector. The end effector 102 is connected to the handle 103 by shaft 104. A clinician may articulate the end effector 102 relative to the shaft 104 by utilizing the articulation control 112, as described in greater detail further below.

It should be appreciated that spatial terms such as vertical, horizontal, right, left etc., are given herein with reference to the figures assuming that the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument 100 is co-axial to the central axis of the shaft 104, with the triggers 114, 116 extending downwardly at an acute angle from the bottom of the handle 103. In actual practice, however, the surgical instrument 100 may be oriented at various angles and as such these spatial terms are used relative to the surgical instrument 100 itself. Further, proximal is used to denote a perspective of a clinician who is behind the handle 103 who places the end effector 102 distal, or away from him or herself. As used herein, the phrase, “substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis” where the “longitudinal axis” is the axis of the shaft, refers to a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It will be appreciated, however, that directions that deviate some from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis are also substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to instruments having an articulation joint driven by bending cables or bands. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional top view of the elongate shaft 104 and the end effector 102 including a band 205 that is mechanically coupled to a boss 206 extending from the end effector 102. The band 205 may include band portions 202 and 204 extending proximally from the boss 206 along the elongate shaft 104 and through the articulation control 112. The band 205 and band portions 202, 204 can have a fixed length. The band 205 may be mechanically coupled to the boss 206 as shown using any suitable fastening method including, for example, glue, welding, etc. In various embodiments, each band portion 202, 204 may be provided as a separate band, with each separate band having one end mechanically coupled to the boss 206 and another end extending through the shaft 104 and articulation controller 112. The separate bands may be mechanically coupled to the boss 206 as described above.

Further to the above, band portions 202, 204 may extend from the boss 206, through the articulation joint 110 and along the shaft 104 to the articulation control 112, shown in FIG. 6. The articulation control 112 can include an articulation slide 208, a frame 212 and an enclosure 218. Band portions 202, 204 may pass through the articulation slide 208 by way of slot 210 or other aperture, although it will be appreciated that the band portions 202, 204 may be coupled to the slide 208 by any suitable means. The articulation slide 208 may be one piece, as shown in FIG. 6, or may include two pieces with an interface between the two pieces defining the slot 210. In one non-limiting embodiment, the articulation slide 208 may include multiple slots, for example, with each slot configured to receive one of the band portions 202, 204. Enclosure 218 may cover the various components of the articulation control 112 to prevent debris from entering the articulation control 112.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the band portions 202, 204 may be anchored to the frame 212 at connection points 214, 216, respectively, which are proximally located from the slot 210. It will be appreciated that band portions 202, 204 may be anchored anywhere in the instrument 10 located proximally from the slot 210, including the handle 103. The non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 6 shows that the band portions 202, 204 can comprise a bent configuration between the connection points 214, 216 and the slot 210 located near the longitudinal axis of the shaft 104. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the band portions 202, 204 are straight.

FIGS. 7-9 show views of the end effector 102 and elongate shaft 104 of the instrument 100 including the articulation joint 110 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the end effector 102 and elongate shaft 104 including various internal components. In at least one embodiment, an end effector frame 150 and shaft frame 154 are configured to be joined at articulation joint 110. Boss 206 may be integral to the end effector frame 150 with band 205 interfacing the boss 206 as shown. The shaft frame 154 may include a distally directed tang 302 defining an aperture 304. The aperture 304 may be positioned to interface an articulation pin (not shown) included in end effector frame 150 allowing the end effector frame 150 to pivot relative to the shaft frame 154, and accordingly, the end effector 102 to pivot relative to the shaft 104. When assembled, the various components may pivot about articulation joint 110 at an articulation axis 306 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 7 also shows an anvil 120. In this non-limiting embodiment, the anvil 120 is coupled to an elongate channel 198. For example, apertures 199 can be defined in the elongate channel 198 which can receive pins 152 extending from the anvil 120 and allow the anvil 120 to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the elongate channel 198 and staple cartridge 118. In addition, FIG. 7 shows a firing bar 172, configured to longitudinally translate through the shaft frame 154, through the flexible closure and pivoting frame articulation joint 110, and through a firing slot 176 in the distal frame 150 into the end effector 102. The firing bar 172 may be constructed from one solid section, or in various embodiments, may include a laminate material comprising, for example, a stack of steel plates. It will be appreciated that a firing bar 172 made from a laminate material may lower the force required to articulate the end effector 102. In various embodiments, a spring clip 158 can be mounted in the end effector frame 150 to bias the firing bar 172 downwardly. Distal and proximal square apertures 164, 168 formed on top of the end effector frame 150 may define a clip bar 170 therebetween that receives a top arm 162 of a clip spring 158 whose lower, distally extended arm 160 asserts a downward force on a raised portion 174 of the firing bar 172, as discussed below.

A distally projecting end of the firing bar 172 can be attached to an E-beam 178 that can, among other things, assist in spacing the anvil 120 from a staple cartridge 118 positioned in the elongate channel 198 when the anvil 120 is in a closed position. The E-beam 178 can also include a sharpened cutting edge 182 which can be used to sever tissue as the E-beam 178 is advanced distally by the firing bar 172. In operation, the E-beam 178 can also actuate, or fire, the staple cartridge 118. The staple cartridge 118 can include a molded cartridge body 194 that holds a plurality of staples 191 resting upon staple drivers 192 within respective upwardly open staple cavities 195. A wedge sled 190 is driven distally by the E-beam 178, sliding upon a cartridge tray 196 that holds together the various components of the replaceable staple cartridge 118. The wedge sled 190 upwardly cams the staple drivers 192 to force out the staples 191 into deforming contact with the anvil 120 while a cutting surface 182 of the E-beam 178 severs clamped tissue.

Further to the above, the E-beam 178 can include upper pins 180 which engage the anvil 120 during firing. The E-beam 178 can further include middle pins 184 and a bottom foot 186 which can engage various portions of the cartridge body 194, cartridge tray 196 and elongate channel 198. When a staple cartridge 118 is positioned within the elongate channel 198, a slot 193 defined in the cartridge body 194 can be aligned with a slot 197 defined in the cartridge tray 196 and a slot 189 defined in the elongate channel 198. In use, the E-beam 178 can slide through the aligned slots 193, 197, and 189 wherein, as indicated in FIG. 7, the bottom foot 186 of the E-beam 178 can engage a groove running along the bottom surface of channel 198 along the length of slot 189, the middle pins 184 can engage the top surfaces of cartridge tray 196 along the length of longitudinal slot 197, and the upper pins 180 can engage the anvil 120. In such circumstances, the E-beam 178 can space, or limit the relative movement between, the anvil 120 and the staple cartridge 118 as the firing bar 172 is moved distally to fire the staples from the staple cartridge 118 and/or incise the tissue captured between the anvil 120 and the staple cartridge 118. Thereafter, the firing bar 172 and the E-beam 178 can be retracted proximally allowing the anvil 120 to be opened to release the two stapled and severed tissue portions (not shown).

FIGS. 7-9 also show a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 121 according to various embodiments. With particular reference to FIG. 7, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 121 includes a shaft closure tube section 128 having upper and lower distally projecting tangs 146, 148. An end effector closure tube section 126 includes a horseshoe aperture 124 and a tab 123 for engaging the opening tab 122 on the anvil 120. The horseshoe aperture 124 and tab 123 engage tab 122 when the anvil 120 is opened. The closure tube section 126 is shown having upper 144 and lower (not visible) proximally projecting tangs. An upper double pivot link 130 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins 134, 136 that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole 138 in the upper proximally projecting tang 144 and an upper proximal pin hole 140 in the upper distally projecting tang 146. A lower double pivot link 132 includes downwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins (not shown in FIG. 7, but see FIG. 8) that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang and a lower proximal pin hole 142 in the lower distally projecting tang 148.

In use, the closure sleeve assembly 121 is translated distally to close the anvil 120, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 114. The anvil 120 is closed by distally translating the closure tube section 126, and thus the sleeve assembly 121, causing it to strike a proximal surface on the anvil 120 located in FIG. 9A to the left of the tab 122. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9, the anvil 120 is opened by proximally translating the tube section 126, and sleeve assembly 121, causing tab 123 and the horseshoe aperture 124 to contact and push against the tab 122 to lift the anvil 120. In the anvil-open position, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 121 is moved to its proximal position.

In operation, the clinician may articulate the end effector 102 of the instrument 100 relative to the shaft 104 about pivot 110 by pushing the control 112 laterally. From the neutral position, the clinician may articulate the end effector 102 to the left relative to the shaft 104 by providing a lateral force to the left side of the control 112. In response to force, the articulation slide 208 may be pushed at least partially into the frame 212. As the slide 208 is pushed into the frame 212, the slot 210 as well as band portion 204 may be translated across the elongate shaft 104 in a transverse direction, for example, a direction substantially transverse, or perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 104. Accordingly, a force is applied to band portion 204, causing it to resiliently bend and/or displace from its initial pre-bent position toward the opposite side of the shaft 104. Concurrently, band portion 202 is relaxed from its initial pre-bent position. Such movement of the band portion 204, coupled with the straightening of band portion 202, can apply a counter-clockwise rotational force at boss 206 which in turn causes the boss 206 and end effector 102 to pivot to the left about the articulation pivot 110 to a desired angle relative to the axis of the shaft 104 as shown in FIG. 12. The relaxation of the band portion 202 decreases the tension on that band portion, allowing the band portion 204 to articulate the end effector 102 without substantial interference from the band portion 202. It will be appreciated that the clinician may also articulate the end effector 102 to the right relative to the shaft 104 by providing a lateral force to the right side of the control 112. This bends cable portion 202, causing a clockwise rotational force at boss 206 which, in turn, causes the boss 206 and end effector to pivot to the right about articulation pivot 110. Similar to the above, band portion 204 can be concurrently relaxed to permit such movement.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 310. This illustrated embodiment depicts an endoscopic instrument and, in general, the instrument 310 is described herein as an endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument; however, it should be noted that the invention is not so limited and that, according to other embodiments, any instrument disclosed herein may comprise a non-endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The surgical instrument 310 depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 comprises a handle 306, a shaft 308, and an end effector 312 connected to the shaft 308. In various embodiments, the end effector 312 can be articulated relative to the shaft 308 about an articulation joint 314. Various means for articulating the end effector 312 and/or means for permitting the end effector 312 to articulate relative to the shaft 308 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Various other means for articulating the end effector 312 are discussed in greater detail below. Similar to the above, the end effector 312 is configured to act as an endocutter for clamping, severing, and/or stapling tissue, although, in other embodiments, different types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy devices, ultrasound, RF and/or laser devices, etc. Several RF devices may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping the handle 306 of the instrument 310. Thus, the end effector 312 is distal with respect to the more proximal handle 306. 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 end effector 312 can include, among other things, a staple channel 322 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 324, for example. The handle 306 of the instrument 310 may include a closure trigger 318 and a firing trigger 320 for actuating the end effector 312. 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 312. The handle 306 can include a downwardly extending pistol grip 326 toward which the closure trigger 318 is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of the anvil 324 toward the staple channel 322 of the end effector 312 to thereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil 324 and channel 322. In other embodiments, different types of clamping members in addition to or lieu of the anvil 324 could be used. The handle 306 can further include a lock which can be configured to releasably hold the closure trigger 318 in its closed position. More details regarding embodiments of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) the anvil 324 of the end effector 312 by retracting the closure trigger 318 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 312, the clinician may draw back the closure trigger 318 to its fully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip 326. The firing trigger 320 may then be actuated, or fired. In at least one such embodiment, the firing trigger 320 can be farther outboard of the closure trigger 318 wherein the closure of the closure trigger 318 can move, or rotate, the firing trigger 320 toward the pistol grip 326 so that the firing trigger 320 can be reached by the operator using one hand. in various circumstances. Thereafter, the operator may pivotally draw the firing trigger 320 toward the pistol grip 312 to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end effector 312. Thereafter, the firing trigger 320 can be returned to its unactuated, or unfired, position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) after the clinician relaxes or releases the force being applied to the firing trigger 320. A release button on the handle 306, when depressed, may release the locked closure trigger 318. The release button may be implemented in various forms such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Further to the above, the end effector 312 may include a cutting instrument, such as knife, for example, for cutting tissue clamped in the end effector 312 when the firing trigger 320 is retracted by a user. Also further to the above, the end effector 312 may also comprise means for fastening the tissue severed by the cutting instrument, such as staples, RF electrodes, and/or adhesives, for example. A longitudinally movable drive shaft located within the shaft 308 of the instrument 310 may drive/actuate the cutting instrument and the fastening means in the end effector 312. An electric motor, located in the handle 306 of the instrument 310 may be used to drive the drive shaft, as described further herein. In various embodiments, the motor may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other embodiments, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be provided in the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 adjacent to the motor wherein the battery can supply electric power to the motor via a motor control circuit. According to various embodiments, a number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above, the electric motor in the handle 306 of the instrument 310 can be operably engaged with the longitudinally-movable drive member positioned within the shaft 308. Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, an electric motor 342 can be mounted to and positioned within the pistol grip portion 326 of the handle 306. The electric motor 342 can include a rotatable shaft operably coupled with a gear reducer assembly 370 wherein the gear reducer assembly 370 can include, among other things, a housing 374 and an output pinion gear 372. In certain embodiments, the output pinion gear 372 can be directly operably engaged with a longitudinally-movable drive member 382 or, alternatively, operably engaged with the drive member 382 via one or more intermediate gears 386. The intermediate gear 386, in at least one such embodiment, can be meshingly engaged with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 384 defined in the drive member 382. In use, the electric motor 342 can be drive the drive member distally, indicated by an arrow D (FIG. 15), and/or proximally, indicated by an arrow D (FIG. 16), depending on the direction in which the electric motor 342 rotates the intermediate gear 386. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor 342 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 342 in a counter-clockwise direction. The handle 306 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 342 by the battery. The handle 306 can also include a sensor 330 configured to detect the position of the drive member 382 and/or the direction in which the drive member 382 is being moved.

As indicated above, the surgical instrument 310 can include an articulation joint 314 about which the end effector 312 can be articulated. The instrument 310 can further include an articulation lock which can be configured and operated to selectively lock the end effector 312 in position. In at least one such embodiment, the articulation lock can extend from the proximal end of the shaft 308 to the distal end of the shaft 308 wherein a distal end of the articulation lock can engage the end effector 312 to lock the end effector 312 in position. Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13, the instrument 310 can further include an articulation control 316 which can be engaged with a proximal end of the articulation lock and can be configured to operate the articulation lock between a locked state and an unlocked state. In use, the articulation control 316 can be pulled proximally to unlock the end effector 312 and permit the end effector 312 to rotate about the articulation joint 314. After the end effector 312 has been suitably articulated, the articulation control 316 can be moved distally to re-lock the end effector 312 in position. In at least one such embodiment, the handle 306 can further include a spring and/or other suitable biasing elements configured to bias the articulation control 316 distally and to bias the articulation lock into a locked configuration with the end effector 312. If the clinician desires, the clinician can once again pull the articulation control 316 back, or proximally, to unlock the end effector 312, articulate the end effector 312, and then move the articulation control 316 back into its locked state. In such a locked state, the end effector 312 may not articulate relative to the shaft 308.

As outlined above, the surgical instrument 310 can include an articulation lock configured to hold the end effector 312 in position relative to the shaft 308. As also outlined above, the end effector 312 can be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft 308 when the articulation lock is in its unlocked state. In such an unlocked state, the end effector 312 can be positioned and pushed against soft tissue and/or bone, for example, surrounding the surgical site within the patient in order to cause the end effector 312 to articulate relative to the shaft 308. In certain embodiments, the articulation control 316 can comprise an articulation switch or can be configured to operate an articulation switch which can selectively permit and/or prevent the firing trigger 320 from operating the electric motor 342. For instance, such an articulation switch can be placed in series with the electric motor 342 and a firing switch operably associated with the firing trigger 320 wherein the articulation switch can be in a closed state when the articulation control 316 is in a locked state. When the articulation control 316 is moved into an unlocked state, the articulation control 316 can open the articulation switch thereby electrically decoupling the operation of the firing trigger 320 and the operation of the electric motor 342. In such circumstances, the firing drive of the instrument 310 cannot be fired while the end effector 312 is in an unlocked state and is articulatable relative to the shaft 308. When the articulation control 316 is returned to its locked state, the articulation control 316 can re-close the articulation switch which can then electrically couple the operation of the firing trigger 320 with the electric motor 342. Various details of one or more surgical stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, which was filed on Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688, the entire disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-29, a surgical instrument 400 can comprise a handle 403, a shaft 404 extending from the handle 403, and an end effector 402 extending from the shaft 404. As the reader will note, portions of the handle 403 have been removed for the purposes of illustration; however, the handle 403 can include a closure trigger and a firing trigger similar to the closure trigger 114 and the firing trigger 116 depicted in FIG. 1, for example. As will be described in greater detail below, the firing trigger 116 can be operably coupled with a firing drive including a firing member 470 extending through the shaft 404 wherein the operation of the firing trigger 116 can advance the firing member 470 distally toward the end effector 402. As will also be described in greater detail below, the surgical instrument 400 can further include an articulation drive which can be selectively coupled with the firing member 470 such that, when the firing member 470 is motivated by the firing trigger 116 and/or by a separate articulation trigger and/or button, for example, the articulation drive can be driven by the firing member 470 and the articulation drive can, in turn, articulate the end effector 402 about an articulation joint 410.

Turning now to FIG. 17, the reader will note that the end effector 402 of the surgical instrument 400 is illustrated in an open configuration. More particularly, a first jaw of the end effector 402 comprising an anvil 420 is illustrated in an open position relative to a channel 498 of a second jaw of the end effector 402. Similar to the above, the channel 498 can be configured to receive and secure a staple cartridge therein. Turning now to FIG. 20 which also illustrates the end effector 420 in an open configuration, the handle 403 of the surgical instrument 400 can include an articulation lock actuator 409 which can be moved between a distal, or locked, position in which the end effector 402 is locked in position relative to the shaft 404 and a proximal, or unlocked, position in which the end effector 402 can be articulated relative to the shaft 404 about the articulation joint 410. Although the end effector 402 and the shaft 404 are illustrated in FIG. 20 as being aligned in a straight configuration, the articulation lock actuator 409 is illustrated in its retracted, unlocked position and, as a result, the end effector 402 can be articulated relative to the shaft 404. Referring to FIGS. 19, 24A and 24B, the articulation lock actuator 409 (FIG. 21) can be operably coupled with an articulation lock 443 wherein the articulation lock actuator 409 can move the articulation lock 443 between a distal position (FIG. 24A) in which the articulation lock 443 is engaged with a proximal lock member 407 of the end effector 402 and a proximal position (FIG. 24B) in which the articulation lock 443 is disengaged from the end effector 402. As the reader will appreciate, the distal, locked, position of the articulation lock actuator 409 corresponds with the distal position of the articulation lock 443 and the proximal, unlocked, position of the articulation lock actuator 409 corresponds with the proximal position of the articulation lock 443. Turning now to FIG. 19, the articulation lock 443 is coupled to the articulation lock actuator 409 by an articulation lock bar 440 which comprises a distal end 442 engaged with the articulation lock 443, as better seen in FIG. 24A, and a proximal end 441 engaged with the articulation lock actuator 409, as better seen in FIG. 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the articulation lock 443 can comprise one or more teeth 445 which can be configured to meshingly engage one or more teeth 446 defined around the perimeter of the proximal lock member 407, for example. Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the shaft 404 can further comprise a biasing member, such as a spring 444, for example, which can be configured to bias the teeth 445 of the articulation lock 443 into engagement with the teeth 446 of the proximal lock member 407 of the end effector 402. Similarly, the handle 403 can further comprise a biasing member positioned within the cavity 488 (FIG. 23) defined between the articulation lock actuator 409 and the frame 480 such that the biasing member can push the articulation lock actuator 409 towards its distal, locked, position.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the articulation lock actuator 409 can be comprised of two nozzle halves, or portions, 411a and 411b wherein, as the reader will note, the nozzle portion 411b has been removed from FIGS. 18-27 for the purposes of illustration. As also illustrated in FIG. 17, the articulation lock actuator 409 can comprise a plurality of finger hooks 413 which can be grasped by the surgeon, or other clinician, in order to retract the articulation lock actuator 409 into its proximal, unlocked, configuration. The articulation lock actuator 409, referring again to FIG. 20, can further include a detent assembly 452 which can be configured to bias a detent member 457 against the frame of the shaft 404 or the frame of the handle 403. More particularly, the shaft 404 can comprise a shaft frame 454 extending from a handle frame 480 wherein the detent assembly 452 can be configured to bias the detent member 457 against the shaft frame 454. Referring to FIG. 19, the shaft frame 454 can include a detent channel 453 defined therein which can be aligned with the detent member 457 such that, as the articulation lock actuator 409 is slid between its locked and unlocked positions described above, the detent member 457 can slide within the detent channel 453. The detent assembly 452, referring again to FIG. 20, can include a stationary frame portion 458 which can define a threaded aperture configured to receive an adjustable threaded member 459. The adjustable threaded member 459 can include an internal aperture wherein at least a portion of the detent member 457 can be positioned within the internal aperture and wherein the detent member 457 can be biased to the end of the internal aperture by a spring, for example, positioned intermediate the detent member 457 and a closed end of the internal aperture, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the proximal end of the detent channel 453 can comprise a detent seat 455 which can be configured to removably receive the detent member 457 when the articulation lock actuator 409 has reached its proximal, unlocked, position. In various circumstances, the detent member 457, the detent seat 455, and the biasing spring positioned in the adjustable threaded member 459 can be sized and configured such that the detent assembly 452 can releasably hold the articulation lock actuator 409 in its proximal, unlocked, position. As described in greater detail below, the articulation lock actuator 409 can be held in its proximal, unlocked, position until the end effector 402 has been suitably articulated. At such point, the articulation lock actuator 409 can be pushed forward to disengage the detent member 457 from the detent seat 455. As the reader will appreciate, referring primarily to FIG. 20, the adjustable threaded member 459 can be rotated downwardly toward the shaft frame 454 in order to increase the force needed to unseat the detent member 457 from the detent seat 455 while the adjustable threaded member 459 can be rotated upwardly away from the shaft frame 454 in order to decrease the force needed to unseat the detent member 457 from the detent seat 455. As also illustrated in FIG. 20, the articulation lock actuator 409 can comprise an access port 418 which can be utilized to access and rotate the threaded member 459.

As discussed above, the articulation lock actuator 409 is in a retracted, unlocked, position in FIG. 20 and the end effector 402 is in an unlocked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 24B. Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, the surgical instrument 400 further comprises an articulation driver 460 which can be pushed distally to rotate the end effector 402 about the articulation joint 410 in a first direction and pulled proximally to rotate the end effector 402 about the articulation joint in a second, or opposite, direction, as illustrated in FIG. 21. Upon comparing FIGS. 20 and 21, the reader will note that the articulation driver 460 has been pulled proximally by the firing member 470. More specifically, an intermediate portion 475 of the firing member 470 can comprise a notch, or slot, 476 defined therein which can be configured to receive a proximal end 461 of the articulation driver 460 such that, when the firing member 470 is pulled proximally, the firing member 470 can pull the articulation driver 460 proximally as well. Similarly, when the firing member 470 is pushed distally, the firing member 470 can push the articulation driver 460 distally. As also illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the articulation driver 460 can comprise a distal end 462 engaged with a projection 414 extending from the proximal lock member 407, for example, which can be configured to transmit the proximal and distal articulation motions of the articulation driver 460 to the end effector 102. Referring primarily to FIGS. 18-20, the handle 404 can further comprise a proximal firing member portion 482 of the firing member 470 including a distal end 481 engaged with a proximal end 477 of the intermediate portion 475 of the firing member 470. Similar to the above, the handle 403 can include an electric motor comprising an output shaft and a gear operably engaged with the output shaft wherein the gear can be operably engaged with a longitudinal set of teeth 484 defined in a surface of the firing member portion 482. In use, further to the above, the electric motor can be operated in a first direction to advance the firing member 470 distally and a second, or opposite, direction to retract the firing member 470 proximally. Although not illustrated, the handle 403 can further comprise a switch which can be positioned in a first condition to operate the electric motor in its first direction, a second condition to operate the electric motor in its second direction, and/or a neutral condition in which the electric motor is not operated in either direction. In at least one such embodiment, the switch can include at least one biasing member, such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to bias the switch into its neutral condition, for example. Also, in at least one such embodiment, the first condition of the articulation switch can comprise a first position of a switch toggle on a first side of a neutral position and the second condition of the articulation switch can comprise a second position of the switch toggle on a second, or opposite, side of the neutral position, for example.

In various circumstances, further to the above, the articulation switch can be used to make small adjustments in the position of the end effector 402. For instance, the surgeon can move the articulation switch in a first direction to rotate the end effector 402 about the articulation joint in a first direction and then reverse the movement of the end effector 402 by moving the articulation switch in the second direction, and/or any other suitable combinations of movements in the first and second directions, until the end effector 402 is positioned in a desired position. Referring primarily to FIGS. 19, 24A, and 24B, the articulation joint 410 can include a pivot pin 405 extending from a shaft frame member 451 and, in addition, an aperture 408 defined in the proximal lock member 407 which is configured to closely receive the pivot pin 405 therein such that the rotation of the end effector 402 is constrained to rotation about an articulation axis 406, for example. Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the distal end of the shaft frame 454 can include a recess 456 configured to receive the shaft frame member 451 therein. As will be described in greater detail below, the shaft 404 can include an outer sleeve which can be slid relative to the shaft frame 454 in order to close the anvil 420. Referring primarily to FIGS. 19-21, the outer sleeve of the shaft 410 can comprise a proximal portion 428 and a distal portion 426 which can be connected to one another by articulation links 430 and 432. When the outer sleeve is slid relative to the articulation joint 410, the articulation links 430 can accommodate the angled relative movement between the distal portion 426 and the proximal portion 428 of the outer sleeve when the end effector 402 has been articulated, as illustrated in FIG. 21. In various circumstances, the articulation links 430 and 432 can provide two or more degrees of freedom at the articulation joint 410 in order to accommodate the articulation of the end effector 402. The reader will also note that the articulation joint 410 can further include a guide 401 which can be configured to receive a distal cutting portion 472 of the firing member 470 therein and guide the distal cutting portion 472 as it is advanced distally and/or retracted proximally within and/or relative to the articulation joint 410.

As outlined above, the firing member 470 can be advanced distally in order to advance the articulation driver 460 distally and, as a result, rotate the end effector 402 in a first direction and, similarly, the firing member 470 can be retracted proximally in order to retract the articulation driver 460 proximally and, as a result, rotate the end effector 402 in an opposite direction. In some circumstances, however, it may be undesirable to move, or at least substantially move, the distal cutting portion 472 of the firing member 470 when the firing member 470 is being utilized to articulate the end effector 402. Turning now to FIGS. 19-21, the intermediate portion 475 of the firing member 470 can comprise a longitudinal slot 474 defined in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive the proximal end 473 of the distal cutting portion 472. The longitudinal slot 474 and the proximal end 473 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 471. The slip joint 471 can permit the intermediate portion 475 of the firing drive 470 to be moved to articulate the end effector 402 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal cutting portion 472. Once the end effector 402 has been suitably oriented, the intermediate portion 475 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 474 comes into contact with the proximal end 473 in order to advance the distal cutting portion 472 and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel 498, as described in greater detail further below. Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the shaft frame 454 can comprise a longitudinal slot 469 defined therein which can be configured to slidably receive the articulation driver 460 and, similarly, the proximal portion 428 of the outer shaft sleeve can comprise a longitudinal opening 425 configured to accommodate the relative movement between the articulation driver 460 and the outer sleeve of the shaft 404 described above.

Further to the above, the articulation lock actuator 409 can be configured to bias the proximal portion 461 of the articulation driver 460 toward the drive member 470 when the articulation lock actuator 409 is in its proximal, unlocked, position. More particularly, in at least one such embodiment, the inner surface of the articulation lock actuator 409 can comprise a cam which can engage a lateral side 466 of the proximal portion 461 and bias the proximal portion 461 into engagement with the slot 476 defined in the intermediate portion 475 of the drive member 470. When the articulation lock actuator 409 is moved back into its distal, locked, position, the articulation lock actuator 409 may no longer bias the proximal portion 461 inwardly toward the drive member 470. In at least one such embodiment, the handle 403 and/or the shaft 404 can comprise a resilient member, such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to bias the proximal portion 461 outwardly away from the firing member 470 such that the proximal portion 461 is not operably engaged with the slot 476 unless the biasing force of the resilient member is overcome by the articulation lock actuator 409 when the articulation lock actuator 409 is moved proximally into its unlocked position, as described above. In various circumstances, the proximal portion 461 and the slot 476 can comprise a force-limiting clutch.

Once the end effector 402 has been articulated into the desired orientation, further to the above, the closure trigger 114 can be actuated to move the anvil 420 toward its closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 22. More particularly, the closure trigger 114 can advance the outer sleeve of the shaft 410 distally such that the distal portion 426 of the outer sleeve can push the anvil 420 distally and downwardly, for example. The anvil 420 can comprise projections 497 extending from opposite sides of the anvil 420 which can each be configured to slide and rotate within elongate slots 499 defined in the cartridge channel 498. The anvil 420 can further comprise a projection 496 extending upwardly therefrom which can be positioned within an aperture 495 defined in the distal portion 426 of the outer sleeve wherein a sidewall of the aperture 495 can contact the projection 496 as the distal portion 426 is advanced distally to move the anvil 420 toward the cartridge channel 498. The actuation of the closure drive, further to the above, can also move the articulation lock actuator 409 from its proximal, unlocked, position (FIGS. 20-22) into its distal, locked, position (FIG. 23). More specifically, the closure drive can be configured to advance a closure drive carriage 415 distally which can contact a collar 450 mounted within the articulation actuator 409, as illustrated in FIG. 22. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22, the collar 450 can comprise opposing portions, or halves, which can be assembled together such that the opposing portions of the collar 450 can surround the shaft 404. The collar 450 can also support the detent assembly 452, which is discussed above, and can include a mounting portion engaged with the proximal end 441 of the articulation lock bar 440, which is also discussed above. In any event, the closure drive carriage 415 can contact the collar 450 and slide the articulation lock actuator 409 distally and, further to the above, displace the detent member 457 from the detent seat 455, referring to FIG. 19, into the detent channel 453 such that the articulation lock actuator 409 can be pushed into its locked position and the articulation lock 443 can be moved into engagement with the proximal lock portion 407 to lock the end effector 402 in position, as illustrated in FIG. 23. At such point, the closure drive carriage 415 can prevent the end effector 402 from being unlocked and articulated until the closure drive and the anvil 420 is reopened and the closure drive carriage 415 is moved proximally, as described in greater detail further below.

Referring now to FIG. 25, the actuation of the closure drive by the closure drive actuator 114 and the distal advancement of the outer sleeve 428 of the shaft 410 can also operably disengage the articulation driver 460 from the firing drive 470. Upon reviewing FIGS. 20 and 21 once again, the reader will note that the outer sleeve 428 includes a window 424 defined therein within which a rotatable cam member 465 can be positioned. The cam member 465 can comprise a first end rotatably pinned or coupled to the shaft frame 454 and a second end configured to rotate relative to the pinned end of the cam member 465 while, in other embodiments, the cam member 465 can comprise any suitable shape. When the outer sleeve 428 is in its proximal position and the anvil 420 is in its open configuration, the cam member 465 can be in a first position which permits the proximal end 461 of the articulation driver 460 to be engaged with the slot 476 defined in the firing member 470; however, when the outer sleeve 428 is advanced distally, a sidewall of the window 424 can engage the cam member 465 and lift the second end of the cam member 465 away from the shaft frame 454 into a second position. In this second position, the cam member 465 can move the proximal end 461 of the articulation driver 460 away from the firing drive 470 such that the proximal end 461 is no longer positioned within the slot 476 defined in the firing drive 470. Thus, when the closure drive has been actuated to close the anvil 420, the closure drive can push the articulation lock actuator 409 into its distal, locked, configuration, the articulation lock actuator 409 can push the articulation lock 445 into a locked configuration with the end effector 402, and, in addition, the closure drive can operably disconnect the articulation driver 460 from the firing drive 470. At such point in the operation of the surgical instrument 400, the actuation of the firing drive 470 will not articulate the end effector 402 and the firing drive 470 can move independently of the articulation driver 460.

Turning now to FIG. 26, as mentioned above, the firing drive 470 can be advanced distally to eject staples from a staple cartridge positioned within the channel 498 of the end effector 402 and to deform the staples against the anvil 420. As outlined above, the firing drive 470 can further comprise a cutting member which can be configured to transect the tissue captured within the end effector 402. As also mentioned above, the electric motor within the handle 403 can be operated by the firing actuator 116 in order to advance the firing member 470 distally wherein, in various circumstances, the electric motor can be operated until the distal cutting portion 472 of the firing member 470 reaches the distal end of the staple cartridge and/or any other suitable position within the staple cartridge. In any event, the rotation of the electric motor can be reversed to retract the firing member 470 proximally, as illustrated in FIG. 27. In various circumstances, the electric motor can retract the proximal drive portion 482 and the intermediate portion 475 until the distal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 474 defined in the intermediate portion 475 comes into contact with the proximal end 473 of the distal cutting member 472. At such point, the further retraction of the proximal drive portion 482 and the intermediate portion 475 will retract the distal cutting member 472 proximally. In various circumstances, the electric motor can be operated until the slot 476 defined in the intermediate portion 475 of the firing member 470 is realigned with the proximal portion 461 of the articulation driver 460; however, as the closure sleeve 428 is still in a distally advanced position, the cam member 465 may still be biasing the articulation driver 460 out of engagement with the firing member 470. In order to permit the articulation driver 460 to be re-engaged with the firing member 470, in such circumstances, the closure drive would have to be re-opened to bring the window 424 defined in the outer sleeve portion 428 into alignment with the cam member 465 such that the cam member 465 can be pivoted inwardly toward the shaft frame 454 into its first position. In various circumstances, the articulation driver 460 can be resiliently flexed out of engagement with the firing member 470 such that, when the cam member 465 is permitted to move back into its first position, the articulation driver 460 can resiliently flex inwardly toward the shaft frame 454 to re-engage the proximal portion 461 of the articulation driver 460 with the slot 476 defined in the intermediate portion 475 of the drive member 470. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 400 can further comprise a biasing member which can be configured to bias the proximal portion 461 back into engagement with the intermediate portion 475.

The reader will note that the intermediate portion 475 of the firing member 470 has been retracted proximally in FIG. 27 such that the slot 476 defined in the intermediate portion 475 is positioned proximally with respect to the proximal portion 461 of the articulation driver 460. In such circumstances, as a result, the proximal portion 461 may not be operably reconnected to the firing member 470 until the intermediate portion 475 is advanced distally to align the slot 476 with the proximal portion 461. Such circumstances may arise as a result of the relative slip between the intermediation portion 475 and the cutting member portion 472 of the firing member 470 created by the slip joint 471 which can be addressed by momentarily re-actuating the electric motor in the first direction, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 27, the firing member 470 may be in a retracted or reset position, however, the closure drive is still in an actuated, or closed, configuration which can prevent the anvil 420 from being re-opened and the end effector 402 from being re-articulated. When the closure drive is released, referring now to FIG. 28, the closure drive carriage 415 can be retracted into a proximal position in which the closure sleeve including portions 426 and 428 are pulled proximally as well. Referring again to FIG. 19, the proximal sleeve portion 428 can include a proximal end 417 which can be engaged with the closure drive carriage 415 such that the proximal sleeve portion 428 and the closure drive carriage 415 move together in the distal direction and/or the proximal direction. In any event, further to the above, the proximal movement of the distal sleeve portion 426 can cause the distal sidewall of the aperture 495 to engage the projection 496 extending from the anvil 420 in order to pivot the anvil 420 into its open position, as illustrated in FIG. 29. Furthermore, the proximal movement of the closure drive carriage 415 can unlock the articulation lock actuator 409 such that the articulation lock actuator 409 can be moved into is proximal, unlocked, position which can, as a result, pull the articulation lock 443 proximally to compress the spring 444 and unlock the end effector 402. As described above, the end effector 402 can be then articulated about the articulation joint 410 and the operation of the surgical instrument 400 described above can be repeated. Referring primarily to FIGS. 18-20, the handle 404 can further comprise a switch 408 mounted to the handle frame 480 which can be configured to detect whether the articulation lock actuator 409 is in its proximal, unlocked, position. In some embodiments, the switch 408 can be operably coupled with an indicator in the handle 404, such as light, for example, which can indicate to the operator of the surgical instrument 400 that the end effector 402 is in an unlocked condition and that the operator may utilize the articulation switch to articulate the end effector 402, for example.

As described above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 17, the surgical instrument 400 can comprise an articulation lock system configured to lock and unlock the end effector 402 and a closure drive configured to open and close the anvil 420 of the end effector 402. Although these two systems of the surgical instrument 400 interact in several respects, which are described above, the systems can be actuated independently of one another in other respects. For instance, the articulation lock actuator 409 and the end effector lock 443 can be actuated without closing the anvil 420. In this embodiment of the surgical instrument 400, the closure drive is operated independently to close the anvil 420. Turning now to FIGS. 30-32, the surgical instrument 400 can include an alternate arrangement in which the closure drive is actuated to, one, close the anvil 420 and, two, lock the end effector 402 in position. Referring primarily to FIGS. 31 and 32, the shaft 404 can comprise an articulation lock bar 540 which can be moved between a proximal, unlocked, position (FIG. 31) in which the end effector 402 can be articulated about the articulation joint 410 and a distal, locked, position (FIG. 32) in which the end effector 402 can be locked in position. Similar to the articulation lock bar 440, the articulation lock bar 540 can include a distal end 542 which is operably engaged with the articulation lock 443 such that, when the articulation lock bar 540 is pulled proximally, the articulation lock 443 can be pulled proximally. Similarly, when the articulation lock bar 540 is pushed distally, the articulation lock 443 can be pushed distally as well. In contrast to the articulation lock bar 440 which is pushed distally and pulled proximally by the articulation lock actuator 409, as described above, the articulation lock bar 540 can be pushed distally and pulled proximally by the closure sleeve 428. More particularly, the proximal end 541 of the articulation lock bar 540 can comprise a hook 547 which, when the closure sleeve 428 is pulled proximally, can catch a portion of the closure sleeve 428 and be pulled proximally with the closure sleeve 428. In such circumstances, the sleeve 428 can pull the articulation lock bar 540 into an unlocked condition. As the reader will note, the closure sleeve 428 can include a window 549 within which the proximal end 541 of the articulation lock bar 540 can be positioned. When the closure sleeve 428 is pushed distally, further to the above, a proximal sidewall 548 of the window 549 can contact the proximal end 541 and push the articulation lock bar 540 and the articulation lock 443 distally in order to lock the end effector 402 in position.

As described herein, it may be desirable to employ surgical systems and devices that may include reusable portions that are configured to be used with interchangeable surgical components. Referring to FIG. 33, for example, there is shown a surgical system, generally designated as 1000, that, in at least one form, comprises a surgical instrument 1010 that may or may not be reused. The surgical instrument 1010 can be employed with a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies 1200, 1200′, 1200″. The interchangeable shaft assemblies 1200, 1200′, 1200″ may have a surgical end effector 1300, 1300′, 1300″ operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. For example, each of the surgical end effectors 1300, 1300′, 1300″ may comprise a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. Each of the shaft assemblies may employ end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. While the present Figures illustrate end effectors that are configured to cut and staple tissue, various aspects of the surgical system 1000 may also be effectively employed with surgical instruments that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion, to interchangeable shaft-mounted end effector arrangements that are used in various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. For instance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly. In various circumstances, a shaft assembly can be selected to be attached to a handle of a surgical instrument and a fastener cartridge can be selected to be attached to the shaft assembly.

The surgical instrument 1010 depicted in the FIG. 33 comprises a housing 1040 that consists of a handle 1042 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, it will be understood that the various unique and novel arrangements of the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 34 illustrates the surgical instrument 1010 with an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled thereto. In the illustrated form, the surgical instrument includes a handle 1042. In at least one form, the handle 1042 may comprise a pair of interconnectable housing segments 1044, 1046 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. See FIG. 35. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 1044, 1046 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1048 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 1042 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.

The handle 1042 may further include a frame 1080 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 1080 can operably support a first or closure drive system, generally designated as 1050, which may be employed to apply a closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1050 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1052 that is pivotally supported by the frame 1080. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the closure trigger 1052 may be pivotally supported by frame 1080 such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 1048 of the handle 1042, the closure trigger 1052 may be easily pivoted from a starting or unactuated position to an actuated position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 1052 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 1050 further includes a closure linkage assembly 1060 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1052. As can be seen in FIG. 35, the closure linkage assembly 1060 may include a closure trigger 1052 that is pivotally coupled to a closure link 1064 that has a pair of laterally extending attachment lugs or portions 1066 protruding therefrom. The closure link 1064 may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member”.

Still referring to FIG. 35, it can be observed that the closure trigger 1052 may have a locking wall 1068 thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 1070 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 1080. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1070 may comprise a release button assembly 1072 that has a distally protruding cam follower arm 1074 formed thereon. The release button assembly 1072 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring 1076. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1052 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 1048 of the handle 1042, the closure link 1062 pivots upward to a point wherein the cam follower arm 1072 drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall 1068 on the closure link 1062 thereby preventing the closure trigger 1052 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 1070 serves to lock the closure trigger 1052 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1052 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly 1072 such that the cam follower arm 1074 is moved out of engagement with the locking wall 1068 on the closure trigger 1052. When the cam follower arm 1074 has been moved out of engagement with the closure trigger 1052, the closure trigger 1052 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

In at least one form, the handle 1042 and the frame 1080 may operably support another drive system referred to herein as firing drive system 1100 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system 1100 may employ an electric motor 1102, located in the pistol grip portion 1048 of the handle 1042. In various forms, the motor 1102 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery 1104 (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be coupled to the handle 1042 to supply power to a control circuit board assembly 1106 and ultimately to the motor 1102. FIG. 34 illustrates a battery pack housing 1104 that is configured to be releasably mounted to the handle 1042 for supplying control power to the surgical instrument 1010. A number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 1102 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 1108 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1112 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor 1102 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 1102 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 1102 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1110 will be axially driven in the distal direction “D”. When the motor 1102 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 1110 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “P”. See, for example, FIG. 35. The handle 1042 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1102 by the battery. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 1042 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 1110 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1110 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 1102 can be controlled by a firing trigger 1120 that is pivotally supported on the handle 1042. The firing trigger 1120 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1120 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1120, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1120 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 1052 as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 1122 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 1052. As can be seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, for example, the safety button 1122 may be positioned between the firing trigger 1120 and the closure trigger 1052 and have a pivot arm 1124 protruding therefrom. As shown in FIG. 38, when the closure trigger 1052 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1122 is contained in the handle housing where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 1120 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 1120 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1052, the safety button 1122 and the firing trigger 1120 pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 has a rack of teeth 1112 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1114 of the gear reducer assembly 1108. At least one form may also include a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly 1130 that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 should the motor become disabled. The bailout assembly 1130 may include a lever or bailout handle assembly 1132 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth 1112 in the drive member 1110. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 1110 by using the bailout handle assembly 1132 to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction “P”. U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0089970, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 34 and 37 illustrate one form of interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that has, for example, a surgical end effector 1300 operably attached thereto. The end effector 1300 as illustrated in those Figures may be configured to cut and staple tissue in the various manners disclosed herein. For example, the end effector 1300 may include a channel 1302 that is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge 1304. The staple cartridge 1304 may comprise a removable staple cartridge 1304 such that it may be replaced when spent. However, the staple cartridge in other arrangements may be configured such that once installed within the channel 1302, it is not intended to be removed therefrom. The channel 1032 and staple cartridge 1304 may be collectively referred to as a “first jaw portion” of the end effector 1300. In various forms, the end effector 1300 may have a “second jaw portion”, in the form of an anvil 1310, that is movably or pivotally supported on the channel 1302 in the various manners discussed herein.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include a shaft 1210 that includes a shaft frame 1212 that is coupled to a shaft attachment module or shaft attachment portion 1220. In at least one form, a proximal end 1214 of the shaft frame 1212 may extend through a hollow collar portion 1222 formed on the shaft attachment module 1220 and be rotatably attached thereto. For example, an annular groove 1216 may be provided in the proximal end 1214 of the shaft frame 1212 for engagement with a U-shaped retainer 1226 that extends through a slot 1224 in the shaft attachment module 1220. Such arrangement enables the shaft frame 1212 to be rotated relative to the shaft attachment module 1220.

The shaft assembly 1200 may further comprise a hollow outer sleeve or closure tube 1250 through which the shaft frame 1212 extends. The outer sleeve 1250 may also be referred to herein as a “first shaft” and/or a “first shaft assembly”. The outer sleeve 1250 has a proximal end 1252 that is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a closure tube attachment yoke 1260. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the proximal end 1252 of the outer sleeve 1250 is configured to be received within a cradle 1262 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1260. A U-shaped connector 1266 extends through a slot 1264 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1260 to be received in an annular groove 1254 in the proximal end 1252 of the outer sleeve 1250. Such arrangement serves to rotatably couple the outer sleeve 1250 to the closure tube attachment yoke 1260 such that the outer sleeve 1250 may rotate relative thereto.

As can be seen in FIGS. 38 and 39, the proximal end 1214 of the shaft frame 1214 protrudes proximally out of the proximal end 1252 of the outer sleeve 1250 and is rotatably coupled to the shaft attachment module 1220 by the U-shaped retainer 1226 (shown in FIG. 38). The closure tube attachment yoke 1260 is configured to be slidably received within a passage 1268 in the shaft attachment module 1220. Such arrangement permits the outer sleeve 1250 to be axially moved in the proximal direction “P” and the distal direction “D” on the shaft frame 1212 relative to the shaft attachment module 1220 as will be discussed in further detail below.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 1350. Other interchangeable shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in FIG. 37, for example, the articulation joint 1350 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 1352. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 1352 includes a shaft closure sleeve assembly 1354 having upper and lower distally projecting tangs 1356, 1358. An end effector closure sleeve assembly 1354 includes a horseshoe aperture 1360 and a tab 1362 for engaging an opening tab on the anvil 1310 in the manner described above. As described above, the horseshoe aperture 1360 and tab 1362 engage the anvil tab when the anvil 1310 is opened. An upper double pivot link 1364 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang 1356 and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper distally projecting tang 1256 on the outer sleeve 1250. A lower double pivot link 1366 includes downwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang 1358 and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang 1258.

In use, the closure sleeve assembly 1354 is translated distally (direction “D”) to close the anvil 1310, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 1052. The anvil 1310 is closed by distally translating the outer sleeve 1250, and thus the shaft closure sleeve assembly 1354, causing it to strike a proximal surface on the anvil 1310 in the manner described above. As was also described above, the anvil 1310 is opened by proximally translating the outer sleeve 1250 and the shaft closure sleeve assembly 1354, causing tab 1362 and the horseshoe aperture 1360 to contact and push against the anvil tab to lift the anvil 1310. In the anvil-open position, the shaft closure sleeve assembly 1352 is moved to its proximal position.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 further includes a firing member 1270 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft frame 1212. The firing member 1270 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion 1280. The firing member 1270 may also be referred to herein as a “second shaft” and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 may include a longitudinal slot 1274 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive the proximal end 1282 of the distal cutting portion 1280. The longitudinal slot 1274 and the proximal end 1282 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1276. The slip joint 1276 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 of the firing drive 1270 to be moved to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal cutting portion 1280. Once the end effector 1300 has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1272 comes into contact with the proximal end 1282 in order to advance the distal cutting portion 1280 and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel 1302, as described herein. As can be further seen in FIG. 37, the shaft frame 1212 has an elongate opening or window 1213 therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 into the shaft frame 1212. Once the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 has been inserted therein, a top frame segment 1215 may be engaged with the shaft frame 1212 to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 and distal cutting portion 1280 therein. The reader will also note that the articulation joint 1350 can further include a guide 1368 which can be configured to receive the distal cutting portion 1280 of the firing member 1270 therein and guide the distal cutting portion 1280 as it is advanced distally and/or retracted proximally within and/or relative to the articulation joint 1350.

As can be seen in FIG. 37, the shaft attachment module 1220 may further include a latch actuator assembly 1230 that may be removably attached to the shaft attachment module by cap screws (not shown) or other suitable fasteners. The latch actuator assembly 1230 is configured to cooperate with a lock yoke 1240 that is pivotally coupled to the shaft attachment module 1220 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto. See FIG. 41. Referring to FIG. 39, the lock yoke 1240 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 1242 (FIG. 37) that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 1086 formed in a frame attachment module portion 1084 of the frame 1080 as will be discussed in further detail below. The lock yoke 1240 is substantially U-shaped and is installed over the latch actuator assembly 1230 after the latch actuator assembly 1230 has been coupled to the shaft attachment module 1220. The latch actuator assembly 1230 may have an arcuate body portion 1234 that provides sufficient clearance for the lock yoke 1240 to pivot relative thereto between latched and unlatched positions.

In various forms, the lock yoke 1240 is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Stated another way, the lock yoke 1240 is biased into the latched position (FIG. 40) and can be pivoted to an unlatched position (FIG. 41) by a latch button 1236 that is movably supported on the latch actuator assembly 1230. In at least one arrangement, for example, the latch button 1236 is slidably retained within a latch housing portion 1235 and is biased in the proximal direction “P” by a latch spring or biasing member (not shown). As will be discussed in further detail below, the latch button 1236 has a distally protruding release lug 1237 that is designed to engage the lock yoke 1240 and pivot it from the latched position to the unlatched position shown in FIG. 41 upon actuation of the latch button 1236.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include a nozzle assembly 1290 that is rotatably supported on the shaft attachment module 1220. In at least one form, for example, the nozzle assembly 1290 can be comprised of two nozzle halves, or portions, 1292, 1294 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. When mounted on the shaft attachment module 1220, the nozzle assembly 1290 may interface with the outer sleeve 1250 and shaft frame 1212 to enable the clinician to selectively rotate the shaft 1210 relative to the shaft attachment module 1220 about a shaft axis SA-SA which may be defined for example, the axis of the firing member assembly 1270. In particular, a portion of the nozzle assembly 1290 may extend through a window 1253 in the outer sleeve to engage a notch 1218 in the shaft frame 1212. See FIG. 37. Thus, rotation of the nozzle assembly 1290 will result in rotation of the shaft frame 1212 and outer sleeve 1250 about axis A-A relative to the shaft attachment module 1220.

Referring now to FIGS. 42 and 43, the reader will observe that the frame attachment module portion 1084 of the frame 1080 is formed with two inwardly facing dovetail receiving slots 1088. Each dovetail receiving slot 1088 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped. See, for example, FIGS. 36 and 38 (only one of the slots 1088 is shown). The dovetail receiving slots 1088 are configured to releasably receive corresponding tapered attachment or lug portions 1229 of a proximally-extending connector portion 1228 of the shaft attachment module 1220. As can be further seen in FIGS. 37-39, a shaft attachment lug 1278 is formed on the proximal end 1277 of the intermediate firing shaft 1272. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1042, the shaft attachment lug 1278 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1113 formed in the distal end 1111 of the longitudinal drive member 1110. Also, the closure tube attachment yoke 1260 includes a proximally-extending yoke portion 1265 that includes two capture slots 1267 that open downwardly to capture the attachment lugs 1066 on the closure attachment bar 1064.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1220 to the handle 1042 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 44-48. In various forms, the frame 1080 or at least one of the drive systems define an actuation axis AA-AA. For example, the actuation axis AA-AA may be defined by the axis of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. As such, when the intermediate firing shaft 1272 is operably coupled to the longitudinally movable drive member 1110, the actuation axis AA-AA is coaxial with the shaft axis SA-SA as shown in FIG. 48.

To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the shaft attachment module 1220 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 above or adjacent to the frame attachment module portion 1084 of the frame 1080 such that the attachment lugs 1229 formed on the connector portion 1228 of the shaft attachment module 1220 are aligned with the dovetail slots 1088 in the attachment module portion 1084 as shown in FIG. 45. The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module 1220 along an installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. Stated another way, the shaft attachment module 1220 is moved in an installation direction “ID” that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA until the attachment lugs 1229 of the connector portion 1228 are seated in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots 1088. See FIGS. 44 and 46. FIG. 47 illustrates the position of the shaft attachment module 1220 prior to the shaft attachment lug 1278 on the intermediate firing shaft 1272 entering the cradle 1113 in the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 and the attachment lugs 1066 on the closure attachment bar 1064 entering the corresponding slots 1267 in the yoke portion 1265 of the closure tube attachment yoke 1260. FIG. 48 illustrates the position of the shaft attachment module 1220 after the attachment process has been completed. As can be seen in that Figure, the lugs 1066 (only one is shown) are seated in operable engagement in their respective slots 1267 in the yoke portion 1265 of the closure tube attachment yoke 1260. As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure.

As discussed above, referring again to FIGS. 44-49, at least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1042. A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame of the shaft assembly 1200 with the frame of the handle 1042. As outlined above, the connector portion 1228 of the shaft assembly 1200 can be engaged with the attachment module portion 1084 of the handle frame 1080. A second system can comprise a closure drive system which can operably connect the closure trigger 1052 of the handle 1042 and the closure tube 1250 and the anvil 1310 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure tube attachment yoke 1260 of the shaft assembly 1200 can be engaged with the attachment lugs 1066 of the handle 1042. A third system can comprise a firing drive system which can operably connect the firing trigger 1120 of the handle 1042 with the intermediate firing shaft 1272 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 1278 can be operably connected with the cradle 1113 of the longitudinal drive member 1110. A fourth system can comprise an electrical system which can, one, signal to a controller in the handle 1042, such as microcontroller 7004, for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, has been operably engaged with the handle 1042 and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1042. For instance, the shaft assembly 1200 can include six electrical contacts and the electrical connector 4000 can also include six electrical contacts wherein each electrical contact on the shaft assembly 1200 can be paired and mated with an electrical contact on the electrical connector 4000 when the shaft assembly 1200 is assembled to the handle 1042. The shaft assembly 1200 can also include a latch 1236 which can be part of a fifth system, such as a lock system, which can releasably lock the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1042. In various circumstances, the latch 1236 can close a circuit in the handle 1042, for example, when the latch 1236 is engaged with the handle 1042.

Further to the above, the frame system, the closure drive system, the firing drive system, and the electrical system of the shaft assembly 1200 can be assembled to the corresponding systems of the handle 1042 in a transverse direction, i.e., along axis IA-IA, for example. In various circumstances, the frame system, the closure drive system, and the firing drive system of the shaft assembly 1200 can be simultaneously coupled to the corresponding systems of the handle 1042. In certain circumstances, two of the frame system, the closure drive system, and the firing drive system of the shaft assembly 1200 can be simultaneously coupled to the corresponding systems of the handle 1042. In at least one circumstance, the frame system can be at least initially coupled before the closure drive system and the firing drive system are coupled. In such circumstances, the frame system can be configured to align the corresponding components of the closure drive system and the firing drive system before they are coupled as outlined above. In various circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly 1200 and the handle 1042 can be configured to be coupled at the same time that the frame system, the closure drive system, and/or the firing drive system are finally, or fully, seated. In certain circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly 1200 and the handle 1042 can be configured to be coupled before the frame system, the closure drive system, and/or the firing drive system are finally, or fully, seated. In some circumstances, the electrical system portions of the housing assembly 1200 and the handle 1042 can be configured to be coupled after the frame system has been at least partially coupled, but before the closure drive system and/or the firing drive system are have been coupled. In various circumstances, the locking system can be configured such that it is the last system to be engaged, i.e., after the frame system, the closure drive system, the firing drive system, and the electrical system have all been engaged.

As outlined above, referring again to FIGS. 44-49, the electrical connector 4000 of the handle 1042 can comprise a plurality of electrical contacts. Turning now to FIG. 197, the electrical connector 4000 can comprise a first contact 4001a, a second contact 4001b, a third contact 4001c, a fourth contact 4001d, a fifth contact 4001e, and a sixth contact 4001f, for example. While the illustrated embodiment utilizes six contacts, other embodiments are envisioned which may utilize more than six contacts or less than six contacts. As illustrated in FIG. 197, the first contact 4001a can be in electrical communication with a transistor 4008, contacts 4001b-4001e can be in electrical communication with a microcontroller 7004, and the sixth contact 4001f can be in electrical communication with a ground. Microcontroller 7004 is discussed in greater detail further below. In certain circumstances, one or more of the electrical contacts 4001b-4001e may be in electrical communication with one or more output channels of the microcontroller 7004 and can be energized, or have a voltage potential applied thereto, when the handle 1042 is in a powered state. In some circumstances, one or more of the electrical contacts 4001b-4001e may be in electrical communication with one or more input channels of the microcontroller 7004 and, when the handle 1042 is in a powered state, the microcontroller 7004 can be configured to detect when a voltage potential is applied to such electrical contacts. When a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, is assembled to the handle 1042, the electrical contacts 4001a-4001f may not communicate with each other. When a shaft assembly is not assembled to the handle 1042, however, the electrical contacts 4001a-4001f of the electrical connector 4000 may be exposed and, in some circumstances, one or more of the contacts 4001a-4001f may be accidentally placed in electrical communication with each other. Such circumstances can arise when one or more of the contacts 4001a-4001f come into contact with an electrically conductive material, for example. When this occurs, the microcontroller 7004 can receive an erroneous input and/or the shaft assembly 1200 can receive an erroneous output, for example. To address this issue, in various circumstances, the handle 1042 may be unpowered when a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, is not attached to the handle 1042. In other circumstances, the handle 1042 can be powered when a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, is not attached thereto. In such circumstances, the microcontroller 7004 can be configured to ignore inputs, or voltage potentials, applied to the contacts in electrical communication with the microcontroller 7004, i.e., contacts 4001b-4001e, for example, until a shaft assembly is attached to the handle 1042. Even though the microcontroller 7004 may be supplied with power to operate other functionalities of the handle 1042 in such circumstances, the handle 1042 may be in a powered-down state. In a way, the electrical connector 4000 may be in a powered-down state as voltage potentials applied to the electrical contacts 4001b-4001e may not affect the operation of the handle 1042. The reader will appreciate that, even though contacts 4001b-4001e may be in a powered-down state, the electrical contacts 4001a and 4001f, which are not in electrical communication with the microcontroller 7004, may or may not be in a powered-down state. For instance, sixth contact 4001f may remain in electrical communication with a ground regardless of whether the handle 1042 is in a powered-up or a powered-down state. Furthermore, the transistor 4008, and/or any other suitable arrangement of transistors, such as transistor 4010, for example, and/or switches may be configured to control the supply of power from a power source 4004, such as a battery 1104 within the handle 1042, for example, to the first electrical contact 4001a regardless of whether the handle 1042 is in a powered-up or a powered-down state as outlined above. In various circumstances, the latch 1236 of the shaft assembly 1200, for example, can be configured to change the state of the transistor 4008 when the latch 1236 is engaged with the handle 1042. In various circumstances, as described elsewhere herein, the latch 1236 can be configured to close a circuit when it engages the handle 1042 and, as a result, affect the state of the transistor 4008. In certain circumstances, further to the below, a Hall effect sensor 4002 can be configured to switch the state of transistor 4010 which, as a result, can switch the state of transistor 4008 and ultimately supply power from power source 4004 to first contact 4001a. In this way, further to the above, both the power circuits and the signal circuits to the connector 4000 can be powered down when a shaft assembly is not installed to the handle 1042 and powered up when a shaft assembly is installed to the handle 1042.

In various circumstances, referring again to FIG. 197, the handle 1042 can include the Hall effect sensor 4002, for example, which can be configured to detect a detectable element, such as a magnetic element, for example, on a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, when the shaft assembly is coupled to the handle 1042. The Hall effect sensor 4002 can be powered by a power source 4006, such as a battery, for example, which can, in effect, amplify the detection signal of the Hall effect sensor 4002 and communicate with an input channel of the microcontroller 7004 via the circuit illustrated in FIG. 197. Once the microcontroller 7004 has a received an input indicating that a shaft assembly has been at least partially coupled to the handle 1042, and that, as a result, the electrical contacts 4001a-4001f are no longer exposed, the microcontroller 7004 can enter into its normal, or powered-up, operating state. In such an operating state, the microcontroller 7004 will evaluate the signals transmitted to one or more of the contacts 4001b-4001e from the shaft assembly and/or transmit signals to the shaft assembly through one or more of the contacts 4001b-4001e in normal use thereof. In various circumstances, the shaft assembly 1200 may have to be fully seated before the Hall effect sensor 4002 can detect the magnetic element. While a Hall effect sensor 4002 can be utilized to detect the presence of the shaft assembly 1200, any suitable system of sensors and/or switches can be utilized to detect whether a shaft assembly has been assembled to the handle 1042, for example. In this way, further to the above, both the power circuits and the signal circuits to the connector 4000 can be powered down when a shaft assembly is not installed to the handle 1042 and powered up when a shaft assembly is installed to the handle 1042.

In various embodiments, any number of magnetic sensing elements may be employed to detect whether a shaft assembly has been assembled to the handle 1042, for example. For example, the technologies used for magnetic field sensing include search coil, fluxgate, optically pumped, nuclear precession, SQUID, Hall-effect, anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magnetoresistance, magnetic tunnel junctions, giant magneto impedance, magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites, magneto diode, magneto transistor, fiber optic, magneto optic, and microelectromechanical systems-based magnetic sensors, among others.

After the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 has been operably coupled to the handle 1042, actuation of the closure trigger 1052 will result in the distal axial advancement of the outer sleeve 1250 and the shaft closure sleeve assembly 1354 coupled thereto to actuate the anvil 1310 in the various manners disclosed herein. As can also be seen in FIG. 48, the firing member 1270 in the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 in the handle 1042. More specifically, the shaft attachment lug 1278 formed on the proximal end 1277 of the intermediate firing shaft 1272 is receive within the firing shaft attachment cradle 1113 formed in the distal end 1111 of the longitudinally movable drive member 1110. Thus, actuation of the firing trigger 1120 which results in powering of the motor 1102 to axially advance the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 will also cause the firing member 1270 to axially move within the shaft frame 1212. Such action will cause the advancement of the distal cutting portion 1280 through the tissue clamped in the end effector 1300 in the various manners disclosed herein. Although not observable in FIG. 48, those of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that when in the coupled position depicted in that Figure, the attachment lug portions 1229 of the shaft attachment module 1220 are seated within their respective dovetail receiving slots 1088 in the attachment module portion 1084 of the frame 1080. Thus, the shaft attachment module 1220 is coupled to the frame 1080. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 48 (but which can be seen in FIG. 40), when the shaft attachment module 1220 has been coupled to the frame 1080, the lock lugs 1242 on the lock yoke 1240 are seated within their respective lock grooves 1086 (only one is shown in FIG. 40) in the attachment module portion 1084 of the frame 1080 to releasably retain the shaft attachment module 1220 in coupled operable engagement with the frame 1080.

To detach the interchangeable shaft assembly 1220 from the frame 1080, the clinician pushes the latch button 1236 in the distal direction “D” to cause the lock yoke 1240 to pivot as shown in FIG. 41. Such pivotal movement of the lock yoke 1240 causes the lock lugs 1242 thereon to move out of retaining engagement with the lock grooves 1086. The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module 1220 away from the handle in a disconnecting direction “DD” as shown in FIG. 49.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shaft attachment module 1220 may also be held stationary and the handle 1042 moved along the installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA-SA to bring the lugs 1229 on the connector portion 1228 into seating engagement with the dovetail slots 1088. It will be further understood that the shaft attachment module 1220 and the handle 1042 may be simultaneously moved toward each other along the installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA-SA and the actuation axis AA-AA.

As used herein, the phrase, “substantially transverse to the actuation axis and/or to the shaft axis” refers to a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the actuation axis and/or shaft axis. It will be appreciated, however, that directions that deviate some from perpendicular to the actuation axis and/or the shaft axis are also substantially transverse to those axes.

FIGS. 50-57 illustrate another arrangement for coupling an interchangeable shaft assembly 1600 to a frame 1480 of a handle (not shown) that otherwise functions like the handle 1042 discussed in detail herein. Thus, only those details necessary to understand the unique and novel coupling features of the shaft assembly 1600 will be discussed in further detail. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the frame may be supported within a housing of a robotic system that otherwise operably supports or houses a plurality of drive systems. In other arrangements, the frame may comprise portion of a robotic system for operably affixing interchangeable shaft assemblies thereto.

In at least one form, the shaft assembly 1600 includes a shaft 1610 that may include all of the other components of shaft 1210 described above and may have an end effector (not shown) of the type described above operably attached thereto. Turning to FIG. 57, in the illustrated arrangement, the shaft assembly 1600 includes a closure tube attachment yoke 1660 that may be rotatably coupled to an outer sleeve 1650 in the manner in which the closure tube yoke assembly 1260 was rotatably coupled to the outer sleeve 1250.

In various forms, the shaft assembly 1600 includes a shaft attachment module or shaft attachment portion 1620 that has an open bottom 1621. The shaft 1610 is coupled to the shaft attachment module 1620 by inserting the proximal end of the shaft 1610 through an opening 1622 in the shaft attachment module 1620. The closure tube attachment yoke 1660 may be inserted into the shaft attachment module 1620 through the open bottom portion 1621 such that the proximal end 1652 of the outer sleeve 1650 is received within the cradle 1662 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1660. In the manner discussed above, a U-shaped connector 1666 is passed through a slot 1624 in the shaft attachment module 1620 to engage an annular groove 1654 in the proximal end 1652 of the outer sleeve 1250 and slots 1664 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1660 to affix the outer sleeve 1650 to the closure tube attachment yoke 1660. As was discussed above, such arrangement enables the outer sleeve 1650 to rotate relative to the shaft attachment module 1620.

In at least one form, the closure tube attachment yoke 1660 is configured to be supported within the shaft attachment module 1620 such that the closure tube yoke attachment yoke 1660 may move axially therein in the distal and proximal directions. In at least one form, a closure spring 1625 is provided within the shaft attachment module to bias the closure tube yoke assembly 1660 in the proximal direction “P”. See FIG. 57. As with the above described shaft assembly 1210, the proximal end 1614 of the shaft frame 1612 protrudes proximally out of the proximal end 1652 of the outer sleeve 1650. As can be seen in FIG. 57 a retaining collar 1617 may be formed on the proximal end 1614 of the shaft frame 1612. A U-shaped retainer member 1627 is inserted through a lateral slot 1633 in the shaft attachment module 1620 to retain the proximal end 1652 of the outer sleeve in that axial position while enabling the outer sleeve 1650 to rotate relative to the shaft attachment module 1620. Such arrangement permits the clinician to rotate the shaft 1610 about the shaft axis SA-SA relative to the shaft attachment module 1620. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shaft 1610 may be rotated by the same or similar nozzle arrangement that was described above. For example, the nozzle portions (not shown) may be assembled around the outer sleeve 1650 and engage the notch 1618 in the shaft frame 1612 through the window 1653 in the outer sleeve 1650. See FIG. 53.

In at least one form, the frame 1480 has a frame attachment module or frame attachment portion 1484 formed thereon or attached thereto. The frame attachment module 1484 may be formed with opposed dovetail receiving slots 1488. Each dovetail receiving slot 1488 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped. The slots 1488 are configured to releasably receive corresponding portion of a dovetail connector 1629 protruding from a proximal end of the shaft attachment module 1620. As can be seen in FIG. 52, the proximal end 1677 of the intermediate firing shaft 1672 protrudes proximally out of the shaft attachment module 1620 and has a shaft attachment lug 1678 formed thereon. The proximal end 1677 of the intermediate firing shaft 1672 may extend through the space between the end walls 1485 of the frame attachment module 1484 to enable the shaft attachment lug 1678 formed thereon to be received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1513 formed in the distal end 1511 of the longitudinally moveable drive member 1510. See FIG. 57. When the interchangeable shaft assembly 1600 is coupled to the handle or housing or frame of the surgical instrument, device, robotic system, etc., the shaft attachment lug 1678 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1513 formed in the distal end 1511 of the longitudinally movable drive member 1510.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 52-55, the frame attachment module 1484 may have a distally protruding bottom member 1490 that is adapted to enclose at least a portion of the open bottom 1621 of the shaft attachment module 1620 when the shaft attachment module 1620 is operably coupled to the frame attachment module 1484. In one form, the closure tube attachment yoke 1660 has a pair of proximally extending, spaced yoke arms 1661 protruding therefrom. A transverse yoke attachment pin 1663 may extend therebetween. See FIG. 57. When the shaft attachment module 1620 is brought into operable engagement with the frame attachment module 1484, the yoke attachment pin 1663 is configured to be hookingly engaged by a hook 1469 formed on a closure link 1467 of the closure drive system 1450. The closure drive system 1450 may be similar to the closure drive system 1050 described above and include a closure trigger 1452 and a closure linkage assembly 1460. The closure linkage assembly 1460 may include a closure link 1462 that is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 1464. The closure attachment bar 1464 is pivotally coupled to the closure link 1467. See FIG. 54.

A method for coupling the shaft assembly 1600 to the frame 1480 may be understood from reference to FIGS. 53 and 54. As with other arrangements disclosed herein, the shaft assembly 1600 may define a shaft axis SA-SA and the frame 1480 may define an actuation axis AA-AA. For example, the shaft axis SA-SA may be defined by the firing member 1670 and the actuation axis AA-AA may be defined by the longitudinally movable drive member 1510. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the shaft attachment module 1620 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1600 above or adjacent to the frame attachment module 1484 of the frame 1480 such that the dovetail connector 1629 of the shaft attachment module 1620 is aligned with the dovetail slots 1488 in the frame attachment module 1484 as shown in FIG. 53. The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module 1620 along an installation axis IA-IA that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. Stated another way, the shaft attachment module 1620 is moved in an installation direction “ID” that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA until the dovetail connector 1629 is seated in the dovetail slots 1488 in the frame module 1484. See FIGS. 55-57. When the shaft attachment module 1620 has been operably engaged with the frame attachment module 1484, the closure tube attachment yoke 1665 will be operably engaged with the closure drive system 1450 and actuation of the closure trigger 1452 will result in the distal axial advancement of the outer sleeve 1650 and the shaft closure tube assembly coupled thereto to actuate the anvil in the various manners disclosed herein. Likewise, the firing member 1270 will be operably engaged with the longitudinally movable drive member 1510. See FIG. 57. Thus, actuation of the motor (not shown) of the firing drive system 1500 will result in the axial advancement of the longitudinally movable drive member 1510 as well as the firing member 1670. Such action will cause the advancement of the distal cutting portion of the firing member (not shown) through the tissue clamped in the end effector in the various manners disclosed herein.

FIGS. 58-62 illustrate another arrangement for coupling an interchangeable shaft assembly 1900 to a frame 1780 of a handle (not shown) that otherwise functions like the handle 1042 discussed in detail herein. Thus, only those details necessary to understand the unique and novel coupling features of the shaft assembly 1900 will be discussed in further detail. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the frame may be supported within a housing or other portion of a robotic system that otherwise operably supports or houses a plurality of drive systems. In other arrangements, the frame may comprise portion of a robotic system for operably affixing interchangeable shaft assemblies thereto.

In at least one form, the shaft assembly 1900 includes a shaft 1910 that may include all of the other components of shaft 1210 described above and may have an end effector of the type described above, for example, (not shown) operably attached thereto. Turning to FIG. 62, in the illustrated arrangement, the shaft assembly 1900 includes a closure tube attachment yoke 1960 that may be rotatably coupled to an outer sleeve 1950 in the manner in which the closure tube yoke assembly 1260 was rotatably coupled to the outer sleeve 1250.

In various forms, the shaft assembly 1900 may include a shaft attachment module or shaft attachment portion 1920 that has an open bottom 1921. The shaft 1910 is coupled to the shaft attachment module 1920 by inserting the proximal end of the shaft 1910 through an opening 1922 in the shaft attachment module 1920. The closure tube attachment yoke 1960 may be inserted into the shaft attachment module 1920 through the open bottom portion 1921 such that the proximal end 1952 of the outer sleeve 1950 is received within the cradle 1962 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1660. In the manner discussed above, a U-shaped connector 1966 engages an annular groove (not shown) in the proximal end 1952 of the outer sleeve 1950 and slots 1964 in the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 to affix the outer sleeve 1950 to the closure tube attachment yoke 1960. As was discussed above, such arrangement enables the outer sleeve 1950 to rotate relative to the shaft attachment module 1920.

In at least one form, the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 is configured to be supported within the shaft attachment module 1920 such that the closure tube yoke assembly 1960 may move axially therein in the distal (“D”) and proximal (“P”) directions. As with the above described shaft assembly 1210, the proximal end of the shaft frame protrudes proximally out of the proximal end 1952 of the outer sleeve 1950. As can be seen in FIG. 62, a retaining collar 1917 may be formed on the proximal end of the shaft frame. A U-shaped retainer member 1927 may be employed to retain the proximal end of the shaft frame in that axial position while enabling the shaft frame to rotate relative to the shaft attachment module 1920. Such arrangement permits the clinician to rotate the shaft 1910 about the shaft axis SA-SA relative to the shaft attachment module 1920. A nozzle assembly 1990 may be employed in the various manners discussed herein to facilitate rotation of the shaft 1910 relative to the shaft attachment module 1920.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1900 may further include a nozzle assembly 1990 that is rotatably supported on the shaft attachment module 1920. In at least one form, for example, the nozzle assembly 1990 can be comprised of two nozzle halves, or portions that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. When mounted on the shaft attachment module 1920, the nozzle assembly 1990 may interface with a shaft rotation adapter 1995 that is configured to engage the outer sleeve 1950 and shaft frame 1912 to enable the clinician to selectively rotate the shaft 1910 relative to the shaft attachment module 1920 about a shaft axis SA-SA which may be defined for example, the axis of the firing member assembly. Thus, rotation of the nozzle assembly 1990 will result in rotation of the shaft frame and outer sleeve 1950 about axis A-A relative to the shaft attachment module 1920.

In at least one form, the frame 1780 has a frame attachment module or frame attachment portion 1784 formed thereon or attached thereto. The frame attachment module 1784 may be formed with outwardly facing dovetail receiving slots 1788. Each dovetail receiving slot 1788 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped. See FIG. 60. The slots 1788 are configured to releasably operably engage corresponding inwardly-facing dovetail connector portions 1929 formed on the shaft attachment module 1920. As can be seen in FIG. 60, the proximal end 1977 of the intermediate firing shaft 1972 protrudes proximally out of the shaft attachment module 1920 and has a shaft attachment lug 1978 formed thereon. The shaft attachment lug 1978 is configured to be received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1813 formed in the distal end 1811 of the longitudinally moveable drive member 1810. See FIG. 62. When the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900 is in operable engagement with the frame or housing of the surgical instrument, device, robotic system, etc., the shaft attachment lug 1978 is received in operable engagement in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1813 formed in the distal end 1811 of the longitudinal drive member 1810.

In at least one form, the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 has a proximally extending yoke arm 1961 protruding therefrom that has a downwardly open hook 1963 formed thereon to engage an attachment lug 1766 formed on the closure attachment bar 1764 of the closure drive system 1750. See FIG. 62. When the shaft attachment module 1920 is brought into coupling engagement with the frame attachment module 1784, the attachment lug 1766 is hookingly engaged by a hook 1963 formed on the closure tube yoke arm 1961. The closure drive system 1750 may be similar to the closure drive system 1050 described above and include a closure trigger 1752 and a closure linkage assembly 1760. The closure linkage assembly 1760 may include a closure link 1762 that is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 1764. See FIG. 62. Actuation of the closure trigger 1752 will result in the axial movement of the closure attachment bar 1764 in the distal direction “D”.

As with other arrangements disclosed herein, the shaft assembly 1900 may define a shaft axis SA-SA and the frame 1780 may define an actuation axis AA-AA. For example, the shaft axis SA-SA may be defined by the firing member 1970 and the actuation axis AA-AA may be defined by the longitudinally movable drive member 1810 operably supported by the frame 1780. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the shaft attachment module 1920 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900 above or adjacent to the frame attachment module 1784 of the frame 1780 such that the dovetail connector portions 1929 of the shaft attachment module 1920 are each aligned with their corresponding dovetail slot 1788 in the frame attachment module 1784. The clinician may then move the shaft attachment module 1920 along an installation axis that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. Stated another way, the shaft attachment module 1920 is moved in an installation direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA until the dovetail connectors 1929 are seated in operable engagement in their corresponding dovetail slot 1788 in the frame module 1784. When the shaft attachment module 1920 has been attached to the frame attachment module 1784, the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 will be operably coupled to the closure drive system 1750 and actuation of the closure trigger 1752 will result in the distal axial advancement of the outer sleeve 1950 and the shaft closure tube assembly coupled thereto to actuate the anvil in the various manners disclosed herein. Likewise, the firing member will be coupled in operable engagement with the longitudinally movable drive member 1810. See FIG. 62. Thus, actuation of the motor (not shown) of the firing drive system 1800 will result in the axial advancement of the longitudinally movable drive member 1810 as well as the firing member 1970. Such action will cause the advancement of the distal cutting portion of the firing member (not shown) through the tissue clamped in the end effector in the various manners disclosed herein.

FIGS. 63-66 illustrate another arrangement for coupling an interchangeable shaft assembly 2200 to a frame 2080 of a handle (not shown) that may function like the handle 1042 discussed in detail herein. Thus, only those details necessary to understand the unique and novel coupling features of the shaft assembly 2200 will be discussed in further detail. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the frame may be supported within a housing or other portion of a robotic system that otherwise operably supports or houses a plurality of drive systems. In other arrangements, the frame may comprise portion of a robotic system for operably affixing interchangeable shaft assemblies thereto.

In at least one form, the shaft assembly 2200 includes a shaft 2210 that may include all of the other components of shaft 1210 described above and may have an end effector (not shown) of the type described above operably attached thereto. The various constructions and operations of those features are described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the shaft assembly 2200 includes a closure tube attachment yoke 2260 that may be rotatably coupled to an outer sleeve 2250 in the manner in which the closure tube yoke attachment yoke 1260 was rotatably coupled to the outer sleeve 1250. The shaft assembly 2200, however, does not include a shaft attachment module as was described above.

As can be seen in FIGS. 63-65, the frame 2080 may be formed in first frame part 2080A and a second frame part 2080B. In those applications wherein the frame 2080 is employed with a handle, the first and second frame parts 2080A and 2080B may each be associated with a handle housing portion. Thus, when the clinician desires to attach a different shaft assembly 2200, the clinician may have to detach the handle housing portions from each other. In such arrangements for example, the housing portions may be connected together by removable fasteners or other arrangements that facilitate easy detachment of the housing portions. In other embodiments, the shaft assembly 2200 may be configured for a single use. In the illustrated arrangement, the first frame part 2080A may operably support the various drive systems therein and the second frame part 2080B may comprise a frame portion that retains the various components of the shaft assembly 2200 in operable engagement with their corresponding drive system components supported by the first frame part 2080A.

In at least one form, the closure tube attachment yoke 2260 is configured to be supported within a passage 2081 in the frame 2080 such that the closure tube attachment yoke 2260 may move axially therein in the distal and proximal directions. As with the above described shaft assembly 1210, the proximal end 2214 of the shaft frame 2212 protrudes proximally out of the proximal end of the 2252 of the outer sleeve 2250. As can be seen in FIG. 63, a retaining collar 2217 may be formed on the proximal end 2214 of the shaft frame 2212. The retaining collar 2217 may be adapted to be rotatably received within an annular groove 2083 formed in the frame 2080. Such arrangement serves to operable couple the shaft frame 2212 to the frame 2080 to prevent any relative axial movement between those components while enabling the shaft frame 2212 to rotate relative to the frame 2080. This arrangement further permits the clinician to rotate the shaft 2210 about the shaft axis SA-SA relative to the frame. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a nozzle arrangement that was described above may be employed to rotate the shaft 2210 about the shaft axis SA-SA relative to the frame 2080. For example, the nozzle portions (not shown) may be assembled around the outer sleeve 2250 and engage the notch 2218 in the shaft frame 2212 through the window 2253 in the outer sleeve 2250. See FIG. 64.

As can be further seen in FIG. 64, the proximal end 2277 of the intermediate firing shaft 2272 protrudes proximally out of the proximal end 2214 of the shaft frame 2212 and has a shaft attachment lug 2278 formed thereon. The firing shaft attachment cradle 2113 formed in the distal end 2111 of the longitudinally moveable drive member 2110 is formed to enable the firing shaft attachment lug 2278 to be loaded from the side. In an effort to aid the clinician in aligning the components of the shaft assembly 2220 and the first and second frame portions 2080A and 2080B during assembly, the second frame portion 2080B may be provided with lugs 2090 that are configured to be received in corresponding holes or pockets 2091 formed in the first frame portion 2080A and visa versa. In those single use applications wherein it is not desirable to be able to detach the shaft assembly 2200 from the frame 2080, the pockets 2090 may be configured to permanently grip or engage the lugs 2090 inserted therein.

The first frame portion 2080A and/or the longitudinally movable drive member 2110 which is movably supported by the first frame portion 2080A may define an actuation axis A-A and the shaft assembly 2200 defines a shaft axis SA-SA. As can be seen in FIG. 64, to commence the coupling process, the shaft assembly 2200 and the first frame portion 2080A may be oriented relative to each other such that the shaft axis SA-SA is substantially parallel to the actuation axis AA-AA and such that the collar 2217 is laterally-aligned along an installation axis IA that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis with the annular groove 2083 and the shaft attachment lug 2278 is laterally aligned along another installation axis IA-IA that is also substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. The shaft assembly 2200 is then moved in an installation direction “ID” that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA until the closure tube attachment yoke 2260 is seated with the portion of the passage 2081 formed in the first frame portion 2080A, the collar 2217 is seated within the portion of the annular groove 2083 formed in the first frame portion 2080A and the shaft attachment lug 2278 is seated in the shaft attachment cradle 2113 formed in the longitudinally movable drive member 2110. In another arrangement, the shaft assembly 2200 and the first frame portion 2080A may be brought together in a similar manner by holding the shaft assembly 2200 stationary and moving the first frame portion 2080A toward the handle assembly 2200 until the above-mentioned component portions are operably seated together or the handle assembly 2200 and the first frame portion 2080A may each be moved toward each other until they are seated together. Once the handle assembly 2200 has been operably seated within first frame portion 2080A as shown in FIG. 63, the second frame portion 2080B may be joined with the first frame portion 2080A by aligning the posts 2090 with their corresponding holes or pockets 2091 and joining the components together. The first and second frame portions 2080A and 2080B may be retained together by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), adhesive and/or snap features. In still other arrangements, the first frame portion 2080A and the second frame portion 2080B may be retained together in coupled engagement when their respective housing segments are joined together.

Once the first and second frame portions 2080A, 2080b have been joined together as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, the clinician may then couple the closure drive system 2050 to the closure tube attachment yoke 2260. The closure drive system 2050 may be similar to the closure drive system 1050 described above and include a closure trigger 2052 and a closure linkage assembly 2060. The closure linkage assembly may include a closure link 2062 that is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 2064. In addition, another closure link 2067 is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 2064. The closure link 2067 may be configured for pivotal attachment to the arms 2261 of the closure tube attachment yoke 2260 by a pin 2269. See FIG. 66.

FIGS. 68-74 illustrate another arrangement for coupling an interchangeable shaft assembly 2500 to a frame 2380. The frame 2380 may be employed with handle as described herein or may be employed in connection with a robotic system. In at least one form, the shaft assembly 2500 includes a shaft 2510 that may include all of the other components of shaft 1210 described above and may have an end effector (not shown) of the type described above operably attached thereto. The various constructions and operations of those features are described above. As can be seen in FIGS. 68-74, the shaft assembly 2500 includes a shaft attachment module or shaft attachment portion 2520 that is configured to pivotally engage a frame attachment module portion 2384 of the frame 2380 as will be discussed in further detail below. The shaft attachment module 2520, for example, may have a collar portion 2522 through which the proximal end of the shaft 2510 extends. The shaft attachment module 2520 cooperates with a frame attachment module portion 2384 of the frame 2380 to form a passage 2581 therein for movably supporting a closure tube attachment yoke 2560 therein. The closure tube yoke assembly 2560 may be supported on a portion of the shaft attachment module 2520 and is configured to be supported within the passage 2581 such that the closure tube yoke assembly 2560 may move axially therein in the distal and proximal directions. As with the above described shaft assemblies, the proximal end of the shaft frame 2512 is rotatably coupled to the shaft attachment module 2520 such that it may rotate relative thereto. The proximal end of the outer sleeve 2550 is rotatably coupled to the closure tube attachment yoke 2560 in the above described manners such that it may rotate relative thereto. In various forms, a nozzle 2590 may be employed in the above-described manners to rotate the shaft 2510 about the shaft axis SA-SA relative to the frame shaft attachment module 2520.

As can be further seen in FIG. 68-70, the proximal end 2577 of the intermediate firing shaft 2572 protrudes proximally out of the closure tube attachment yoke 2560 and has a shaft attachment lug 2578 formed thereon. The firing shaft attachment cradle 2413 formed in the distal end 2411 of the longitudinally moveable drive member 2410 is formed to enable the firing shaft attachment lug 2578 to be pivotally be loaded from the side.

As can be seen in FIG. 69, the frame attachment module portion 2384 has a pair of pivot cradles 2385 formed therein that are adapted to receive corresponding pivot lugs 2529 formed on the shaft attachment module 2520. When the lugs 2529 are supported within the pivot cradles 2385, the shaft attachment module 2520 may be pivoted into operable engagement with the frame attachment module 2384 as illustrated in FIG. 70. In particular, the lugs 2529 may define a pivot axis PA-PA that may be substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA. See FIG. 73. The shaft attachment module 2520 may have laterally protruding latch pins 2591 that are configured to latchingly engage corresponding latch pockets 2387 in the frame attachment module 2384. To initiate the coupling process, the intermediate firing shaft 2572 is brought into operable engagement with the longitudinally movable drive member in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis AA-AA.

Once the shaft attachment module 2520 has been latched to the frame attachment module 2384 as shown in FIGS. 72 and 73, the clinician may then couple the closure drive system (which may be similar to the closure drive systems described herein) to the closure tube attachment yoke 2560.

The various interchangeable shaft arrangements disclosed herein represent vast improvements over prior surgical instrument arrangements that employ dedicated shafts. For example, one shaft arrangement may be used on multiple handle arrangements and/or with robotically controlled surgical systems. The methods of coupling the shaft arrangements also differ from prior shaft arrangements that employ bayonet connections and other structures that require the application of a rotary motion to the shaft and/or the handle or housing during the coupling process. The various exemplary descriptions of the coupling processes employed by the shaft assemblies disclosed herein include bringing a portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly into coupling engagement with a corresponding portion of a housing, a handle, and/or a frame in a direction or orientation that is substantially transverse to an actuation axis. These coupling processes are intended to encompass movement of either one or both of the shaft assembly and housing, handle and/or frame during the coupling process. For example, one method may encompass retaining the handle, housing and/or frame stationary while moving the shaft assembly into coupling engagement with it. Another method may encompass retaining the shaft assembly stationary while moving the handle, housing and/or frame into coupling engagement with it. Still another method may involve simultaneously moving the shaft assembly and the handle, housing and/or frame together into coupling engagement. It will be understood that the coupling procedures employed for coupling the various shaft assembly arrangements disclosed herein may encompass one or more (including all) of such variations.

Referring to FIGS. 75-80, there is shown a handle 2642 that may be substantially identical to the handle 1042 described above, except that the frame attachment module or frame attachment portion 2684 of the frame 2680 includes a lockout assembly 2690 for preventing the inadvertent actuation of the closure drive system 1750. As can be seen in FIGS. 75 and 76, for example, a proximal lockout slot segment 2692 is formed in the frame attachment module 2684 such that, prior to attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900′ thereto, the corresponding attachment lug 1066 on the closure attachment bar 1764 is slidably received therein. Thus, when the closure attachment bar 1764 is in that position, the clinician is unable to actuate the closure drive system. Stated another way, when the actuation lug 1766 is received in the proximal lockout slot segment 2692, the clinician is unable to actuate the closure trigger 1752. In various forms, only one proximal lockout slot segment 2692 may be employed. In other forms, two proximal lockout slot segments 2692 are provided such that each attachment lug 1766 may be received in a corresponding proximal lockout slot segment 2692. In various forms, a lockout spring 2695 may be employed to bias the linkage assembly 1760, such that when the closure trigger 1752 is in the unactuated position, the closure attachment bar 1764 is biased to a position wherein at least one of the attachment lugs 1766 is received in the proximal lockout slot segment 2692.

As can be seen in FIGS. 77 and 78, the lockout assembly 2690 may further include a distal lug slot 2694 that is formed in the shaft attachment module 1920′ and located such that, when the shaft attachment module 1920′ has been completely attached to the frame 2680, the distal lug slot 2694 opens into the proximal lockout slot segment 2692 as shown in FIGS. 77 and 78.

Operation of the closure lockout assembly 2690 may be understood from reference to FIGS. 76-80. FIG. 76 illustrates the position of the closure attachment bar 1764 when the closure trigger 1752 is unactuated. As can be seen in that Figure, when in that position, the attachment lug 1766 is received within the proximal lockout slot segment 2692. Thus, if the clinician attempts to actuate the closure trigger 1752 when in that position (i.e., prior to operably attaching the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900′ to the frame 2680 in operable engagement), the clinician will be unable to actuate the closure drive system 1750. After the clinician has attached the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900′ to the frame 2684 such that it is fully seated and completely attached in operable engagement, the distal lockout slot segment 2694 in the shaft attachment module 1920″ will open into the proximal lockout slot segment 2692 as shown in FIGS. 77 and 78. As the shaft attachment module 1920′ is inserted into operable engagement with the frame attachment module 2684, the yoke arm 1961 protruding proximally from the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 will capture the attachment lug 1766 in the downwardly opening slot 1963 and drive it to the bottom of the proximal lockout slot 2692 as shown in FIG. 79. Thereafter, when the clinician desires to actuate the closure drive system 1750 by actuating the closure trigger 1752, the closure linkage assembly 1760 will be driven in the distal direction “D”. As the closure attachment bar 1764 is advanced distally, the attachment lug 1766 is permitted to advance distally into the distal lockout slot 2694 for the distance necessary, for example, to result in the closure of the anvil or application of a corresponding actuation motion to the end effector operably coupled to the end effector shaft assembly 1900′. FIG. 80 illustrates the position of the closure attachment bar 1764 when the closure drive system 1750 has been fully actuated, for example, when the closure trigger 1752 has been fully depressed.

FIGS. 81-85 illustrate another lockout assembly 2690′ for preventing the inadvertent actuation of the closure drive system 1750 until the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900′ has been coupled in operable engagement with the frame 2680. In at least one form, a lockout shoulder 2696 is formed on the frame attachment module or frame attachment portion 2684′ such that when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1900′ has not been coupled in operable engagement with the frame 2680, the closure attachment bar 1764 is prevented from moving in the distal direction “D” by the shoulder 2696. See FIG. 81. As the shaft attachment module 1920′ is inserted into operable engagement with the frame attachment module 2684′, the yoke arm 1961 protruding proximally from the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 will capture the attachment lug 1766 on the closure attachment bar 1764 a move the closure attachment bar 1764 to the “unlocked” position shown in FIGS. 82 and 83. As can be particularly seen in FIG. 82, when in the unlocked position, the closure attachment bar 1764 is located below the shoulder 2696 on the frame attachment module 2684′. When the closure attachment bar is in the unlocked position, it may be advanced distally when the closure drive system 1750 is actuated by depressing the actuation trigger 1752.

FIGS. 86-91 illustrate another interchangeable shaft assembly 1900″ and handle 2642 that employs a lockout assembly 2700 for preventing the inadvertent actuation of the closure drive system 1750″. As can be seen in FIGS. 88 and 89, one form of lockout assembly 2700 includes an actuator slide member 2720 that is slidably journaled in a distally extending lock foot 2710 formed on the frame attachment module or frame attachment portion 2684″. In particular, in at least one form, the actuator slide member 2720 has two laterally protruding slide tabs 2722 that are received in corresponding slots 2712 formed in the lock foot 2710. See FIG. 86. The actuator slide member 2720 is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 1764″ of the closure drive system 1750″ and has an actuator pocket 2724 formed therein that is adapted to receive a downwardly-protruding actuator tab 2702 on the closure tube attachment yoke 1960′. As with the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 described above, the closure tube attachment closure yoke 1960′ is rotatably affixed to the outer sleeve 1950 in the various manners described herein and which is axially movable within the shaft attachment module 1920′.

As can be seen in FIGS. 88-89, the lockout assembly 2700 may further include a movable lock member 2730 that is received in a cavity 2714 formed in the lock foot 2710. The lock member 2730 has a lock portion 2732 that is sized to extend into the actuator pocket 2724 such that when in that “locked” position, the lock member 2730 prevents the distal movement of the actuator slide member 2720 relative to the lock foot 2710. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 89, a lock spring 2734 is provided in the cavity 2714 to bias the lock member 2730 into the locked position.

FIG. 89 illustrates the lockout assembly 2700 in the locked position. When in that position, the lock portion 2732 is located in the actuator pocket 2724 and thereby prevents the distal movement of the actuator slide member 2720. Thus, if the clinician attempts to actuate the closure drive system 1750″ by depressing the closure trigger 1752, the lock portion 2732 will prevent the advancement of the slide member 2720. FIG. 90 illustrates the position of the lock member 2730 after the actuator tab 2702 on the closure tube yoke 1960′ has been inserted into the actuator pocket 2724 and has biased the lock member 2370 into an “unlocked” position in the bottom of the cavity 2714 wherein the actuator slide member 2720 may be advanced distally. FIG. 91 illustrates the position of the actuator slide 2720 after the closure trigger 1752 has been completely depressed to thereby axially advance the closure tube attachment yoke 1960′ and the outer sleeve 1950 attached thereto.

FIGS. 92-98 illustrate another interchangeable shaft assembly 1900″ and handle 2642″ that employs a lockout assembly 2800 for preventing the inadvertent actuation of the closure drive system 1750″. The closure drive system 1750″ may be similar to the closure drive systems 1050 and 1750 described above and include a closure trigger 1752 and a closure linkage assembly 1760′. The closure linkage assembly 1760′ may include a closure link 1762′ that is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 1764. In addition, an actuator slide member 2720 may be pivotally attached to the closure attachment bar 1764 and also be slidably journaled in a distally extending lock foot 2710′ formed on the frame attachment module 2684″. In particular, in at least one form, the actuator slide member 2720 has two laterally protruding slide tabs 2722 that are received in corresponding slots 2712 formed in the lock foot 2710. See FIG. 92. The actuator slide member 2720 is pivotally coupled to the closure attachment bar 1764 of the closure drive system 1750″ and has an actuator pocket 2724 formed therein that is adapted to receive a downwardly-protruding actuator tab 2702 on the closure tube attachment yoke 1960′. As with the closure tube attachment yoke 1960 described above, the closure tube attachment closure yoke 1960′ is rotatably affixed to the outer sleeve 1950 in the various manners described herein and which is axially movable within the shaft attachment module 1920″.

In various forms, the lockout assembly 2800 may further include a movable lock bar or lock member 2802 that is pivotally attached to the frame attachment module 2684″. For example, the lock bar 2802 may be pivotally mounted to a laterally protruding pin 2804 on the frame attachment module 2684″. The lock bar 2802 may further have a lock pin 2806 protruding from a proximal portion thereof that is configured to extend into a lock slot 2808 provided in the closure link 1762′ when the closure drive system 1750″ in unactuated. See FIG. 94. Lock pin 2806 may extend through a lock slot 2812 that is provided in a side plate 2810 that is attached to the frame 2680′. The lock slot 2812 may serve to guide the lock pin 2806 between locked (FIGS. 92-94) and unlocked positions (FIGS. 95-98).

When the lockout assembly is in the locked position, the lock pin 2806 is received in the lock slot in 2808 in the closure link 1762′. When in that position, the lock pin prevents movement closure linkage assembly 1760′. Thus, if the clinician attempts to actuate the closure drive system 1750″ by depressing the closure trigger 1752, the lock pin 2806 will prevent movement of the closure link 1762 and ultimately prevent the advancement of the slide member 2720. FIGS. 95-98 illustrate the position of the lock bar 2602 after the shaft attachment module 1920″ has been coupled in operable engagement with the frame attachment module 2684″. When in that position, a lock release portion 2820 on the frame attachment module 2684″ contacts the lock bar 2802 and causes it to pivot to thereby move the lock pin 2806 out of the lock slot 2808 in the closure link 1762′. As can also be seen in FIGS. 97 and 98, when the shaft attachment module 1920″ has been coupled in operable engagement with the frame attachment module 2684″, the actuator tab 2702 on the closure tube yoke 1960′ is seated in the actuator pocket 2724 in the actuator slide member 2720. FIG. 98 illustrates the position of the actuator slide member 2720 after the closure trigger 1752 has been completely depressed to thereby axially advance the closure tube attachment yoke 1960′ and the outer sleeve 1950 attached thereto in the distal direction “D”.

Referring now to FIGS. 99-101, there is shown a shaft locking assembly 2900 that is configured to prevent axial movement of the firing member 1270 unless the interchangeable shaft assembly has been coupled in operable engagement with the surgical instrument. More particularly, the shaft locking assembly 2900 may prevent axial movement of the firing member 1270 unless the firing member has been coupled in operable engagement with the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 (the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 may be seen in FIG. 88). In at least one form, the shaft locking assembly 2900 may comprise a shaft locking member or locking plate 2902 that has a shaft clearance hole 2904 therethrough and is supported by a portion of the shaft attachment frame or module 1920″ for slidable travel in directions “LD” that are substantially transverse to the shaft axis SA-SA. See FIG. 99. The shaft locking plate 2902 may, for example, move between a locked position shown in FIG. 100 wherein the shaft locking plate 2902 extends into the recessed area 1279 between the attachment lug 1278 and the proximal end 1277 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272. When in that locked position, the shaft locking plate 2902 prevents any axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272. The shaft locking plate 2902 may be biased into the locked position by a lock spring 2906 or other biasing arrangement. Note that FIG. 99 illustrates the locking plate 2902 in an unlocked configuration for clarity purposes. When the interchangeable shaft assembly is not attached to a surgical instrument, the locking plate 2902 will be biased into the locked position as shown in FIG. 100. It will be appreciated that such arrangement prevents any inadvertent axial movement of the firing member 1270 when the interchangeable shaft assembly has not been attached in operable engagement with a surgical instrument (e.g., hand-held instrument, robotic system, etc.).

As was discussed in detail above, during the coupling of the interchangeable shaft assembly to the surgical instrument, the attachment lug 1278 on the end of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 enters a cradle 1113 in the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 1110. See FIG. 88. As the attachment lug 1278 enters the cradle 1113, the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 contacts the shaft locking plate 2902 and moves it to an unlocked position (FIG. 101) wherein the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 1110 and the proximal end 1277 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1272 may axially move within the shaft clearance hole 2904 in response to actuation motions applied to the longitudinally movable drive member 1110.

Turning now to FIGS. 102-112, a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 10000, and/or any other surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument system 1000, for example, can comprise a shaft 10010 and an end effector 10020, wherein the end effector 10020 can be articulated relative to the shaft 10010. Further to the above, the surgical instrument 10000 can comprise a shaft assembly comprising the shaft 10010 and the end effector 10020 wherein the shaft assembly can be removably attached to a handle of the surgical instrument 10000. Referring primarily to FIGS. 102-104, the shaft 10010 can comprise a shaft frame 10012 and the end effector 10020 can comprise an end effector frame 10022 wherein the end effector frame 10022 can be rotatably coupled to the shaft frame 10012 about an articulation joint 10090. With regard to the articulation joint 10090, in at least one example, the shaft frame 10012 can comprise a pivot pin 10014 which can be received within a pivot aperture 10024 defined in the end effector frame 10022. The end effector frame 10022 can further comprise a drive pin 10021 extending therefrom which can be operably engaged with an articulation driver. The drive pin 10021 can be configured to receive a force applied thereto and, depending on the direction in which the force is applied to the drive pin 10021, rotate the end effector 10020 in a first direction or a second, opposite, direction. More particularly, when a force is applied to the drive pin 10021 in the distal direction by the articulation driver, the articulation driver can push the drive pin 10021 around the pivot pin 10014 and, similarly, when a force is applied to the drive pin 10021 in the proximal direction by the articulation driver, the articulation driver can pull the drive pin 10021 around the pivot pin 10014 in the opposite direction, for example. To the extent that the drive pin 10021 were to be placed on the opposite side of the articulation joint 10090, for example, the distal and proximal movements of the articulation driver would produce an opposite effect on the end effector 10020.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 102-104, the surgical instrument 10000 can comprise an articulation driver system including a proximal articulation driver 10030 and a distal articulation driver 10040. When a drive force is transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 10030, whether it be in the proximal direction or the distal direction, the drive force can be transmitted to the distal articulation driver 10040 through an articulation lock 10050, as described in greater detail further below. In various circumstances, further to the above, a firing member 10060 of the surgical instrument 10000 can be utilized to impart such a drive force to the proximal articulation driver 10040. For instance, referring primarily to FIGS. 102-112, the surgical instrument 10000 can comprise a clutch system 10070 which can be configured to selectively connect the proximal articulation driver 10030 to the firing member 10060 such that the movement of the firing member 10060 can be imparted to the proximal articulation driver 10030. In use, the clutch system 10070 can be movable between an engaged state (FIGS. 102-108 and 111) in which the proximal articulation driver 10030 is operably engaged with the firing member 10060 and a disengaged state (FIGS. 109, 110, and 112) in which the proximal articulation driver 10030 is not operably engaged with the firing member 10060. In various circumstances, the clutch system 10070 can comprise an engagement member 10072 which can be configured to directly connect the proximal articulation driver 10030 to the firing member 10060. The engagement member 10072 can comprise at least one drive tooth 10073 which can be received within a drive recess 10062 defined in the firing member 10060 when the clutch system 10070 is in its engaged state. In certain circumstances, referring primarily to FIGS. 28 and 31, the engagement member 10072 can comprise a first drive tooth 10073 that extends to one side of the proximal articulation driver 10030 and a second drive tooth 10073 that extends to the other side of the proximal articulation driver 10030 in order to engage the drive recess 10062 defined in the firing member 10060.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 102-112, the clutch system 10070 can further comprise an actuator member 10074 which can be configured to rotate or pivot the engagement member 10072 about a pivot pin 10071 mounted to a proximal end 10039 (FIG. 104A) of the proximal articulation driver 10030. The actuator member 10074 can comprise a first, or outer, projection 10076 and a second, or inner, projection 10077 between which can be defined a recess 10078 configured to receive a control arm 10079 defined in the engagement member 10072. When the actuator member 10074 is rotated away from the firing member 10060, i.e., away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft 10010, the inner projection 10077 can contact the control arm 10079 of the engagement member 10072 and rotate the engagement member 10072 away from the firing member 10060 to move the drive teeth 10073 out of the drive notch 10062 and, as a result, disengage the engagement member 10072 from firing member 10060. Concurrently, the engagement member 10072 can also be disengaged from the proximal articulation driver 10030. In at least one circumstance, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can comprise a drive notch 10035 defined therein which can also be configured to receive a portion of the drive teeth 10073 when the engagement member 10072 is in an engaged position wherein, similar to the above, the drive teeth 10073 can be removed from the drive notch 10035 when the engagement member 10072 is moved into its disengaged position. In certain other circumstances, referring primarily to FIG. 108, the drive teeth 10073 can define a recess 10083 therebetween which can be received in the drive notch 10035. In either event, in a way, the engagement member 10072 can be configured to, one, simultaneously engage the drive notch 10035 in the proximal articulation driver 10030 and the drive notch 10062 in the firing member 10060 when the engagement member 10072 is in its engaged position and, two, be simultaneously disengaged from the drive notch 10035 and the drive notch 10062 when the engagement member 10072 is moved into its disengaged position. With continuing reference to FIGS. 102-104, the actuator member 10074 can be rotatably or pivotably mounted to a housing at least partially surrounding the shaft 10010 via a pivot pin 10075. In some circumstances, the pivot pin 10075 can be mounted to a handle frame 10001 and/or a handle housing surrounding the handle frame 10001, such as a handle housing including portions 11002 and 11003 as illustrated in FIG. 131, for example. The surgical instrument 10000 can further comprise a torsion spring 10080 at least partially surrounding said pivot pin 10075 which can be configured to impart a rotational bias to the actuator member 10074 in order to bias the actuator 10074, and the engagement member 10072, toward the firing member 10060 and to bias the engagement member 10072 into its engaged position. To this end, the outer projection 10076 of the actuator member 10074 can contact the control arm 10079 of the engagement member 10072 and pivot the engagement member 10072 inwardly about the pivot pin 10071.

Upon comparing FIGS. 108 and 109, further to the above, the reader will note that the clutch system 10070 has been moved between its engaged state (FIG. 108) and its disengaged state (FIG. 109). A similar comparison can be drawn between FIGS. 111 and 112 wherein the reader will appreciate that a closure tube 10015 of the shaft 10010 has been advanced from a proximal position (FIG. 111) to a distal position (FIG. 112) to move clutch system 10070 between its engaged state (FIG. 111) and its disengaged state (FIG. 112). More particularly, the actuator member 10074 can include a cam follower portion 10081 which can be contacted by the closure tube 10015 and displaced into its disengaged position when the closure tube 10015 is advanced distally to close an anvil, for example, of the end effector 10020. The interaction of a closure tube and an anvil is discussed elsewhere in the present application and is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. In various circumstances, referring primarily to FIG. 107, the cam follower portion 10081 of the actuator member 10074 can be positioned within a window 10016 defined in the closure tube 10015. When the clutch system 10070 is in its engaged state, the edge or sidewall 10017 of the window 10016 can contact the cam follower portion 10081 and pivot the actuator member 10074 about the pivot pin 10075. In effect, the sidewall 10017 of the window 10016 can act as a cam as the closure tube 10015 is moved into its distal, or closed, position. In at least one circumstance, the actuator member 10074 can comprise a stop extending therefrom which can be configured to engage a housing of the handle, for example, and limit the travel of the actuator member 10074. In certain circumstances, the shaft assembly can include a spring positioned intermediate the housing of the shaft assembly and a ledge 10082 extending from the actuator member 10074 which can be configured to bias the actuator member 10074 into its engaged position. In the distal, closed, position of the closure tube 10015, discussed above, the closure tube 10015 can remain positioned underneath the cam follower portion 10081 to hold the clutch system 10070 in its disengaged state. In such a disengaged state, the movement of the firing member 10060 is not transferred to the proximal articulation driver 10030, and/or any other portion of the articulation driver system. When the closure tube 10015 is retracted back into its proximal, or open, position, the closure tube 10015 can be removed from underneath the cam follower portion 10081 of the actuator member 10074 such that the spring 10080 can bias the actuator member 10074 back into the window 10016 and allow the clutch system 10070 to re-enter into its engaged state.

When the proximal articulation driver 10030 is operatively engaged with the firing member 10060 via the clutch system 10070, further to the above, the firing member 10060 can move the proximal articulation driver 10030 proximally and/or distally. For instance, proximal movement of the firing member 10060 can move the proximal articulation driver 10030 proximally and, similarly, distal movement of the firing member 10060 can move the proximal articulation driver 10030 distally. Referring primarily to FIGS. 102-104, movement of the proximal articulation driver 10030, whether it be proximal or distal, can unlock the articulation lock 10050, as described in greater detail further below. With principal reference to FIG. 102, the articulation lock 10050 can comprise a frame which is co-extensive with a frame 10042 of the distal articulation driver 10040. Collectively, the frame of the articulation lock 10050 and the frame 10042 can be collectively referred to hereinafter as frame 10042. The frame 10042 can comprise a first, or distal, lock cavity 10044 and a second, or proximal, lock cavity 10046 defined therein, wherein the first lock cavity 10044 and the second lock cavity 10046 can be separated by an intermediate frame member 10045. The articulation lock 10050 can further include at least one first lock element 10054 at least partially positioned within the first lock cavity 10044 which can be configured to inhibit or prevent the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040. With regard to the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 102-104, there are three first lock elements 10054 positioned within the first lock cavity 10044 which can all act in a similar, parallel manner and can co-operatively act as a single lock element. Other embodiments are envisioned which can utilize more than three or less than three first lock elements 10054. Similarly, the articulation lock 10050 can further include at least one second lock element 10056 at least partially positioned within the second lock cavity 10046 which can be configured to inhibit or prevent the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040. With regard to the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 102-104, there are three second lock elements 10056 positioned within the second lock cavity 10046 which can all act in a similar, parallel manner and can co-operatively act as a single lock element. Other embodiments are envisioned which can utilize more than three or less than three second lock elements 10056.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 104A, each first lock element 10054 can comprise a lock aperture 10052 and a lock tang 10053. The lock tang 10053 can be disposed within the first lock cavity 10044 and the lock aperture 10052 can be slidably engaged with a frame rail 10011 mounted to the shaft frame 10012. Referring again to FIG. 102, the frame rail 10011 extends through the apertures 10052 in the first lock elements 10054. As the reader will note, with further reference to FIG. 102, the first lock elements 10054 are not oriented in a perpendicular arrangement with the frame rail 10011; rather, the first lock elements 10054 are arranged and aligned at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the frame rail 10011 such that the edges or sidewalls of the lock apertures 10052 are engaged with the frame rail 10011. Moreover, the interaction between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10052 and the frame rail 10011 can create a resistive or friction force therebetween which can inhibit relative movement between the first lock elements 10054 and the frame rail 10011 and, as a result, resist a proximal pushing force P applied to the distal articulation driver 10040. Stated another way, the first lock elements 10054 can prevent or at least inhibit the end effector 10020 from rotating in a direction indicated by arrow 10002. If a torque is applied to the end effector 10020 in the direction of arrow 10002, a proximal pushing force P will be transmitted from the drive pin 10021 extending from the frame 10022 of the end effector 10024 to the frame 10042 of the distal articulation driver 10040. In various circumstances, the drive pin 10021 can be closely received within a pin slot 10043 defined in the distal end 10041 of the distal articulation driver 10040 such that the drive pin 10021 can bear against a proximal sidewall of the pin slot 10043 and transmit the proximal pushing force P to the distal articulation driver 10040. Further to the above, however, the proximal pushing force P will only serve to bolster the locking engagement between the first lock elements 10054 and the frame rail 10011. More particularly, the proximal pushing force P can be transmitted to the tangs 10053 of the first lock elements 10054 which can cause the first lock elements 10054 to rotate and decrease the angle defined between first lock elements 10054 and the frame rail 10011 and, as a result, increase the bite between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10052 and the frame rail 10011. Ultimately, then, the first lock elements 10054 can lock the movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 in one direction.

In order to release the first lock elements 10054 and permit the end effector 10020 to be rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 10002, referring now to FIG. 103, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can be pulled proximally to straighten, or at least substantially straighten, the first lock elements 10054 into a perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, position. In such a position, the bite, or resistive force, between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10052 and the frame rail 10011 can be sufficiently reduced, or eliminated, such that the distal articulation driver 10040 can be moved proximally. In order to straighten the first lock elements 10054 into the position illustrated in FIG. 103, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can be pulled proximally such that a distal arm 10034 of the proximal articulation driver 10030 contacts the first lock elements 10054 to pull and rotate the first lock elements 10054 into their straightened position. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can continue to be pulled proximally until a proximal arm 10036 extending therefrom contacts, or abuts, a proximal drive wall 10052 of the frame 10042 and pulls the frame 10042 proximally to articulate the end effector 10002. In essence, a proximal pulling force can be applied from the proximal articulation driver 10030 to the distal articulation driver 10040 through the interaction between the proximal arm 10036 and the proximal drive wall 10052 wherein such a pulling force can be transmitted through the frame 10042 to the drive pin 10021 to articulate the end effector 10020 in the direction indicated by arrow 10002. After the end effector 10020 has been suitably articulated in the direction of arrow 10002, the proximal articulation driver 10040 can be released, in various circumstances, to permit the articulation lock 10050 to re-lock the distal articulation member 10040, and the end effector 10020, in position. In various circumstances, the articulation lock 10050 can comprise a spring 10055 positioned intermediate the group of first lock elements 10054 and the group of second lock elements 10056 which can be compressed when the first lock elements 10054 are straightened to unlock the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040, as discussed above. When the proximal articulation driver 10030 is released, the spring 10055 can resiliently re-expand to push the first lock elements 10054 into their angled positions illustrated in FIG. 102.

Concurrent to the above, referring again to FIGS. 102 and 103, the second lock elements 10056 can remain in an angled position while the first lock elements 10054 are locked and unlocked as described above. The reader will appreciate that, although the second lock elements 10056 are arranged and aligned in an angled position with respect to the shaft rail 10011, the second lock elements 10056 are not configured to impede, or at least substantially impede, the proximal motion of the distal articulation driver 10040. When the distal articulation driver 10040 and articulation lock 10050 are slid proximally, as described above, the second lock elements 10056 can slide distally along the frame rail 10011 without, in various circumstances, changing, or at least substantially changing, their angled alignment with respect to the frame rail 10011. While the second lock elements 10056 are permissive of the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050, the second lock elements 10056 can be configured to selectively prevent, or at least inhibit, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040, as discussed in greater detail further below.

Similar to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 104A, each second lock element 10056 can comprise a lock aperture 10057 and a lock tang 10058. The lock tang 10058 can be disposed within the second lock cavity 10046 and the lock aperture 10057 can be slidably engaged with the frame rail 10011 mounted to the shaft frame 10012. Referring again to FIG. 102, the frame rail 10011 extends through the apertures 10057 in the second lock elements 10056. As the reader will note, with further reference to FIG. 102, the second lock elements 10056 are not oriented in a perpendicular arrangement with the frame rail 10011; rather, the second lock elements 10056 are arranged and aligned at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the frame rail 10011 such that the edges or sidewalls of the lock apertures 10057 are engaged with the frame rail 10011. Moreover, the interaction between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10057 and the frame rail 10011 can create a resistive or friction force therebetween which can inhibit relative movement between the second lock elements 10056 and the frame rail 10011 and, as a result, resist a distal force D applied to the distal articulation driver 10040. Stated another way, the second lock elements 10056 can prevent or at least inhibit the end effector 10020 from rotating in a direction indicated by arrow 10003. If a torque is applied to the end effector 10020 in the direction of arrow 10003, a distal pulling force D will be transmitted from the drive pin 10021 extending from the frame 10022 of the end effector 10024 to the frame 10042 of the distal articulation driver 10040. In various circumstances, the drive pin 10021 can be closely received within the pin slot 10043 defined in the distal end 10041 of the distal articulation driver 10040 such that the drive pin 10021 can bear against a distal sidewall of the pin slot 10043 and transmit the distal pulling force D to the distal articulation driver 10040. Further to the above, however, the distal pulling force D will only serve to bolster the locking engagement between the second lock elements 10056 and the frame rail 10011. More particularly, the distal pulling force D can be transmitted to the tangs 10058 of the second lock elements 10056 which can cause the second lock elements 10056 to rotate and decrease the angle defined between second lock elements 10056 and the frame rail 10011 and, as a result, increase the bite between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10057 and the frame rail 10011. Ultimately, then, the second lock elements 10056 can lock the movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 in one direction.

In order to release the second lock elements 10056 and permit the end effector 10020 to be rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 10003, referring now to FIG. 104, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can be pushed distally to straighten, or at least substantially straighten, the second lock elements 10056 into a perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, position. In such a position, the bite, or resistive force, between the sidewalls of the lock apertures 10057 and the frame rail 10011 can be sufficiently reduced, or eliminated, such that the distal articulation driver 10040 can be moved distally. In order to straighten the second lock elements 10056 into the position illustrated in FIG. 104, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can be pushed distally such that the proximal arm 10036 of the proximal articulation driver 10030 contacts the second lock elements 10056 to push and rotate the second lock elements 10056 into their straightened position. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 10030 can continue to be pushed distally until the distal arm 10034 extending therefrom contacts, or abuts, a distal drive wall 10051 of the frame 10042 and pushes the frame 10042 distally to articulate the end effector 10020. In essence, a distal pushing force can be applied from the proximal articulation driver 10030 to the distal articulation driver 10040 through the interaction between the distal arm 10034 and the distal drive wall 10051 wherein such a pushing force can be transmitted through the frame 10042 to the drive pin 10021 to articulate the end effector 10020 in the direction indicated by arrow 10003. After the end effector 10020 has been suitably articulated in the direction of arrow 10003, the proximal articulation driver 10040 can be released, in various circumstances, to permit the articulation lock 10050 to re-lock the distal articulation member 10040, and the end effector 10020, in position. In various circumstances, similar to the above, the spring 10055 positioned intermediate the group of first lock elements 10054 and the group of second lock elements 10056 can be compressed when the second lock elements 10056 are straightened to unlock the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040, as discussed above. When the proximal articulation driver 10040 is released, the spring 10055 can resiliently re-expand to push the second lock elements 10056 into their angled positions illustrated in FIG. 102.

Concurrent to the above, referring again to FIGS. 102 and 104, the first lock elements 10054 can remain in an angled position while the second lock elements 10056 are locked and unlocked as described above. The reader will appreciate that, although the first lock elements 10054 are arranged and aligned in an angled position with respect to the shaft rail 10011, the first lock elements 10054 are not configured to impede, or at least substantially impede, the distal motion of the distal articulation driver 10040. When the distal articulation driver 10040 and articulation lock 10050 are slid distally, as described above, the first lock elements 10054 can slide distally along the frame rail 10011 without, in various circumstances, changing, or at least substantially changing, their angled alignment with respect to the frame rail 10011. While the first lock elements 10054 are permissive of the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050, the first lock elements 10054 are configured to selectively prevent, or at least inhibit, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040, as discussed above.

In view of the above, the articulation lock 10050, in a locked condition, can be configured to resist the proximal and distal movements of the distal articulation driver 10040. In terms of resistance, the articulation lock 10050 can be configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, the proximal and distal movements of the distal articulation driver 10040. Collectively, the proximal motion of the distal articulation driver 10040 is resisted by the first lock elements 10054 when the first lock elements 10054 are in their locked orientation and the distal motion of the distal articulation driver 10040 is resisted by the second lock elements 10056 when the second lock elements 10056 are in their locked orientation, as described above. Stated another way, the first lock elements 10054 comprise a first one-way lock and the second lock elements 10056 comprise a second one-way lock which locks in an opposite direction.

When the first lock elements 10054 are in a locked configuration, referring again to FIG. 102 and as discussed above, an attempt to move the distal articulation driver 10040 proximally may only serve to further decrease the angle between the first lock elements 10054 and the frame rail 10011. In various circumstances, the first lock elements 10054 may flex while, in at least some circumstances, the first lock elements 10054 may abut a distal shoulder 10047 defined in the first lock cavity 10044. More precisely, the outer-most first lock element 10054 may abut the distal shoulder 10047 while the other first lock elements 10054 may abut an adjacent first lock element 10054. In some circumstances, the distal shoulder 10047 can arrest the movement of the first lock elements 10054. In certain circumstances, the distal shoulder 10047 can provide strain relief. For instance, once the distal shoulder 10047 is in contact with the first lock elements 10054, the distal shoulder 10047 can support the first lock elements 10054 at a location which is adjacent to, or at least substantially adjacent to, the lock rail 10011 such that only a small lever arm, or torque arm, separates opposing forces transmitted through the first lock elements 10054 at different locations thereof. In such circumstances, in effect, the force transmitted through the tangs 10053 of the first lock elements 10054 may be reduced or eliminated.

Similar to the above, when the second lock elements 10056 are in a locked configuration, referring again to FIG. 102 and as discussed above, an attempt to move the distal articulation driver 10040 distally may only serve to further decrease the angle between the second lock elements 10056 and the frame rail 10011. In various circumstances, the second lock elements 10056 may flex while, in at least some circumstances, the second lock elements 10056 may abut a proximal shoulder 10048 defined in the second lock cavity 10046. More precisely, the outer-most second lock element 10056 may abut the proximal shoulder 10048 while the other second lock elements 10056 may abut an adjacent second lock element 10056. In some circumstances, the proximal shoulder 10048 can arrest the movement of the second lock elements 10056. In certain circumstances, the proximal shoulder 10048 can provide strain relief. For instance, once the proximal shoulder 10048 is in contact with the second lock elements 10056, the proximal shoulder 10048 can support the second lock elements 10056 at a location which is adjacent to, or at least substantially adjacent to, the lock rail 10011 such that only a small lever arm, or torque arm, separates opposing forces transmitted through the second lock elements 10056 at different locations thereof. In such circumstances, in effect, the force transmitted through the tangs 10058 of the second lock elements 10056 may be reduced or eliminated.

Discussed in connection with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 102-112, an initial proximal movement of the proximal articulation driver 10030 can unlock the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050 while a further proximal movement of the proximal articulation driver 10030 can drive the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050 proximally. Similarly, an initial distal movement of the proximal articulation driver 10030 can unlock the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050 while a further distal movement of the proximal articulation driver 10030 can drive the distal articulation driver 10040 and the articulation lock 10050 distally. Such a general concept is discussed in connection with several additional exemplary embodiments disclosed below. To the extent that such discussion is duplicative, or generally cumulative, with the discussion provided in connection with the exemplary embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 102-112, such discussion is not reproduced for the sake of brevity.

Turning now to FIGS. 113 and 114, a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 10000, and/or any other surgical instrument system, for example, can comprise a proximal articulation driver 10130, a distal articulation driver 10140, and an articulation lock 10150. The articulation lock 10150 can comprise a frame 10152 which can include a slot, or lock channel, 10151 defined therein configured to receive at least a portion of the proximal articulation driver 10130 and at least a portion of the distal articulation driver 10140. The articulation lock 10150 can further comprise a first lock element 10154 positioned within a first, or distal, lock cavity 10144 and a second lock element 10155 positioned within a second, or proximal, lock cavity 10146. Similar to the above, the first lock element 10154 can be configured to resist a proximal pushing force P transmitted through the distal articulation driver 10140. To this end, the distal articulation driver 10140 can include a lock recess 10145 defined therein which can include one or more lock surfaces configured to engage the first lock element 10154 and prevent the movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 relative to the lock frame 10152. More specifically, a sidewall of the lock recess 10145 can comprise a first, or distal, lock surface 10141 which can be configured to wedge the first lock element 10154 against a sidewall, or lock wall, 10153 of the lock channel 10151 and, owing to this wedged relationship, the distal articulation driver 10140 may not be able to pass between the first lock element 10154 and the opposing sidewall 10157 of the lock channel 10151. The reader will appreciate that the lock recess 10145 is contoured such that it gradually decreases in depth toward the distal end of the lock recess 10145 wherein, correspondingly, the distal articulation driver 10140 gradually increases in thickness toward the distal end of the lock recess 10145. As a result, a proximal pushing force P applied to the distal articulation driver 10140 may only serve to further increase the resistance, or wedging force, holding the distal articulation driver 10140 in position.

In order to pull the distal articulation driver 10140 proximally, the proximal articulation driver 10130 can be configured to, one, displace the distal lock element 10154 proximally to unlock the articulation lock 10150 in the proximal direction and, two, directly engage the distal articulation driver 10140 and apply a proximal pulling force thereto. More specifically, further to the above, the proximal articulation driver 10130 can comprise a distal arm 10134 configured to initially engage the first lock element 10154 and a proximal arm 10136 which can be configured to then engage a proximal drive wall 10147 defined at the proximal end of the lock recess 10145 and pull the distal articulation driver 10140 proximally. Similar to the above, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 can be configured to articulate the end effector of the surgical instrument. Once the end effector has been suitably articulated, the proximal articulation driver 10130 can be released, in various circumstances, to permit a spring 10155 positioned intermediate the first lock element 10154 and the second lock element 10156 to expand and sufficiently re-position the first lock element 10154 relative to the first lock surface 10141 and re-lock the distal articulation driver 10140 and the end effector in position.

Concurrent to the above, the second lock element 10156 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140. When the articulation lock 10150 is in a locked condition, the second lock element 10156 may be positioned between a second, or proximal, lock surface 10143 of the lock recess 10145 and the lock wall 10153 of the lock channel 10151. As the distal articulation driver 10140 is pulled proximally by the proximal articulation driver 10130, further to the above, a dwell portion 10142 of the lock recess 10145 may move over the second lock element 10156. In various circumstances, the dwell portion 10142 of the lock recess 10145 may comprise the widest portion of the recess 10145 which may, as a result, permit relative sliding movement between the distal articulation driver 10140 and the second lock element 10156 as the distal articulation driver 10140 is pulled proximally. In some circumstances, the second lock element 10156 can be configured to roll within the dwell portion 10142 thereby reducing the resistance force between the distal articulation driver 10140 and the second lock element 10156. As the reader will appreciate, the second lock element 10156 may be permissive to the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 but can be configured to selectively resist the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 as discussed in greater detail further below.

Similar to the above, the second lock element 10156 can be configured to resist a distal pulling force D transmitted through the distal articulation member 10140. To this end, the second lock surface 10143 of the lock recess 10145 can be configured to wedge the second lock element 10156 against the lock wall 10153 of the lock channel 10151 and, owing to this wedged relationship, the distal articulation driver 10140 may not be able to pass between the second lock element 10156 and the opposing sidewall 10157 of the lock channel 10151. The reader will appreciate that the lock recess 10145 is contoured such that it gradually decreases in depth toward the proximal end of the lock recess 10145 wherein, correspondingly, the distal articulation driver 10140 gradually increases in thickness toward the proximal end of the lock recess 10145. As a result, a distal pulling force D applied to the distal articulation driver 10140 may only serve to further increase the resistance, or wedging force, holding the distal articulation driver 10140 in position.

In order to push the distal articulation driver 10140 distally, the proximal articulation driver 10130 can be configured to, one, displace the second lock element 10156 distally to unlock the articulation lock 10150 in the distal direction and, two, directly engage the distal articulation driver 10140 and apply a distal pushing force thereto. More specifically, further to the above, the proximal arm 10136 of the proximal articulation driver 10130 can be configured to initially engage the second lock element 10156 wherein the distal arm 10134 can then engage a distal drive wall 10148 defined at the distal end of the lock recess 10145 and push the distal articulation driver 10140 distally. Similar to the above, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 can be configured to articulate the end effector of the surgical instrument. Once the end effector has been suitably articulated, the proximal articulation driver 10130 can be released, in various circumstances, to permit the spring 10155 to expand and sufficiently re-position the second lock element 10156 relative to the second lock surface 10143 in order to re-lock the distal articulation driver 10140 and the end effector in position.

Concurrent to the above, the first lock element 10154 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140. When the articulation lock 10150 is in a locked condition, the first lock element 10154 may be positioned between the first lock surface 10141 of the lock recess 10145 and the lock wall 10153 of the lock channel 10151, as discussed above. As the distal articulation driver 10140 is pushed distally by the proximal articulation driver 10130, further to the above, the dwell portion 10142 of the lock recess 10145 may move over the first lock element 10154. In various circumstances, the dwell portion 10142 may permit relative sliding movement between the distal articulation driver 10140 and the first lock element 10154 as the distal articulation driver 10140 is pushed distally. In some circumstances, the first lock element 10154 can be configured to roll within the dwell portion 10142 thereby reducing the resistance force between the distal articulation driver 10140 and the first lock element 10154. As the reader will appreciate, the first lock element 10154 may be permissive to the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140 but can selectively resist the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10140, as discussed above.

Further to the above, the first lock surface 10141, the dwell 10142, and the second lock surface 10143 of the lock recess 10145 can define a suitable contour. Such a contour can be defined by first, second, and third flat surfaces which comprise the first lock surface 10141, the dwell 10142, and the second lock surface 10143, respectively. In such circumstances, definitive breaks between the first lock surface 10141, the dwell 10142, and the second lock surface 10143 can be identified. In various circumstances, the first lock surface 10141, the dwell 10142, and the second lock surface 10143 can comprise a continuous surface, such as an arcuate surface, for example, wherein definitive breaks between the first lock surface 10141, the dwell 10142, and the second lock surface 10143 may not be present.

Turning now to FIGS. 115 and 116, a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 10000, and/or any other surgical instrument system, for example, can comprise a shaft 10210, an articulation driver system comprising a proximal articulation driver 10230 and a distal articulation driver 10240, and an articulation lock 10250 configured to releasably hold the distal articulation driver 10240 in position. The general operation of the articulation driver system is the same as, or at least substantially similar to, the articulation driver system discussed in connection with the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 113 and 114 and, as a result, such discussion is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. As the reader will appreciate, referring to FIGS. 115 and 116, the articulation lock 10250 can comprise a first lock element 10254 which can provide a one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10240 and a second lock element 10256 which can provide a second one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10240. Similar to the above, the first lock element 10254 and the second lock element 10256 can be positioned within a lock recess 10245 defined in the distal articulation driver 10240 and can be biased into a locked condition by a biasing member, or spring, 10255, for example. In order to unlock the first lock element 10254, similar to the above, the proximal articulation driver 10230 can be pulled proximally such that a distal hook 10234 contacts the first lock element 10254 and pulls the first lock element 10254 proximally. Thereafter, the proximal articulation driver 10230 can be pulled further proximally until the distal hook 10234 contacts the distal articulation driver frame 10242 and pulls the distal articulation driver 10240 proximally and articulates the end effector 10020, similar to the embodiments described above. In order to unlock the second lock element 10256, similar to the above, the proximal articulation driver 10230 can be pushed distally such that a proximal hook 10236 contacts the second lock element 10256 and pushes the second lock element 10256 distally. Thereafter, the proximal articulation driver 10230 can be pushed further distally until the proximal hook 10236 contacts the distal articulation driver frame 10242 and pushes the distal articulation driver 10240 distally and articulate the end effector 10020 in an opposite direction, similar to the embodiments described above. In various circumstances, the first lock element 10254 and the second lock element 10256 can each comprise a rotatable spherical element, or bearing, for example, which can be configured to reduce the sliding friction between the lock elements 10254, 10256, the shaft frame 10212, the proximal articulation driver 10230, and/or the distal articulation driver 10240.

Turning now to FIGS. 125-130, a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 10000, and/or any other surgical instrument system, for example, can comprise an articulation driver system comprising a proximal articulation driver 10330 and a distal articulation driver 10340, and an articulation lock 10350 configured to releasably hold the distal articulation driver 10340 in position. In many aspects, the general operation of the articulation driver system is the same as, or at least substantially similar to, the articulation driver system discussed in connection with the embodiments disclosed above and, as a result, such aspects are not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. As the reader will appreciate, primarily referring to FIGS. 125 and 126, the articulation lock 10350 can comprise a first lock element 10354 which can provide a one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340 and a second lock element 10356 which can provide a second one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340. Similar to the above, the first lock element 10354 can be positioned within a first, or distal, lock recess 10344 and the second lock element 10356 can be positioned within a second, or proximal, lock recess 10346 defined in the distal articulation driver 10340 and can be biased into a locked condition by a biasing member, or spring, 10355, for example. In order to unlock the first lock element 10354, referring generally to FIG. 129, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be pulled proximally such that a distal hook 10334 contacts the first lock element 10354 and pulls the first lock element 10354 proximally. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 129, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be pulled further proximally until the first lock element 10354 contacts an intermediate shoulder 10345 extending from a frame 10342 of the articulation driver frame 10340 and pulls the distal articulation driver 10340 proximally to articulate the end effector, similar to the embodiments described above. Once the end effector has been sufficiently articulated, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be released which can permit the biasing spring 10355 to displace the lock elements 10354 and 10356 away from each other and seat the lock elements 10354 and 10356 in a locked condition, as illustrated in FIG. 130. In order to unlock the second lock element 10356, referring generally to FIG. 127, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be pushed distally such that a proximal hook 10336 contacts the second lock element 10356 and pushes the second lock element 10356 distally. Thereafter, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be pushed further distally until the second lock element 10356 contacts the intermediate shoulder 10345 of the distal articulation driver frame 10342 and pushes the distal articulation driver 10340 distally to articulate the end effector in an opposite direction, similar to the embodiments described above. Once the end effector has been sufficiently articulated, similar to the above, the proximal articulation driver 10330 can be released which can permit the biasing spring 10355 to displace the lock elements 10354 and 10356 away from each other and seat the lock elements 10354 and 10356 in a locked condition, as illustrated in FIG. 128.

In various circumstances, further to the above, the first lock element 10354 and the second lock element 10356 can each comprise a wedge, for example, which can be configured to lock the distal articulation driver 10340 in position. Referring primarily again to FIGS. 125 and 126, the articulation lock 10350 can comprise a frame 10352 including a lock channel 10351 defined therein which can be configured to receive at least a portion of the proximal articulation driver 10330 and at least a portion of the distal articulation driver 10340. The first lock cavity 10344, further to the above, can be defined between the distal articulation driver 10340 and a lock wall 10353 of the lock channel 10351. When a proximal load P is transmitted to the distal articulation driver 10340 from the end effector, the distal articulation driver 10340 can engage a wedge portion 10358 of the first lock element 10354 and bias the first lock element 10354 against the lock wall 10353. In such circumstances, the proximal load P may only increase the wedging force holding the first lock element 10354 in position. In effect, the first lock element 10354 can comprise a one-way lock which can inhibit the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340 until the first lock element 10354 is unlocked, as described above. When the first lock element 10354 is unlocked and the distal articulation driver 10340 is being moved proximally, the second lock element 10356 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340. Similar to the above, the second lock cavity 10346, further to the above, can be defined between the distal articulation driver 10340 and the lock wall 10353. When a distal load D is transmitted to the distal articulation driver 10340 from the end effector, the distal articulation driver 10340 can engage a wedge portion 10359 of the second lock element 10356 and bias the second lock element 10356 against the lock wall 10353. In such circumstances, the distal load D may only increase the wedging force holding the second lock element 10356 in position. In effect, the second lock element 10356 can comprise a one-way lock which can inhibit the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340 until the second lock element 10356 is unlocked, as described above. When the second lock element 10356 is unlocked and the distal articulation driver 10340 is being moved distally, the first lock element 10354 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10340.

Turning now to FIGS. 117-124, a surgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 10000, and/or any other surgical instrument system, for example, can comprise an articulation driver system comprising a proximal articulation driver 10430 and a distal articulation driver 10440, and an articulation lock 10450 configured to releasably hold the distal articulation driver 10440 in position. As the reader will appreciate, primarily referring to FIGS. 117 and 118, the articulation lock 10450 can comprise a first lock cam 10454 which can provide a one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440 and a second lock cam 10456 which can provide a second one-way lock configured to releasably inhibit the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440. The first lock cam 10454 can be rotatably mounted to the distal articulation driver 10440 and can include a projection 10457 rotatably positioned within a pivot aperture 10447 defined in the distal articulation driver 10440. Similarly, the second lock cam 10456 can be rotatably mounted to the distal articulation driver 10440 and can include a projection 10458 rotatably positioned within a pivot aperture 10448 which is also defined in the distal articulation driver 10440. The articulation lock 10450 can further comprise a frame 10452 having a lock channel 10451 defined therein which can be configured to receive at least a portion of the proximal articulation driver 10430, at least a portion of the distal articulation driver 10440, the first lock cam 10454, and the second lock cam 10456. The lock channel 10451 can comprise a first lock wall 10453 and a second lock wall 10459 wherein, when the articulation lock 10450 is in a locked state, the first lock cam 10454 can be biased into engagement with the first lock wall 10453 and the second lock cam 10456 can be biased into engagement with the second lock wall 10459. The first lock cam 10454 can be configured to bias a first bearing point 10445 of the distal articulation driver 10440 against the second lock wall 10459 when the first lock cam 10454 is in its locked position. Similarly, the second lock cam 10456 can be configured to bias a second bearing point 10446 of the distal articulation driver 10440 against the first lock wall 10453 when the second lock cam 10454 is in its locked position. Such a locked state is illustrated in FIG. 119. As also illustrated in FIG. 119, the articulation lock 10450 can be biased into a locked state by a spring 10455. The spring 10455 can be configured to rotate the first lock cam 10454 about its projection 10457 such that a lobe of the first lock cam 10454 engages the first lock wall 10453 and, similarly, to rotate the second lock cam 10456 about its projection 10458 such that a lobe of the second lock cam 10456 engages the second lock wall 10459. In various circumstances, the first lock cam 10454 and the second lock cam 10456 can each comprise a spring aperture 10449 defined therein which can be configured to receive an end of the spring 10455 such that the spring 10455 can apply the biasing forces discussed above.

In order to unlock the first lock cam 10454, referring generally to FIG. 120, the proximal articulation driver 10430 can be pushed distally such that a distal drive shoulder 10434 of the proximal articulation driver 10430 contacts the first lock cam 10454 and pushes the first lock cam 10454 distally. In various circumstances, the first lock cam 10454 can comprise a drive pin 10437 extending therefrom which can be contacted by the distal drive shoulder 10434 such that, as the proximal articulation driver 10430 is pushed distally, the first lock cam 10454 and the distal articulation driver 10440 can be slid distally relative to the first lock surface 10451. In some circumstances, the first lock cam 10454 may rotate about its projection 10447 in order to accommodate such movement. In any event, similar to the above, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440 can articulate the end effector. Once the end effector has been sufficiently articulated, the proximal articulation driver 10430 can be released which can permit the biasing spring 10455 to displace the lock cams 10454 and 10456 into engagement with the lock surfaces 10453 and 10459, respectively, and place the articulation lock 10450 in its locked condition, as illustrated in FIG. 119. In order to unlock the second lock cam 10456, referring generally to FIG. 121, the proximal articulation driver 10430 can be pulled proximally such that a proximal drive shoulder 10436 contacts the second lock cam 10456 and pulls the second lock cam 10456 proximally. In various circumstances, the second lock cam 10456 can comprise a drive pin 10438 extending therefrom which can be contacted by the proximal drive shoulder 10436 such that, as the proximal articulation driver 10430 is pulled proximally, the second lock cam 10456 and the distal articulation driver 10440 can be slid proximally relative to the second lock surface 10459. In some circumstances, the second lock cam 10456 may rotate about its projection 10458 in order to accommodate such movement. In any event, similar to the above, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440 can articulate the end effector in an opposite direction. Similar to the above, once the end effector has been sufficiently articulated, the proximal articulation driver 10430 can be released which can permit the biasing spring 10455 to displace the lock cams 10454 and 10456 into engagement with lock surfaces 10453 and 10459, respectively, and place the articulation lock 10450 in its locked condition, as illustrated in FIG. 119.

Further to the above, when a proximal load P is transmitted to the distal articulation driver 10440 from the end effector when the articulation lock 10450 is in its locked condition, the second lock cam 10456 will be further biased into engagement with the lock wall 10459. In such circumstances, the proximal load P may only increase the wedging force holding the second lock cam 10456 in position. In effect, the second lock cam 10456 can comprise a one-way lock which can inhibit the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440 until the second lock cam 10456 is unlocked, as described above. When the second lock cam 10456 is unlocked and the distal articulation driver 10440 is being moved proximally, the first lock cam 10454 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the proximal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440. When a distal load D is transmitted to the distal articulation driver 10440 from the end effector when the articulation lock 10450 is in its locked condition, the first lock cam 10454 will be further biased into engagement with the lock wall 10453. In such circumstances, the distal load D may only increase the wedging force holding the first lock cam 10454 in position. In effect, the first lock cam 10454 can comprise a one-way lock which can inhibit the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440 until the first lock cam 10454 is unlocked, as described above. When the first lock cam 10454 is unlocked and the distal articulation driver 10440 is being moved distally, the second lock cam 10454 may not resist, or at least substantially resist, the distal movement of the distal articulation driver 10440.

As discussed above, a surgical instrument can comprise a firing drive for treating tissue captured within an end effector of the surgical instrument, an articulation drive for articulating the end effector about an articulation joint, and a clutch assembly which can be utilized to selectively engage the articulation drive with the firing drive. An exemplary clutch assembly 10070 was discussed above while another exemplary clutch assembly, i.e., clutch assembly 11070, is discussed below. In various circumstances, the surgical instruments disclosed herein can utilize either clutch assembly.

Turning now to FIGS. 131-149, a surgical instrument can utilize a shaft assembly 11010 which can include an end effector 10020, an articulation joint 10090, and an articulation lock 10050 which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 10020 in position. The reader will appreciate that portions of the end effector 10020 have been removed in FIGS. 131-133 for the purposes of illustration; however, the end effector 10020 can include a staple cartridge positioned therein and/or an anvil rotatably coupled to a channel supporting the staple cartridge. The operation of the end effector 10020, the articulation joint 10090, and the articulation lock 10050 was discussed above and is not repeated herein for sake of brevity. The shaft assembly 11010 can further include a proximal housing comprised of housing portions 11002 and 11003, for example, which can connect the shaft assembly 11010 to a handle of a surgical instrument. The shaft assembly 11010 can further include a closure tube 11015 which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil of the end effector 10020. Primarily referring now to FIGS. 132-134, the shaft assembly 11010 can include a spine 11004 which can be configured to fixably support the shaft frame portion 10012, which is discussed above in connection with articulation lock 10050. The spine 11004 can be configured to, one, slidably support a firing member 11060 therein and, two, slidably support the closure tube 11015 which extends around the spine 11004. The spine 11004 can also be configured to slidably support a proximal articulation driver 11030. In various circumstances, the spine 11004 can comprise a proximal end 11009 which is supported by a frame portion 11001 that can be configured to permit the spine 11004 to be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

Further to the above, the shaft assembly 11010 can include a clutch assembly 11070 which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 11030 to the firing member 11060. The clutch assembly 11070 can comprise a lock collar, or sleeve, 11072 positioned around the firing member 11060 wherein the lock sleeve 11072 can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 11072 couples the proximal articulation driver 11030 to the firing member 11060 and a disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 11030 is not operably coupled to the firing member 11060. When lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position (FIGS. 135, 136, 138, 139, 141, and 145-149), further to the above, distal movement of the firing member 11060 can move the proximal articulation driver 11030 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member 11060 can move the proximal articulation driver 11030 proximally. When lock sleeve 11072 is in its disengaged position (FIGS. 142-144), movement of the firing member 11060 is not transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 11030 and, as a result, the firing member 11060 can move independently of the proximal articulation driver 11030. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 11030 can be held in position by the articulation lock 11050 when the proximal articulation driver 11030 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firing member 11060.

Referring primarily to FIG. 134, the lock sleeve 11072 can comprise a cylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal aperture defined therein configured to receive the firing member 11060. The lock sleeve 11072 can comprise a first, inwardly-facing lock member 11073 and a second, outwardly-facing lock member 11078. The first lock member 11073 can be configured to be selectively engaged with the firing member 11060. More particularly, when the lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position, the first lock member 11073 can be positioned within a drive notch 11062 defined in the firing member 11060 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member 11060 to the lock sleeve 11072. When the lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position, the second lock member 11078 can be positioned within a drive notch 11035 defined in the proximal articulation driver 11035 such that the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force applied to the lock sleeve 11072 can be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 11030. In effect, the firing member 11060, the lock sleeve 11072, and the proximal articulation driver 11030 will move together when the lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 11072 is in its disengaged position, the first lock member 11073 may not be positioned within the drive notch 11062 of the firing member 11060 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member 11060 to the lock sleeve 11072. Correspondingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 11030. In such circumstances, the firing member 11060 can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve 11072 and the proximal articulation driver 11030. In order to accommodate such relative movement, in such circumstances, the firing member 11060 can include a longitudinal slot or groove 11061 defined therein which can be configured to receive the first lock member 11073 of the lock sleeve 11072 when the lock sleeve 11072 is in its disengaged position and, furthermore, accommodate the longitudinal movement of the firing member 11060 relative to the lock sleeve 11072. In various circumstances, the second lock member 11078 can remain engaged with the drive notch 11035 in the proximal articulation driver 11030 regardless of whether the lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position or its disengaged position.

Further to the above, the clutch assembly 11070 can further comprise a rotatable lock actuator 11074 which can be configured to rotate the lock sleeve 11072 between its engaged position and its disengaged position. In various circumstances, the lock actuator 11074 can comprise a collar which can surround the lock sleeve 11072, a longitudinal aperture extending through the collar, and referring primarily to FIG. 135, an inwardly-extending drive element 11077 engaged with the lock sleeve 11072. Referring again to FIG. 134, the lock sleeve 11072 can comprise a longitudinal slot 11079 defined therein within which the drive element 11077 of the lock actuator 11074 can be received. Similar to the above, the lock actuator 11074 can be moved between an engaged position in which the lock actuator 11074 can position the lock sleeve 11072 in its engaged position and a disengaged position in which the lock actuator 11074 can position the lock sleeve 11072 in its disengaged position. In order to move the lock sleeve 11072 between its engaged position and its disengaged position, the lock actuator 11074 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the drive element 11077 extending therefrom engages a sidewall of the slot 11079 to impart a rotational force to the lock sleeve 11072. In various circumstances, the lock actuator 11074 can be constrained such that it does not move longitudinally with the lock sleeve 11072. In such circumstances, the lock actuator 11074 may rotate within an at least partially circumferential window 11089 defined in the shaft spine 11004. In order to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the lock sleeve 11072 when the lock sleeve 11072 is in its engaged position, the lock sleeve 11072 can further include a longitudinal opening 11079 within which the drive element 11077 can travel. In various circumstances, the longitudinal opening 11079 can include a center notch 11076 which can correspond with the unarticulated position of the end effector 10020. In such circumstances, the center notch 11076 can serve as a detent configured to releasably hold or indicate the centered orientation of the end effector 10020, for example.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 134, the lock actuator 11074 can further comprise a cam follower 11081 extending outwardly therefrom which can be configured to receive a force applied thereto in order to rotate the lock sleeve 11072 as described above. In various circumstances, the shaft assembly 11010 can further comprise a switch drum 11075 which can be configured to apply a rotational force to the cam follower 11081. The switch drum 11075 can extend around the lock actuator 11074 and include a longitudinal slot 11083 defined therein within which the cam follower 11081 can be disposed. When the switch drum 11075 is rotated, a sidewall of the slot 11083 can contact the cam follower 11081 and rotate the lock actuator 11074, as outlined above. The switch drum 11075 can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 11085 defined therein which, referring to FIG. 137, can be configured to receive circumferential mounts 11007 extending from the shaft housing comprising housing halves 11002 and 11003 and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum 11075 and the shaft housing. Referring again to FIG. 134, the switch drum 11075 can be utilized to rotate the lock actuator 11074 and the lock sleeve 11072 between their engaged and disengage positions. In various circumstances, the shaft assembly 11010 can further comprise a biasing member, such as spring 11080, for example, which can be configured to bias the switch drum 11075 in a direction which biases the lock actuator 11074 and the lock sleeve 11072 into their engaged positions. Thus, in essence, the spring 11080 and the switch drum 11075 can be configured to bias the articulation drive system into operative engagement with the firing drive system. As also illustrated in FIG. 134, the switch drum 11075 can comprise portions of a slip ring assembly 11005 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 10020 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 10020. The slip ring assembly 11005 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors 11008 on opposing sides thereof which can be configured to permit relative rotation between the halves of the slip ring assembly 11005 while still maintaining electrically conductive pathways therebetween. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, is incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In various circumstances, further to the above, the closure mechanism of the shaft assembly 11010 can be configured to bias the clutch assembly 11070 into its disengaged state. For instance, referring primarily to FIGS. 134 and 144-147, the closure tube 11015 can be advanced distally to close the anvil of the end effector 10020, as discussed above and, in doing so, cam the lock actuator 11074 and, correspondingly, the lock sleeve 11072, into their disengaged positions. To this end, the closure tube 11015 can comprise a cam window 11016, through which the cam follower 11081 extending from the lock actuator 11074 can extend. The cam window 11016 can include an angled sidewall, or cam edge, 11017 which can be configured to engage the cam follower 11081 as the closure tube 11015 is moved distally between an open, or unclosed, position (FIGS. 145-149) to a closed position (FIGS. 142-144) and rotate the lock actuator 11074 from its engaged position (FIGS. 145-149) to its disengaged position (FIGS. 142-144). Upon comparing FIGS. 144 and 149, the reader will appreciate that, when the cam follower 11081 and the lock actuator 11074 are cammed into their disengaged position, the cam follower 11081 can rotate the switch drum 11075 and compress the spring 11080 between the switch drum 11075 and the shaft housing. As long as the closure tube 11015 remains in its advanced, closed position, the articulation drive will be disconnected from the firing drive. In order to re-engage the articulation drive with the firing drive, the closure tube 11015 can be retracted into its unactuated position, which can also open the end effector 10020, and can, as a result, pull the cam edge 11017 proximally and permit the spring 11080 to re-bias the lock actuator 11074 and the lock sleeve 11072 into their engaged positions.

As described elsewhere in greater detail, the surgical instrument 1010 may include several operable systems that extend, at least partially, through the shaft 1210 and are in operable engagement with the end effector 1300. For example, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a closure assembly that may transition the end effector 1300 between an open configuration and a closed configuration, an articulation assembly that may articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210, and/or a firing assembly that may fasten and/or cut tissue captured by the end effector 1300. In addition, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a housing such as, for example, the handle 1042 which may be separably couplable to the shaft 1210 and may include complimenting closure, articulation, and/or firing drive systems that can be operably coupled to the closure, articulation, and firing assemblies, respectively, of the shaft 1210 when the handle 1042 is coupled to the shaft 1210.

In use, an operator of the surgical instrument 1010 may desire to reset the surgical instrument 1010 and return one or more of the assemblies of the surgical instrument 1010 to a default position. For example, the operator may insert the end effector 1300 into a surgical site within a patient through an access port and may then articulate and/or close the end effector 1300 to capture tissue within the cavity. The operator may then choose to undo some or all of the previous actions and may choose to remove the surgical instrument 1010 from the cavity. The surgical instrument 1010 may include one more systems configured to facilitate a reliable return of one or more of the assemblies described above to a home state with minimal input from the operator thereby allowing the operator to remove the surgical instrument from the cavity.

Referring to FIG. 150, the surgical instrument 1010 may include an articulation control system 3000. A surgical operator may utilize the articulation control system 3000 to articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 between an articulation home state position and an articulated position. In addition, the surgical operator may utilize the articulation control system 3000 to reset or return the articulated end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. The articulation control system 3000 can be positioned, at least partially, in the handle 1042. In addition, as illustrated in the exemplary schematic block diagram in FIG. 151, the articulation control system 3000 may comprise a controller such as, for example, controller 3002 which can be configured to receive an input signal and, in response, activate a motor such as, for example, motor 1102 to cause the end effector 1300 to articulate in accordance with such an input signal. Examples of suitable controllers are described elsewhere in this document and include but are not limited to microcontroller 7004 (See FIG. 185).

Further to the above, the end effector 1300 can be positioned in sufficient alignment with the shaft 1210 in the articulation home state position, also referred to herein as an unarticulated position such that the end effector 1300 and at least a portion of shaft 1210 can be inserted into or retracted from a patient's internal cavity through an access port such as, for example, a trocar positioned in a wall of the internal cavity without damaging the axis port. In certain embodiments, the end effector 1300 can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with a longitudinal axis “LL” passing through the shaft 1210 when the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position, as illustrated in FIG. 150. In at least one embodiment, the articulation home state position can be at any angle up to and including 5°, for example, with the longitudinal axis on either side of the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the articulation home state position can be at any angle up to and including 3°, for example, with the longitudinal axis on either side of the longitudinal axis. In yet another embodiment, the articulation home state position can be at any angle up to and including 7°, for example, with the longitudinal axis on either side of the longitudinal axis.

The articulation control system 3000 can be operated to articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 in a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis in a first direction such as, for example, a clockwise direction and/or a second direction opposite the first direction such as, for example, a counterclockwise direction. In at least one instance, the articulation control system 3000 can be operated to articulate the end effector 1300 in the clockwise direction form the articulation home state position to an articulated position at a 10° angle with the longitudinal axis on the right to the longitudinal axis, for example. In another example, the articulation control system 3000 can be operated to articulate the end effector 1300 in the counterclockwise direction form the articulated position at the 10° angle with the longitudinal axis to the articulation home state position. In yet another example, the articulation control system 3000 can be operated to articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 in the counterclockwise direction from the articulation home state position to an articulated position at a 10° angle with the longitudinal axis on the left of the longitudinal axis. The reader will appreciate that the end effector can be articulated to different angles in the clockwise direction and/or the counterclockwise direction in response to the operator's commands.

Referring to FIG. 150, the handle 1042 of the surgical instrument 1010 may comprise an interface 3001 which may include a plurality of inputs that can be utilized by the operator, in part, to articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210, as described above. In certain embodiments, the interface 3001 may comprise a plurality of switches which can be coupled to the controller 3002 via electrical circuits, for example. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 151, the interface 3001 comprises three switches 3004A-C, wherein each of the switches 3004A-C is coupled to the controller 3002 via one of three electrical circuits 3006A-C, respectively. The reader will appreciate that other combinations of switches and circuits can be utilized with the interface 3001.

Further to the above, the controller 3002 may comprise a processor 3008 and/or one or more memory units 3010. By executing instruction code stored in the memory 3010, the processor 3008 may control various components of the surgical instrument 1, such as the motor 1102 and/or a user display. The controller 3002 may be implemented using integrated and/or discrete hardware elements, software elements, and/or a combination of both. Examples of integrated hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chip sets, microcontroller, system-on-chip (SoC), and/or system-in-package (SIP). Examples of discrete hardware elements may include circuits and/or circuit elements (e.g., logic gates, field effect transistors, bipolar transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, relay and so forth). In other embodiments, the controller 3002 may include a hybrid circuit comprising discrete and integrated circuit elements or components on one or more substrates, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 151, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a motor controller 3005 in operable communication with the controller 3002. The motor controller 3005 can be configured to control a direction of rotation of the motor 1102. For example, the motor 1102 can be powered by a battery such as, for example, the battery 1104 and the motor controller 3002 may be configured to determine the voltage polarity applied to the motor 1102 by the battery 1104 and, in turn, the direction of rotation of the motor 1102 based on input from the controller 3002. For example, the motor 1102 may reverse the direction of its rotation from a clockwise direction to a counterclockwise direction when the voltage polarity applied to the motor 1102 by the battery 1104 is reversed by the motor controller 3005 based on input from the controller 3002. Examples of suitable motor controllers are described elsewhere in this document and include but are not limited to the driver 7010 (FIG. 185).

In addition, as described elsewhere in this document in greater detail, the motor 1102 can be operably coupled to an articulation drive such as, for example, the proximal articulation drive 10030 (FIG. 37). In use, the motor 1102 can drive the proximal articulation drive 10030 distally or proximally depending on the direction in which the motor 1102 rotates. Furthermore, the proximal articulation drive 10030 can be operably coupled to the end effector 1300 such that, for example, the axial translation of the proximal articulation drive 10030 proximally may cause the end effector 1300 to be articulated in the counterclockwise direction, for example, and/or the axial translation of the proximal articulation drive 10030 distally may cause the end effector 1300 to be articulated in the clockwise direction, for example.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 151, the interface 3001 can be configured such that the switch 3004A can be dedicated to clockwise articulation of the end effector 1300 and the switch 3004B can be dedicated to counterclockwise articulation of the end effector 1300. For example, the operator may articulate the end effector 1300 in the clockwise direction by closing the switch 3004A which may signal the controller 3002 to cause the motor 1102 to rotate in the clockwise direction thereby, as a result, causing the proximal articulation drive 10030 to be advanced distally and causing the end effector 1300 to be articulated in the clockwise direction. In another example, the operator may articulate the end effector 1300 in the counterclockwise direction by closing the switch 3004B which may signal the controller 3002 to cause the motor 1102 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, for example, and retracting the proximal articulation drive 10030 proximally to articulate the end effector 1300 to in the counterclockwise direction.

Further to the above, the switches 3004A-C can comprise open-biased dome switches, as illustrated in FIG. 154. Other types of switches can also be employed such as, for example, capacitive switches. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 154, the dome switches 3004A and 3004B are controlled by a rocker 3012. Other means for controlling the switches 3004A and 3004B are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In the neutral position, illustrated in FIG. 154, both of the switches 3004A and 3004B are biased in the open position. The operator, for example, may articulate the end effector 1300 in the clockwise direction by tilting the rocker forward thereby depressing the dome switch 3004A, as illustrated in FIG. 155. In result, the circuit 3006A (FIG. 151) may be closed signaling the controller 3002 to activate the motor 1102 to articulate the end effector 1300 in the clockwise direction, as described above. The motor 1102 may continue to articulate the end effector 1300 until the operator releases the rocker 3012 thereby allowing the dome switch 3004A to return to the open position and the rocker 3012 to the neutral position. In some circumstances, the controller 3002 may be able to identify when the end effector 1300 has reached a predetermined maximum degree of articulation and, at such point, interrupt power to the motor 1102 regardless of whether the dome switch 3004A is being depressed. In a way, the controller 3002 can be configured to override the operator's input and stop the motor 1102 when a maximum degree of safe articulation is reached. Alternatively, the operator may articulate the end effector 1300 in the counterclockwise direction by tilting the rocker back thereby depressing the dome switch 3004B, for example. In result, the circuit 3006B may be closed signaling the controller 3002 to activate the motor 1102 to articulate the end effector 1300 in the counterclockwise direction, as described above. The motor 1102 may continue to articulate the end effector 1300 until the operator releases the rocker 3012 thereby allowing the dome switch 3004B to return to the open position and the rocker 3012 to the neutral position. In some circumstances, the controller 3002 may be able to identify when the end effector 1300 has reached a predetermined maximum degree of articulation and, at such point, interrupt power to the motor 1102 regardless of whether the dome switch 3004B is being depressed. In a way, the controller 3002 can be configured to override the operator's input and stop the motor 1102 when a maximum degree of safe articulation is reached.

In certain embodiments, the articulation control system 3000 may include a virtual detent that may alert the operator when the end effector reaches the articulation home state position. For example, the operator may tilt the rocker 3012 to articulate the end effector 1300 from an articulated position to the articulation home state position. Upon reach the articulation home state position, the controller 3002 may stop the articulation of the end effector 1300. In order to continue past the articulation home state position, the operator may release the rocker 3012 and then tilt it again to restart the articulation. Alternatively, a mechanical detent can also be used to provide haptic feedback for the operator that the end effect reached the articulation home state position. Other forms of feedback may be utilized such as audio feedback, for example.

Further to the above, the articulation control system 3000 may include a reset input which may reset or return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position if the end effector 1300 is in an articulated position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 160, upon receiving a reset input signal, the controller 3002 may determine the articulation position of the end effector 1300 and, if the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position, the controller 3002 may take no action. However, if the end effector 1300 is in an articulated position when it receives a reset input signal, the controller may activate the motor 1102 to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. As illustrated in FIG. 156, the operator may depress the rocker 3012 downward to close the dome switches 3004A and 3004B simultaneously, or at least within a short time period from each other, which may transmit the reset input signal to the controller 3002 to reset or return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. The operator may then release the rocker 3012 thereby allowing the rocker 3012 to return to the neutral position and the switches 3004A and 3004B to the open positions. Alternatively, the interface 3001 of articulation control system 3000 may include a separate reset switch such as, for example, another dome switch which can be independently closed by the operator to transmit the reset input signal to the controller 3002.

Referring to FIGS. 157-159, in certain embodiments, the interface 3001 of the surgical instrument 1010 may include an interface rocker 3012A which may include a contact member 3013 which can be configured to assist the rocker 3012A into its neutral position, as illustrated in FIG. 157. The contact member 3013 can comprise an arcuate surface 3017 which can be biased against the interface housing 3011 by a biasing member and/or by biasing forces applied thereto by the dome switches 3004A and 3004B. The contact member 3013 may be configured to rock, or rotate, when the operator tilts the rocker 3012A forward, as illustrated in FIG. 158, or back in order to articulate the end effector 1300 in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction, respectively. When the rocker 3012A is released, the arcuate surface of the rocker 3012A can be rotated back into its neutral position against the interface housing 3011 by the biasing forces applied thereto. In various circumstances, the contact member 3013 may be displaced away from the interface housing 3011 when the operator depresses the rocker 3012A downwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 159, to depress the dome switches 3004A and 3004B simultaneously, or at least within a short time period from each other, which may transmit the reset input signal to the controller 3002 to reset or return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position, as discussed above.

As described above, the controller 3002 can be configured to determine the articulation position of the end effector 1300. Knowledge of the articulation position of the end effector 1300 may allow the controller 3002 to determine whether the motor 1102 needs to be activated to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position and, if so, to determine the direction of rotation, and the amount of the rotation, of the motor 1102 required to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. In certain embodiments, the controller 3002 may track the articulation of the end effector 1300 and store the articulation position of the end effector 1300, for example, in the memory 3010. For example, the controller 3002 may track the direction of rotation, speed of rotation, and the time of rotation of the motor 1102 when the motor 1102 is used to articulate the end effector 1300. In some circumstances, the controller 3002 can be configured to evaluate the displacement of the firing system when the firing system is used to drive the articulation system. More specifically, when the articulation drive is coupled to the firing drive, the controller 3002 can monitor the firing drive in order to determine the displacement of the articulation drive. The processor 3008 may calculate the articulation position of the end effector 1300 based on these parameters and store the displaced position of the articulation drive in the memory 3010, for example. The reader will appreciate that other parameters can be tracked and other algorithms can be utilized by the processor 3010 to calculate the articulation position of the end effector 1300, all of which are contemplated by the present disclosure. The stored articulation position of the end effector 1300 can be continuously updated as the end effector 1300 is articulated. Alternatively, the stored articulation position can be updated at discrete points, for example, when the operator releases the dome switch 3004A or the switch 3004B after depressing the same to articulate the end effector 1300.

In any event, upon receiving the reset input signal, the processor 3008 may access the memory 3010 to recover the last stored articulation position of the end effector 1300. If the last stored articulation position is not the articulation home state position, the processor 3008 may calculate the direction and time of rotation of the motor 1102 required to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position based on the last stored articulation position. In some circumstances, the processor 3008 may calculate the distance and direction in which the firing drive needs to be displaced in order to place the articulation drive in its home state position. In either event, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to rotate accordingly to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. Furthermore, the processor 3008 may also update the stored articulation position to indicate articulation home state position. However, if the last stored articulation position is the articulation home state position, the controller 3002 may take no action. In some circumstances, the controller 3002 may alert the user through some form of feedback that the end effector and the articulation system is in its home state position. For example, the controller 3002 can be configured to activate a sound and/or a light signal to alert the operator that the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position.

In certain embodiments, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a sensor configured to detect the articulation position of the end effector 1300 and communicate the same to the controller 3002. Similar to the above, the detected articulation position of the end effector 1300 can be stored in the memory 3010 and can be continuously updated as the end effector 1300 is articulated or can be updated when the operator releases the dome switch 3004A or after depressing the same to articulate the end effector 1300, for example.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to include a warning step prior to resetting or returning the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position to allow an operator a chance to remedy an erroneous activation of the reset switch. For example, the controller 3002 can be configured to react to a first transmission of the reset input signal to the controller 3002 by activating a light and/or a sound signal alerting the operator that the rocker 3012 has been depressed. In addition, the controller 3002 can also be configured to react to a second transmission of the reset input signal to the controller 3002 within a predetermined time period from the first transmission by activating the motor 1102 to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. Said another way, a first downward depression of the rocker 3012 may yield a warning to the operator and a second downward depression of the rocker 3012 within a predetermined time period from the first downward depression may cause the controller 3002 to activate the motor 1102 to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position.

Further to the above, the interface 3001 may include a display which can be used by the controller 3002 to communicate a warning message to the operator in response to the first downward depression of the rocker 3012. For example, in response to the first downward depression of the rocker 3012, the controller 3002 may prompt the operator through the display to confirm that the operator wishes to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position. If the operator responds by depressing the rocker 3012 a second time within the predetermined period of time, the controller 3012 may react by activating the motor 1102 to return the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position.

As described elsewhere in greater detail, the end effector 1300 of the surgical instrument 1010 may include a first jaw comprising an anvil such as, for example, the anvil 1310 and a second jaw comprising a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge such as, for example, the staple cartridge 1304 which may include a plurality of staples. In addition, the end effector 1300 can be transitioned between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Furthermore, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a closure lock and the handle 1042 may include a release member for the closure lock such as, for example, the release member 1072 which can be depressed by the operator to release the closure lock thereby returning the end effector 1300 to the open configuration. In addition, the controller 3002 can be coupled to a sensor 3014 configured to detect the release of the closure lock by the release member 1272. Furthermore, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a firing drive such as, for example, the firing drive 1110 which can be operably coupled to a firing member such as, for example, the firing member 10060. The controller 3002 can be coupled to a sensor 3015 configured to detect the position of the firing drive 1110. The firing drive 1110 can be moved axially to advance the firing member 10060 from a firing home state position to a fired position to deploy the staples from the staple cartridge 1304 and/or cut tissue captured between the anvil 1310 and the staple cartridge 1304 when the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration.

Also, as described elsewhere in greater detail, the proximal articulation drive 10030 of the surgical instrument 1010 can be selectively coupled with the firing drive 1110 such that, when the firing drive 1110 is motivated by the motor 1102, the proximal articulation drive 10030 can be driven by the firing drive 1110 and the proximal articulation drive 10030 can, in turn, articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210, as described above. Furthermore, the firing drive 1110 can be decoupled from the proximal articulation drive 10030 when the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration. This arrangement permits the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to move the firing member 10060 between the firing home state position and the fired position independent of the proximal articulation drive 10030.

Further to the above, as described else wherein in greater detail, the surgical instrument 1010 can include a clutch system 10070 (See FIG. 37) which can be engaged when the end effector 1300 is transitioned from the open configuration to the closed configuration and disengaged when the end effector 1300 is transitioned from the closed configuration to the open configuration. When engaged, the clutch system 10070 may operably couple the firing drive 1110 to the proximal drive member 10030 and when the clutch member is disengaged, the firing drive 1110 may be decoupled from the proximal articulation drive. Since the firing drive 1110 can be decoupled and moved independently from the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may be configured to guide the firing drive 1110 to locate the proximal articulation drive 10030 and re-couple the proximal articulation drive 10030 to the firing drive 1110 once again. The controller 3002 may track the direction of rotation, speed of rotation and the time of rotation of the motor 1102 when the firing drive 1110 is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030 to determine and store the location of the proximal articulation drive 10030, for example, in memory 3010. The controller 3002 may, as described elsewhere herein, monitor the displacement of the firing system used to drive the articulation system. Other parameters and algorithms can be utilized to determine the location of the proximal articulation drive 10030. In certain embodiments, the firing drive 1110 may include a sensor configured to detect when the firing drive 1110 is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030 and communicate the same to the controller 3002 to confirm the coupling engagement between the firing drive 1110 and the proximal articulation drive 10030. In certain embodiments, when the controller 3002 is not configured to store and access the articulation position of the end effector 1300, the controller may activate the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to travel along its full range of motion until the firing drive 1110 comes into coupling arrangement with the proximal articulation drive 10030.

Further to the above, in certain embodiments, the firing home state position of the firing member 10060 can be located at a proximal portion of the end effector 1300. Alternatively, the firing home state position of the firing member 10060 can be located at a distal portion of the end effector 1300. In certain embodiments, the firing home state position may be defined at a position where the firing member 10060 is sufficiently retracted relative to the end effector 1300 such that the end effector 1300 can be freely moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In other circumstances, the firing home state position of the firing member 10060 can be identified as the position of the firing member which positions the articulation drive system and the end effector in its articulated home state position.

Referring again to FIG. 151, the interface 3001 of the surgical instrument 1010 may include a home state input. The operator may utilize the home state input to transmit a home state input signal to the controller 3002 to return the surgical instrument 1010 to home state which may include returning the end effector 1300 to the articulation home state position and/or the firing member 10060 to the firing home state position. As illustrated in FIG. 154, the home state input may include a switch such as, for example, the switch 3004C which can be coupled to the controller 3002 via an electrical circuit 3006C. As illustrated in FIGS. 152 and 153, the home state input may include a cap or a cover such as, for example, cover 3014 which can be depressed by the operator to close the switch 3004C and transmit the home state input signal through the circuit 3006C to the controller 3002.

Referring again to FIG. 161, the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, may check the position of the firing drive 1110 through the sensor 3015 and may check the memory 3010 for the last updated articulation position. If the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position and the firing drive 1110 is positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may take no action. Alternatively, the controller 3002 may provide feedback to the operator that the surgical instrument 1010 is at home state. For example, the controller 3002 can be configured to activate a sound and/or a light signal or transmit a message through the display to alert the operator that the surgical instrument 1010 is at home state. However, if the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is not in the articulation home state position and the firing drive 1110 is positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to move the proximal articulation drive 10030 which can, in turn, articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 back to the articulation home state position. Alternatively, if the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position but the firing drive 1110 is not positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to move the firing drive 1110 to a position wherein the firing drive 1110 is coupled to the articulation drive 10030. In doing so, the motor 1102 may retract the firing member 10060 to the firing home state position.

In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 162, the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, may check whether the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration through the sensor 3016. Other means for determining whether the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration can be employed. If the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration, the controller 3002 may proceed as described above. However, if the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, determines that the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration, the controller 3002 may prompt the operator to confirm that the operator wishes to return the surgical instrument 1010 to home state. This step can be a precautionary step to prevent the operator from accidentally opening the end effector 1300 during a surgical procedure, for example. In certain embodiments, the controller 3002 may prompt the operator by displaying a message on a display coupled to the controller 3002, for example, requesting the operator to return the end effector 1300 to the open configuration by depressing the release member 1072. If the operator does not release the end effector 1300 to the open configuration, the controller 3002 may take no action. In other embodiments, the controller 3002 may alert the operator by displaying an error message or activating a sound or a light. However, if the operator releases the end effector 1300 to the open configuration, the controller 3002 may reset the surgical instrument as described above.

Referring to FIG. 163, the firing member 10060 may comprise a separate firing reset input which may include a switch and an electrical circuit coupling the switch to controller 3002, wherein the switch can be configured to close the circuit and transmit a firing reset input signal to the controller 3002. The controller 3002, upon receiving the firing reset input signal may check whether the firing member 10060 is in the firing home state position. As described elsewhere in greater detail, the firing member 10060 may be operably coupled to the firing drive 1110 which may comprise a sensor such as, for example, sensor 3015 (See FIG. 151) that may transmit the location of the firing drive 1110 to the controller 3002. Accordingly, the controller 3002 can determine the location of the firing member 10060 by monitoring the location of the firing drive 1110. In any event, if the controller 3002 determines that the firing member 10060 is in the firing home state position, the controller may take no action or may alert the operator that the firing member 10060 is already in the firing home state position by activating a sound and/or a light. On the hand, if the controller 3002 determines that the firing member 10060 is not in the firing home state position, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to return the firing member 10060 to the firing home state position.

As described elsewhere in greater detail, the surgical instrument 1010 may include several assemblies that extend, at least partially, through the shaft 1210 and may be in operable engagement with the end effector 1300. For example, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a closure assembly that may transition the end effector 1300 between an open configuration and a closed configuration, an articulation assembly that may articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210, and/or a firing assembly that may fasten and/or cut tissue captured by the end effector 1300. In addition, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a housing such as, for example, the handle 1042 which may be separably couplable to the shaft 1210 and may include complimenting closure, articulation, and/or firing drive systems that can be operably coupled to the closure, articulation, and/or firing assemblies, respectively, of the shaft 1210 when the handle 1042 is coupled to the shaft 1210.

In use, the assemblies described above and their corresponding drive systems may be operably connected. Attempting to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210 during operation of the surgical instrument 1010 may sever the connections between the assemblies and their corresponding drive systems in a manner that may cause one or more of these assemblies and their corresponding drive systems to be out of alignment. On the other hand, preventing the user from separating the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210 during operation, without more, may lead to confusion, frustration, and/or an erroneous assumption that the surgical instrument is not operating properly.

The surgical instrument 1010 may include a safe release system 3080 that may be configured to return one or more of the assemblies and/or corresponding drive systems of the surgical instrument 1010 to a home state thereby allowing the operator to safely separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210. The term home state as used herein may refer to a default state wherein one or more of the assemblies and/or corresponding drive systems of the surgical instrument 1010 may reside or may be returned to their default position such as, for example, their position prior to coupling the handle 1042 with the shaft 1210.

Referring to FIG. 150, the safe release system 3080 of the surgical instrument 1010 may include a locking member such as, for example, locking member 3082 which can be moved between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 164 and as described elsewhere in greater detail, the shaft 1210 may be aligned and coupled with the handle 1042 of the surgical instrument 1010. In addition, the locking member 3082 may be moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration to lock the handle in coupling engagement with the shaft 1210. The locking member 3082 can be positioned at a proximal portion of the shaft 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 166 and may include a latch member 3083 that can be advanced into a receiving slot 3085 positioned in the handle 1042 when the locking member 3082 is moved to the locked configuration and the handle 1042 is coupled to the shaft 1210. In addition, the latch member 3083 can be retracted out of the receiving slot 3085 when the locking member 3082 is moved to the unlocked configuration thereby allowing the handle 1042 to be separated from the shaft 1210, as illustrated in FIG. 167.

Referring to FIG. 151, the safe release system 3080 may further include an interlock switch 3084 which can be coupled to the controller 3002 via an electric circuit 3086 which can be configured to transmit a home state input signal to the controller 3002. In addition, the interlock switch 3084 may be operably coupled to the locking member 3082. For example, the switch 3086 can be moved to close the circuit 3086 when the locking member is moved to the unlocked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 167 and can be moved to open the circuit 3086 when the locking member 3082 is moved to the locked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 166. In this example, the controller 3002 can be configured to recognize the closing of the circuit 3086 as a transmission of the home state input signal. Alternatively, in another example, the switch 3086 can be moved to open the circuit 3086 when the locking member is moved to the unlocked configuration and can be moved to close the circuit 3086 when the locking member 3082 is moved to the locked configuration. In this example, the controller 3002 can be configured to recognize the opening of the circuit 3086 as a transmission of the home state input signal.

Referring again to FIG. 166 and FIG. 167, the locking member 3082 may include a first surface 3090 and a second surface 3092 which can be separated by a ramp 3094, wherein the locking member 3082 can be positioned relative to the switch 3084 such that the first surface 3090 and the second 3092 may be slidably movable relative to the switch 3084 when the handle 1042 is coupled to the shaft 1210. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 166, the first surface 3090 may extend in a first plane and the second surface 3092 may extend in a second plane, wherein the switch 3084 can be closer to the first plane that the second plane. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 166, the switch 3084 may be depressed by the first surface 3090 when the locking member 3082 is in the locked configuration and the latch member 3083 is received within the receiving slot 3085, thereby closing the circuit 3086 (FIG. 151) and transmitting the home state input signal to the controller 3002. However, as the locking member 3082 is moved to the unlocked configuration and the latch member 3083 is retracted from the receiving slot 3085, the switch 3084 may slide along the ramp 3094 to face the second surface 3092 which may provide the biased switch 3084 with sufficient room to return to the open position, as illustrated in FIG. 166.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 151 and 165, a first end 3084a of the switch 3084 can be positioned in the handle 1042, for example, at a distal portion thereof and a second end 3084b of the switch 3084 can be positioned in the shaft 1210, for example, at a proximal portion thereof and can be operably coupled with the locking member 3082. In these embodiments, the switch 3084 may not close the circuit 3086 until the handle 1042 is coupled to the shaft 1210 to permit the locking member 3082 to bring the second end 3084b of the switch 3084 into contact with the first end 3084a thereby closing the circuit 3086 and transmitting the home state input signal to the controller 3002. In other embodiments, the locking member 3082, the first end 3084a, and the second end 3084b of the switch 3084 can be placed in the handle 1042 to permit closure of the circuit 3086 and transmission of the home state input signal to the controller 3002 prior to coupling the handle 1042, for example, to return the firing drive system to its default position to ensure proper alignment with the firing assembly when the shaft 1210 is coupled to the handle 1042.

As described elsewhere in greater detail, the end effector 1300 of the surgical instrument 1010 may include a first jaw comprising an anvil such as, for example, the anvil 1310 and a second jaw comprising a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge such as, for example, the staple cartridge 1304 which may include a plurality of staples. In addition, the end effector 1300 can be transitioned between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a closure lock for locking the end effector 1300 in a closed configuration and the handle 1042 may include a release member for the closure lock such as, for example, the release member 1072 which can be depressed by the operator to release the closure lock thereby returning the end effector 1300 to the open configuration. In addition, the controller 3002 can be coupled to a sensor 3014 configured to detect the release of the closure lock by the release member 1072. Furthermore, the surgical instrument 1010 may include a firing drive such as, for example, the firing drive 1110 which can be operably coupled to a firing member such as, for example, the firing member 10060. The controller 3002 can be coupled to a sensor 3015 configured to detect the position of the firing drive 1110. In addition, the firing drive 1110 can be advanced axially, as illustrated in FIG. 167A, to advance the firing member 10060 between an unfired position and a fired position to deploy the staples of the staple cartridge 1304 and/or cut tissue captured between the anvil 1310 and the staple cartridge 1304 when the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration. Furthermore, the firing drive can be retracted by the motor 1102 from the advanced position, for example, the position illustrated in FIG. 167A to a default or retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 167B when the locking member 3082 is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Further to the above, as described elsewhere in greater detail, the proximal articulation drive 10030 of the surgical instrument 1010 can be selectively coupled with the firing drive 1110 such that, when the firing drive 1110 is motivated by the motor 5, the proximal articulation drive 10030 can be driven by the firing drive 1110 and the proximal articulation drive 10030 can, in turn, articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 between the articulation home state position and the articulate position, as described above. Furthermore, the firing drive 1110 can be decoupled from the proximal articulation drive 10030, for example, when the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration. This arrangement permits the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to move the firing member 10060 between the unfired position and the fired position independent of the proximal articulation drive 10030. Since the firing drive 1110 can be decoupled from and moved independently from the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may be configured to guide the firing drive 1110 to locate and reconnect with the proximal articulation drive 10030. In a way, the controller 3002 can remember where it left the proximal articulation drive 10030. More particularly, the controller 3002 can, one, evaluate the position of the firing drive 1110 when the proximal articulation drive 10030 is decoupled from the firing drive 1110 and, two, remember where the proximal articulation drive 10030 is when the controller 3002 is instructed to reconnect the firing drive 1110 with the proximal articulation drive 10030. In such circumstances, the controller 3002 can move the firing drive 1110 into a position in which the clutch assembly 10070, for example, can reconnect the proximal articulation drive 10030 to the firing drive 1110. The controller 3002 may track the direction of rotation, speed of rotation and the time of rotation of the motor 1102 when the firing drive 1110 is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030 to determine and store the location of the proximal articulation drive 10030, for example, in the memory 3010. Other parameters and algorithms can be utilized to determine the location of the proximal articulation drive 10030. In certain embodiments, the firing drive 1110 may include a sensor configured to detect when the firing drive 1110 is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030 and communicate the same to the controller 3002 to confirm the coupling engagement between the firing drive 1110 and the proximal articulation drive 10030. In certain embodiments, when the controller 3002 is not configured to store and access the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller may activate the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to travel along its full range of motion until the firing drive 1110 comes into coupling arrangement with the proximal articulation drive 10030.

Referring now to FIGS. 151 and 165, the safe release system 3080 may react to an operator's attempt to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210 by resetting the surgical instrument 1010 to the home state, for example, as soon as the operator moves the locking member 3082 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. As described above, the switch 3084 can be operably coupled to the locking member 3082 such that when the locking member 3082 is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the switch 3084 may be moved to open the circuit 3086 thereby transmitting the home state input signal to the controller 3002. Alternatively, movement of the switch 3084 from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration may allow the circuit 3086 to close thereby transmitting the home state input signal to the controller 3002.

Referring again to FIG. 168, the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, may check the position of the firing drive 1110 through the sensor 3015 and may check the memory 3010 for the last updated articulation position of the end effector and, correspondingly, the last position of the proximal articulation drive 10030. If the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position and the firing drive 1110 is positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may take no action and the user may remove the shaft assembly from the handle. Alternatively, the controller 3002 may provide feedback to the operator that the surgical instrument 1010 is at home state and/or it is safe to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210. For example, the controller 3002 can be configured to activate a sound and/or a light signal and/or transmit a message through a display (not shown) coupled to the controller 3002 to alert the operator that the surgical instrument 1010 is at home state and/or it is safe to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210. However, if the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is not in the articulation home state position and the firing drive 1110 is positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to motivate the firing drive 1110 to move the proximal articulation drive 10030 which can, in turn, articulate the end effector 1300 relative to the shaft 1210 back to the articulation home state position. Alternatively, if the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the articulation home state position but the firing drive 1110 is not positioned such that it is coupled to the proximal articulation drive 10030, the controller 3002 may activate the motor 1102 to move the firing drive 1110 to a position wherein the firing drive 1110 is couplable to the articulation drive 9. In doing so, the firing member 9 may retract the firing member 10060 to the firing home state position. As described above, the controller 3002 may optionally provide the feedback to the operator that the surgical instrument 1010 is at home state and that it is safe to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210.

In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 169, the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, may check whether the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration through the sensor 3016. Other means for determining that the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration can be employed. If the controller 3002 determines that the end effector 1300 is in the open configuration, the controller 3002 may proceed to reset the surgical instrument 1010 to home state, as described above. However, if the controller 3002, upon receiving the home state input signal, determines that the end effector 1300 is in the closed configuration, the controller 3002 may prompt the operator to confirm that the operator wishes to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210. This step can be a precautionary step to prevent resetting the surgical instrument 1010 if the operator accidentally moved the locking member 3082 thereby erroneously transmitting a home state input signal to the controller 3002 while the end effector 1300 is in use and clamping tissue, for example. In certain embodiments, the controller 3002 may prompt the operator by displaying a message on the display coupled to the controller 3002, for example, requesting the operator to return the end effector 1300 to the open configuration by depressing the release member 1072. In addition to the mechanical locking member 3082, the safe release system 3080 may also include an electronic lock (not shown) which may be controlled by the controller 3002. The electronic lock can be configured to prevent the operator from separating the handle 1042 and the shaft 1210 until the operator depresses the release member 1072. If the operator does not release the end effector 1300 to the open configuration, the controller 3002 may take no action. In other embodiments, the controller 3002 may alert the operator by displaying an error message or activating a sound and/or a light signal. On the other hand, if the operator releases the end effector 1300 to the open configuration, the controller 3002 may reset the surgical instrument 1010 as described above. If an electronic lock is used, the controller 3002 may then release the electronic lock to permit the operator to separate the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210. In addition, the controller 3002 may then alert the operator that it is now safe to remove the handle 1042 from the shaft 1210, as described above.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to include a warning step prior to resetting the surgical instrument 1010 to home state in response to the home state input signal to provide an operator with a chance to remedy an accidental unlocking of the locking member 3082. For example, the controller 3002 can be configured to react to a first transmission of the home state input signal by asking the operator to confirm that the operator wishes to reset the surgical instrument 1010, for example, through the display. In certain embodiments, the operator may transmit a second home state input signal to the controller 3002 within a predetermined time period from the first home state input signal by locking and unlocking the locking member 3082 a second time. The controller 3002 can be configured to react to the second transmission of the home state input signal if transmitted within the predetermined time period from the first transmission by resetting the surgical instrument 1010 to the home state, as described above.

An electric motor for a surgical instrument described herein can perform multiple functions. For example, a multi-function electric motor can advance and retract a firing element during a firing sequence. To perform multiple functions, the multi-function electric motor can switch between different operating states. The electric motor can perform a first function in a first operating state, for example, and can subsequently switch to a second operating state to perform a second function, for example. In various circumstances, the electric motor can drive the firing element distally during the first operating state, e.g., an advancing state, and can retract the firing element proximally during the second operating state, e.g., a retracting state. In certain circumstances, the electric motor can rotate in a first direction during the first operating state and can rotate in second direction during the second operating state. For example, clockwise rotation of the electric motor can advance the firing element distally and counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor can retract the firing element proximally. The electric motor can be balanced or substantially balanced during the first and second operating states such that background haptic feedback or “noise” generated by the electric motor is minimized. Though the haptic feedback can be minimized during the first and second operating states, it may not be entirely eliminated in certain circumstances. In fact, such “noise” may be expected by the operator during normal operation of the surgical instrument and, as such, may not constitute a feedback signal indicative of a particular condition of the surgical instrument.

In various circumstances, the multi-function electric motor can perform additional functions during additional operating states. For example, during a third operating state, e.g., a feedback state, the electric motor can generate amplified haptic or tactile feedback in order to communicate a particular condition of the surgical instrument to the operator thereof. In other words, a multi-function electric motor can drive a firing element distally and proximally during a firing sequence, e.g., the first operating state and the second operating state, respectively, and can also generate the amplified haptic feedback to communicate with the operator of the surgical instrument, e.g., during the third operating state. The amplified haptic feedback generated during the third operating state can substantially exceed the background haptic feedback or “noise” generated during the first and second operating states. In various embodiments, the amplified haptic feedback generated during the third operating state can constitute a feedback signal to the operator that is indicative of a particular condition of the surgical instrument. For example, the electric motor can generate the amplified haptic feedback when a predetermined threshold force is detected on the firing element. In such embodiments, the amplified haptic feedback can constitute a warning signal to the operator such as, for example, a potential overload warning. In other embodiments, the amplified haptic feedback can communicate a status update to the operator such as, for example, a signal that the firing element has reached a distal-most position and/or successfully completed a firing stroke. In various embodiments, the electric motor can oscillate between clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation during the third operating state. As described herein, a resonator or amplifier mounted to the electric motor can oscillate with the electric motor to optimize or amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor. Though the resonator can amplify haptic feedback during the third operating state, the resonator can be balanced relative to its axis of rotation, for example, such that the background haptic feedback or “noise” remains minimized during the first and second operating states.

In various circumstances, the multi-function electric motor can switch between different operating states. For example, the electric motor can switch from the first operating state to the second operating state in order to retract the firing element from a distal position in an end effector. Furthermore, the electric motor can switch to the third operating state to communicate a signal indicative of a particular condition of the surgical instrument to the operator. For example, when a clinically-important condition is detected, the electric motor can switch from the first operating state to the third operating state in order to communicate the clinically-important condition to the operator. In certain embodiments, the electric motor can generate amplified haptic feedback to communicate the clinically-important condition to the operator. When the electric motor switches to the third operating state, the advancement of the firing element can be paused. In various embodiments, upon receiving the amplified haptic feedback, the operator can decide whether (A) to resume the first operating state, or (B) to initiate the second operating state. For example, where the clinically-important condition is a high force on the firing element, which may be indicative of potential instrument overload, the operator can decide (A) to resume advancing the firing element distally, or (B) to heed the potential overload warning and retract the firing element proximally. If the operator decides to resume the first operating state despite the potential for instrument overload, the instrument may be at risk of failure. In various embodiments, a different electric motor can generate feedback to communicate the clinically-important condition to the operator. For example, a second electric motor can generate sensory feedback such as a noise, a light, and/or a tactile signal, for example, to communicate the clinically-important condition to the operator.

Referring now to FIG. 170, an electric motor 5002 for a surgical instrument (illustrated elsewhere) can comprise a motor housing 5004 and a shaft 5006 extending from the motor housing 5004. While electric motor 5002 is described herein as one example, other electric motors, such as motor 1102, for example, can incorporate the teachings disclosed herein. The shaft 5006 can be fixed to a rotor (not illustrated) positioned within the motor housing 5004, and the shaft 5006 can rotate as the rotor rotates. The shaft 5006 can rotate in one direction during a first operating state, for example, and can rotate in a second direction during the second operating state, for example. Furthermore, the rotation of the electric motor 5002 in one direction can implement a first surgical function, and the rotation of the electric motor 5002 in another direction can implement a second surgical function. In various embodiments, the electric motor 5002 and/or the shaft 5006 thereof can be operably coupled to a firing element (illustrated elsewhere), and can drive the firing element during a firing sequence. For example, clockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can drive the firing element distally, and counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can drive the firing element proximally. Alternatively, counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can drive the firing element distally, and clockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can drive the firing element proximally. In other words, the electric motor can advance the firing element during the first operating state and can retract the firing element during the second operating state, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the electric motor 5002 can be operably coupled to an articulation mechanism (illustrated elsewhere), and can articulate an end effector relative to a handle of the surgical instrument. For example, clockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can articulate the end effector in a first direction, and counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can articulate the end effector in a second direction.

In various embodiments, a resonator or amplifier 5020 can be mounted on the shaft 5006 of the electric motor 5002. A washer 5008 can secure the resonator 5020 relative to the shaft 5006, for example. Furthermore, the resonator 5020 can be fixedly secured to the shaft 5006 such that the resonator 5020 rotates and/or moves with the shaft 5006. In various embodiments, the resonator 5020 and/or various portions thereof can be fastened to the shaft 5006 and/or can be integrally formed therewith, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 170-172, the resonator 5020 can comprise a body 5022 comprising a mounting bore 5040 (FIGS. 171 and 172) for receiving the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170). For example, the shaft 5006 can extend through the mounting bore 5040 when the resonator 5020 is secured to the shaft 5006. The mounting bore 5040 and the shaft 5006 can be coaxial, for example. In various embodiments, the body 5022 of the resonator 5020 can be balanced and/or symmetrical relative to the mounting bore 5040, and the center of mass of the body 5022 can be positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5040, for example. In such embodiments, the center of mass of the body 5022 can be positioned along the axis of rotation of the shaft 5006, and the body 5022 can be balanced relative to the shaft 5006, for example.

In various circumstances, the resonator 5020 can further comprise a pendulum 5030 extending from the body 5022. For example, the pendulum 5030 can comprise a spring or bar 5032 extending from the body 5022 and a weight 5034 extending from the spring 5032. In certain circumstances, the resonator 5020 and/or the pendulum 5030 thereof can be designed to have an optimized natural frequency. As described herein, an optimized natural frequency can amplify the haptic feedback generated when the electric motor 5002 oscillates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, e.g., during the third operating state. In various circumstances, the resonator 5020 can further comprise a counterweight 5024 extending from the body 5022. Referring primarily to FIG. 172, the pendulum 5030 can extend from the body 5022 in a first direction X, and the counterweight 5024 can extend from the body 5022 in a second direction Y. The second direction Y can be different than and/or opposite to the first direction X, for example. In various embodiments, the counterweight 5024 can be designed to balance the mass of the pendulum 5030 relative to the mounting bore 5040 (FIGS. 171 and 172) through the body 5022. For example, the geometry and material of the counterweight 5024 can be selected such that the center of mass 5028 (FIG. 172) of the entire resonator 5020 is positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5040 of the body 5022, and thus, along the axis of rotation of the resonator 5020 and the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170).

The center of mass 5028 of the resonator 5020 (CM_R) can be determined from the following relationship:

${CM}_{R} = \frac{1}{m_{R}} ({CM}_{B} \cdot m_{B} + {CM}_{C} \cdot m_{C} + {CM}_{S} \cdot m_{S} + {CM}_{W} \cdot m_{W}),$

where m_Ris the total mass of the resonator 5020, CM_Bis the center of mass of the body 5022, CM_Cis the center of mass of the counterweight 5024, CM_Sis the center of mass of the spring 5032, CM_Wis the center of mass of the weight 5034, m_Bis the mass of the body 5022, m_Cis the mass of the counterweight 5024, m_Sis the mass of the spring 5032, and m_Wis the mass of the weight 5034. Where the center of mass of the body 5022 is positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5040 and the resonator 5020 comprises a uniform thickness and uniform density, the resonator 5020 can be balanced relative to the central axis of the mounting bore 5040 according to the following simplified relationship:

A_C·CM_C=A_S·CM_S+A_W·CM_W,

wherein A_Cis the area of the counterweight 5024, A_Sis the area of the spring 5032, and A_Wis the area of the weight 5034.

In various circumstances, when the center of mass 5028 of the resonator 5020 is centered along the central axis of the mounting hole 5040, and thus, along the axis of rotation of the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170), the resonator 5020 can be balanced relative to its axis of rotation thereof. In such embodiments, because the resonator 5020 is balanced, the background haptic feedback can be minimized during the first and second operating states. In various circumstances, the resonator 5020 can include additional or fewer components. The various components of the resonator 5020 can be balanced such that the center of mass 5028 of the entire resonator 5020 is balanced relative to the axis of rotation of the resonator 5020. Additionally, in some embodiments, the material and/or density of various components of the resonator 5020 can differ from various other components of the resonator 5020. The material and/or density of the various components can be selected to balance the mass of the resonator 5020 relative to the axis of rotation and/or to optimize the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 and/or the pendulum 5030 thereof, as described herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 170-172, the spring 5032 of the pendulum 5030 can be deflectable and/or deformable. For example, rotation of the resonator 5020 can cause the spring 5032 of the pendulum 5030 to deflect. The spring 5032 can deflect upon initial rotation of the resonator 5020, and can remain deflected as the resonator 5020 continues to rotate in the same direction and at the same rotational speed. Because the deflection of the spring 5032 remains at least substantially constant during continued substantially constant rotation of the resonator 5020 in one direction, the background haptic feedback can remain minimized during the first and second operating states. When the rotational direction of the resonator 5020 changes, the spring 5032 can deflect in a different direction. For example, the spring 5032 can deflect in a first direction when the resonator 5020 rotates clockwise and can deflect in a second direction when the resonator 5020 rotates counterclockwise. The second direction can be opposite to the first direction, for example. In other words, as the electric motor 5020 oscillates between clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation, the spring 5032 can repeatedly deflect in different directions in response to the changes in the direction of rotation. Repeated deflections of the spring 5032 in opposite directions, i.e., deflective oscillations, can generate the amplified haptic feedback. For example, the haptic feedback generated by the oscillating resonator 5020, which is driven by the oscillating motor 5002 (FIG. 170), can be sufficiently amplified such that it provides a signal to the operator indicative of a particular condition of the surgical instrument. The amplified haptic feedback generated by the oscillating resonator 5020 and motor 5002 can be substantially greater than the background haptic feedback generated during the sustained rotation of the resonator 5020 and motor 5002 in the same direction.

In use, the rotation of the pendulum 5030 can generate a centrifugal force on the weight 5034, and the spring 5032 of the pendulum 5030 can elongate in response to the centrifugal force. In various embodiments, the resonator 5020 and/or the motor 5002 can comprise a retainer for limiting radial elongation of the spring 5032. Such a retainer can retain the pendulum 5030 within a predefined radial boundary 5050 (FIG. 170). In various circumstances, the centrifugal force exerted on the weight 5034 during the third operating state may be insufficient to elongate the pendulum 5030 beyond the redefined radial boundary 5050.

In various circumstances, the resonator 5020 can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 (FIG. 170) during the third operating state. In other words, the resonator 5020 can be designed such that the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 is optimized, and the electric motor 5002 can oscillate at a frequency that drives the resonator 5020 to oscillate at its optimized natural frequency. In various embodiments, the optimized natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be related to the frequency of oscillations of the electric motor 5002. The optimized natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can coincide with and/or correspond to the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002, for example. In certain embodiments, the optimized natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be offset from the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002, for example.

In certain embodiments, the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be approximated by the natural frequency of the pendulum 5030. For example, substantially non-oscillating components can be ignored in the natural frequency approximation. In certain embodiments, the body 5022 and the counterweight 5024 can be assumed to be substantially non-oscillating components of the resonator 5020, and thus, assumed to have a negligible or inconsequential effect on the natural frequency of the resonator 5020. Accordingly, the oscillating component of the resonator 5020, e.g., the pendulum 5030, can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 (FIG. 170) during the third operating state. Where the mass of the spring 5032 is substantially less than the mass of the weight 5034, the natural frequency of the pendulum 5030 (f_P) can be approximated by the following relationship:

$f_{P} ≅ \frac{1}{2 π} \sqrt{\frac{k_{S}}{m_{W}}},$

wherein k_Sis the spring constant of the spring 5032 and m_Wis the mass of the weight 5034. The spring constant of the spring 5032 (k_S) can be determined from the following relationship:

$k_{S} = \frac{3 E_{S} I_{S}}{L_{S}^{3}},$

where E_Sis the modulus of elasticity of the spring 5032, I_Sis the second moment of inertia of the spring 5032, and L_Sis the length of the spring 5032. In various embodiments, the spring constant (k_S) of the spring 5032 and/or the mass of the weight 5034 (m_W) can be selected such that the natural frequency of the pendulum 5030 (f_P) relates to the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state. For example, the natural frequency of the pendulum 5030 can be optimized by varying the spring constant of the spring 5032 and/or the mass of the weight 5034.

Referring still to FIGS. 170-172, the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 and/or the pendulum 5030 thereof can be optimized to a frequency that provides the optimal haptic feedback to the operator. For example, the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be optimized to between approximately 50 Hz and approximately 300 Hz in order to enhance the feedback experienced by the operator. In some embodiments, the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be optimized to a frequency less than approximately 50 Hz, for example, and, in other embodiments, the resonator 5020 can be optimized for a frequency greater than approximately 300 Hz, for example. Furthermore, the electric motor 5002 (FIG. 170) can oscillate at a frequency that drives the resonator 5020 to oscillate at or near the natural frequency thereof. In certain embodiments, the electric motor 5002 can drive the resonator 5020 to oscillate within a range of amplifying frequencies inclusive of the natural frequency of the resonator 5020.

In various embodiments, the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 can coincide with and/or correspond to the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 in order to drive the resonator 5020 at or near its natural frequency. In certain embodiments, the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 can be near or at the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 and, in other embodiments, the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 can be offset from the natural frequency of the resonator 5020. In various embodiments, the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 can be optimized to coincide with the natural frequency of the resonator 5020. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the oscillation frequency of the electric motor 5002 and the natural frequency of the resonator 5020 can be cooperatively selected, designed and/or optimized to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state.

Referring primarily to FIG. 170, the electric motor 5002 can generate the amplified haptic feedback when the electric motor 5002 oscillates between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction during the third operating state. Additionally, the rotation of the electric motor 5002 during the first and second operating states can drive the firing member (illustrated elsewhere) during a firing stroke. For example, clockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can advance the firing element distally and counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor 5002 can retract the firing element proximally. Accordingly, when the electric motor 5002 oscillates between the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, the distal end of the firing element may move between a slightly more distal position and a slightly more proximal position. However, the electric motor 5002 can be significantly geared down such that oscillations of the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state move the distal end of the firing element an insignificant and/or imperceptible distance. In various embodiments, the gear ratio can be approximately 200:1 to approximately 800:1, for example. In certain embodiments, the firing element can remain stationary during the third operating state. For example, slack between the motor 5002 and distal end of the firing element can absorb the oscillations of the electric motor 5002. For instance, referring to FIGS. 102-104, such slack is present between the firing member 10060 and the knife bar 10066. In various circumstances, the knife bar 10066 can comprise a drive tab 10065 which extends into a drive slot 10064 defined in the firing member 10060 wherein the length of the drive slot 10064 between a distal end 10067 and a proximal end 10069 thereof can be longer than the drive tab 10065. In use, sufficient travel of the firing member 10060 must occur before the distal end 10067 or the proximal end 10069 come into contact with the drive tab 10065.

Referring now to FIGS. 173-176, the electric motor 5002 (FIGS. 173 and 174) can be positioned within a handle 5101 (FIG. 173) of a surgical instrument 5100 (FIG. 173). In various embodiments, a resonator or amplifier 5120 can be mounted on the shaft 5006 of the electric motor 5002. The shaft 5006 can be fixed to the rotor (not illustrated) positioned within the motor housing 5004, and the shaft 5006 can rotate as the rotor rotates. The washer 5008 can secure the resonator 5120 relative to the shaft 5006, for example. Furthermore, the resonator 5120 can be secured to the shaft 5006 such that the resonator 5120 rotates and/or moves with the shaft 5006. In some circumstances, a key can be utilized to transmit the rotational movement of the shaft 5006 to the resonator 5120, for example. In various circumstances, the resonator 5120 and/or various portions thereof can be fastened to the shaft 5006 and/or can be integrally formed therewith, for example.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 175 and 176, similar to the resonator 5020, the resonator 5120 can comprise a body 5122 comprising a mounting bore 5140 for receiving the shaft 5006 (FIGS. 173 and 174) of the electric motor 5002 (FIGS. 173 and 174). For example, the shaft 5006 can extend through the mounting bore 5140 when the resonator 5120 is secured to the shaft 5006. In various embodiments, the body 5122 of the resonator 5120 can be balanced and symmetrical relative to the mounting bore 5140, and the center of mass of the body 5122 can be positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5140, for example. Further, the center of mass of the body 5122 can be positioned along the axis of rotation of the resonator 5120 and the shaft 5006 such that the body 5122 is balanced relative to the shaft 5006, for example.

In various embodiments, the resonator 5120 can further comprise a pendulum 5130 extending from the body 5122. For example, the pendulum 5130 can comprise a spring or bar 5132 extending from the body 5122 and a weight 5134 extending from the spring 5132. In certain embodiments, the spring 5132 can extend along an axis that defines at least one contour between the body 5122 and the weight 5134. The spring 5132 can wind, bend, twist, turn, crisscross, and/or zigzag, for example. The geometry of the spring 5132 can affect the spring constant thereof, for example. In at least one embodiment, the spring 5132 can form a first loop 5137 on a first lateral side of the resonator 5120 and a second loop 5138 on a second lateral side of the resonator 5120. An intermediate portion 5139 of the spring 5132 can traverse between the first and second loops 5137, 5138, for example. Similar to the spring 5032, the spring 5132 can be deflectable, and can deflect in response to rotations and/or oscillations of the resonator 5120. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the weight 5134 can include a pin 5136, which can provide additional mass to the weight 5134, for example. As described herein, the mass of the weight 5134 and the geometry and properties of the spring 5132 can be selected to optimize the natural frequency of the pendulum 5130, and thus, the natural frequency of the entire resonator 5120, for example.

Referring still to FIGS. 175 and 176, the resonator 5120 can further comprise a counterweight 5124 extending from the body 5122. In certain embodiments, a pin 5126 can extend from the counterweight 5124, and can provide additional mass to the counterweight 5124, for example. The pendulum 5130 can extend from the body 5122 in a first direction X, and the counterweight 5124 can extend from the body 5122 in a second direction Y. The second direction Y can be different than and/or opposite to the first direction X, for example. In various embodiments, the counterweight 5124 can be designed to balance the mass of the pendulum 5130 relative to the mounting bore 5140 through the body 5120. For example, the geometry and material of the counterweight 5124 can be selected such that the center of mass 5128 of the resonator 5120 is positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5140 of the body 5122, and thus, along the axis of rotation A (FIG. 173) of the resonator 5120.

Similar to the resonator 5020, the resonator 5120 can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 (FIGS. 173 and 174) during the third operating state. In other words, the resonator 5120 can be designed such that the natural frequency of the resonator 5120 is optimized, and the electric motor 5002 can oscillate at a frequency that drives the resonator 5120 to oscillate at or near its optimized natural frequency. For example, the electric motor 5002 can drive the resonator 5120 to oscillate within a range of amplifying frequencies inclusive of the natural frequency of the resonator 5120. In certain embodiments, the natural frequency of the resonator 5120 can be approximated by the natural frequency of the pendulum 5130. In such embodiments, the pendulum 5130 can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state. For example, the pendulum 5130 can be designed to have an optimized natural frequency, and the electric motor 5002 can drive the resonator 5120 to oscillate at or near the optimized natural frequency of the pendulum 5130 in order to amplify the haptic feedback generated during the third operating state.

Referring now to FIGS. 177-180, the electric motor 5002 (FIGS. 177 and 178) can be positioned within the handle 5101 (FIG. 177) of the surgical instrument 5100 (FIG. 177). In various embodiments, a resonator or amplifier 5220 can be mounted on the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170) of the electric motor 5002. The shaft 5006 can be fixed to the rotor (not illustrated) positioned within the housing 5004, and the shaft 5006 can rotate as the rotor rotates. The washer 5008 (FIG. 170) can secure the resonator 5220 relative to the shaft 5006, for example. Furthermore, the resonator 5220 can be secured to the shaft 5006 such that the resonator 5220 rotates and/or moves with the shaft 5006. In various embodiments, the resonator 5220 and/or various portions thereof can be fastened to the shaft 5006 and/or can be integrally formed therewith, for example.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 179 and 180, similar to the resonators 5020, 5120, the resonator 5220 can comprise a body 5222 comprising a mounting bore 5240 for receiving the shaft 5006 (FIGS. 176 and 177) of the electric motor 5002 (FIGS. 176 and 177). For example, the shaft 5006 can extend through the mounting bore 5240 when the resonator 5220 is secured to the shaft 5006. In various embodiments, the body 5222 of the resonator 5220 can be balanced and symmetrical relative to the mounting bore 5240, and the center of mass of the body 5222 can be positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5240, for example. Further, the center of mass of the body 5222 can be positioned along the axis of rotation of the shaft 5006 such that the body 5222 is balanced relative to the shaft 5006, for example.

In various embodiments, the resonator 5220 can further comprise a pendulum 5230 extending from the body 5222. For example, the pendulum 5230 can comprise a spring or bar 5232 extending from the body 5222 and a weight 5234 extending from the spring 5232. In various embodiments, the spring 5232 can curve, wind, bend, twist, turn, crisscross, and/or zigzag between the body 5222 and the weight 5234. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the weight 5234 can include a pin 5236, which can provide additional mass to the weight 5234, for example. As described herein, the mass of the weight 5234 and the geometry and properties of the spring 5232 can be selected to optimize the natural frequency of the pendulum 5230, and thus, the natural frequency of the entire resonator 5220, for example.

In various embodiments, a retainer can limit or constrain radial elongation of the spring 5232 and/or the pendulum 5230 during rotation and/or oscillation. For example, a retainer can comprise a barrier or retaining wall around at least a portion of the pendulum 5230. During the first and second operating states, for example, the spring 5232 may deform and extend the weight 5234 toward the barrier, which can prevent further elongation of the spring 5232. For example, referring primarily to FIGS. 179 and 180, the resonator 5220 can comprise a retainer 5244. The retainer 5244 can comprise a first leg 5246, which can be secured to the body 5222 and/or to a counterweight 5224 of the resonator 5220. The first leg 5246 can be fixed to the resonator 5220, and can be formed as an integral piece therewith and/or fastened thereto, for example. The retainer 5244 can further comprise a second leg or barrier leg 5248, which can extend past the weight 5234 of the pendulum 5230 when the spring 5232 is undeformed. The barrier leg 5248 can define the radial boundary 5050 beyond which the pendulum 5230 cannot extend. In other words, the barrier leg 5248 can block radial extension of the pendulum 5230. For example, the barrier leg 5248 can be out of contact with the pendulum 5230 when the spring 5232 is undeformed because the pendulum 5230 can be positioned within the radial boundary 5050. In other words, a gap 5249 (FIG. 180) can be defined between the weight 5234 and the barrier leg 5248 when the spring 5234 is undeformed. Further, the barrier leg 5248 can remain out of contact with the pendulum 5230 when the resonator 5220 oscillates during the third operating state. For example, the centrifugal force on the oscillating pendulum 5230 during the third operating state may be insufficient to extend the weight 5234 of the pendulum 5230 beyond the predefined radial boundary 5050 of the motor 5002. Though the gap 5249 may be reduced during the third operating state, the weight 5234 can remain out of contact with the barrier leg 5248, for example. In such embodiments, the natural frequency of the pendulum 5230 can be substantially unaffected by the retainer 5244 during the third operating state.

In various embodiments, when the resonator 5220 rotates during the first and second operating states, the spring 5232 of the pendulum 5230 can be substantially deformed and/or elongated. For example, the rotation of the resonator 5220 can generate a centrifugal force on the spring 5232, and the spring 5232 may elongate in response to the centrifugal force. In certain embodiments, the weight 5234 of the pendulum 5230 can move toward and into abutting contact with the barrier leg 5248 of the retainer 5244. In such embodiments, the barrier 5248 can limit or constrain further radial elongation of the spring 5232 during the first and second operating states.

In various embodiments, the retainer 5244 can be substantially rigid such that the retainer 5244 resists deformation and/or elongation. In certain embodiments, the retainer 5244 can be integrally formed with the resonator 5220 and/or secured relative thereto. In some embodiments, the retainer 5244 can be secured to the motor 5002 (FIGS. 177 and 1781). For example, the retainer 5244 can be fixed relative to the rotor and/or the shaft 5006 (FIGS. 177 and 178) of the motor 5002 and can rotate and/or move therewith. In such embodiments, the retainer 5244 can rotate with the resonator 5220, for example. In various embodiments, the retainer 5244 can be fastened to the motor 5002 and/or can be integrally formed therewith, for example. In certain embodiments, the retainer 5244 can remain stationary relative to the rotating shaft 5008 and/or resonator 5220, for example.

Referring still to FIGS. 179 and 180, the resonator 5220 can further comprise the counterweight 5224 extending from the body 5222. In certain embodiments, a pin 5226 can extend from the counterweight 5224, and can provide additional mass to the counterweight 5224, for example. The pendulum 5230 can extend from the body 5222 in a first direction, and the counterweight 5224 can extend from the body 5222 in a second direction. The second direction can be different than and/or opposite to the first direction of the pendulum 5230, for example. In various embodiments, the counterweight 5224 can be designed to balance the mass of the pendulum 5230 and the retainer 5244 relative to the mounting bore 5240 through the body 5220 of the resonator 5220. For example, the geometry and material of the counterweight 5224 can be selected such that the center of mass 5228 of the resonator 5220 is positioned along the central axis of the mounting bore 5240 of the body 5222, and thus, along the axis of rotation A (FIG. 177) of the shaft 5008 (FIGS. 177 and 178) and the resonator 5220.

Similar to the resonators 5020, 5120, the resonator 5220 can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state. In other words, the resonator 5220 can be designed such that the natural frequency of the resonator 5220 is optimized, and the electric motor 5002 can oscillate at a frequency that drives the resonator 5220 to oscillate at or near its optimized natural frequency. For example, the electric motor 5002 can drive the resonator 5220 to oscillate within a range of amplifying frequencies inclusive of the natural frequency of the resonator 5220. In certain embodiments, the natural frequency of the resonator 5220 can be approximated by the natural frequency of the pendulum 5230. In such embodiments, the pendulum 5230 can be designed to amplify the haptic feedback generated by the electric motor 5002 during the third operating state. For example, the pendulum 5230 can be designed to have an optimized natural frequency, and the electric motor 5002 can drive the resonator 5220 to oscillate at or near the optimized natural frequency of the pendulum 5230 to amplify the haptic feedback generated during the third operating state.

Referring now to FIG. 181, the electric motor 5002 can be positioned within the handle 5101 of the surgical instrument 5100. In various embodiments, a resonator or amplifier 5320, similar to resonator 5220, for example, can be mounted on the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170) of the electric motor 5002. The resonator 5320 can comprise a body 5322 comprising a mounting bore 5340, for example, a pendulum 5330 comprising a spring 5332, a weight 5334, and a pin 5336, for example, and a counterweight 5324 comprising a pin 5326, for example. In various embodiments, the center of mass of the resonator 5320 can lie along the axis of rotation A, and the geometry and material of the resonator 5230 can be selected to optimize the natural frequency thereof.

In various embodiments, a retaining ring 5344, similar to retainer 5244, can limit or constrain radial elongation of the spring 5332 and/or the pendulum 5230 during rotation and/or oscillation. In various embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can comprise a barrier or retaining wall around at least a portion of the pendulum 5330. In certain embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can comprise a ring encircling the resonator 5320, for example. In various embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can be attached to the electric motor 5002, such as the motor housing 5004, for example. In other embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can be attached to the handle 5101 of the surgical instrument 5100, for example. In still other embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can be attached to the rotor and/or the shaft 5006 (FIG. 170) of the electric motor 5002 such that the retaining ring 5344 rotates with the shaft 5006 and/or the resonator 5320, for example. In various embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can be substantially rigid such that it resists deformation and/or elongation.

The retaining ring 5344 can define the radial boundary beyond which the pendulum 5330 cannot extend. For example, the pendulum 5330 can be out of contact with the retaining ring 5344 when the spring 5332 is undeformed. In other words, a gap can be defined between the weight 5334 of the pendulum 5330 and the retaining ring 5344 when the spring 5334 is undeformed. Further, the pendulum 5330 can remain out of contact with the retaining ring 5344 when the resonator 5320 oscillates during the third operating state. For example, the centrifugal force on the oscillating pendulum 5330 during the third operating state may be insufficient to extend the weight 5334 of the pendulum 5330 beyond the predefined radial boundary. Though the gap defined between the weight 5334 and the retaining ring 5344 may be reduced during the third operating state, the weight 5334 can remain out of contact with the retaining ring 5344, for example. In such embodiments, the natural frequency of the pendulum 5330 can be substantially unaffected by the retaining ring 5344 during the third operating state.

In various embodiments, when the resonator 5320 rotates during the first and second operating states, the spring 5332 of the pendulum 5330 can be substantially deformed and/or elongated. For example, the rotation of the resonator 5320 can generate a centrifugal force on the spring 5332, and the spring 5332 may elongate in response to the centrifugal force. In certain embodiments, the weight 5334 of the pendulum 5330 can move toward and into abutting contact with the retaining ring 5344. In such embodiments, the retaining ring 5344 can limit or constrain further radial elongation of the spring 5332 during the first and second operating states.

In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 5100 (FIG. 177) can comprise a control system (not shown), which can control the electric motor 5002. In various embodiments, the control system can comprise one or more computers, processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, and/or chip sets, for example. The control system can initiate, pause, resume, and/or terminate various operating states of the electric motor 5002. For example, the electric motor 5002 can perform a first function, e.g., advancing the firing element distally, during the first operating state, and can subsequently switch to the second operating state to perform a second function, e.g., retracting the firing element proximally. The firing element can be advanced distally to transect a predefined length of tissue, and/or to eject and/or form a predefined number of staples (illustrated elsewhere), for example. In various embodiments, when the predefined length of tissue has been transected and/or the predefined number of staples have been ejected and/or formed, the control system can control the electric motor 5002 to switch to the second operating state. The firing element can be retracted proximally during the second operating state to prepare for a subsequent firing stroke, for example. In certain embodiments, the electric motor 5002 can switch to the third operating state before the firing element completes the predefined transection length, and/or ejection and/or formation of the predefined number of staples. For example, the electric motor 5002 can prematurely switch from the first operating state to the third operating state to communicate a signal indicative of a condition of the surgical instrument to the operator. In various embodiments, the electric motor 5002 can switch to the third operating state to communicate a potential overload warning signal to the operator. In other embodiments, the amplified haptic feedback can communicate a status update to the operator such as, for example, a signal that the firing element has reached a distal-most position and/or successfully completed a firing stroke.

In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 5100 may be designed to overcome a maximum threshold force in order to transect tissue. When the force applied to the firing element exceeds the maximum threshold force, the surgical instrument 5100 may not perform as intended. For example, when the firing element attempts to transect thicker and/or tougher tissue, the thicker and/or tougher tissue may exert a force on the firing element that exceeds the maximum threshold force. Accordingly, the firing element may be unable to transect the thicker and/or tougher tissue. In such embodiments, the electric motor 5002 can switch to the third operating state in order to warn the operator that overload and/or failure of the surgical instrument 5100 is possible. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 5100 can comprise a sensor (not shown). The sensor can be positioned in the end effector (illustrated elsewhere), for example, and can be configured to detect the force applied to the firing element during the firing sequence. In certain embodiments, the sensor and the control system can be in signal communication. In such embodiments, when the force detected by the sensor exceeds the maximum threshold force, the control system can switch the electric motor 5002 to the third operating state. In the third operating state, as described herein, advancement of the firing element can be paused and the electric motor can generate amplified haptic feedback to communicate the potential overload warning to the operator.

In response to the amplified haptic feedback, the operator can decide whether to resume the first operating state or to initiate the second operating state. For example, the operator can decide to resume advancement of the firing element distally, i.e., operate the surgical instrument in a warned operating state, or to heed the potential overload warning and retract the firing element proximally, i.e., operate the surgical instrument in a modified operating state. If the operator decides to operate the surgical instrument in the warned operating state, the surgical instrument 5100 may be at risk of failure. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 5100 can comprise an input key (not shown), such as a plurality of lever(s) and/or button(s), for example. In various embodiments, the input key can be in signal communication with the control system. The operator can control the surgical instrument by entering input via the input key. For example, the operator can select a first button of the input key to resume advancement of the firing element, i.e., enter the warned operating state, or can select a second button of the input key to retract the firing element, i.e., enter the modified operating state. In various embodiments, the operator can select an additional button and/or lever to select yet a different operating state.

Though the surgical instrument 5100 may fail when operated in the warned operating state, the operator of the surgical instrument 5100 may decide that the failure risk is outweighed by the necessity and/or urgency of the surgical function. For example, when time is essential, the operator may decide that the risk of instrument failure is outweighed by a critical need to expeditiously complete (or attempt to complete) a surgical transection and/or stapling. Furthermore, by allowing the operator to determine the course of action, the holistic knowledge of the operator can be applied to the surgical procedure, and the operator is less likely to become confused and/or frustrated with the surgical instrument 5100.

In various embodiments, a different motor can generate feedback to communicate with the operator. For example, a first motor can drive the firing member during a firing sequence, and a second motor can generate feedback. In various embodiments, the second motor can generate sensory feedback such as, for example, a noise, a light, and/or a tactile signal to communicate with the operator. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the control system can control the multiple motors of the surgical instrument.

Referring primarily to FIG. 180, a method of operating a surgical system or surgical instrument can include a plurality of operating states of the surgical instrument. For example, the surgical instrument can first operate in an initial operating state 5402, and can subsequently operate in one of the secondary operating states 5412 or 5414. The secondary operating state can be a warned operating state 5412, for example, or a modified operating state 5414, for example. When the surgical instrument operates in the initial operating state 5402, an initial surgical function can be initiated at step 5404. The initial surgical function can be one or more of various functions of the surgical instrument, such as, clamping tissue between jaws of an end effector, articulating the end effector, advancing the firing member, retracting the firing member, opening the end effector jaws, and/or repeating and/or combining various function(s), for example. After initiation of the initial surgical function, the surgical instrument can detect a condition of the surgical instrument at step 5406. For example, where the initial surgical function is advancing the firing member, a sensor can detect a clinically-important condition, such as a force on the advancing firing member that exceeds a threshold force, for example.

Referring still to FIG. 180, in response to the detected condition, the surgical instrument can pause the initial surgical function at step 5408. Further, at step 5410 the surgical instrument can provide feedback to the operator of the surgical instrument. The feedback can be a sensory feedback, such as a noise, a light, and/or a tactile signal, for example. In certain embodiments, a first motor can pause the initial surgical function and a second motor can generate the sensory feedback. Alternatively, as described herein, a multi-function electric motor, such as the electric motor 5002, for example, can switch from the first operating state, or advancing state, to the third operating state, or feedback state, in which the electric motor oscillates to generate the amplified haptic feedback. When the multi-function electric motor oscillates to generate the amplified haptic feedback, advancement and/or retraction of the firing element can be paused and/or reduced to an insignificant and/or imperceptible amount due to the high gear ratio between the electric motor and the firing member. In such embodiments, where the multi-function motor switches from the first operating state to the third operating state, pausing of the initial surgical function at step 5408 and providing feedback to the operator at step 5410 can occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, for example.

In certain embodiments, after the surgical instrument has communicated feedback indicative of a particular condition to the operator, the operator can determine how to proceed. For example, the operator can decide between a plurality of possible operating states. In various embodiments, the operator can decide to enter a warned operating state 5412, or a modified operating state 5414. For example, referring still to FIG. 180, the operator can select the initial surgical function at step 5416, or can select a modified surgical function at step 5418. In various embodiments, the operator can interface with a key, button, and/or lever, for example, to select one of the secondary operating states. If the operator selects the initial surgical function at step 5416, the surgical instrument can resume the initial surgical function at step 5418. If the operator selects the modified surgical function at step 5420, the surgical instrument can initiate the modified surgical function at step 5422.

FIGS. 183-192 illustrate various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for absolute position sensing on rotary or linear drive endocutter. Microcontroller controlled endocutters require position and velocity values to be able to properly control articulation, firing, and other surgical functions. This has been accomplished in the past via use of rotary encoders attached to the drive motors, which enable the microcontroller to infer the position by counting the number of steps backwards and forwards the motor has taken. It is preferable, in various circumstances, to replace this system with a compact arrangement which provides a unique position signal to the microcontroller for each possible location of the drive bar or knife. Various exemplary implementations of such absolute position sensor arrangements for rotary or linear drive endocutter are now described with particularity in connection with FIGS. 183-192.

FIG. 183 is an exploded perspective view of a surgical instrument handle 1042 of FIG. 34 showing a portion of a sensor arrangement 7002 for an absolute positioning system 7000, according to one embodiment. The surgical instrument handle 1042 of FIG. 34 has been described in detail in connection with FIG. 34. Accordingly, for conciseness and clarity of disclosure, other than describing the elements associated with the sensor arrangement 7002 for an absolute positioning system 7000, such detailed description of the surgical instrument handle 1042 of FIG. 34 will not be repeated here. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 183, the surgical instrument handle 1042 of the housing 1040 operably supports a firing drive system 1100 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly. The firing drive system 1100 may employ an electric motor 1102. In various forms, the motor 1102 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery 1104 (or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, for example, may be coupled to the handle 1042 to supply power to a control circuit board assembly 1106 and ultimately to the motor 1102. The battery pack housing 1104 may be configured to be releasably mounted to the handle 1042 for supplying control power to the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33). A number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 1102 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 1108 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1112 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the battery can operate the electric motor 1102 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 1102 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 1102 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1110 will be axially driven in the distal direction “D”. When the motor 1102 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 1110 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “P”. The handle 1042 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1102 by the battery. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 1042 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 1110 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1110 is being moved.

FIG. 184 is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 183 with a portion of the handle housing removed showing a portion of a sensor arrangement 7002 for an absolute positioning system 7000, according to one embodiment. The housing 1040 of the handle 1042 supports the control circuit board assembly 1106, which comprises the necessary logic and other circuit components necessary to implement the absolute positioning system 7000.

FIG. 185 is a schematic diagram of an absolute positioning system 7000 comprising a microcontroller 7004 controlled motor drive circuit arrangement comprising a sensor arrangement 7002, according to one embodiment. The electrical and electronic circuit elements associated with the absolute positioning system 7000 and/or the sensor arrangement 7002 are supported by the control circuit board assembly 1106. The microcontroller 7004 generally comprises a memory 7006 and a microprocessor 7008 (“processor”) operationally coupled. The processor 7008 controls a motor driver 7010 circuit to control the position and velocity of the motor 1102. The motor 1102 is operatively coupled to a sensor arrangement 7002 and an absolute position sensor 7012 arrangement to provide a unique position signal to the microcontroller 7004 for each possible location of a drive bar or knife of the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33). The unique position signal is provided to the microcontroller 7004 over feedback element 7024. It will be appreciated that the unique position signal may be an analog signal or digital value based on the interface between the position sensor 7012 and the microcontroller 7004. In one embodiment described hereinbelow, the interface between the position sensor 7012 and the microcontroller 7004 is standard serial peripheral interface (SPI) and the unique position signal is a digital value representing the position of a sensor element 7026 over one revolution. The value representative of the absolute position of the sensor element 7026 over one revolution can be stored in the memory 7006. The absolute position feedback value of the sensor element 7026 corresponds to the position of the articulation and knife elements. Therefore, the absolute position feedback value of the sensor element 7026 provides position feedback control of the articulation and knife elements.

The battery 1104, or other energy source, provides power for the absolute positioning system 7000. In addition, other sensor(s) 7018 may be provided to measure other parameters associated with the absolute positioning system 7000. One or more display indicators 7020, which may include an audible component, also may provided.

As shown in FIG. 185, a sensor arrangement 7002 provides a unique position signal corresponding to the location of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. The electric motor 1102 can include a rotatable shaft 7016 that operably interfaces with a gear assembly 7014 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1112 (FIG. 183) on the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. The sensor element 7026 may be operably coupled to the gear assembly 7104 such that a single revolution of the sensor element 7026 corresponds to some linear longitudinal translation of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110, as described in more detail hereinbelow. In one embodiment, an arrangement of gearing and sensors can be connected to the linear actuator via a rack and pinion arrangement, or a rotary actuator via a spur gear or other connection. For embodiments comprising a rotary screw-drive configuration where a larger number of turns would be required, a high reduction gearing arrangement between the drive member and the sensor, like a worm and wheel, may be employed.

In accordance one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor arrangement 7002 for the absolute positioning system 7000 provides a more robust position sensor 7012 for use with surgical devices. By providing a unique position signal or value for each possible actuator position, such arrangement eliminates the need for a zeroing or calibration step and reduces the possibility of negative design impact in the cases where noise or power brown-out conditions may create position sense errors as in conventional rotary encoder configurations.

In one embodiment, the sensor arrangement 7002 for the absolute positioning system 7000 replaces conventional rotary encoders typically attached to the motor rotor and replaces it with a position sensor 7012 which generates a unique position signal for each rotational position in a single revolution of a sensor element associated with the position sensor 7012. Thus, a single revolution of a sensor element associated with the position sensor 7012 is equivalent to a longitudinal linear displacement d1 of the of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. In other words, d1 is the longitudinal linear distance that the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 moves from point a to point b after a single revolution of a sensor element coupled to the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. The sensor arrangement 7002 may be connected via a gear reduction that results in the position sensor 7012 completing only a single turn for the full stroke of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. With a suitable gear ratio, the full stroke of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 can be represented in one revolution of the position sensor 7012.

A series of switches 7022a to 7022n, where n is an integer greater than one, may be employed alone or in combination with gear reduction to provide a unique position signal for more than one revolution of the position sensor 7012. The state of the switches 7022a-7022n are fed back to the microcontroller 7004 which applies logic to determine a unique position signal corresponding to the longitudinal linear displacement d1+d2+ . . . dn of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110.

Accordingly, the absolute positioning system 7000 provides an absolute position of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 upon power up of the instrument without retracting or advancing the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 to a reset (zero or home) position as may be required with conventional rotary encoders that merely count the number of steps forwards or backwards that motor has taken to infer the position of a device actuator, drive bar, knife, and the like.

In various embodiments, the position sensor 7012 of the sensor arrangement 7002 may comprise one or more magnetic sensor, analog rotary sensor like a potentiometer, array of analog Hall-effect elements, which output a unique combination of position signals or values, among others, for example.

In various embodiments, the microcontroller 7004 may be programmed to perform various functions such as precise control over the speed and position of the knife and articulation systems. Using the known physical properties, the microcontroller 7004 can be designed to simulate the response of the actual system in the software of the controller 7004. The simulated response is compared to (noisy and discrete) measured response of the actual system to obtain an “observed” response, which is used for actual feedback decisions. The observed response is a favorable, tuned, value that balances the smooth, continuous nature of the simulated response with the measured response, which can detect outside influences on the system.

In various embodiments, the absolute positioning system 7000 may further comprise and/or be programmed to implement the following functionalities. A feedback controller, which can be one of any feedback controllers, including, but not limited to: PID, state feedback and adaptive. A power source converts the signal from the feedback controller into a physical input to the system, in this case voltage. Other examples include, but are not limited to pulse width modulated (PWMed) voltage, current and force. The motor 1102 may be a brushed DC motor with a gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation or knife system. Other sensor(s) 7018 may be provided to measure physical parameters of the physical system in addition to position measured by the position sensor 7012. Since it is a digital signal (or connected to a digital data acquisition system) its output will have finite resolution and sampling frequency. A compare and combine circuit may be provided to combine the simulated response with the measured response using algorithms such as, without limitation, weighted average and theoretical control loop that drives the simulated response towards the measured response. Simulation of the physical system takes in account of properties like mass, inertial, viscous friction, inductance resistance, etc. to predict what the states and outputs of the physical system will be by knowing the input.

In one embodiment, the microcontroller 7004 may be an LM 4F230H5QR, available from Texas Instruments, for example. In one embodiment, the Texas Instruments LM4F230H5QR is an ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core comprising on-chip memory 7006 of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) loaded with StellarisWare software, 2 KB electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), two pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, with a total of 16 advanced PWM outputs for motion and energy applications, two quadrature encoder inputs (QEI) analog, two 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) with 12 analog input channels, among other features that are readily available for the product datasheet. Other microcontrollers may be readily substituted for use in the absolute positioning system 7000. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited in this context.

In one embodiment, the driver 7010 may be a A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc. The A3941 driver 7010 is a full-bridge controller for use with external N-channel power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) specifically designed for inductive loads, such as brush DC motors. The driver 7010 comprises a unique charge pump regulator provides full (>10 V) gate drive for battery voltages down to 7 V and allows the A3941 to operate with a reduced gate drive, down to 5.5 V. A bootstrap capacitor may be employed to provide the above-battery supply voltage required for N-channel MOSFETs. An internal charge pump for the high-side drive allows DC (100% duty cycle) operation. The full bridge can be driven in fast or slow decay modes using diode or synchronous rectification. In the slow decay mode, current recirculation can be through the high-side or the lowside FETs. The power FETs are protected from shoot-through by resistor adjustable dead time. Integrated diagnostics provide indication of under voltage, over temperature, and power bridge faults, and can be configured to protect the power MOSFETs under most short circuit conditions. Other motor drivers may be readily substituted for use in the absolute positioning system 7000. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited in this context.

Having described a general architecture for implementing various embodiments of an absolute positioning system 7000 for a sensor arrangement 7002, the disclosure now turns to FIGS. 186-192 for a description of one embodiment of a sensor arrangement for the absolute positioning system 7000. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 186, the sensor arrangement 7002 comprises a magnetic position sensor 7100, a bipolar magnet 7102 sensor element, a magnet holder 7104 that turns once every full stroke of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 (FIGS. 183-185), and a gear assembly 7106 to provide a gear reduction. A structural element such as bracket 7116 is provided to support the gear assembly 7106, the magnet holder 7104, and the magnet 7102. The magnetic position sensor 7100 comprises one or more than one magnetic sensing elements such as Hall elements and is placed in proximity to the magnet 7102. Accordingly, as the magnet 7102 rotates, the magnetic sensing elements of the magnetic position sensor 7100 determine the absolute angular position of the magnetic 7102 over one revolution.

In various embodiments, any number of magnetic sensing elements may be employed on the absolute positioning system 7000, such as, for example, magnetic sensors classified according to whether they measure the total magnetic field or the vector components of the magnetic field. The techniques used to produce both types of magnetic sensors encompass many aspects of physics and electronics. The technologies used for magnetic field sensing include search coil, fluxgate, optically pumped, nuclear precession, SQUID, Hall-effect, anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magnetoresistance, magnetic tunnel junctions, giant magneto impedance, magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites, magneto diode, magneto transistor, fiber optic, magneto optic, and microelectromechanical systems-based magnetic sensors, among others.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gear assembly 7106 comprises a first gear 7108 and a second gear 7110 in meshing engagement to provide a 3:1 gear ratio connection. A third gear 7112 rotates about shaft 7114. The third gear is in meshing engagement with the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 and rotates in a first direction as the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 advances in a distal direction D (FIG. 183) and rotates in a second direction as the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 retracts in a proximal direction P (FIG. 183). The second gear 7110 rotates about the same shaft 7114 and therefore, rotation of the second gear 7110 about the shaft 7114 corresponds to the longitudinal translation of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110. Thus, one full stroke of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110 in either the distal or proximal directions D, P corresponds to three rotations of the second gear 7110 and a single rotation of the first gear 7108. Since the magnet holder 7104 is coupled to the first gear 7108, the magnet holder 7104 makes one full rotation with each full stroke of the longitudinally-movable drive member 1110.

FIG. 187 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor arrangement 7002 for the absolute positioning system 7000 showing a control circuit board assembly 1106 and the relative alignment of the elements of the sensor arrangement 7002, according to one embodiment. The position sensor 7100 (not shown in this view) is supported by a position sensor holder 7118 defining an aperture 7120 suitable to contain the position sensor 7100 is precise alignment with a rotating magnet 7102 below. The fixture 7120 is coupled to the bracket 7116 and to the control circuit board assembly 1106 and remains stationary while the magnet 7102 rotates with the magnet holder 7104. A hub 7122 is provided to mate with the first gear 7108/magnet holder 7104 assembly.

FIGS. 188-190 provide additional views of the sensor arrangement 7002, according to one embodiment. In particular, FIG. 188 shows the entire sensor arrangement 7002 positioned in operational mode. The position sensor holder 7118 is located below the control circuit board assembly 1106 and encapsulates the magnet holder 7104 and magnet 7102. FIG. 189 shows the magnet 7102 located below the aperture 7120 defined in the position sensor holder 7118. The position sensor 7100 and the control circuit board assembly 1106 are not shown for clarity. FIG. 190 shows the sensor arrangement 7002 with the control circuit board assembly 1106, the position sensor holder 7118, the position sensor 7100, and the magnet 7102 removed to show the aperture 7124 that receives the magnet 7102.

FIG. 191 is a top view of the sensor arrangement 7002 shown with the control circuit board 1106 removed but the electronic components still visible to show the relative position between the position sensor 7100 and the circuit components 7126, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in connection with FIGS. 186-191, the gear assembly 7106 composed of first gear 7108 and second gear 7110 have a 3:1 gear ratio such that three rotations of the second gear 7110 provides a single rotation of the first gear 7108 and thus the magnet holder 7104. As previously discussed, the position sensor 7100 remains stationary while the magnet holder 7104/magnet 7102 assembly rotates.

As discussed above, a gear assembly can be utilized to drive the magnet holder 7104 and the magnet 7102. A gear assembly can be useful in various circumstances as the relative rotation between one gear in the gear assembly and another gear in the gear assembly can be reliably predicted. In various other circumstances, any suitable drive means can be utilized to drive the holder 7104 and the magnet 7102 so long as the relationship between the output of the motor and the rotation of the magnet 7102 can be reliably predicted. Such means can include, for example, a wheel assembly including at least two contacting wheels, such as plastic wheels and/or elastomeric wheels, for example, which can transmit motion therebetween. Such means can also include, for example, a wheel and belt assembly.

FIG. 192 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a position sensor 7100 sensor for an absolute positioning system 7000 comprising a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the position sensor 7100 may be implemented as an AS5055EQFT single-chip magnetic rotary position sensor available from austriamicrosystems, AG. The position sensor 7100 is interfaced with the microcontroller 7004 to provide an absolute positioning system 7000. The position sensor 7100 is a low voltage and low power component and includes four integrated Hall-effect elements 7128A, 7128B, 7128C, 7128D in an area 7130 of the position sensor 7100 that is located above the magnet 7104 (FIGS. 186, 187). A high resolution ADC 7132 and a smart power management controller 7138 are also provided on the chip. A CORDIC processor 7136 (for COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer), also known as the digit-by-digit method and Volder's algorithm, is provided to implement a simple and efficient algorithm to calculate hyperbolic and trigonometric functions that require only addition, subtraction, bitshift, and table lookup operations. The angle position, alarm bits and magnetic field information are transmitted over a standard SPI interface 7134 to the host processor, microcontroller 7004. The position sensor 7100 provides 12 or 14 bits of resolution. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 191, the position sensor 7100 is an AS5055 chip provided in a small QFN 16-pin 4×4×0.85 mm package.

The Hall-effect elements 7128A, 7128B, 7128C, 7128D are located directly above the rotating magnet. The Hall-effect is a well known effect and will not be described in detail herein for the sake of conciseness and clarity of disclosure. Generally, the Hall-effect is the production of a voltage difference (the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor, transverse to an electric current in the conductor and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current. It was discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879. The Hall coefficient is defined as the ratio of the induced electric field to the product of the current density and the applied magnetic field. It is a characteristic of the material from which the conductor is made, since its value depends on the type, number, and properties of the charge carriers that constitute the current. In the AS5055 position sensor 7100, the Hall-effect elements 7128A, 7128B, 7128C, 7128D are capable producing a voltage signal that is indicative of the absolute position of the magnet 7104 (FIGS. 186, 187) in terms of the angle over a single revolution of the magnet 7104. This value of the angle, which is unique position signal, is calculated by the CORDIC processor 7136 is stored onboard the AS5055 position sensor 7100 in a register or memory. The value of the angle that is indicative of the position of the magnet 7104 over one revolution is provided to the host processor 7004 in a variety of techniques, e.g., upon power up or upon request by the host processor 7004.

The AS5055 position sensor 7100 requires only a few external components to operate when connected to the host microcontroller 7004. Six wires are needed for a simple application using a single power supply: two wires for power and four wires 7140 for the SPI serial communication interface 7134 with the host microcontroller 7004. A seventh connection can be added in order to send an interrupt to the host microcontroller 7004 to inform that a new valid angle can be read.

Upon power-up, the AS5055 position sensor 7100 performs a full power-up sequence including one angle measurement. The completion of this cycle is indicated as an INT request at output pin 7142 and the angle value is stored in an internal register. Once this output is set, the AS5055 position sensor 7100 suspends to sleep mode. The external microcontroller 7004 can respond to the INT request at 7142 by reading the angle value from the AS5055 position sensor 7100 over the SPI interface 7134. Once the angle value is read by the microcontroller 7004, the INT output 7142 is cleared again. Sending a “read angle” command by the SPI interface 7134 by the microcontroller 7004 to the position sensor 7100 also automatically powers up the chip and starts another angle measurement. As soon ad the microcontroller 7004 has completed reading of the angle value, the INT output 7142 is cleared and a new result is stored in the angle register. The completion of the angle measurement is again indicated by setting the INT output 7142 and a corresponding flag in the status register.

Due to the measurement principle of the AS5055 position sensor 7100, only a single angle measurement is performed in very short time (˜600μ) after each power-up sequence. As soon as the measurement of one angle is completed, the AS5055 position sensor 7100 suspends to power-down state. An on-chip filtering of the angle value by digital averaging is not implemented, as this would require more than one angle measurement and consequently, a longer power-up time which is not desired in low power applications. The angle jitter can be reduced by averaging of several angle samples in the external microcontroller 7004. For example, an averaging of 4 samples reduces the jitter by 6 dB (50%).

As discussed above, the motor 1102 positioned within the handle 1042 of surgical instrument system 1000 can be utilized to advance and/or retract the firing system of the shaft assembly 1200, including firing members 1272 and 1280, for example, relative to the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200 in order to staple and/or incise tissue captured within the end effector 1300. In various circumstances, it may be desirable to advance the firing members 1272 and 1280 at a desired speed, or within a range of desired speeds. Likewise, it may be desirable to retract the firing members 1272 and 1280 at a desired speed, or within a range of desired speeds. In various circumstances, the microcontroller 7004 of the handle 1042, for example, and/or any other suitable controller, can be configured to control the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280. In some circumstances, the controller can be configured to predict the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 based on various parameters of the power supplied to the motor 1102, such as voltage and/or current, for example, and/or other operating parameters of the motor 1102. The controller can also be configured to predict the current speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 based on the previous values of the current and/or voltage supplied to the motor 1102, and/or previous states of the system like velocity, acceleration, and/or position. Furthermore, the controller can also be configured to sense the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 utilizing the absolute positioning sensor system described above, for example. In various circumstances, the controller can be configured to compare the predicted speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 and the sensed speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 to determine whether the power to the motor 1102 should be increased in order to increase the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280 and/or decreased in order to decrease the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411, is incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Using the physical properties of the instruments disclosed herein, turning now to FIGS. 198 and 199, a controller, such as microcontroller 7004, for example, can be designed to simulate the response of the actual system of the instrument in the software of the controller. The simulated response is compared to a (noisy and discrete) measured response of the actual system to obtain an “observed” response, which is used for actual feedback decisions. The observed response is a favorable, tuned, value that balances the smooth, continuous nature of the simulated response with the measured response, which can detect outside influences on the system. With regard to FIGS. 198 and 199, a firing element, or cutting element, in the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200 can be moved at or near a target velocity, or speed. The systems disclosed in FIGS. 198 and 199 can be utilized to move the cutting element at a target velocity. The systems can include a feedback controller 4200, which can be one of any feedback controllers, including, but not limited to a PID, a State Feedback, LQR, and/or an Adaptive controller, for example. The systems can further include a power source. The power source can convert the signal from the feedback controller 4200 into a physical input to the system, in this case voltage, for example. Other examples include, but are not limited to, pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage, frequency modulated voltage, current, torque, and/or force, for example.

With continued reference to FIGS. 198 and 199, the physical system referred to therein is the actual drive system of the instrument configured to drive the firing member, or cutting member. One example is a brushed DC motor with gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation and/or knife system. Another example is the motor 1102 disclosed herein that operates the firing member 10060 and the articulation driver 10030, for example, of an interchangeable shaft assembly. The outside influence 4201 referred to in FIGS. 198 and 199 is the unmeasured, unpredictable influence of things like tissue, surrounding bodies and friction on the physical system, for example. Such outside influence can be referred to as drag and can be represented by a motor 4202 which acts in opposition to the motor 1102, for example. In various circumstances, outside influence, such as drag, is the primary cause for deviation of the simulation of the physical system from the actual physical system. The systems depicted in FIGS. 198 and 199 and further discussed below can address the differences between the predicted behavior of the firing member, or cutting member, and the actual behavior of the firing member, or cutting member.

With continued reference to FIGS. 198 and 199, the discrete sensor referred to therein measures physical parameters of the actual physical system. One embodiment of such a discrete sensor can include the absolute positioning sensor 7102 and system described herein. As the output of such a discrete sensor can be a digital signal (or connected to a digital data acquisition system) its output may have finite resolution and sampling frequency. The output of the discrete sensor can be supplied to a microcontroller, such as microcontroller 7004, for example. In various circumstances, the microcontroller can combine the simulated, or estimated, response with the measured response. In certain circumstances, it may be useful to use enough measured response to ensure that the outside influence is accounted for without making the observed response unusably noisy. Examples for algorithms that do so include a weighted average and/or a theoretical control loop that drives the simulated response towards the measured response, for example. Ultimately, further to the above, the simulation of the physical system takes in account of properties like mass, inertial, viscous friction, and/or inductance resistance, for example, to predict what the states and outputs of the physical system will be by knowing the input. FIG. 199 shows an addition of evaluating and measuring the current supplied to operate the actual system, which is yet another parameter that can be evaluated for controlling the speed of the cutting member, or firing member, of the shaft assembly 1200, for example. By measuring current in addition to or in lieu of measuring the voltage, in certain circumstances, the physical system can be made more accurate. Nonetheless, the ideas disclosed herein can be extended to the measurement of other state parameters of other physical systems.

Having described various embodiments of an absolute positioning system 7000 to determine an absolute position signal/value of a sensor element corresponding to a unique absolute position of elements associated with articulation and firing, the disclosure now turns to a description of several techniques for employing the absolute position/value in a position feedback system to control the position of the articulation and knife to compensate for knife band splay in a powered articulated surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33). The absolute positioning system 7000 provides a unique position signal/value to the microcontroller for each possible location of the drive bar or knife along the length of the staple cartridge.

The operation of the articulation joint 1350 has been described in connection with FIG. 37 and will not be repeated in detail in this section for conciseness and clarity of disclosure. The operation of the articulation joint 10090 has been described in connection with FIG. 102 and will not be repeated in detail in this section for conciseness and clarity of disclosure. FIG. 193 illustrates an articulation joint 8000 in a straight position, i.e., at a zero angle θ₀relative to the longitudinal direction depicted as longitudinal axis L-A, according to one embodiment. FIG. 195 illustrates the articulation joint 8000 of FIG. 193 articulated in one direction at a first angle θ₁defined between the longitudinal axis L-A and the articulation axis A-A, according to one embodiment. FIG. 195 illustrates the articulation joint 8000 of FIG. 194 articulated in another direction at a second angle θ2 defined between the longitudinal axis L-A and the articulation axis A′-A, according to one embodiment.

The surgical instrument according to the present disclosure utilizes multiple flexible knife bands 8002 to transfer compressive force to a translating a knife element in the cartridge (not shown) of the end effector 1300 (FIG. 37). The flexible knife bands 8002 enable the end-effector 1300 (FIG. 33) to articulate through a variety of angles θ. The act of articulating, however, causes the flexible knife bands 8002 to splay. Splay of the flexible knife bands 8002 changes the effective transection length T₁in the longitudinal direction. Thus, it is difficult to determine the exact position of the knife past the articulation joint 8000 when the flexible knife bands 8002 are articulated past an angle of θ=0. As previously discussed, the position of the articulation and knife element can be determined directly using the absolute position feedback signal/value from the absolute positioning system 7000 when the articulation angle is zero θ₀as shown in FIG. 194. However, when the flexible knife bands 8002 deviate from a zero angle θ₀from the longitudinal axis L-A, the absolute position of the knife within the cartridge cannot be precisely determined based on the absolute position signal/value provided by the absolute positioning system 7000 to the microcontroller 7004, without knowing the articulation angle θ.

In one embodiment, the articulation angle θ can be determined fairly accurately based on the firing drive of the surgical instrument. As outlined above, the movement of the firing member 10060 can be tracked by the absolute positioning system 7000 wherein, when the articulation drive is operably coupled to the firing member 10060 by the clutch system 10070, for example, the absolute positioning system 7000 can, in effect, track the movement of the articulation system via the firing member 10060. As a result of tracking the movement of the articulation system, the controller of the surgical instrument can track the articulation angle θ of the end effector, such as end effector 10020, for example. In various circumstances, as a result, the articulation angle θ can be determined as a function of longitudinal displacement D_Lof the flexible knife bands 8002. Since the longitudinal displacement D_Lof the flexible knife bands 8002 can be precisely determined based on the absolute position signal/value provided by the absolute positioning system 7000, an algorithm may be employed to compensate for the error in displacement of the knife following the articulation joint 8000.

In another embodiment, the articulation angle θ can be determined by locating sensors on the flexible knife bands 8002 distal D to the articulation joint 8000. The sensors can be configured to sense the amount of tension or compression in the articulated flexible knife bands 8002. The measured tension or compression results are provided to the microcontroller 7004 to calculate the articulation angle θ based on the amount of tension or compression measured in the knife bands 8002. Suitable sensors such as microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) devices and strain gauges may be readily adapted to make such measurements. Other techniques include locating a tilt sensor, inclinometer, accelerometer, or any suitable device for measuring angles, in the articulation joint 8000 to measure the articulation angle θ.

In various embodiments, several techniques for compensating for splay of the flexible knife bands 8002 in a powered articulatable surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33) are described hereinbelow in the context of a powered surgical instrument 1010 comprising an absolute positioning system 7000 and a microcontroller 7004 with data storage capability such as memory 7006.

FIG. 196 illustrates one embodiment of a logic diagram 8100 for a method of compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands 8002 on transection length T₁. The method will be described in connection with FIGS. 185 and 192-196. Accordingly, in one embodiment of a method 8100 of compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands 8002 on transection length T₁, the relationship between articulation angle θ of the end effector 1300 (FIG. 37), or end effector 10020 (FIG. 102), for example, and effective transection length T₁distal of the articulation joint 8000 is initially characterized and the characterization data is stored in the memory 7006 of the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33). In one embodiment, the memory 7006 is a nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, EEPROM, and the like. The processor 7008 portion of the microcontroller 7004 accesses 8102 the characterization data stored in the memory 7006. The processor 7008 tracks 8104 the articulation angle of the end effector 1300 during use of the surgical instrument 1010. The processor 7008 adjusts 8106 the target transection length T₁by the surgical instrument 1010 based on the known articulation angle θ_Mand the stored characterization data representative of the relationship between the articulation angle θ_Sand the transection length T₁.

In various embodiments, the characterization data representative of the relationship between the articulation angle θ of the end effector 1300 (FIG. 37) and the effective transection length T₁may be completed for the shaft of the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33) during manufacturing. In one embodiment, the output of the characterization 8102 process is a lookup table implemented in the memory 7006. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processor 7008 accesses the characterization data from the lookup table implemented in the memory 7006. In one aspect, the lookup table comprises an array that replaces runtime computation with a simpler array indexing operation. The savings in terms of processing time can be significant, since retrieving a value from the memory 7006 by the processor 7008 is generally faster than undergoing an “expensive” computation or input/output operation. The lookup table may be precalculated and stored in static program storage, calculated (or “pre-fetched”) as part of a program's initialization phase (memorization), or even stored in hardware in application-specific platforms. In the instant application, the lookup table stores the output values of the characterization of the relationship between articulation angle of the end effector 1300 (FIG. 37) and effective transection length. The lookup table stores these output values in an array and, in some programming languages, may include pointer functions (or offsets to labels) to process the matching input. Thus, for each unique value of linear displacement DI, there is a corresponding articulation angle θ. The articulation angle θ is used to calculate a corresponding transection length T₁displacement distal the articulation joint 8000, the articulation joint 1350, or the articulation joint 10090, for example. The corresponding transection length T₁displacement is stored in the lookup table and is used by the microcontroller 7004 to determine the position of the knife past the articulation joint. Other lookup table techniques are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the output of the characterization 8102 process is a best curve fit formula, linear or nonlinear. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processor 7008 is operative to execute computer readable instructions to implement a best curve fit formula based on the characterization data. Curve fitting is the process of constructing a curve, or mathematical function that has the best fit to a series of data points, possibly subject to constraints. Curve fitting can involve either interpolation, where an exact fit to the data is required. In the instant disclosure, the curve represents the transection length T₁displacement of the flexible knife bands 8002 distal D of the articulated articulation joint 8000 (FIG. 37) based on the articulation angle 0, which depends on the linear displacement D_Lof the flexible knife bands 8002 proximal P to the articulation joint 1350. The data points such as linear displacement D_Lof the flexible knife bands 8002 proximal to the articulation joint 1350, displacement T₁of the flexible knife bands 8002 distal the articulated articulation joint 1350, and articulation angle θ can be measured and used to generate a best fit curve in the form of an n^thorder polynomial (usually a 3rd order polynomial would provide a suitable curve fit to the measured data). The microcontroller 7004 can be programmed to implement the n^thorder polynomial. In use, input the n^thorder polynomial is the linear displacement of the flexible knife bands 8002 derived from the unique absolute position signal/value provided by the absolute positioning system 7000.

In one embodiment, the characterization 8102 process accounts for articulation angle θ and compressive force on the knife bands 8002.

In one embodiment, the effective transection length is a distance between the distal most surface of the knife blade in relationship to a predetermined reference in the handle of the surgical instruments 1010.

In various embodiments, the memory 7006 for storing the characterization may be a nonvolatile memory located on the on the shaft, the handle, or both, of the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33).

In various embodiments, the articulation angle θ can be tracked by a sensor located on the shaft of the surgical instrument 1010 (FIG. 33). In other embodiments, the articulation angle θ can be tracked by a sensor on the handle of the surgical instrument 1010 or articulation angle θ can be tracked by variables within the control software for the surgical instrument 1010.

In one embodiment, the characterization is utilized by control software of the microcontroller 7004 communicating with the non-volatile memory 7006 to gain access to the characterization.

A control system, such as the control system illustrated in FIG. 200 and/or FIG. 203, for example, can be utilized to control any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein. In various circumstances, the control system can comprise a microcontroller, such as microcontroller 7004, for example, which can be configured to operate the various systems of a surgical instrument. Further to the above, the control system can comprise assembly detection means for detecting whether a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, has been assembled, or at least partially assembled, to the handle 1042. Such assembly detection means can comprise the Hall effect sensor 4002 described above, for example, and means for maintaining the handle 1042 in a powered-down condition if the shaft assembly is not assembled to the handle 1042, and means for maintaining the handle 1042 in a powered-up condition if the shaft assembly is assembled to the handle 1042, further to the above. As outlined above, the microcontroller 7004, for example, can include such means. The control system can further comprise power communication means for communicating electrical power to and/or from the shaft assembly and/or signal communication means for communicating communication signals to and/or from the shaft assembly. Such power communication means and signal communication means can comprise the electrical connector 4000, a corresponding electrical connector on the shaft assembly, and/or the microcontroller 7004, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 200 and 203, the control system can further comprise at least one closure trigger switch and at least one closure trigger circuit which can be configured to communicate to the microcontroller 7004, and/or be interpreted by the microcontroller 7004, that the closure trigger 1052, discussed above, has been closed. Various switches can include a potentiometer and/or a Hall effect sensor, for example. The control system can further comprise unclosed operating means for operating the surgical instrument in an unclosed operating condition when the closure trigger 1052 is in an unclosed position and closed operating means for operating the surgical instrument in a closed operating condition when the closure trigger 1052 is in a closed position. The control system can comprise a power supply, such as battery 1104, for example, and means for distributing power from the power supply throughout the control system. The control system can comprise a motor, such as motor 1102, for example, a motor power switch, such as firing trigger 1120, for example, and motor operating means for operating the motor 1102 in a desired way, as described elsewhere herein. Such motor operating means, in certain circumstances, can be configured to control the motor 1102 utilizing pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage control, for example. Moreover, PWM voltage control can be utilized to control the speed of the firing members 1272 and 1280, for example. In the unclosed operating condition of the surgical instrument, in some circumstances, the battery 1104 may be disconnected from the motor 1102 while, in certain circumstances, a motor controller can be configured to prevent the operation of the motor 1102 even though electrical power may be supplied to the motor 1102 until the microcontroller 7004 detects the closure of the closure trigger 1052. In such circumstances, the microcontroller 7004 can then operate the surgical instrument in its closed operating state. In the closed operating state, power can be supplied to the motor 1102 and the motor controller can be configured to operate the motor 1102 in response to the operation of the firing trigger 1120. FIGS. 204-206 illustrate various operations for operating the motor 1102 and the firing members 1272 and 1280, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 200 and 203, the control system can comprise a 12-bit magnetic rotary encoder, for example, and can be configured to monitor the position of the firing members 1272 and 1280. In various circumstances, the control system can include the absolute positioning sensor 7102 and the sensing system described above to monitor the position of the firing members 1272 and 1280. The control system can also comprise manual drive means for manually moving the firing members 1272 and 1280 and/or means for operating another system of the surgical instrument in light of the operation of the manual drive means. For instance, the manual drive means may comprise a manually-actuatable bailout assembly 1130, for example, which is described above. Also, for instance, the operation of the manual drive means may electrically deactivate the motor 1102. In some circumstances, the operation of the manual drive means can disconnect the battery 1104 from the motor 1102. In certain circumstances, the operation of the manual drive means can be detected by a motor controller which can be configured to prevent the operation of the motor 1102 even though electrical power may be supplied to the motor 1102. In various circumstances, the motor controller can comprise the microcontroller 7004, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 200 and 203, the control system can further comprise communication means for communicating with the operator of the instrument. In various circumstances, the communication means can comprise one or more light emitting diode (LED) lights, for example, on the handle 1042, for example, which can be configured to communicate to the operator of the surgical instrument that the surgical instrument is in a particular operating condition, for example. In at least one circumstance, the handle 1042 can include a green LED light, for example, which, when lit, can indicate that the surgical instrument is in an assembled, closed, and powered-up condition, for example. In such circumstances, the lit green LED light can indicate that the surgical instrument is ready for use. The handle 1042 can include a red LED light, for example, which, when lit, can indicate that the surgical instrument is in either an unassembled, unclosed, and/or powered-down condition. In such circumstances, the lit red LED light can indicate that the surgical instrument is not ready for use. Further to the above, the LED lights can be in electrical communication with output channels of the microcontroller 7004 wherein the microcontroller 7004 can be configured to determine and/or set the operating condition of the surgical instrument and communicate that condition through the LED lights, for example. In some circumstances, the communication means can include a display screen on the handle 1042, for example, which can be configured to communicate information to the operator of the surgical instrument. Further to the above, the microcontroller 7004 can be in electrical communication with the display screen to communicate the operating condition of the surgical instrument, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 200 and 203, and with additional reference to FIGS. 201 and 202, the control system can comprise a plurality of switches in electrical communication with the microcontroller 7004, for example. The switches can include the switches discussed above and/or in connection with any system and/or subsystem of the surgical instrument described herein. The switches can comprise a switch array which can be included in a switch circuit in electrical communication with the microcontroller 7004, for example. In certain circumstances, the switch circuit can include a 16-bit I/O encoder, for example, which can communicate with the microcontroller 7004. Moreover, the switch circuit can comprise a bus which is in electrical communication with the microcontroller 7004 and one or more contacts in the electrical connector 4000. Ultimately, then, the switch circuit and the switch array can span the handle 1042 and the shaft assembly 1200, for example. In various circumstances, the microcontroller 7004 can be configured to identify the shaft assembly attached to the handle 1042 and adjust the length of the firing stroke applied to the firing members 1272 and 1280, for example.

Various embodiments described herein are described in the context of staples removably stored within staple cartridges for use with surgical stapling instruments. In some circumstances, staples can include wires which are deformed when they contact an anvil of the surgical stapler. Such wires can be comprised of metal, such as stainless steel, for example, and/or any other suitable material. Such embodiments, and the teachings thereof, can be applied to embodiments which include fasteners removably stored with fastener cartridges for use with any suitable fastening instrument.

Various embodiments described herein are described in the context of linear end effectors and/or linear fastener cartridges. Such embodiments, and the teachings thereof, can be applied to non-linear end effectors and/or non-linear fastener cartridges, such as, for example, circular and/or contoured end effectors. For example, various end effectors, including non-linear end effectors, are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, filed Feb. 28, 2011, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, filed Sep. 29, 2012, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, filed Feb. 15, 2008, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443, is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013, is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

EXAMPLES

A surgical instrument for treating tissue can comprise a handle including a trigger, a shaft extending from the handle, an end effector, and an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft by the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member operably coupled with the trigger, wherein the operation of the trigger is configured to advance the firing member toward the end effector, and an articulation member operably coupled with the end effector. The articulation member is selectively engageable with the firing member such that the articulation member is operably engaged with the firing member in an engaged configuration and such that the articulation member is operably disengaged from the firing member in a disengaged configuration, wherein the firing member is configured to advance the articulation member toward the end effector to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint when the articulation member and the firing member are in the engaged configuration. The surgical instrument can further include a biasing member, such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to re-center the end effector and re-align the end effector with the shaft along a longitudinal axis after the end effector has been articulated.

A surgical instrument for treating tissue can comprise an electric motor, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft by the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a firing drive operably engageable with the electric motor, wherein the firing drive is configured to be advanced toward the end effector and retracted away from the end effector by the electric motor. The surgical instrument can also comprise an articulation drive operably coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation drive is configured to rotate the end effector in a first direction when the articulation drive is pushed distally toward the end effector, wherein the articulation drive is configured to rotate the end effector in a second direction when the articulation drive is pulled proximally away from the end effector, wherein the firing drive is selectively engageable with the articulation drive and is configured to at least one of push the articulation drive distally toward the end effector and pull the articulation drive away from the end effector when the firing drive is operably engaged with the articulation drive, and wherein the firing drive can operate independently of the articulation drive when the firing drive is operably disengaged from the articulation drive.

A surgical instrument for treating tissue can comprise a shaft, an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft, and a firing member configured to be moved relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation member operably coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation member is selectively engageable with the firing member such that the articulation member is operably engaged with the firing member in an engaged configuration and such that the articulation member is operably disengaged from the firing member in a disengaged configuration, and wherein the firing member is configured to move the articulation member relative to the end effector to rotate the end effector when the articulation member and the firing member are in the engaged configuration. The surgical instrument can further comprise an end effector lock configurable in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the end effector lock is configured to operably engage the articulation member with the firing member when the end effector lock is in the unlocked configuration.

A surgical instrument that may include at least one drive system that is configured to generate control motions and which defines an actuation axis. The surgical instrument may further comprise at least one interchangeable shaft assembly that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled to the interchangeable shaft assembly. In addition, the surgical instrument may further include a lockout assembly that interfaces with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft assembly that includes an end effector. The end effector may comprise a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil that is movably supported relative to the surgical staple cartridge. The shaft assembly may further comprise a movable closure shaft assembly that is configured to apply opening and closing motions to the anvil. A shaft attachment frame may operably support a portion of the movable closure shaft assembly thereon. The surgical instrument may further comprise a frame member that is configured for removable operable engagement with the shaft attachment frame and a closure drive system that is operably supported by the frame member and defines an actuation axis. The closure drive system may be configured for operable engagement with the closure shaft assembly in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis when the shaft attachment frame is in operable engagement with the frame member. A lockout assembly may interface with the closure drive system for preventing actuation of the closure drive system unless the closure shaft assembly is in operable engagement with the closure drive system.

A surgical system that may comprise a frame that operably supports at least one drive system for generating control motions upon actuation of a control actuator. At least one of the drive systems defines an actuation axis. The surgical system may further comprise a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies wherein each interchangeable shaft assembly may comprise a shaft attachment frame that is configured to removably operably engage a portion of the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. A first shaft assembly may be operably supported by the shaft attachment frame and be configured for operable engagement with a corresponding one of the at least one drive systems in the direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. A lockout assembly may mechanically engage a portion of the corresponding one of the at least one drive systems and cooperate with the control actuator to prevent actuation of the control actuator until the shaft attachment frame is in operable engagement with the frame portion and the first shaft assembly is in operable engagement with the one of the at least one drive systems.

An interchangeable shaft assembly can be used with a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the surgical instrument includes a frame that operably supports a plurality of drive systems and defines an actuation axis. In one form, the shaft assembly comprises a first shaft that is configured to apply first actuation motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto, wherein a proximal end of the first shaft is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a first one of the drive systems supported by the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis.

An interchangeable shaft assembly can be used with a surgical instrument. In at least one form, the surgical instrument may include a frame that defines an actuation axis and operably supports a plurality of drive systems. Various forms of the shaft assembly may comprise a shaft frame that has a shaft attachment module attached to a proximal end thereof and is configured to be releasably coupled to a portion of the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. The shaft assembly may further comprise an end effector that is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft frame. In at least one form, the end effector comprises a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil that is movably supported relative to the surgical staple cartridge. The shaft assembly may further comprise an outer shaft assembly that includes a distal end that is configured to apply control motions to the anvil. The outer shaft assembly may include a proximal end that is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a first one of the drive systems supported by the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. The shaft assembly may also comprise a firing shaft assembly that includes a distal cutting portion that is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position within the end effector. The firing shaft assembly may include a proximal end that is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a firing drive system supported by the frame in the direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis.

A surgical system may comprise a frame that supports a plurality of drive systems and defines an actuation axis. The system may further comprise a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies. Each interchangeable shaft assembly may comprise an elongate shaft that is configured to apply first actuation motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto, wherein a proximal end of the elongate shaft is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a first one of the drive systems supported by the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. Each interchangeable shaft assembly may further comprise a control shaft assembly that is operably supported within the elongate shaft and is configured to apply control motions to the end effector and wherein a proximal end of the control shaft assembly is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a second one of the drive systems supported by the frame in the direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and wherein at least one of the surgical end effectors differs from another one of the surgical end effectors.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various surgical instrument arrangements disclosed herein include a variety of mechanisms and structures for positive alignment and positive locking and unlocking of the interchangeable shaft assemblies to corresponding portion(s) of a surgical instrument, whether it be a hand-held instrument or a robotically-controlled instrument. For example, it may be desirable for the instrument to be configured to prevent actuation of one or more (including all) of the drive systems at an incorrect time during instrument preparation or while being used in a surgical procedure.

A housing for use with a surgical instrument that includes a shaft and an end effector, wherein the surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly configured to move the end effector relative to the shaft. The housing comprises a motor operably supported by the housing, an articulation drive configured to transmit at least one articulation motion to the articulation assembly to move the end effector between an articulation home state position and an articulated position, a controller in communication with the motor, a first input configured to transmit a first input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to generate the at least one articulation motion to move the end effector to the articulated position in response to the first input signal, and a reset input configured to transmit a reset input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to generate at least one reset motion to move the end effector to the articulation home state position in response to the reset input signal.

A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, wherein the end effector is movable relative to the shaft between an articulation home state position and an articulated position. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a firing member configured to fire the plurality of staples, wherein the firing member is movable between a firing home state position and a fired position. In addition, the surgical instrument comprises a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing comprises a motor operably supported by the housing, a controller in communication with the motor, and a home state input configured to transmit a home state input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor in response to the home state input signal to effectuate a return of the end effector to the articulation home state position and a return of the firing member to the firing home state position.

A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, an articulation assembly configured to move the end effector relative to the shaft between an unarticulated position, a first articulated position on a first side of the unarticulated position, and a second articulated position on a second side of the unarticulated position, wherein the first side is opposite the second side. In addition, the surgical instrument further comprises a motor, a controller in communication with the motor, a first input configured to transmit a first input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to the first articulated position in response to the first input signal, a second input configured to transmit a second input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to the second articulated position in response to the second input signal, and a reset input configured to transmit a reset input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to the unarticulated position in response to the reset input signal.

A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, a firing assembly configured to fire a plurality of staples, an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft, a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft, wherein the housing is removably couplable to the shaft when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration. The housing comprises a motor configured to drive at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly, and a controller in communication with the motor, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to reset at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly to a home state when the locking member is moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, a firing assembly configured to fire a plurality of staples, an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft, a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft, wherein the housing is removably couplable to the shaft when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration. The housing comprises a motor configured to drive at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly, a controller in communication with the motor, and a home state input operably coupled to the locking member, wherein the home state input is configured to transmit a home state input signal to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to reset at least one of the firing assembly and the articulation assembly to a home state in response to the home state input signal.

A surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft between a home state position and an articulated position, a locking member movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft, wherein the housing is removably couplable to the shaft when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration. The housing comprises a motor configured to drive the articulation assembly, and a controller in communication with the motor, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to effectuate a return of the end effector to the home state position when the locking member is moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

An absolute position sensor system for a surgical instrument can comprise, one, a sensor element operatively coupled to a movable drive member of the surgical instrument and, two, a position sensor operably coupled to the sensor element, the position sensor configured to sense the absolute position of the sensor element.

A surgical instrument can comprise, one, an absolute position sensor system comprising a sensor element operatively coupled to a movable drive member of the surgical instrument and a position sensor operably coupled to the sensor element, the position sensor configured to sense the absolute position of the sensor element and, two, a motor operatively coupled to the movable drive member.

An absolute position sensor system for a surgical instrument can comprise, one, a sensor element operatively coupled to a movable drive member of the surgical instrument, two, a holder to hold the sensor element, wherein the holder and the sensor element are rotationally coupled and, three, a position sensor operably coupled to the sensor element, the position sensor configured to sense the absolute position of the sensor element, wherein the position sensor is fixed relative to the rotation of the holder and the sensor element.

A method of compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length of a surgical instrument comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the surgical instrument comprises stored in the memory characterization data representative of a relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of an articulation joint, comprising the steps of, one, accessing, by the processor, the characterization data from the memory of the surgical instrument, two, tracking, by the processor, the articulation angle of the end effector during use of the surgical instrument and, three, adjusting, by the processor, the target transection length by the surgical instrument based on the tracked articulation angle and the stored characterization data.

A surgical instrument can comprise a microcontroller comprising a processor configured to execute computer readable instructions and a memory coupled to the microcontroller, wherein the processor is operative to, one, access from the memory characterization data representative of a relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of an articulation joint, two, track the articulation angle of the end effector during use of the surgical instrument and, three, adjust the target transection length based on the tracked articulation angle and the stored characterization data.

A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector comprising an articulation joint, flexible knife bands configured to translate from a position proximal of the articulation joint to a position distal of the articulation joint, a microcontroller comprising a processor operative to execute computer readable instructions, and a memory coupled to the microcontroller. The processor is operative to, one, access from the memory characterization date representative of a relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of the articulation joint, two, track the articulation angle of the end effector during use of the surgical instrument and, three, adjust the target transection length based on the known articulation angle and the stored characterization data.

A shaft assembly for use with a surgical instrument can comprise a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint, and a clutch collar configured to selectively engage the articulation driver to the firing driver to impart the movement of the firing driver to the articulation driver.

A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, an electric motor positioned in the handle, a shaft attachable to the handle, an end effector, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable toward the end effector, wherein the electric motor is configured to impart a firing motion to the firing driver, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint, and a rotatable clutch configured to selectively engage the articulation driver to the firing driver to impart the firing motion to the articulation driver.

A shaft assembly for use with a surgical instrument can comprise a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint, and a longitudinal clutch configured to selectively engage the articulation driver to the firing driver to impart the movement of the firing driver to the articulation driver.

A shaft assembly attachable to a handle of a surgical instrument, the shaft assembly comprising a shaft comprising a connector portion configured to operably connect the shaft to the handle, an end effector, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector when a firing motion is applied to the firing driver, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint when an articulation motion is applied to the articulation driver, and an articulation lock configured to releasably hold the articulation driver in position, wherein the articulation motion is configured to unlock the articulation lock.

A shaft assembly attachable to a handle of a surgical instrument, the shaft assembly comprising a shaft including, one, a connector portion configured to operably connect the shaft to the handle and, two, a proximal end, an end effector comprising a distal end, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector by a firing motion, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint when an articulation motion is applied to the articulation driver, and an articulation lock comprising, one, a first one-way lock configured to releasably resist proximal movement of the articulation driver and, two, a second one-way lock configured to releasably resist distal movement of the articulation driver.

A shaft assembly attachable to a handle of a surgical instrument comprising a shaft including, one, a connector portion configured to operably connect the shaft to the handle and, two, a proximal end, an end effector comprising a distal end, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector by a firing motion, an articulation driver system comprising, one, a proximal articulation driver and, two, a distal articulation driver operably engaged with the end effector, and an articulation lock configured to releasably hold the distal articulation driver in position, wherein the movement of the proximal articulation driver is configured to unlock the articulation lock and drive the distal articulation driver.

A shaft assembly attachable to a handle of a surgical instrument comprising a shaft including, one, a connector portion configured to operably connect the shaft to the handle and, two, a proximal end, an end effector comprising a distal end, an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector by a firing motion, and an articulation driver system comprising, one, a first articulation driver and, two, a second articulation driver operably engaged with the end effector, and an articulation lock configured to releasably hold the second articulation driver in position, wherein an initial movement of the first articulation driver is configured to unlock the second articulation driver and a subsequent movement of the first articulation driver is configured to drive the second articulation driver.

A surgical stapler can comprise a handle, a firing member, and an electric motor. The electric motor can advance the firing member during a first operating state, retract the firing member during a second operating state, and transmit feedback to the handle during a third operating state. Furthermore, the electric motor can comprise a shaft and a resonator mounted on the shaft. The resonator can comprise a body, which can comprise a mounting hole. The mounting hole and the shaft can be coaxial with a central axis of the resonator, and the center of mass of the resonator can be positioned along the central axis. The resonator can also comprises a spring extending from the body, a weight extending from the spring, and a counterweight extending from the body.

A surgical instrument for cutting and stapling tissue can comprise a handle, a firing member extending from the handle, an electric motor positioned in the handle, and an amplifier comprising a center of mass. The electric motor can be configured to operate in a plurality of states and can comprise a motor shaft. Furthermore, the amplifier can be mounted to the motor shaft at the center of mass. The amplifier can rotate in a first direction when the electric motor is in a firing state, and the amplifier can oscillate between the first direction and a second direction when the electric motor is in a feedback state.

A surgical instrument for cutting and stapling tissue can comprise holding means for holding the surgical instrument, a firing member, and motor means for operating in a plurality of operating states. The plurality of operating states can comprise a firing state and a feedback state. The motor means can rotate in a first direction during the firing state and can oscillate between the first direction and a second direction during the feedback state. The surgical instrument can further comprise feedback generating means for generating haptic feedback. The feedback generating means can be mounted to the motor means.

A surgical instrument for cutting and stapling tissue can comprise a handle, a firing member extending from the handle, and an electric motor positioned in the handle. The electric motor can be configured to operate in a plurality of states, and the electric motor can comprise a motor shaft. The surgical instrument can further comprise a resonator comprising a center of mass. The resonator can be mounted to the motor shaft at the center of mass. Furthermore, the resonator can be balanced when the electric motor is in an advancing state, and the resonator can be unbalanced when the electric motor is in a feedback state.

A method for operating a surgical stapler can comprise initiating an initial operating state. A cutting element can be driven distally during the initial operating state. The method can also comprise detecting a threshold condition at the cutting element, communicating the threshold condition to an operator of the surgical stapler, and receiving one of a plurality of inputs from the operator. The plurality of inputs can comprise a first input and a second input. The method can also comprise initiating a secondary operating state in response to the input from the operator. The cutting element can be driven distally in response to the first input and can be retracted proximally in response to the second input.

A method for operating a surgical instrument can comprise initiating an initial surgical function, detecting a clinically-important condition, communicating the clinically-important condition to an operator of the surgical instrument, accepting an input from the operator, and performing a secondary surgical function based on the input from the operator. The secondary surgical function can comprise one of continuing the initial surgical function or initiating a modified surgical function.

A system for controlling a surgical instrument can comprise a motor, and the motor can drive a firing member during a firing stroke. The system can also comprise a controller for controlling the motor, and the controller can be configured to operate in a plurality of operating states during the firing stroke. The plurality of operating states can comprise an advancing state and a retracting state. The system can also comprise a sensor configured to detect a force on the firing member, wherein the sensor and the controller can be in signal communication. The controller can pause the firing stroke when the sensor detects a force on the firing member that exceeds a threshold force. The system can also comprise a plurality of input keys, wherein the input keys and the controller can be in signal communication. The controller can resume the advancing state when a first input key is activated, and the controller can initiate the retracting state when a second input key is activated.

A surgical instrument can comprise a firing member, a motor configured to drive the firing member, and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller can be configured to operate the surgical instrument in a plurality of operating states, and the plurality of operating states can comprise a firing state for driving the firing member and a warned firing state for driving the firing member. The surgical instrument can also comprise means for operating the surgical instrument in the warned firing state.

A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, an end effector, and an articulation joint connecting the end effector to the shaft. The surgical instrument can further comprise a firing driver movable relative to the end effector when a firing motion is applied to the firing driver, an articulation driver configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint when an articulation motion is applied to the articulation driver, and an articulation lock configured to releasably hold the articulation driver in position, wherein the articulation motion is configured to unlock the articulation lock.

A surgical instrument can comprise at least one drive system configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof and defining an actuation axis, at least one interchangeable shaft assembly configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled to said interchangeable shaft assembly, and a lockout assembly comprising interfacing means for interfacing with the at least one drive system and for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.

A surgical instrument including a shaft assembly can comprise an end effector comprising a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil, wherein one of the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge is movable relative to the other of the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge upon the application of an opening motion and a closing motion. The surgical instrument can further comprise a movable closure shaft assembly configured to apply the opening motion and the closing motion, a shaft attachment frame operably supporting a portion of the movable closure shaft assembly thereon, a frame member configured for removable operable engagement with the shaft attachment frame, a closure drive system operably supported by the frame member and defining an actuation axis, the closure drive system configured for operable engagement with the closure shaft assembly in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis when the shaft attachment frame is in operable engagement with the frame member, and a lockout assembly interfacing with the closure drive system for preventing actuation of the closure drive system unless the closure shaft assembly is in operable engagement with the closure drive system.

A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, and an articulation assembly configured to move the end effector relative to the shaft between an unarticulated position, a first range of articulated positions on a first side of the unarticulated position, and a second range of articulated positions on a second side of the unarticulated position, wherein the first side is opposite the second side. The surgical instrument can further comprise a motor, a controller in communication with the motor, a first input configured to transmit a first input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to an articulated position within the first range of articulated positions in response to the first input signal, a second input configured to transmit a second input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to an articulated position within the second range of articulated positions in response to the second input signal and a reset input configured to transmit a reset input signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor to move the end effector to the unarticulated position in response to the reset input signal.

While various details have been set forth in the foregoing description, the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, for conciseness and clarity selected aspects have been shown in block diagram form rather than in detail. Some portions of the detailed descriptions provided herein may be presented in terms of instructions that operate on data that is stored in a computer memory. Such descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to describe and convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In general, an algorithm refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers to a manipulation of physical quantities which may, though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoing discussion, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing description, discussions using terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.

In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed on Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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.

Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

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.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of the one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more embodiments were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles and practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle;a shaft releasably attachable to said handle, wherein said shaft comprises: a first jaw;a second jaw, wherein said second jaw is rotatable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;an articulation joint; andan end effector rotatable between an unarticulated position and an articulated position about said articulation joint;a sensor configured to detect whether said second jaw is in said closed position;a latch movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to lock said shaft to said handle;a latch sensor configured to detect when said latch is being moved from said locked position to said unlocked position to unlock said shaft from said handle;a latch lock configured to releasably hold said latch in said locked position;a controller in communication with said latch sensor and said latch lock, wherein said controller is configured to release said latch lock when a user of said surgical instrument moves said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position and said end effector is in said open position, and wherein said controller is configured to not release said latch lock when a user of said surgical instrument attempts to move said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position and said end effector is in said closed position; andan articulation drive system including an electric motor, wherein said articulation drive system is operable to articulate said end effector about said articulation joint, wherein said controller is in communication with said electric motor, and wherein said controller is configured to operate said electric motor to place said end effector in said unarticulated position when a user of said surgical instrument moves said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position and said end effector is in said open position.
2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.
3. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing;an attachment releasably attachable to said housing, wherein said attachment comprises: a first jaw;a second jaw, wherein said second jaw is rotatable relative to said first jaw between an unclamped position and a clamped position;an articulation joint; andan end effector rotatable between an unarticulated position and a centered position about said articulation joint;a sensor configured to detect whether said second jaw is in said clamped position;a latch movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to lock said attachment to said housing;a latch sensor configured to detect when the movement of said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position to unlock said attachment from said housing is initiated;a latch lock configured to releasably hold said latch in said locked position;a controller in communication with said latch sensor and said latch lock, wherein said controller is configured to release said latch lock when the movement of said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position is initiated and said end effector is in said unclamped position, and wherein said controller is configured to not release said latch lock when a user of said surgical instrument attempts to move said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position and said end effector is in said clamped position; andan articulation drive system including an electric motor, wherein said articulation drive system is operable to articulate said end effector about said articulation joint, wherein said controller is in communication with said electric motor, and wherein said controller is configured to operate said electric motor to place said end effector in said centered position when the movement of said latch from said locked position to said unlocked position is initiated and said end effector is in said unclamped position.
4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, further comprising a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/480,882, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, filed Apr. 6, 2017, which issued on Apr. 14, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,416, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, filed Mar. 7, 2014, which issued on Apr. 25, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/782,866, entitled CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

US Referenced Citations (7431)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
66052	Moore et al.	Jun 1867	A
662587	Blake	Nov 1900	A
670748	Weddeler	Mar 1901	A
719487	Minor	Feb 1903	A
804229	Hutchinson	Nov 1905	A
903739	Lesemann	Nov 1908	A
951393	Hahn	Mar 1910	A
1075556	Fenoughty	Oct 1913	A
1082105	Anderson	Dec 1913	A
1188721	Bittner	Jun 1916	A
1306107	Elliott	Jun 1919	A
1314601	McCaskey	Sep 1919	A
1677337	Grove	Jul 1928	A
1794907	Kelly	Mar 1931	A
1849427	Hook	Mar 1932	A
1944116	Stratman	Jan 1934	A
1954048	Jeffrey et al.	Apr 1934	A
2028635	Wappler	Jan 1936	A
2037727	La Chapelle	Apr 1936	A
2132295	Hawkins	Oct 1938	A
2161632	Nattenheimer	Jun 1939	A
D120434	Gold	May 1940	S
2211117	Hess	Aug 1940	A
2214870	West	Sep 1940	A
2224882	Peck	Dec 1940	A
2318379	Davis et al.	May 1943	A
2329440	La Place	Sep 1943	A
2377581	Shaffrey	Jun 1945	A
2406389	Royal Lee	Jun 1946	A
2420552	Morrill	May 1947	A
2441096	Happe	May 1948	A
2448741	Scott et al.	Sep 1948	A
2450527	Smith	Oct 1948	A
2491872	Neuman	Dec 1949	A
2507872	Unsinger	May 1950	A
2526902	Rublee	Oct 1950	A
2527256	Jackson	Oct 1950	A
2578686	Fish	Dec 1951	A
2638901	Sugarbaker	May 1953	A
2674149	Benson	Apr 1954	A
2701489	Osborn	Feb 1955	A
2711461	Happe	Jun 1955	A
2724289	Wight	Nov 1955	A
2742955	Dominguez	Apr 1956	A
2804848	O'Farrell et al.	Sep 1957	A
2808482	Zanichkowsky et al.	Oct 1957	A
2853074	Olson	Feb 1958	A
2856192	Schuster	Oct 1958	A
2887004	Stewart	May 1959	A
2957353	Lewis	Oct 1960	A
2959974	Emrick	Nov 1960	A
3024744	Rouse	Mar 1962	A
3032769	Palmer	May 1962	A
3060972	Sheldon	Oct 1962	A
3075062	Iaccarino	Jan 1963	A
3078465	Bobrov	Feb 1963	A
3079606	Bobrov et al.	Mar 1963	A
3080564	Strekopitov et al.	Mar 1963	A
3166072	Sullivan, Jr.	Jan 1965	A
3180236	Beckett	Apr 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
3269631	Takaro	Aug 1966	A
3275211	Hirsch et al.	Sep 1966	A
3315863	O'Dea	Apr 1967	A
3317103	Cullen et al.	May 1967	A
3317105	Astafjev et al.	May 1967	A
3357296	Lefever	Dec 1967	A
3359978	Smith, Jr.	Dec 1967	A
3377893	Shorb	Apr 1968	A
3480193	Ralston	Nov 1969	A
3490675	Green et al.	Jan 1970	A
3494533	Green et al.	Feb 1970	A
3499591	Green	Mar 1970	A
3503396	Green	Mar 1970	A
3509629	Kidokoro	May 1970	A
3551987	Wilkinson	Jan 1971	A
3568675	Harvey	Mar 1971	A
3572159	Tschanz	Mar 1971	A
3583393	Takahashi	Jun 1971	A
3589589	Akopov	Jun 1971	A
3598943	Barrett	Aug 1971	A
3608549	Merrill	Sep 1971	A
3618842	Bryan	Nov 1971	A
3638652	Kelley	Feb 1972	A
3640317	Panfili	Feb 1972	A
3643851	Green et al.	Feb 1972	A
3650453	Smith, Jr.	Mar 1972	A
3661339	Shimizu	May 1972	A
3661666	Foster et al.	May 1972	A
3662939	Bryan	May 1972	A
3688966	Perkins et al.	Sep 1972	A
3695646	Mommsen	Oct 1972	A
3709221	Riely	Jan 1973	A
3717294	Green	Feb 1973	A
3724237	Wood	Apr 1973	A
3726755	Shannon	Apr 1973	A
3727904	Gabbey	Apr 1973	A
3734207	Fishbein	May 1973	A
3740994	De Carlo, Jr.	Jun 1973	A
3744495	Johnson	Jul 1973	A
3746002	Haller	Jul 1973	A
3747603	Adler	Jul 1973	A
3747692	Davidson	Jul 1973	A
3751902	Kingsbury et al.	Aug 1973	A
3752161	Bent	Aug 1973	A
3799151	Fukaumi et al.	Mar 1974	A
3808452	Hutchinson	Apr 1974	A
3815476	Green et al.	Jun 1974	A
3819100	Noiles et al.	Jun 1974	A
3821919	Knohl	Jul 1974	A
3826978	Kelly	Jul 1974	A
3836171	Hayashi et al.	Sep 1974	A
3837555	Green	Sep 1974	A
3841474	Maier	Oct 1974	A
3851196	Hinds	Nov 1974	A
3863639	Kleaveland	Feb 1975	A
3863940	Cummings	Feb 1975	A
3883624	McKenzie et al.	May 1975	A
3885491	Curtis	May 1975	A
3887393	La Rue, Jr.	Jun 1975	A
3892228	Mitsui	Jul 1975	A
3894174	Cartun	Jul 1975	A
3902247	Fleer et al.	Sep 1975	A
3940844	Colby et al.	Mar 1976	A
3944163	Hayashi et al.	Mar 1976	A
3950686	Randall	Apr 1976	A
3952747	Kimmell, Jr.	Apr 1976	A
3955581	Spasiano et al.	May 1976	A
3959879	Sellers	Jun 1976	A
RE28932	Noiles et al.	Aug 1976	E
3972734	King	Aug 1976	A
3973179	Weber et al.	Aug 1976	A
3981051	Brumlik	Sep 1976	A
3999110	Ramstrom et al.	Dec 1976	A
4025216	Hives	May 1977	A
4027746	Kine	Jun 1977	A
4034143	Sweet	Jul 1977	A
4038987	Komiya	Aug 1977	A
4054108	Gill	Oct 1977	A
4060089	Noiles	Nov 1977	A
4066133	Voss	Jan 1978	A
4085337	Moeller	Apr 1978	A
4100820	Evett	Jul 1978	A
4106446	Yamada et al.	Aug 1978	A
4106620	Brimmer et al.	Aug 1978	A
4108211	Tanaka	Aug 1978	A
4111206	Vishnevsky et al.	Sep 1978	A
4127227	Green	Nov 1978	A
4129059	Van Eck	Dec 1978	A
4132146	Uhlig	Jan 1979	A
4135517	Reale	Jan 1979	A
4154122	Severin	May 1979	A
4160857	Nardella et al.	Jul 1979	A
4169990	Lerdman	Oct 1979	A
4180285	Reneau	Dec 1979	A
4185701	Boys	Jan 1980	A
4190042	Sinnreich	Feb 1980	A
4198734	Brumlik	Apr 1980	A
4198982	Fortner et al.	Apr 1980	A
4203444	Bonnell et al.	May 1980	A
4207898	Becht	Jun 1980	A
4213562	Garrett et al.	Jul 1980	A
4226242	Jarvik	Oct 1980	A
4239431	Davini	Dec 1980	A
4241861	Fleischer	Dec 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
4274398	Scott, Jr.	Jun 1981	A
4275813	Noiles	Jun 1981	A
4278091	Borzone	Jul 1981	A
4282573	Imai et al.	Aug 1981	A
4289131	Mueller	Sep 1981	A
4289133	Rothfuss	Sep 1981	A
4290542	Fedotov et al.	Sep 1981	A
D261356	Robinson	Oct 1981	S
4293604	Campbell	Oct 1981	A
4296654	Mercer	Oct 1981	A
4296881	Lee	Oct 1981	A
4304236	Conta et al.	Dec 1981	A
4305539	Korolkov et al.	Dec 1981	A
4312363	Rothfuss et al.	Jan 1982	A
4312685	Riedl	Jan 1982	A
4317451	Cerwin et al.	Mar 1982	A
4319576	Rothfuss	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
4348603	Huber	Sep 1982	A
4349028	Green	Sep 1982	A
4350151	Scott	Sep 1982	A
4353371	Cosman	Oct 1982	A
4357940	Muller	Nov 1982	A
4361057	Kochera	Nov 1982	A
4366544	Shima et al.	Dec 1982	A
4369013	Abildgaard et al.	Jan 1983	A
4373147	Carlson, Jr.	Feb 1983	A
4376380	Burgess	Mar 1983	A
4379457	Gravener et al.	Apr 1983	A
4380312	Landrus	Apr 1983	A
4382326	Rabuse	May 1983	A
4383634	Green	May 1983	A
4389963	Pearson	Jun 1983	A
4393728	Larson et al.	Jul 1983	A
4394613	Cole	Jul 1983	A
4396139	Hall et al.	Aug 1983	A
4397311	Kanshin et al.	Aug 1983	A
4402445	Green	Sep 1983	A
4406621	Bailey	Sep 1983	A
4408692	Sigel et al.	Oct 1983	A
4409057	Molenda et al.	Oct 1983	A
4415112	Green	Nov 1983	A
4416276	Newton et al.	Nov 1983	A
4417890	Dennehey et al.	Nov 1983	A
4421264	Arter et al.	Dec 1983	A
4423456	Zaidenweber	Dec 1983	A
4425915	Ivanov	Jan 1984	A
4428376	Mericle	Jan 1984	A
4429695	Green	Feb 1984	A
4430997	DiGiovanni et al.	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
4452376	Klieman et al.	Jun 1984	A
4454887	Kruger	Jun 1984	A
4459519	Erdman	Jul 1984	A
4461305	Cibley	Jul 1984	A
4467805	Fukuda	Aug 1984	A
4468597	Baumard et al.	Aug 1984	A
4469481	Kobayashi	Sep 1984	A
4470414	Imagawa et al.	Sep 1984	A
4471780	Menges et al.	Sep 1984	A
4471781	Di Giovanni et al.	Sep 1984	A
4473077	Noiles et al.	Sep 1984	A
4475679	Fleury, Jr.	Oct 1984	A
4476864	Tezel	Oct 1984	A
4478220	Di Giovanni et al.	Oct 1984	A
4480641	Failla et al.	Nov 1984	A
4481458	Lane	Nov 1984	A
4483562	Schoolman	Nov 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
4493983	Taggert	Jan 1985	A
4494057	Hotta	Jan 1985	A
4499895	Takayama	Feb 1985	A
4500024	DiGiovanni et al.	Feb 1985	A
D278081	Green	Mar 1985	S
4503842	Takayama	Mar 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
4514477	Kobayashi	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
4530357	Pawloski et al.	Jul 1985	A
4530453	Green	Jul 1985	A
4531522	Bedi et al.	Jul 1985	A
4532927	Miksza, Jr.	Aug 1985	A
4540202	Amphoux et al.	Sep 1985	A
4548202	Duncan	Oct 1985	A
4556058	Green	Dec 1985	A
4560915	Soultanian	Dec 1985	A
4565109	Tsay	Jan 1986	A
4565189	Mabuchi	Jan 1986	A
4566620	Green et al.	Jan 1986	A
4569346	Poirier	Feb 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
4576165	Green et al.	Mar 1986	A
4576167	Noiles	Mar 1986	A
4580712	Green	Apr 1986	A
4585153	Failla et al.	Apr 1986	A
4586501	Claracq	May 1986	A
4586502	Bedi et al.	May 1986	A
4589416	Green	May 1986	A
4589582	Bilotti	May 1986	A
4589870	Citrin et al.	May 1986	A
4591085	Di Giovanni	May 1986	A
RE32214	Schramm	Jul 1986	E
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
4607636	Kula et al.	Aug 1986	A
4607638	Crainich	Aug 1986	A
4608980	Aihara	Sep 1986	A
4608981	Rothfuss et al.	Sep 1986	A
4610250	Green	Sep 1986	A
4610383	Rothfuss et al.	Sep 1986	A
4612933	Brinkerhoff et al.	Sep 1986	A
D286180	Korthoff	Oct 1986	S
D286442	Korthoff et al.	Oct 1986	S
4617893	Donner et al.	Oct 1986	A
4617914	Ueda	Oct 1986	A
4619262	Taylor	Oct 1986	A
4619391	Sharkany et al.	Oct 1986	A
4624401	Gassner et al.	Nov 1986	A
D287278	Spreckelmeier	Dec 1986	S
4628459	Shinohara et al.	Dec 1986	A
4628636	Folger	Dec 1986	A
4629107	Fedotov et al.	Dec 1986	A
4632290	Green et al.	Dec 1986	A
4633861	Chow et al.	Jan 1987	A
4633874	Chow et al.	Jan 1987	A
4634419	Kreizman et al.	Jan 1987	A
4635638	Weintraub et al.	Jan 1987	A
4641076	Linden	Feb 1987	A
4642618	Johnson et al.	Feb 1987	A
4642738	Meller	Feb 1987	A
4643173	Bell et al.	Feb 1987	A
4643731	Eckenhoff	Feb 1987	A
4646722	Silverstein et al.	Mar 1987	A
4646745	Noiles	Mar 1987	A
4651734	Doss et al.	Mar 1987	A
4652820	Maresca	Mar 1987	A
4654028	Suma	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
4671278	Chin	Jun 1987	A
4671280	Dorband et al.	Jun 1987	A
4671445	Barker et al.	Jun 1987	A
4672964	Dee et al.	Jun 1987	A
4675944	Wells	Jun 1987	A
4676245	Fukuda	Jun 1987	A
4679460	Yoshigai	Jul 1987	A
4679719	Kramer	Jul 1987	A
4684051	Akopov et al.	Aug 1987	A
4688555	Wardle	Aug 1987	A
4691703	Auth et al.	Sep 1987	A
4693248	Failla	Sep 1987	A
4698579	Richter et al.	Oct 1987	A
4700703	Resnick et al.	Oct 1987	A
4705038	Sjostrom et al.	Nov 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
4721099	Chikama	Jan 1988	A
4722340	Takayama et al.	Feb 1988	A
4724840	McVay et al.	Feb 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
4744363	Hasson	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
4755070	Cerutti	Jul 1988	A
4761326	Barnes et al.	Aug 1988	A
4763669	Jaeger	Aug 1988	A
4767044	Green	Aug 1988	A
D297764	Hunt et al.	Sep 1988	S
4773420	Green	Sep 1988	A
4777780	Holzwarth	Oct 1988	A
4781186	Simpson et al.	Nov 1988	A
4784137	Kulik et al.	Nov 1988	A
4787387	Burbank, III et al.	Nov 1988	A
4788485	Kawagishi et al.	Nov 1988	A
D298967	Hunt	Dec 1988	S
4790225	Moody et al.	Dec 1988	A
4790314	Weaver	Dec 1988	A
4805617	Bedi et al.	Feb 1989	A
4805823	Rothfuss	Feb 1989	A
4807628	Peters et al.	Feb 1989	A
4809695	Gwathmey et al.	Mar 1989	A
4815460	Porat et al.	Mar 1989	A
4817643	Olson	Apr 1989	A
4817847	Redtenbacher et al.	Apr 1989	A
4819853	Green	Apr 1989	A
4821939	Green	Apr 1989	A
4827552	Bojar et al.	May 1989	A
4827911	Broadwin et al.	May 1989	A
4828542	Hermann	May 1989	A
4828944	Yabe et al.	May 1989	A
4830855	Stewart	May 1989	A
4832158	Farrar et al.	May 1989	A
4833937	Nagano	May 1989	A
4834096	Oh et al.	May 1989	A
4834720	Blinkhorn	May 1989	A
4838859	Strassmann	Jun 1989	A
4844068	Arata et al.	Jul 1989	A
4848637	Pruitt	Jul 1989	A
4856078	Konopka	Aug 1989	A
4860644	Kohl et al.	Aug 1989	A
4862891	Smith	Sep 1989	A
4863423	Wallace	Sep 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
4894051	Shiber	Jan 1990	A
4896584	Stoll et al.	Jan 1990	A
4896678	Ogawa	Jan 1990	A
4900303	Lemelson	Feb 1990	A
4903697	Resnick et al.	Feb 1990	A
4909789	Taguchi et al.	Mar 1990	A
4915100	Green	Apr 1990	A
4919679	Averill et al.	Apr 1990	A
4921479	Grayzel	May 1990	A
4925082	Kim	May 1990	A
4928699	Sasai	May 1990	A
4930503	Pruitt	Jun 1990	A
4930674	Barak	Jun 1990	A
4931047	Broadwin et al.	Jun 1990	A
4931737	Hishiki	Jun 1990	A
4932960	Green et al.	Jun 1990	A
4933800	Yang	Jun 1990	A
4933843	Scheller et al.	Jun 1990	A
D309350	Sutherland et al.	Jul 1990	S
4938408	Bedi et al.	Jul 1990	A
4941623	Pruitt	Jul 1990	A
4943182	Hoblingre	Jul 1990	A
4944443	Oddsen et al.	Jul 1990	A
4946067	Kelsall	Aug 1990	A
4948327	Crupi, Jr.	Aug 1990	A
4949707	LeVahn et al.	Aug 1990	A
4951860	Peters et al.	Aug 1990	A
4951861	Schulze et al.	Aug 1990	A
4954960	Lo et al.	Sep 1990	A
4955959	Tompkins et al.	Sep 1990	A
4957212	Duck et al.	Sep 1990	A
4962681	Yang	Oct 1990	A
4962877	Hervas	Oct 1990	A
4964559	Deniega et al.	Oct 1990	A
4964863	Kanshin et al.	Oct 1990	A
4965709	Ngo	Oct 1990	A
4970656	Lo et al.	Nov 1990	A
4973274	Hirukawa	Nov 1990	A
4973302	Armour et al.	Nov 1990	A
4976173	Yang	Dec 1990	A
4978049	Green	Dec 1990	A
4978333	Broadwin et al.	Dec 1990	A
4979952	Kubota et al.	Dec 1990	A
4984564	Yuen	Jan 1991	A
4986808	Broadwin et al.	Jan 1991	A
4987049	Komamura et al.	Jan 1991	A
4988334	Hornlein et al.	Jan 1991	A
4995877	Ams et al.	Feb 1991	A
4995959	Metzner	Feb 1991	A
4996975	Nakamura	Mar 1991	A
5001649	Lo et al.	Mar 1991	A
5002543	Bradshaw et al.	Mar 1991	A
5002553	Shiber	Mar 1991	A
5005754	Van Overloop	Apr 1991	A
5009222	Her	Apr 1991	A
5009661	Michelson	Apr 1991	A
5012411	Policastro et al.	Apr 1991	A
5014898	Heidrich	May 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
5024652	Dumenek et al.	Jun 1991	A
5024671	Tu et al.	Jun 1991	A
5025559	McCullough	Jun 1991	A
5027834	Pruitt	Jul 1991	A
5030226	Green et al.	Jul 1991	A
5031814	Tompkins et al.	Jul 1991	A
5033552	Hu	Jul 1991	A
5035040	Kerrigan et al.	Jul 1991	A
5037018	Matsuda et al.	Aug 1991	A
5038109	Goble et al.	Aug 1991	A
5038247	Kelley et al.	Aug 1991	A
5040715	Green et al.	Aug 1991	A
5042707	Taheri	Aug 1991	A
5056953	Marot et al.	Oct 1991	A
5060658	Dejter, Jr. et al.	Oct 1991	A
5061269	Muller	Oct 1991	A
5062491	Takeshima et al.	Nov 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
5077506	Krause	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
5089606	Cole et al.	Feb 1992	A
5094247	Hernandez et al.	Mar 1992	A
5098004	Kerrigan	Mar 1992	A
5098360	Hirota	Mar 1992	A
5100042	Gravener 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
5104400	Berguer et al.	Apr 1992	A
5106008	Tompkins et al.	Apr 1992	A
5108368	Hammerslag et al.	Apr 1992	A
5109722	Hufnagle et al.	May 1992	A
5111987	Moeinzadeh et al.	May 1992	A
5116349	Aranyi	May 1992	A
D327323	Hunt	Jun 1992	S
5119009	McCaleb et al.	Jun 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
5151102	Kamiyama 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
5158222	Green et al.	Oct 1992	A
5158567	Green	Oct 1992	A
D330699	Gill	Nov 1992	S
5163598	Peters et al.	Nov 1992	A
5168605	Bartlett	Dec 1992	A
5170925	Madden et al.	Dec 1992	A
5171247	Hughett et al.	Dec 1992	A
5171249	Stefanchik et al.	Dec 1992	A
5171253	Klieman	Dec 1992	A
5173053	Swanson et al.	Dec 1992	A
5173133	Morin et al.	Dec 1992	A
5176677	Wuchinich	Jan 1993	A
5176688	Narayan et al.	Jan 1993	A
5181514	Solomon et al.	Jan 1993	A
5187422	Izenbaard et al.	Feb 1993	A
5188102	Idemoto et al.	Feb 1993	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
5190657	Heagle et al.	Mar 1993	A
5192288	Thompson et al.	Mar 1993	A
5193731	Aranyi	Mar 1993	A
5195505	Josefsen	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
5197970	Green et al.	Mar 1993	A
5200280	Karasa	Apr 1993	A
5201750	Hocherl et al.	Apr 1993	A
5205459	Brinkerhoff et al.	Apr 1993	A
5207672	Roth et al.	May 1993	A
5207697	Carusillo et al.	May 1993	A
5209747	Knoepfler	May 1993	A
5209756	Seedhom et al.	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
5220269	Chen et al.	Jun 1993	A
5221036	Takase	Jun 1993	A
5221281	Klicek	Jun 1993	A
5222945	Basnight	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
D338729	Sprecklemeier et al.	Aug 1993	S
5234447	Kaster et al.	Aug 1993	A
5236269	Handy	Aug 1993	A
5236424	Imran	Aug 1993	A
5236440	Hlavacek	Aug 1993	A
5239981	Anapliotis	Aug 1993	A
5240163	Stein et al.	Aug 1993	A
5242456	Nash et al.	Sep 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
5258007	Spetzler et al.	Nov 1993	A
5258008	Wilk	Nov 1993	A
5258009	Conners	Nov 1993	A
5258010	Green et al.	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
5261135	Mitchell	Nov 1993	A
5261877	Fine et al.	Nov 1993	A
5261922	Hood	Nov 1993	A
5263629	Trumbull et al.	Nov 1993	A
5263937	Shipp	Nov 1993	A
5263973	Cook	Nov 1993	A
5264218	Rogozinski	Nov 1993	A
5268622	Philipp	Dec 1993	A
5269794	Rexroth	Dec 1993	A
5271543	Grant et al.	Dec 1993	A
5271544	Fox et al.	Dec 1993	A
RE34519	Fox et al.	Jan 1994	E
5275322	Brinkerhoff et al.	Jan 1994	A
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
5281400	Berry, Jr.	Jan 1994	A
5282806	Haber et al.	Feb 1994	A
5282826	Quadri	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
5286253	Fucci	Feb 1994	A
5289963	McGarry et al.	Mar 1994	A
5290271	Jernberg	Mar 1994	A
5290310	Makower et al.	Mar 1994	A
5291133	Gokhale et al.	Mar 1994	A
5292053	Bilotti et al.	Mar 1994	A
5293024	Sugahara et al.	Mar 1994	A
5297714	Kramer	Mar 1994	A
5303606	Kokinda	Apr 1994	A
5304204	Bregen	Apr 1994	A
D347474	Olson	May 1994	S
5307976	Olson et al.	May 1994	A
5308353	Beurrier	May 1994	A
5308358	Bond et al.	May 1994	A
5308576	Green et al.	May 1994	A
5309387	Mori	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
5313935	Kortenbach et al.	May 1994	A
5313967	Lieber et al.	May 1994	A
5314424	Nicholas	May 1994	A
5314445	Heidmueller nee Degwitz et al.	May 1994	A
5314466	Stern et al.	May 1994	A
5318221	Green et al.	Jun 1994	A
5320627	Sorensen et al.	Jun 1994	A
D348930	Olson	Jul 1994	S
5326013	Green et al.	Jul 1994	A
5329923	Lundquist	Jul 1994	A
5330486	Wilk	Jul 1994	A
5330487	Thornton et al.	Jul 1994	A
5330502	Hassler et al.	Jul 1994	A
5331971	Bales 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
5336130	Ray	Aug 1994	A
5336229	Noda	Aug 1994	A
5336232	Green et al.	Aug 1994	A
5338317	Hasson et al.	Aug 1994	A
5339799	Kami et al.	Aug 1994	A
5341724	Vatel	Aug 1994	A
5341807	Nardella	Aug 1994	A
5341810	Dardel	Aug 1994	A
5342380	Hood	Aug 1994	A
5342381	Tidemand	Aug 1994	A
5342385	Norelli et al.	Aug 1994	A
5342395	Jarrett et al.	Aug 1994	A
5342396	Cook	Aug 1994	A
5343382	Hale et al.	Aug 1994	A
5343391	Mushabac	Aug 1994	A
5344059	Green et al.	Sep 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
5350104	Main et al.	Sep 1994	A
5350355	Sklar	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
5353798	Sieben	Oct 1994	A
5354250	Christensen	Oct 1994	A
5354303	Spaeth et al.	Oct 1994	A
5356006	Alpern et al.	Oct 1994	A
5356064	Green 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
5359993	Slater et al.	Nov 1994	A
5360305	Kerrigan	Nov 1994	A
5360428	Hutchinson, Jr.	Nov 1994	A
5361902	Abidin et al.	Nov 1994	A
5364001	Bryan	Nov 1994	A
5364002	Green et al.	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
5369565	Chen 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
5375588	Yoon	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
5381943	Allen et al.	Jan 1995	A
5382247	Cimino et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383460	Jang et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383874	Jackson et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383880	Hooven	Jan 1995	A
5383881	Green et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383882	Buess et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383888	Zvenyatsky et al.	Jan 1995	A
5383895	Holmes et al.	Jan 1995	A
5388568	van der Heide	Feb 1995	A
5389098	Tsuruta et al.	Feb 1995	A
5389102	Green 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 et al.	Mar 1995	A
5397046	Savage et al.	Mar 1995	A
5397324	Carroll et al.	Mar 1995	A
5400267	Denen et al.	Mar 1995	A
5403276	Schechter et al.	Apr 1995	A
5403312	Yates et al.	Apr 1995	A
5404106	Matsuda	Apr 1995	A
5404870	Brinkerhoff et al.	Apr 1995	A
5404960	Wada 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 et al.	Apr 1995	A
5409498	Braddock et al.	Apr 1995	A
5409703	McAnalley et al.	Apr 1995	A
D357981	Green et al.	May 1995	S
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 et al.	May 1995	A
5415335	Knodell, Jr.	May 1995	A
5417203	Tovey et al.	May 1995	A
5417361	Williamson, IV	May 1995	A
5419766	Chang et al.	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
5423835	Green et al.	Jun 1995	A
5425355	Kulick	Jun 1995	A
5425745	Green et al.	Jun 1995	A
5427298	Tegtmeier	Jun 1995	A
5431322	Green et al.	Jul 1995	A
5431323	Smith et al.	Jul 1995	A
5431645	Smith 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
5438997	Sieben et al.	Aug 1995	A
5439155	Viola	Aug 1995	A
5439156	Grant et al.	Aug 1995	A
5439479	Shichman 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
5441499	Fritzsch	Aug 1995	A
5443197	Malis et al.	Aug 1995	A
5443198	Viola et al.	Aug 1995	A
5443463	Stern et al.	Aug 1995	A
5444113	Sinclair et al.	Aug 1995	A
5445155	Sieben	Aug 1995	A
5445304	Plyley et al.	Aug 1995	A
5445604	Lang	Aug 1995	A
5445644	Pietrafitta et al.	Aug 1995	A
5446646	Miyazaki	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
5454822	Schob et al.	Oct 1995	A
5454827	Aust et al.	Oct 1995	A
5456401	Green et al.	Oct 1995	A
5456917	Wise et al.	Oct 1995	A
5458279	Plyley	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
5465819	Weilant et al.	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
5470008	Rodak	Nov 1995	A
5470009	Rodak	Nov 1995	A
5470010	Rothfuss et al.	Nov 1995	A
5471129	Mann	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
5474570	Kockerling et al.	Dec 1995	A
5474738	Nichols et al.	Dec 1995	A
5476206	Green et al.	Dec 1995	A
5476479	Green et al.	Dec 1995	A
5476481	Schondorf	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
5483952	Aranyi	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
5487377	Smith et al.	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
5489290	Furnish	Feb 1996	A
5490819	Nicholas et al.	Feb 1996	A
5492671	Krafft	Feb 1996	A
5496312	Klicek	Mar 1996	A
5496317	Goble et al.	Mar 1996	A
5497933	DeFonzo et al.	Mar 1996	A
5498164	Ward et al.	Mar 1996	A
5498838	Furman	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
5507425	Ziglioli	Apr 1996	A
5507426	Young et al.	Apr 1996	A
5507773	Huitema et al.	Apr 1996	A
5509596	Green et al.	Apr 1996	A
5509916	Taylor	Apr 1996	A
5509918	Romano	Apr 1996	A
5511564	Wilk	Apr 1996	A
5514129	Smith	May 1996	A
5514149	Green et al.	May 1996	A
5514157	Nicholas et al.	May 1996	A
5518163	Hooven	May 1996	A
5518164	Hooven	May 1996	A
5520609	Moll et al.	May 1996	A
5520634	Fox et al.	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
5527264	Moll 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
5531856	Moll 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
5540705	Meade et al.	Jul 1996	A
5541376	Ladtkow et al.	Jul 1996	A
5541489	Dunstan	Jul 1996	A
5542594	McKean et al.	Aug 1996	A
5542945	Fritzsch	Aug 1996	A
5542949	Yoon	Aug 1996	A
5543119	Sutter et al.	Aug 1996	A
5543695	Culp et al.	Aug 1996	A
5544802	Crainich	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
5553624	Francese et al.	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
5556020	Hou	Sep 1996	A
5556416	Clark et al.	Sep 1996	A
5558533	Hashizawa 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
5573169	Green 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
5578052	Koros et al.	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
5582907	Pall	Dec 1996	A
5583114	Barrows 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
5601604	Vincent	Feb 1997	A
5602449	Krause 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
5607436	Pratt et al.	Mar 1997	A
5607450	Zvenyatsky et al.	Mar 1997	A
5607474	Athanasiou et al.	Mar 1997	A
5609285	Grant et al.	Mar 1997	A
5609601	Kolesa et al.	Mar 1997	A
5611709	McAnulty	Mar 1997	A
5613499	Palmer et al.	Mar 1997	A
5613937	Garrison et al.	Mar 1997	A
5613966	Makower et al.	Mar 1997	A
5614887	Buchbinder	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
5620326	Younker	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
5626979	Mitsui 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
5631973	Green	May 1997	A
5632432	Schulze et al.	May 1997	A
5632433	Grant et al.	May 1997	A
5633374	Humphrey et al.	May 1997	A
5634584	Okorocha et al.	Jun 1997	A
5636779	Palmer	Jun 1997	A
5636780	Green et al.	Jun 1997	A
5638582	Klatt et al.	Jun 1997	A
5639008	Gallagher et al.	Jun 1997	A
D381077	Hunt	Jul 1997	S
5643291	Pier et al.	Jul 1997	A
5643293	Kogasaka et al.	Jul 1997	A
5643294	Tovey et al.	Jul 1997	A
5643319	Green 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
5651762	Bridges	Jul 1997	A
5651821	Uchida	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
5653748	Strecker	Aug 1997	A
5655698	Yoon	Aug 1997	A
5657417	Di Troia	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
5658298	Vincent et al.	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
5662667	Knodel	Sep 1997	A
5664404	Ivanov 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
5667864	Landoll	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
5672945	Krause	Sep 1997	A
5673840	Schulze et al.	Oct 1997	A
5673841	Schulze et al.	Oct 1997	A
5673842	Bittner et al.	Oct 1997	A
5674184	Hassler, Jr.	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
5681341	Lunsford 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
5690675	Sawyer 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
5700276	Benecke	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
5709335	Heck	Jan 1998	A
5709680	Yates et al.	Jan 1998	A
5709706	Kienzle et al.	Jan 1998	A
5711472	Bryan	Jan 1998	A
5711960	Shikinami	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
5715604	Lanzoni	Feb 1998	A
5715836	Kliegis et al.	Feb 1998	A
5715987	Kelley et al.	Feb 1998	A
5715988	Palmer	Feb 1998	A
5716352	Viola et al.	Feb 1998	A
5716366	Yates	Feb 1998	A
5718359	Palmer et al.	Feb 1998	A
5718360	Green et al.	Feb 1998	A
5718548	Cotellessa	Feb 1998	A
5718714	Livneh	Feb 1998	A
5720744	Eggleston et al.	Feb 1998	A
D393067	Geary et al.	Mar 1998	S
5724025	Tavori	Mar 1998	A
5725536	Oberlin et al.	Mar 1998	A
5725554	Simon et al.	Mar 1998	A
5728110	Vidal et al.	Mar 1998	A
5728113	Sherts	Mar 1998	A
5728121	Bimbo et al.	Mar 1998	A
5730758	Allgeyer	Mar 1998	A
5732712	Adair	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
5736271	Cisar et al.	Apr 1998	A
5738474	Blewett	Apr 1998	A
5738629	Moll et al.	Apr 1998	A
5738648	Lands et al.	Apr 1998	A
5741271	Nakao 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
5749896	Cook	May 1998	A
5749968	Melanson et al.	May 1998	A
5752644	Bolanos et al.	May 1998	A
5752965	Francis et al.	May 1998	A
5752970	Yoon	May 1998	A
5752973	Kieturakis	May 1998	A
5755717	Yates et al.	May 1998	A
5755726	Pratt 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
5762458	Wang et al.	Jun 1998	A
5765565	Adair	Jun 1998	A
5766186	Faraz et al.	Jun 1998	A
5766188	Igaki	Jun 1998	A
5766205	Zvenyatsky et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769303	Knodel et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769640	Jacobus et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769748	Eyerly et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769791	Benaron et al.	Jun 1998	A
5769892	Kingwell	Jun 1998	A
5772099	Gravener	Jun 1998	A
5772379	Evensen	Jun 1998	A
5772578	Heimberger et al.	Jun 1998	A
5772659	Becker et al.	Jun 1998	A
5773991	Chen	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
5782748	Palmer et al.	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
5791231	Cohn et al.	Aug 1998	A
5792135	Madhani et al.	Aug 1998	A
5792162	Jolly et al.	Aug 1998	A
5792165	Klieman et al.	Aug 1998	A
5792573	Pitzen 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
5797637	Ervin	Aug 1998	A
5797900	Madhani et al.	Aug 1998	A
5797906	Rhum et al.	Aug 1998	A
5797927	Yoon	Aug 1998	A
5797941	Schulze 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
5804726	Geib et al.	Sep 1998	A
5804936	Brodsky et al.	Sep 1998	A
5806676	Wasgien	Sep 1998	A
5807241	Heimberger	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
5812188	Adair	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
5827323	Klieman et al.	Oct 1998	A
5829662	Allen et al.	Nov 1998	A
5830598	Patterson	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
5839369	Chatterjee et al.	Nov 1998	A
5839639	Sauer et al.	Nov 1998	A
5841284	Takahashi	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
5847566	Marritt et al.	Dec 1998	A
5849011	Jones et al.	Dec 1998	A
5849020	Long et al.	Dec 1998	A
5849023	Mericle	Dec 1998	A
5851179	Ritson et al.	Dec 1998	A
5851212	Zirps et al.	Dec 1998	A
5853366	Dowlatshahi	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
5865638	Trafton	Feb 1999	A
5868361	Rinderer	Feb 1999	A
5868664	Speier et al.	Feb 1999	A
5868760	McGuckin, Jr.	Feb 1999	A
5868790	Vincent et al.	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
5881777	Bassi et al.	Mar 1999	A
5881943	Heck et al.	Mar 1999	A
5891094	Masterson et al.	Apr 1999	A
5891160	Williamson, IV et al.	Apr 1999	A
5891558	Bell 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
5899824	Kurtz et al.	May 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
5906577	Beane et al.	May 1999	A
5906625	Bito et al.	May 1999	A
5907211	Hall et al.	May 1999	A
5907664	Wang et al.	May 1999	A
5908402	Blythe	Jun 1999	A
5908427	McKean et al.	Jun 1999	A
5909062	Krietzman	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
5924864	Loge et al.	Jul 1999	A
5928137	Green	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
5946978	Yamashita	Sep 1999	A
5947984	Whipple	Sep 1999	A
5947996	Logeman	Sep 1999	A
5948030	Miller et al.	Sep 1999	A
5948429	Bell et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951301	Younker	Sep 1999	A
5951516	Bunyan	Sep 1999	A
5951552	Long et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951574	Stefanchik et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951575	Bolduc et al.	Sep 1999	A
5951581	Saadat et al.	Sep 1999	A
5954259	Viola et al.	Sep 1999	A
5957831	Adair	Sep 1999	A
5964394	Robertson	Oct 1999	A
5964774	McKean et al.	Oct 1999	A
5966126	Szabo	Oct 1999	A
5971916	Koren	Oct 1999	A
5973221	Collyer et al.	Oct 1999	A
D416089	Barton et al.	Nov 1999	S
5976122	Madhani et al.	Nov 1999	A
5977746	Hershberger et al.	Nov 1999	A
5980248	Kusakabe et al.	Nov 1999	A
5984949	Levin	Nov 1999	A
5988479	Palmer	Nov 1999	A
5990379	Gregory	Nov 1999	A
5993466	Yoon	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
6007521	Bidwell et al.	Dec 1999	A
6010054	Johnson et al.	Jan 2000	A
6010513	Tormala et al.	Jan 2000	A
6010520	Pattison	Jan 2000	A
6012494	Balazs	Jan 2000	A
6013076	Goble et al.	Jan 2000	A
6013991	Philipp	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
6019745	Gray	Feb 2000	A
6019780	Lombardo et al.	Feb 2000	A
6022352	Vandewalle	Feb 2000	A
6023641	Thompson	Feb 2000	A
6024708	Bales et al.	Feb 2000	A
6024741	Williamson, IV et al.	Feb 2000	A
6024748	Manzo et al.	Feb 2000	A
6024750	Mastri et al.	Feb 2000	A
6024764	Schroeppel	Feb 2000	A
6027501	Goble et al.	Feb 2000	A
6030384	Nezhat	Feb 2000	A
6032849	Mastri et al.	Mar 2000	A
6033105	Barker et al.	Mar 2000	A
6033378	Lundquist et al.	Mar 2000	A
6033399	Gines	Mar 2000	A
6033427	Lee	Mar 2000	A
6036641	Taylor et al.	Mar 2000	A
6036667	Manna et al.	Mar 2000	A
6037724	Buss et al.	Mar 2000	A
6037927	Rosenberg	Mar 2000	A
6039126	Hsieh	Mar 2000	A
6039733	Buysse et al.	Mar 2000	A
6039734	Goble	Mar 2000	A
6042601	Smith	Mar 2000	A
6042607	Williamson, IV et al.	Mar 2000	A
6043626	Snyder et al.	Mar 2000	A
6045560	McKean et al.	Apr 2000	A
6047861	Vidal et al.	Apr 2000	A
6049145	Austin et al.	Apr 2000	A
6050172	Corves et al.	Apr 2000	A
6050472	Shibata	Apr 2000	A
6050989	Fox et al.	Apr 2000	A
6050990	Tankovich et al.	Apr 2000	A
6050996	Schmaltz et al.	Apr 2000	A
6053390	Green et al.	Apr 2000	A
6053899	Slanda et al.	Apr 2000	A
6053922	Krause et al.	Apr 2000	A
6054142	Li et al.	Apr 2000	A
6055062	Dina 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
6059806	Hoegerle	May 2000	A
6062360	Shields	May 2000	A
6063020	Jones et al.	May 2000	A
6063025	Bridges et al.	May 2000	A
6063050	Manna et al.	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
6066151	Miyawaki et al.	May 2000	A
6068627	Orszulak et al.	May 2000	A
6071233	Ishikawa et al.	Jun 2000	A
6072299	Kurle et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074386	Goble et al.	Jun 2000	A
6074401	Gardiner et al.	Jun 2000	A
6075441	Maloney	Jun 2000	A
6077280	Fossum	Jun 2000	A
6077286	Cuschieri et al.	Jun 2000	A
6077290	Marini	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
6083223	Baker	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
6090123	Culp et al.	Jul 2000	A
6093186	Goble	Jul 2000	A
D429252	Haitani et al.	Aug 2000	S
6099537	Sugai et al.	Aug 2000	A
6099551	Gabbay	Aug 2000	A
6102271	Longo et al.	Aug 2000	A
6102926	Tartaglia et al.	Aug 2000	A
6104162	Sainsbury et al.	Aug 2000	A
6104304	Clark et al.	Aug 2000	A
6106511	Jensen	Aug 2000	A
6109500	Alli et al.	Aug 2000	A
6110187	Donlon	Aug 2000	A
6113618	Nic	Sep 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
6123701	Nezhat	Sep 2000	A
H1904	Yates et al.	Oct 2000	H
RE36923	Hiroi et al.	Oct 2000	E
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
6134962	Sugitani	Oct 2000	A
6139546	Koenig et al.	Oct 2000	A
6142149	Steen	Nov 2000	A
6142933	Longo et al.	Nov 2000	A
6147135	Yuan et al.	Nov 2000	A
6149660	Laufer et al.	Nov 2000	A
6151323	O'Connell 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
6157169	Lee	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
6162220	Nezhat	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
6167185	Smiley 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
6173074	Russo	Jan 2001	B1
6174308	Goble et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6174309	Wrublewski et al.	Jan 2001	B1
6174318	Bates 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
6185356	Parker et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6186142	Schmidt et al.	Feb 2001	B1
6186957	Milam	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
6200311	Danek et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6200330	Benderev et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6202914	Geiste et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206894	Thompson et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206897	Jamiolkowski et al.	Mar 2001	B1
6206903	Ramans	Mar 2001	B1
6206904	Ouchi	Mar 2001	B1
6209414	Uneme	Apr 2001	B1
6210403	Klicek	Apr 2001	B1
6211626	Lys et al.	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
6221007	Green	Apr 2001	B1
6221023	Matsuba et al.	Apr 2001	B1
6223100	Green	Apr 2001	B1
6223835	Habedank et al.	May 2001	B1
6224617	Saadat et al.	May 2001	B1
6228080	Gines	May 2001	B1
6228081	Goble	May 2001	B1
6228083	Lands et al.	May 2001	B1
6228084	Kirwan, Jr.	May 2001	B1
6228089	Wahrburg	May 2001	B1
6228098	Kayan et al.	May 2001	B1
6231565	Tovey et al.	May 2001	B1
6234178	Goble et al.	May 2001	B1
6237604	Burnside et al.	May 2001	B1
6238384	Peer	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
6251485	Harris et al.	Jun 2001	B1
D445745	Norman	Jul 2001	S
6254534	Butler et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6254619	Garabet et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6254642	Taylor	Jul 2001	B1
6258107	Balazs et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6261246	Pantages et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6261286	Goble et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6261679	Chen et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6264086	McGuckin, Jr.	Jul 2001	B1
6264087	Whitman	Jul 2001	B1
6264617	Bales et al.	Jul 2001	B1
6269997	Balazs et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6270508	Klieman et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6270916	Sink et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6273252	Mitchell	Aug 2001	B1
6273876	Klima et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6273897	Dalessandro et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6277114	Bullivant et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6280407	Manna et al.	Aug 2001	B1
6283981	Beaupre	Sep 2001	B1
6293927	McGuckin, Jr.	Sep 2001	B1
6293942	Goble et al.	Sep 2001	B1
6296640	Wampler et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6302311	Adams et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6302743	Chiu et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6305891	Burlingame	Oct 2001	B1
6306134	Goble et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6306149	Meade	Oct 2001	B1
6306424	Vyakarnam et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6309397	Julian et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6309400	Beaupre	Oct 2001	B2
6309403	Minor et al.	Oct 2001	B1
6312435	Wallace et al.	Nov 2001	B1
6315184	Whitman	Nov 2001	B1
6317616	Glossop	Nov 2001	B1
6319510	Yates	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
6325805	Ogilvie et al.	Dec 2001	B1
6325810	Hamilton et al.	Dec 2001	B1
6328498	Mersch	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
6348061	Whitman	Feb 2002	B1
6349868	Mattingly et al.	Feb 2002	B1
D454951	Bon	Mar 2002	S
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
6358263	Mark et al.	Mar 2002	B2
6358459	Ziegler et al.	Mar 2002	B1
6364828	Yeung et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6364877	Goble et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6364888	Niemeyer et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6366441	Ozawa et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6370981	Watarai	Apr 2002	B2
6371114	Schmidt et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6373152	Wang et al.	Apr 2002	B1
6377011	Ben-Ur	Apr 2002	B1
6383201	Dong	May 2002	B1
6387092	Burnside et al.	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
6394998	Wallace et al.	May 2002	B1
6398779	Buysse et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6398781	Goble et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6398797	Bombard et al.	Jun 2002	B2
6402766	Bowman et al.	Jun 2002	B2
6402780	Williamson, IV 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
6412639	Hickey	Jul 2002	B1
6413274	Pedros	Jul 2002	B1
6415542	Bates et al.	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
6424885	Niemeyer et al.	Jul 2002	B1
RE37814	Allgeyer	Aug 2002	E
6428070	Takanashi et al.	Aug 2002	B1
6428487	Burdorff 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
6436115	Beaupre	Aug 2002	B1
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
D462758	Epstein et al.	Sep 2002	S
6443973	Whitman	Sep 2002	B1
6445530	Baker	Sep 2002	B1
6447518	Krause et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6447523	Middleman et al.	Sep 2002	B1
6447799	Ullman	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
6457338	Frenken	Oct 2002	B1
6457625	Tormala et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6458077	Boebel et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6458142	Faller et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6458147	Cruise et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6460627	Below et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6468275	Wampler et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6468286	Mastri et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6471106	Reining	Oct 2002	B1
6471659	Eggers et al.	Oct 2002	B2
6478210	Adams et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6482200	Shippert	Nov 2002	B2
6482217	Pintor et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6485490	Wampler et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6485503	Jacobs et al.	Nov 2002	B2
6485667	Tan	Nov 2002	B1
6486286	McGall et al.	Nov 2002	B1
6488196	Fenton, Jr.	Dec 2002	B1
6488197	Whitman	Dec 2002	B1
6488659	Rosenman	Dec 2002	B1
6491201	Whitman	Dec 2002	B1
6491690	Goble et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6491701	Tierney et al.	Dec 2002	B2
6491702	Heilbrun et al.	Dec 2002	B2
6492785	Kasten et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6494882	Lebouitz et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6494885	Dhindsa	Dec 2002	B1
6494888	Laufer 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
6500189	Lang et al.	Dec 2002	B1
6500194	Benderev et al.	Dec 2002	B2
D468749	Friedman	Jan 2003	S
6503139	Coral	Jan 2003	B2
6503257	Grant et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6503259	Huxel et al.	Jan 2003	B2
6505768	Whitman	Jan 2003	B2
6506197	Rollero et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6506399	Donovan	Jan 2003	B2
6510854	Goble	Jan 2003	B2
6511468	Cragg et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6512360	Goto et al.	Jan 2003	B1
6514252	Nezhat et al.	Feb 2003	B2
6516073	Schulz et al.	Feb 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
6520971	Perry et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6520972	Peters	Feb 2003	B2
6522101	Malackowski	Feb 2003	B2
6524180	Simms et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6525499	Naganuma	Feb 2003	B2
D471206	Buzzard et al.	Mar 2003	S
6527782	Hogg et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6527785	Sancoff et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6530942	Fogarty et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6532958	Buan et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6533157	Whitman	Mar 2003	B1
6533723	Lockery et al.	Mar 2003	B1
6533784	Truckai et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6535764	Imran et al.	Mar 2003	B2
6539297	Weiberle et al.	Mar 2003	B2
D473239	Cockerill	Apr 2003	S
6539816	Kogiso et al.	Apr 2003	B2
6540737	Bacher et al.	Apr 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
6554844	Lee 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
6558429	Taylor	May 2003	B2
6561187	Schmidt et al.	May 2003	B2
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
6582364	Butler et al.	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
6585664	Burdorff et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6586898	King et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6587750	Gerbi et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6588277	Giordano et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6588643	Bolduc et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6588931	Betzner et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6589118	Soma et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6589164	Flaherty	Jul 2003	B1
6592538	Hotchkiss et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6592572	Suzuta	Jul 2003	B1
6592597	Grant et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6594552	Nowlin et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6595914	Kato	Jul 2003	B2
6596296	Nelson et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6596304	Bayon et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6596432	Kawakami et al.	Jul 2003	B2
6599295	Tornier et al.	Jul 2003	B1
6599323	Melican 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
6603050	Heaton	Aug 2003	B2
6605078	Adams	Aug 2003	B2
6605669	Awokola et al.	Aug 2003	B2
6605911	Klesing	Aug 2003	B1
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
6620111	Stephens et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6620161	Schulze et al.	Sep 2003	B2
6620166	Wenstrom, Jr. et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6625517	Bogdanov et al.	Sep 2003	B1
6626834	Dunne et al.	Sep 2003	B2
H2086	Amsler	Oct 2003	H
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
6648901	Fleischman 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
6659940	Adler	Dec 2003	B2
6660008	Foerster et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6663623	Oyama et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6663641	Kovac et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6666854	Lange	Dec 2003	B1
6666860	Takahashi	Dec 2003	B1
6666875	Sakurai et al.	Dec 2003	B1
6667825	Lu et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6669073	Milliman et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6670806	Wendt et al.	Dec 2003	B2
6671185	Duval	Dec 2003	B2
D484977	Ryan et al.	Jan 2004	S
6676660	Wampler et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6677687	Ho et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6679269	Swanson	Jan 2004	B2
6679410	Wursch 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
6682544	Mastri et al.	Jan 2004	B2
6685698	Morley et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6685727	Fisher et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6689153	Skiba	Feb 2004	B1
6692507	Pugsley et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6692692	Stetzel	Feb 2004	B2
6695198	Adams et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6695199	Whitman	Feb 2004	B2
6695774	Hale et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6695849	Michelson	Feb 2004	B2
6696814	Henderson et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6697048	Rosenberg et al.	Feb 2004	B2
6698643	Whitman	Mar 2004	B2
6699177	Wang et al.	Mar 2004	B1
6699214	Gellman	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
6716215	David et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6716223	Leopold et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6716232	Vidal et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6716233	Whitman	Apr 2004	B1
6720734	Norris	Apr 2004	B2
6722550	Ricordi et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6722552	Fenton, Jr.	Apr 2004	B2
6723087	O'Neill et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723091	Goble et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6723106	Charles et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6723109	Solingen	Apr 2004	B2
6726651	Robinson et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6726697	Nicholas et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6726705	Peterson et al.	Apr 2004	B2
6726706	Dominguez	Apr 2004	B2
6729119	Schnipke et al.	May 2004	B2
6731976	Penn et al.	May 2004	B2
6736810	Hoey et al.	May 2004	B2
6736825	Blatter et al.	May 2004	B2
6736854	Vadurro et al.	May 2004	B2
6740030	Martone et al.	May 2004	B2
6743230	Lutze et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6744385	Kazuya et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6747121	Gogolewski	Jun 2004	B2
6747300	Nadd et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6749560	Konstorum et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6749600	Levy	Jun 2004	B1
6752768	Burdorff et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6752816	Culp et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6754959	Guiette, III et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6755195	Lemke et al.	Jun 2004	B1
6755338	Hahnen et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6755825	Shoenman et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6755843	Chung et al.	Jun 2004	B2
6756705	Pulford, Jr.	Jun 2004	B2
6758846	Goble et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6761685	Adams et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6762339	Klun et al.	Jul 2004	B1
6763307	Berg et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6764445	Ramans et al.	Jul 2004	B2
6766957	Matsuura 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
6770078	Bonutti	Aug 2004	B2
6773409	Truckai et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6773437	Ogilvie 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
6778846	Martinez et al.	Aug 2004	B1
6780151	Grabover et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6780180	Goble et al.	Aug 2004	B1
6783524	Anderson et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6784775	Mandell et al.	Aug 2004	B2
6786382	Hoffman	Sep 2004	B1
6786864	Matsuura et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6786896	Madhani 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
6793669	Nakamura et al.	Sep 2004	B2
6796921	Buck et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6799669	Fukumura et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6801009	Makaran et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6802822	Dodge	Oct 2004	B1
6802843	Truckai et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6802844	Ferree	Oct 2004	B2
6805273	Bilotti et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6806808	Watters et al.	Oct 2004	B1
6806867	Arruda et al.	Oct 2004	B1
6808525	Latterell et al.	Oct 2004	B2
6810359	Sakaguchi	Oct 2004	B2
6814154	Chou	Nov 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 et al.	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
6836611	Popovic et al.	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
6840938	Morley et al.	Jan 2005	B1
6841967	Kim 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
6847190	Schaefer et al.	Jan 2005	B2
6849071	Whitman et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6850817	Green	Feb 2005	B1
6852122	Rush	Feb 2005	B2
6852330	Bowman et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6853879	Sunaoshi	Feb 2005	B2
6858005	Ohline et al.	Feb 2005	B2
6859882	Fung	Feb 2005	B2
RE38708	Bolanos et al.	Mar 2005	E
D502994	Blake, III	Mar 2005	S
6861142	Wilkie et al.	Mar 2005	B1
6861954	Levin	Mar 2005	B2
6863668	Gillespie et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6863694	Boyce et al.	Mar 2005	B1
6863924	Ranganathan et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6866178	Adams et al.	Mar 2005	B2
6866668	Giannetti 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
6876850	Maeshima et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6877647	Green et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6878106	Herrmann	Apr 2005	B1
6882127	Konigbauer	Apr 2005	B2
6883199	Lundell et al.	Apr 2005	B1
6884392	Malkin et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6884428	Binette et al.	Apr 2005	B2
6886730	Fujisawa et al.	May 2005	B2
6887244	Walker et al.	May 2005	B1
6887710	Call et al.	May 2005	B2
6889116	Jinno	May 2005	B2
6893435	Goble	May 2005	B2
6894140	Roby	May 2005	B2
6895176	Archer et al.	May 2005	B2
6899538	Matoba	May 2005	B2
6899593	Moeller et al.	May 2005	B1
6899705	Niemeyer	May 2005	B2
6899915	Yelick et al.	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
6923819	Meade et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6925849	Jairam	Aug 2005	B2
6926716	Baker et al.	Aug 2005	B2
6928902	Eyssallenne	Aug 2005	B1
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
D509297	Wells	Sep 2005	S
D509589	Wells	Sep 2005	S
6938706	Ng	Sep 2005	B2
6939358	Palacios et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6942662	Goble et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6942674	Belef et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6945444	Gresham et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6945981	Donofrio et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6949196	Schmitz et al.	Sep 2005	B2
6951562	Zwirnmann	Oct 2005	B2
6953138	Dworak et al.	Oct 2005	B1
6953139	Milliman et al.	Oct 2005	B2
6953461	McClurken et al.	Oct 2005	B2
6957758	Aranyi	Oct 2005	B2
6958035	Friedman et al.	Oct 2005	B2
D511525	Hernandez et al.	Nov 2005	S
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
6968908	Tokunaga et al.	Nov 2005	B2
6969385	Moreyra	Nov 2005	B2
6969395	Eskuri	Nov 2005	B2
6971988	Orban, III	Dec 2005	B2
6972199	Lebouitz et al.	Dec 2005	B2
6974435	Daw 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
6989034	Hammer et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6990731	Haytayan	Jan 2006	B2
6990796	Schnipke et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6991146	Sinisi et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6993200	Tastl et al.	Jan 2006	B2
6993413	Sunaoshi	Jan 2006	B2
6994708	Manzo	Feb 2006	B2
6995729	Govari et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6996433	Burbank et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6997931	Sauer et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6997935	Anderson et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6998736	Lee et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6998816	Wieck et al.	Feb 2006	B2
6999821	Jenney et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7000818	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7000819	Swayze et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7000911	McCormick et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7001380	Goble	Feb 2006	B2
7001408	Knodel et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7004174	Eggers et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7007176	Goodfellow et al.	Feb 2006	B2
7008433	Voellmicke et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7008435	Cummins	Mar 2006	B2
7009039	Yayon et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7011213	Clark et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7011657	Truckai et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7014640	Kemppainen et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7018357	Emmons	Mar 2006	B2
7018390	Turovskiy et al.	Mar 2006	B2
7021399	Driessen	Apr 2006	B2
7021669	Lindermeir et al.	Apr 2006	B1
7022131	Derowe et al.	Apr 2006	B1
7023159	Gorti et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025064	Wang et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025732	Thompson et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025743	Mann et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025774	Freeman et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7025775	Gadberry et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7028570	Ohta et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7029435	Nakao	Apr 2006	B2
7029439	Roberts et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7030904	Adair 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
7033378	Smith et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7035716	Harris et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7035762	Menard et al.	Apr 2006	B2
7036680	Flannery	May 2006	B1
7037314	Armstrong	May 2006	B2
7037344	Kagan et al.	May 2006	B2
7038421	Trifilo	May 2006	B2
7041088	Nawrocki 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
7046082	Komiya et al.	May 2006	B2
7048165	Haramiishi	May 2006	B2
7048687	Reuss et al.	May 2006	B1
7048716	Kucharczyk et al.	May 2006	B1
7048745	Tierney et al.	May 2006	B2
7052454	Taylor	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
7056123	Gregorio 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
7064509	Fu et al.	Jun 2006	B1
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
7081318	Lee et al.	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
7083626	Hart et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7086267	Dworak et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7087049	Nowlin 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
7091191	Laredo et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7091412	Wang et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7093492	Treiber et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7094202	Nobis et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7094247	Monassevitch et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7094916	DeLuca et al.	Aug 2006	B2
7096972	Orozco, Jr.	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
7101187	Deconinck et al.	Sep 2006	B1
7101371	Dycus 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
7111768	Cummins et al.	Sep 2006	B2
7111769	Wales et al.	Sep 2006	B2
7112214	Peterson et al.	Sep 2006	B2
RE39358	Goble	Oct 2006	E
D530339	Hernandez et al.	Oct 2006	S
7114642	Whitman	Oct 2006	B2
7116100	Mock et al.	Oct 2006	B1
7118020	Lee et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7118528	Piskun	Oct 2006	B1
7118563	Weckwerth et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7118582	Wang et al.	Oct 2006	B1
7119534	Butzmann	Oct 2006	B2
7121446	Arad et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7121773	Mikiya et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7122028	Looper et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7125403	Julian 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
7134364	Kageler et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7134587	Schwemberger et al.	Nov 2006	B2
7135027	Delmotte	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
7141055	Abrams et al.	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
7146191	Kerner 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
7147648	Lin	Dec 2006	B2
7147650	Lee	Dec 2006	B2
7150748	Ebbutt et al.	Dec 2006	B2
7153300	Goble	Dec 2006	B2
7153314	Laufer et al.	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
7161580	Bailey et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7162758	Skinner	Jan 2007	B2
7163563	Schwartz et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7166117	Hellenkamp	Jan 2007	B2
7166133	Evans et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7168604	Milliman et al.	Jan 2007	B2
7170910	Chen 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
7172615	Morriss et al.	Feb 2007	B2
7174202	Bladen et al.	Feb 2007	B2
7174636	Lowe	Feb 2007	B2
7177533	McFarlin 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
7187960	Abreu	Mar 2007	B2
7188758	Viola et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7189207	Viola	Mar 2007	B2
7190147	Gileff et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7193199	Jang	Mar 2007	B2
7195627	Amoah et al.	Mar 2007	B2
7196911	Takano et al.	Mar 2007	B2
D541418	Schechter et al.	Apr 2007	S
7199537	Okamura et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7199545	Oleynikov et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7202576	Dechene et al.	Apr 2007	B1
7202653	Pai	Apr 2007	B2
7204404	Nguyen et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7204835	Latterell et al.	Apr 2007	B2
7205959	Henriksson	Apr 2007	B2
7206626	Quaid, III	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
7225959	Patton et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7225963	Scirica	Jun 2007	B2
7225964	Mastri et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7226450	Athanasiou et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7226467	Lucatero et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7228505	Shimazu et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7229408	Douglas et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7234624	Gresham et al.	Jun 2007	B2
7235072	Sartor 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
7239657	Gunnarsson	Jul 2007	B1
7241288	Braun	Jul 2007	B2
7241289	Braun	Jul 2007	B2
7246734	Shelton, IV	Jul 2007	B2
7247161	Johnston et al.	Jul 2007	B2
7249267	Chapuis	Jul 2007	B2
7252641	Thompson et al.	Aug 2007	B2
7252660	Kunz	Aug 2007	B2
7255012	Hedtke	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
7267677	Johnson et al.	Sep 2007	B2
7267679	McGuckin, Jr. et al.	Sep 2007	B2
7272002	Drapeau	Sep 2007	B2
7273483	Wiener et al.	Sep 2007	B2
D552623	Vong et al.	Oct 2007	S
7275674	Racenet et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7276044	Ferry et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7276068	Johnson et al.	Oct 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
7283096	Geisheimer et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7286850	Frielink et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7287682	Ezzat et al.	Oct 2007	B1
7289139	Amling et al.	Oct 2007	B2
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
7300431	Dubrovsky	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
7303597	Sprouse et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7308998	Mastri et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7311238	Liu	Dec 2007	B2
7313430	Urquhart et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7314473	Jinno et al.	Jan 2008	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
7331343	Schmidt et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7331403	Berry et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7331406	Wottreng, Jr. et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7331969	Inganas et al.	Feb 2008	B1
7334717	Rethy et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7334718	McAlister et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7335199	Goble et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7335401	Finke et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7336045	Clermonts	Feb 2008	B2
7336048	Lohr	Feb 2008	B2
7336183	Reddy et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7336184	Smith et al.	Feb 2008	B2
7337774	Webb	Mar 2008	B2
7338505	Belson	Mar 2008	B2
7338513	Lee et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7341554	Sekine et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7341555	Ootawara 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
7346406	Brotto et al.	Mar 2008	B2
7348763	Reinhart et al.	Mar 2008	B1
7348875	Hughes et al.	Mar 2008	B2
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
7361168	Makower et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7361195	Schwartz et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7362062	Schneider et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7364060	Milliman	Apr 2008	B2
7364061	Swayze et al.	Apr 2008	B2
7367485	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2008	B2
7367973	Manzo et al.	May 2008	B2
7368124	Chun et al.	May 2008	B2
7371210	Brock et al.	May 2008	B2
7371403	McCarthy et al.	May 2008	B2
7375493	Calhoon et al.	May 2008	B2
7377918	Amoah	May 2008	B2
7377928	Zubik et al.	May 2008	B2
7378817	Calhoon et al.	May 2008	B2
RE40388	Gines	Jun 2008	E
D570868	Hosokawa et al.	Jun 2008	S
7380695	Doll et al.	Jun 2008	B2
7380696	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2008	B2
7384403	Sherman	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
7394190	Huang	Jul 2008	B2
7396356	Mollenauer	Jul 2008	B2
7397364	Govari	Jul 2008	B2
7398707	Morley et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7398907	Racenet et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7398908	Holsten et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7400107	Schneider et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7400752	Zacharias	Jul 2008	B2
7401000	Nakamura	Jul 2008	B2
7401721	Holsten et al.	Jul 2008	B2
7404449	Bermingham 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
D575793	Ording	Aug 2008	S
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
7408310	Hong et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7410085	Wolf et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7410086	Ortiz et al.	Aug 2008	B2
7410483	Danitz 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
7419321	Tereschouk	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
D578644	Shumer et al.	Oct 2008	S
7430772	Van Es	Oct 2008	B2
7431188	Marczyk	Oct 2008	B1
7431189	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2008	B2
7431230	McPherson 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
7434717	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2008	B2
7435249	Buysse 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
7446131	Liu et al.	Nov 2008	B1
7448525	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2008	B2
7450010	Gravelle et al.	Nov 2008	B1
7450991	Smith 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
7455687	Saunders et al.	Nov 2008	B2
D582934	Byeon	Dec 2008	S
7461767	Viola et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7462187	Johnston et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7464845	Chou	Dec 2008	B2
7464846	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7464847	Viola et al.	Dec 2008	B2
7464848	Green 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
7473221	Ewers 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
7479147	Honeycutt 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
7485124	Kuhns et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7485133	Cannon et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7485142	Milo	Feb 2009	B2
7487899	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7489055	Jeong et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7490749	Schall et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7491232	Bolduc et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7492261	Cambre et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7494039	Racenet et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7494460	Haarstad et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7494499	Nagase et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7494501	Ahlberg et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7497137	Tellenbach et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7500979	Hueil et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7501198	Barlev 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
7510534	Burdorff et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7510566	Jacobs et al.	Mar 2009	B2
7513407	Chang	Apr 2009	B1
7513408	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2009	B2
7517356	Heinrich	Apr 2009	B2
7524320	Tierney et al.	Apr 2009	B2
7527632	Houghton et al.	May 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
7540872	Schechter et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7542807	Bertolero et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7543730	Marczyk	Jun 2009	B1
7544197	Kelsch et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7546939	Adams et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7546940	Milliman et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7547287	Boecker 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
7553275	Padget et al.	Jun 2009	B2
7554343	Bromfield	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
7561637	Jonsson et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7562910	Kertesz et al.	Jul 2009	B2
7563269	Hashiguchi	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
7572285	Frey et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7575144	Ortiz et al.	Aug 2009	B2
7578825	Huebner	Aug 2009	B2
D600712	LaManna et al.	Sep 2009	S
7583063	Dooley	Sep 2009	B2
7584880	Racenet et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7586289	Andruk et al.	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
7593766	Faber et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7595642	Doyle	Sep 2009	B2
7597229	Boudreaux et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7597230	Racenet et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7597693	Garrison	Oct 2009	B2
7597699	Rogers	Oct 2009	B2
7598972	Tomita	Oct 2009	B2
7600663	Green	Oct 2009	B2
7604118	Iio et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7604150	Boudreaux	Oct 2009	B2
7604151	Hess et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7604668	Farnsworth et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7605826	Sauer	Oct 2009	B2
7607557	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2009	B2
7608091	Goldfarb et al.	Oct 2009	B2
D604325	Ebeling et al.	Nov 2009	S
7611038	Racenet et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7611474	Hibner et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7615003	Stefanchik et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7615006	Abe	Nov 2009	B2
7615067	Lee et al.	Nov 2009	B2
7617961	Viola	Nov 2009	B2
7618427	Ortiz et al.	Nov 2009	B2
D605201	Lorenz et al.	Dec 2009	S
D606992	Liu et al.	Dec 2009	S
D607010	Kocmick	Dec 2009	S
7624902	Marczyk et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7624903	Green et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7625370	Hart et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7625388	Boukhny et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7630841	Comisky 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
7635922	Becker	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
7641671	Crainich	Jan 2010	B2
7644783	Roberts et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7644848	Swayze et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7645230	Mikkaichi et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7648055	Marczyk	Jan 2010	B2
7648457	Stefanchik 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
7655003	Lorang et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7655004	Long	Feb 2010	B2
7655288	Bauman et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7655584	Biran et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7656131	Embrey et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7658311	Boudreaux	Feb 2010	B2
7658312	Vidal et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7658705	Melvin et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7659219	Biran et al.	Feb 2010	B2
7661448	Kim 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
7666195	Kelleher 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
7678121	Knodel	Mar 2010	B1
7682307	Danitz et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7682367	Shah et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7682686	Curro 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
7690547	Racenet et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7691098	Wallace et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7691103	Fernandez et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7691106	Schenberger et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7694864	Okada et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7694865	Scirica	Apr 2010	B2
7695485	Whitman et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7695493	Saadat 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
7699868	Frank et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7703653	Shah et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7705559	Powell et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7706853	Hacker et al.	Apr 2010	B2
7708180	Murray et al.	May 2010	B2
7708181	Cole et al.	May 2010	B2
7708182	Viola	May 2010	B2
7708758	Lee et al.	May 2010	B2
7708768	Danek et al.	May 2010	B2
7709136	Touchton et al.	May 2010	B2
7712182	Zeiler et al.	May 2010	B2
7713190	Brock et al.	May 2010	B2
7713542	Xu et al.	May 2010	B2
7714239	Smith	May 2010	B2
7714334	Lin	May 2010	B2
7717312	Beetel	May 2010	B2
7717313	Criscuolo et al.	May 2010	B2
7717846	Zirps et al.	May 2010	B2
7717873	Swick	May 2010	B2
7717915	Miyazawa	May 2010	B2
7717926	Whitfield 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
7721932	Cole et al.	May 2010	B2
7721933	Ehrenfels et al.	May 2010	B2
7721934	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2010	B2
7721936	Shalton, 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
7725214	Diolaiti	May 2010	B2
7726171	Langlotz et al.	Jun 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
7728553	Carrier et al.	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
7735704	Bilotti	Jun 2010	B2
7736254	Schena	Jun 2010	B2
7736306	Brustad 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
7747146	Milano et al.	Jun 2010	B2
7748587	Haramiishi et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7748632	Coleman et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7749204	Dhanaraj et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7749240	Takahashi 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
7757924	Gerbi et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758594	Lamson et al.	Jul 2010	B2
7758612	Shipp	Jul 2010	B2
7758613	Whitman	Jul 2010	B2
7762462	Gelbman	Jul 2010	B2
7762998	Birk et al.	Jul 2010	B2
D622286	Umezawa	Aug 2010	S
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
7770658	Ito 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
7772725	Siman-Tov	Aug 2010	B2
7775972	Brock et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7776037	Odom	Aug 2010	B2
7776060	Mooradian et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7776065	Griffiths et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7778004	Nerheim et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7779614	McGonagle et al.	Aug 2010	B1
7779737	Newman, Jr. et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780054	Wales	Aug 2010	B2
7780055	Scirica et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780309	McMillan et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780651	Madhani et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780663	Yates et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7780685	Hunt et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7782382	Fujimura	Aug 2010	B2
7784662	Wales et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7784663	Shelton, IV	Aug 2010	B2
7787256	Chan et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7789283	Shah	Sep 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
7806871	Li et al.	Oct 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
7811275	Birk et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7814816	Alberti et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7815092	Whitman et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7815565	Stefanchik et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7815662	Spivey 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
7819799	Merril et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819884	Lee et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819885	Cooper	Oct 2010	B2
7819886	Whitfield et al.	Oct 2010	B2
7819894	Mitsuishi 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
7824422	Benchetrit	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
7829416	Kudou 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
7835823	Sillman 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
7837425	Saeki et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837685	Weinberg et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7837687	Harp	Nov 2010	B2
7837694	Tethrake et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7838789	Stoffers et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7839109	Carmen, Jr. et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7840253	Tremblay et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7841503	Sonnenschein et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7842025	Coleman et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7842028	Lee	Nov 2010	B2
7843158	Prisco	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
7845538	Whitman	Dec 2010	B2
7845912	Sung et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7846085	Silverman et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7846149	Jankowski	Dec 2010	B2
7846161	Dumbauld et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7848066	Yanagishima	Dec 2010	B2
7850623	Griffin et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7850642	Moll et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7850982	Stopek et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7853813	Lee	Dec 2010	B2
7854735	Houser et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7854736	Ryan	Dec 2010	B2
7857183	Shelton, IV	Dec 2010	B2
7857184	Viola	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
7862502	Pool et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7862546	Conlon 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
7871440	Schwartz et al.	Jan 2011	B2
7875055	Cichocki, Jr.	Jan 2011	B2
7879063	Khosravi	Feb 2011	B2
7879070	Ortiz et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7883461	Albrecht et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7883465	Donofrio et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7883540	Niwa 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
7887536	Johnson et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7887563	Cummins	Feb 2011	B2
7891531	Ward	Feb 2011	B1
7891532	Mastri et al.	Feb 2011	B2
7892200	Birk 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
7896671	Kim et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7896869	DiSilvestro et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7896877	Hall et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7896895	Boudreaux et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7896897	Gresham et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7896900	Frank et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7898198	Murphree	Mar 2011	B2
7900805	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7900806	Chen et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7901381	Birk et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905380	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905381	Baxter, III et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905881	Masuda et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905889	Catanese, III et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905890	Whitfield et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7905902	Huitema et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7909039	Hur	Mar 2011	B2
7909191	Baker et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7909220	Viola	Mar 2011	B2
7909221	Viola et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7909224	Prommersberger	Mar 2011	B2
7913891	Doll et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7913893	Mastri et al.	Mar 2011	B2
7914521	Wang 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
7918845	Saadat et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7918848	Lau et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7918861	Brock 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
7926692	Racenet et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7927328	Orszulak et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7928281	Augustine	Apr 2011	B2
7930040	Kelsch et al.	Apr 2011	B1
7930065	Larkin et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7931660	Aranyi et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7931695	Ringeisen	Apr 2011	B2
7931877	Steffens et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7934630	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2011	B2
7934631	Balbierz et al.	May 2011	B2
7934896	Schnier	May 2011	B2
7935130	Williams	May 2011	B2
7935773	Hadba et al.	May 2011	B2
7936142	Otsuka et al.	May 2011	B2
7938307	Bettuchi	May 2011	B2
7939152	Haskin et al.	May 2011	B2
7941865	Seman, Jr. et al.	May 2011	B2
7942300	Rethy 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
7945798	Carlson et al.	May 2011	B2
7946453	Voegele et al.	May 2011	B2
7947011	Birk et al.	May 2011	B2
7950560	Zemlok et al.	May 2011	B2
7950561	Aranyi	May 2011	B2
7950562	Beardsley et al.	May 2011	B2
7951071	Whitman et al.	May 2011	B2
7951166	Orban, III et al.	May 2011	B2
7954682	Giordano et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7954684	Boudreaux	Jun 2011	B2
7954685	Viola	Jun 2011	B2
7954686	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7954687	Zemlok et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7954688	Argentine et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7955253	Ewers et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7955257	Frasier et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7955322	Devengenzo et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7955327	Sartor 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
7963913	Devengenzo 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
7966236	Noriega et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7966269	Bauer 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
7967791	Franer et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7967839	Flock et al.	Jun 2011	B2
7972298	Wallace et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7972315	Birk et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7976213	Bertolotti et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7976508	Hoag	Jul 2011	B2
7976563	Summerer	Jul 2011	B2
7979137	Tracey et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7980443	Scheib et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7981025	Pool et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7981102	Patel et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7981132	Dubrul et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7987405	Turner et al.	Jul 2011	B2
7988015	Mason, II et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7988026	Knodel et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7988027	Olson et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7988028	Farascioni et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7988779	Disalvo et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7992757	Wheeler et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7993360	Hacker et al.	Aug 2011	B2
7994670	Ji	Aug 2011	B2
7997054	Bertsch et al.	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
8007370	Hirsch et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8007465	Birk et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8007479	Birk et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8007511	Brock et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8007513	Nalagatla et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8008598	Whitman et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8010180	Quaid 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
8016849	Wenchell	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
8025896	Malaviya et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8028882	Viola	Oct 2011	B2
8028883	Stopek	Oct 2011	B2
8028884	Sniffin et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8028885	Smith et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8029510	Hoegerle	Oct 2011	B2
8031069	Cohn et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8033438	Scirica	Oct 2011	B2
8033439	Racenet et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8033440	Wenchell et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8033442	Racenet et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8034077	Smith et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8034337	Simard	Oct 2011	B2
8034363	Li et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8035487	Malackowski	Oct 2011	B2
8037591	Spivey et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8038044	Viola	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
8044604	Hagino et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8047236	Perry	Nov 2011	B2
8048503	Farnsworth et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8052636	Moll et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8056787	Boudreaux et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8056788	Mastri et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8056789	White et al.	Nov 2011	B1
8057508	Shelton, IV	Nov 2011	B2
8058771	Giordano et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8060250	Reiland et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8061014	Smith et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8061576	Cappola	Nov 2011	B2
8062236	Soltz	Nov 2011	B2
8062306	Nobis et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8062330	Prommersberger et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8063619	Zhu et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066158	Vogel et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066166	Demmy et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066167	Measamer et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066168	Vidal et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8066720	Knodel et al.	Nov 2011	B2
D650074	Hunt et al.	Dec 2011	S
D650789	Arnold	Dec 2011	S
8070033	Milliman et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8070034	Knodel	Dec 2011	B1
8070035	Holsten et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8070743	Kagan et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8074858	Marczyk	Dec 2011	B2
8074859	Kostrzewski	Dec 2011	B2
8074861	Ehrenfels et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8075476	Vargas	Dec 2011	B2
8075571	Vitali et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8079950	Stern et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8079989	Birk 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
8084969	David et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8085013	Wei et al.	Dec 2011	B2
8087562	Manoux et al.	Jan 2012	B1
8087563	Milliman et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8089509	Chatenever et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8091753	Viola	Jan 2012	B2
8091756	Viola	Jan 2012	B2
8092443	Bischoff	Jan 2012	B2
8092932	Phillips et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8093572	Kuduvalli	Jan 2012	B2
8096458	Hessler	Jan 2012	B2
8096459	Ortiz et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8097017	Viola	Jan 2012	B2
8100310	Zemlok	Jan 2012	B2
8100824	Hegeman et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8100872	Patel	Jan 2012	B2
8102138	Sekine et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8102278	Deck et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8105320	Manzo	Jan 2012	B2
8105350	Lee et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8107925	Natsuno et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8108033	Drew et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8108072	Zhao et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8109426	Milliman et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8110208	Hen	Feb 2012	B1
8113405	Milliman	Feb 2012	B2
8113407	Holsten et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8113408	Wenchell et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8113410	Hall et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8114017	Bacher	Feb 2012	B2
8114100	Smith et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8114345	Dlugos, Jr. et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8118206	Zand et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8118207	Racenet et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8120301	Goldberg et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8122128	Burke, II et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8123103	Milliman	Feb 2012	B2
8123523	Carron et al.	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
8128662	Altarac et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8132703	Milliman et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8132705	Viola et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8132706	Marczyk et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8133500	Ringeisen et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8134306	Drader et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8136711	Beardsley 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
8142200	Crunkilton et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8142425	Eggers	Mar 2012	B2
8142461	Houser et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8142515	Therin et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8143520	Cutler	Mar 2012	B2
8146790	Milliman	Apr 2012	B2
8147421	Farquhar et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8147456	Fisher et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8147485	Wham et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8152041	Kostrzewski	Apr 2012	B2
8152756	Webster et al.	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
8157834	Conlon	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
8162668	Toly	Apr 2012	B2
8162933	Francischelli et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8162965	Reschke et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8167185	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2012	B2
8167622	Zhou	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
8172004	Ho	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
8177776	Humayun et al.	May 2012	B2
8177797	Shimoji et al.	May 2012	B2
8179705	Chapuis	May 2012	B2
8180458	Kane et al.	May 2012	B2
8181839	Beetel	May 2012	B2
8181840	Milliman	May 2012	B2
8182422	Bayer et al.	May 2012	B2
8182444	Uber, III et al.	May 2012	B2
8183807	Tsai et al.	May 2012	B2
8186555	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2012	B2
8186556	Viola	May 2012	B2
8186558	Sapienza	May 2012	B2
8186560	Hess et al.	May 2012	B2
8190238	Moll et al.	May 2012	B2
8191752	Scirica	Jun 2012	B2
8192350	Ortiz et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8192460	Orban, III et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8192651	Young et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8193129	Tagawa 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
8197837	Jamiolkowski et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8201720	Hessler	Jun 2012	B2
8201721	Zemlok et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8202549	Stucky et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8205779	Ma et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8205780	Sorrentino et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8205781	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8207863	Neubauer 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
8210721	Chen 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
8215532	Marczyk	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
8221402	Francischelli et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8221424	Cha	Jul 2012	B2
8221433	Lozier et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8225799	Bettuchi	Jul 2012	B2
8225979	Farascioni et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226553	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226635	Petrie et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226675	Houser et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8226715	Hwang et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8227946	Kim	Jul 2012	B2
8228020	Shin et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8228048	Spencer	Jul 2012	B2
8229549	Whitman et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8231040	Zemlok et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8231042	Hessler et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8231043	Tarinelli et al.	Jul 2012	B2
8235272	Nicholas et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8235274	Cappola	Aug 2012	B2
8236010	Ortiz et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8236011	Harris et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8236020	Smith et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8237388	Jinno et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8240537	Marczyk	Aug 2012	B2
8241271	Millman et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8241284	Dycus et al.	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
8246608	Omori et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8246637	Viola et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8252009	Weller 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
8257386	Lee et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8257391	Orban, III et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8257634	Scirica	Sep 2012	B2
8258745	Smith et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8261958	Knodel	Sep 2012	B1
8262560	Whitman	Sep 2012	B2
8262655	Ghabrial et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8266232	Piper et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267300	Boudreaux	Sep 2012	B2
8267849	Wazer et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267924	Zemlok et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267946	Whitfield et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8267951	Whayne et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8268344	Ma et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8269121	Smith	Sep 2012	B2
8272553	Mastri et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8272554	Whitman et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8272918	Lam	Sep 2012	B2
8273404	Dave et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8276594	Shah	Oct 2012	B2
8276801	Zemlok et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8276802	Kostrzewski	Oct 2012	B2
8277473	Sunaoshi et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8281446	Moskovich	Oct 2012	B2
8281973	Wenchell et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8281974	Hessler et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8282654	Ferrari et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8285367	Hyde et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8286723	Puzio et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8286845	Perry et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8286846	Smith et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8286847	Taylor	Oct 2012	B2
8287487	Estes	Oct 2012	B2
8287522	Moses et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8287561	Nunez et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8288984	Yang	Oct 2012	B2
8289403	Dobashi et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8290883	Takeuchi et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8292147	Viola	Oct 2012	B2
8292148	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
8292158	Sapienza	Oct 2012	B2
8292801	Dejima et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8292888	Whitman	Oct 2012	B2
8292906	Taylor et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8294399	Suzuki et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8298161	Vargas	Oct 2012	B2
8298189	Fisher et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8298233	Mueller	Oct 2012	B2
8298677	Wiesner et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8302323	Fortier et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8303621	Miyamoto et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8308040	Huang et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8308041	Kostrzewski	Nov 2012	B2
8308042	Aranyi	Nov 2012	B2
8308043	Bindra et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8308046	Prommersberger	Nov 2012	B2
8308659	Scheibe et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8308725	Bell et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8310188	Nakai	Nov 2012	B2
8313496	Sauer et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8313499	Magnusson 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
8317437	Merkley et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8317744	Kirschenman	Nov 2012	B2
8317790	Bell et al.	Nov 2012	B2
8319002	Daniels et al.	Nov 2012	B2
D672784	Clanton et al.	Dec 2012	S
8322455	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8322589	Boudreaux	Dec 2012	B2
8322590	Patel et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8322901	Michelotti	Dec 2012	B2
8323271	Humayun et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8323789	Rozhin et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8324585	McBroom et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8327514	Kim	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
8328065	Shah	Dec 2012	B2
8328802	Deville et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8328823	Aranyi et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8333313	Boudreaux et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8333691	Schaaf	Dec 2012	B2
8333764	Francischelli et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8333779	Smith et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8334468	Palmer 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
8342380	Viola	Jan 2013	B2
8343150	Artale	Jan 2013	B2
8347978	Forster et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8348118	Segura	Jan 2013	B2
8348123	Scirica et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8348124	Scirica	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
8348837	Wenchell	Jan 2013	B2
8348959	Wolford et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8348972	Soltz et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8349987	Kapiamba et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8352004	Mannheimer 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
8357158	McKenna et al.	Jan 2013	B2
8357161	Mueller	Jan 2013	B2
8359174	Nakashima 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
D676866	Chaudhri	Feb 2013	S
8365972	Aranyi et al.	Feb 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
8366719	Markey et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8366787	Brown et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8368327	Benning et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8369056	Senriuchi et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8371393	Higuchi 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
8371494	Racenet et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8372094	Bettuchi et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8374723	Zhao et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8376865	Forster et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8377029	Nagao et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8377044	Coe et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8377059	Deville et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8381828	Whitman et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8382773	Whitfield et al.	Feb 2013	B2
8382790	Uenohara et al.	Feb 2013	B2
D677273	Randall et al.	Mar 2013	S
8387848	Johnson et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8388633	Rousseau et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8389588	Ringeisen et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8393513	Jankowski	Mar 2013	B2
8393514	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8393516	Kostrzewski	Mar 2013	B2
8397832	Blickle et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8397971	Yates et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8397972	Kostrzewski	Mar 2013	B2
8397973	Hausen	Mar 2013	B1
8398633	Mueller	Mar 2013	B2
8398669	Kim	Mar 2013	B2
8398673	Hinchliffe et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8398674	Prestel	Mar 2013	B2
8400108	Powell et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8400851	Byun	Mar 2013	B2
8403138	Weisshaupt et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403195	Beardsley et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403196	8Eardsley et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403198	Sorrentino et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403832	Cunningham et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403926	Nobis et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403945	Whitfield et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403946	Whitfield et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8403950	Palmer et al.	Mar 2013	B2
D680646	Hunt et al.	Apr 2013	S
8408439	Huang et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8408442	Racenet et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8409079	Okamoto et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8409174	Omori	Apr 2013	B2
8409175	Lee et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8409211	Baroud	Apr 2013	B2
8409222	Whitfield et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8409223	Sorrentino et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8411500	Gapihan et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8413661	Rousseau et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8413870	Pastorelli et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8413871	Racenet et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8413872	Patel	Apr 2013	B2
8414469	Diolaiti	Apr 2013	B2
8414577	Boudreaux et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8414598	Brock et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8418073	Mohr et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8418906	Farascioni et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8418907	Johnson et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8418908	Beardsley	Apr 2013	B1
8418909	Kostrzewski	Apr 2013	B2
8419635	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8419717	Diolaiti et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8419747	Hinman et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8419754	Laby et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8419755	Deem et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8423182	Robinson et al.	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
8427430	Lee et al.	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	May 2013	B1
8439830	McKinley et al.	May 2013	B2
8444036	Shelton, IV	May 2013	B2
8444037	Nicholas et al.	May 2013	B2
8444549	Viola et al.	May 2013	B2
8449536	Selig	May 2013	B2
8449560	Roth 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
8454495	Kawano et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8454551	Allen et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8454628	Smith et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8454640	Johnston et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8457757	Cauller et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8459520	Giordano et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8459521	Zemlok et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8459524	Pribanic 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
8465475	Isbell, Jr.	Jun 2013	B2
8465502	Zergiebel	Jun 2013	B2
8465515	Drew et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8469254	Czernik et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8469946	Sugita	Jun 2013	B2
8469973	Meade et al.	Jun 2013	B2
8470355	Skalla et al.	Jun 2013	B2
D686240	Lin	Jul 2013	S
D686244	Moriya et al.	Jul 2013	S
8474677	Woodard, Jr. et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8475453	Marczyk et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8475454	Alshemari	Jul 2013	B1
8475474	Bombard et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8479968	Hodgkinson et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8479969	Shelton, IV	Jul 2013	B2
8480703	Nicholas et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8483509	Matsuzaka	Jul 2013	B2
8485412	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8485413	Scheib et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8485970	Widenhouse et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8487199	Palmer et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8487487	Dietz et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8490851	Blier et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8490852	Viola	Jul 2013	B2
8490853	Criscuolo et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8491581	Deville et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8491603	Yeung et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8496153	Demmy et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8496154	Marczyk et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8496156	Sniffin et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8496683	Prommersberger et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8498691	Moll et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8499673	Keller	Aug 2013	B2
8499966	Palmer et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8499992	Whitman et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8499993	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8499994	D'Arcangelo	Aug 2013	B2
8500721	Jinno	Aug 2013	B2
8500762	Sholev et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8502091	Palmer et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8505799	Viola et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8505801	Ehrenfels et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8506555	Ruiz Morales	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
8512402	Marczyk 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
8517938	Eisenhardt et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8518024	Williams et al.	Aug 2013	B2
8521273	Kliman	Aug 2013	B2
8523042	Masiakos et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8523043	Ullrich et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8523787	Ludwin 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
8529599	Holsten	Sep 2013	B2
8529600	Woodard, Jr. et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8529819	Ostapoff et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8532747	Nock et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8534527	Brendel et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8534528	Shelton, IV	Sep 2013	B2
8535304	Sklar et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8535340	Allen	Sep 2013	B2
8539866	Nayak 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
8540646	Mendez-Coll	Sep 2013	B2
8540733	Whitman et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8540735	Mitelberg et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8550984	Takemoto	Oct 2013	B2
8551076	Duval et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8555660	Takenaka et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8556151	Viola	Oct 2013	B2
8556918	Bauman et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8556935	Knodel et al.	Oct 2013	B1
8560147	Taylor et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8561617	Lindh et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8561870	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8561871	Rajappa et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8561873	Ingmanson et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8562592	Conlon et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8562598	Falkenstein et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8567656	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8568416	Schmitz et al.	Oct 2013	B2
8568425	Ross et al.	Oct 2013	B2
D692916	Granchi et al.	Nov 2013	S
8573459	Smith et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8573461	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8573462	Smith et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8573465	Shelton, IV	Nov 2013	B2
8574199	Bulow et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8574263	Mueller	Nov 2013	B2
8575880	Grantz	Nov 2013	B2
8575895	Garrastacho et al.	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
8584920	Hodgkinson	Nov 2013	B2
8584921	Scirica	Nov 2013	B2
8585583	Sakaguchi et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8585721	Kirsch	Nov 2013	B2
8590760	Cummins et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8590762	Hess et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8590764	Hartwick et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8596515	Okoniewski	Dec 2013	B2
8597745	Farnsworth et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8599450	Kubo et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8602125	King	Dec 2013	B2
8602287	Yates et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8602288	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8603077	Cooper et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8603089	Viola	Dec 2013	B2
8603110	Maruyama et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8603135	Mueller	Dec 2013	B2
8608043	Scirica	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
8613384	Pastorelli et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8616427	Viola	Dec 2013	B2
8616431	Timm et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8617155	Johnson et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8620473	Diolaiti et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8622274	Yates et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8622275	Baxter, III et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8627993	Smith et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8627994	Zemlok et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8627995	Smith et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8628467	Whitman et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8628518	Blumenkranz et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8628544	Farascioni	Jan 2014	B2
8628545	Cabrera et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8631987	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8631992	Hausen et al.	Jan 2014	B1
8631993	Kostrzewski	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
8632539	Twomey et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8632563	Nagase et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636187	Hueil et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636190	Zemlok et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636191	Meagher	Jan 2014	B2
8636193	Whitman et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636736	Yates et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8636766	Milliman et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8639936	Hu et al.	Jan 2014	B2
8640788	Dachs, II et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8646674	Schulte et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8647258	Aranyi et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8652120	Giordano et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8652151	Lehman et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8652155	Houser et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8656929	Miller et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8657174	Yates et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8657175	Sonnenschein 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
8657814	Werneth et al.	Feb 2014	B2
8657821	Palermo	Feb 2014	B2
D701238	Lai et al.	Mar 2014	S
8662370	Takei	Mar 2014	B2
8663106	Stivoric et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8663192	Hester et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8663245	Francischelli et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8663262	Smith et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8663270	Donnigan et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8664792	Rebsdorf	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
8672209	Crainich	Mar 2014	B2
8672922	Loh et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8672935	Okada et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8672951	Smith et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8673210	Deshays	Mar 2014	B2
8675820	Baic et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8678263	Viola	Mar 2014	B2
8678994	Sonnenschein et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8679093	Farra	Mar 2014	B2
8679098	Hart	Mar 2014	B2
8679137	Bauman et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8679154	Smith et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8679156	Smith et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8679454	Guire et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8684248	Milliman	Apr 2014	B2
8684249	Racenet et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8684250	Bettuchi et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8684253	Giordano et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8684962	Kirschenman et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8685004	Zemlock et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8685020	Weizman et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8690893	Deitch 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
8706316	Hoevenaar	Apr 2014	B1
8708210	Zemlok et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8708211	Zemlok et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8708212	Williams	Apr 2014	B2
8708213	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2014	B2
8709012	Muller	Apr 2014	B2
8714352	Farascioni et al.	May 2014	B2
8714429	Demmy	May 2014	B2
8714430	Natarajan et al.	May 2014	B2
8715256	Greener	May 2014	B2
8715302	Ibrahim et al.	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
8727199	Wenchell	May 2014	B2
8727200	Roy	May 2014	B2
8727961	Ziv	May 2014	B2
8728099	Cohn et al.	May 2014	B2
8728119	Cummins	May 2014	B2
8733470	Matthias et al.	May 2014	B2
8733611	Milliman	May 2014	B2
8733612	Ma	May 2014	B2
8733613	Huitema et al.	May 2014	B2
8733614	Ross et al.	May 2014	B2
8734336	Bonadio et al.	May 2014	B2
8734359	Ibanez et al.	May 2014	B2
8734478	Widenhouse et al.	May 2014	B2
8734831	Kim et al.	May 2014	B2
8739033	Rosenberg	May 2014	B2
8739417	Tokunaga et al.	Jun 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
8747441	Konieczynski 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
8752748	Whitman et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8752749	Moore et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8753664	Dao et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8757287	Mak et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8757465	Woodard, Jr. et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8758235	Jaworek	Jun 2014	B2
8758366	McLean et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8758391	Swayze et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8758438	Boyce et al.	Jun 2014	B2
8763875	Morgan et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8763876	Kostrzewski	Jul 2014	B2
8763877	Schall et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8763879	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8764732	Hartwell	Jul 2014	B2
8765942	Feraud et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8770458	Scirica	Jul 2014	B2
8770459	Racenet et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8770460	Belzer	Jul 2014	B2
8771169	Whitman et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8771260	Conlon et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8777004	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8777082	Scirica	Jul 2014	B2
8777083	Racenet et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8777898	Suon 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
8784304	Mikkaichi 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
8790658	Cigarini et al.	Jul 2014	B2
8790684	Dave et al.	Jul 2014	B2
D711905	Morrison et al.	Aug 2014	S
8794496	Scirica	Aug 2014	B2
8794497	Zingman	Aug 2014	B2
8795159	Moriyama	Aug 2014	B2
8795276	Dietz et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8795308	Valin	Aug 2014	B2
8795324	Kawai et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8796995	Cunanan et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8800681	Rousson et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8800837	Zemlok	Aug 2014	B2
8800838	Shelton, IV	Aug 2014	B2
8800839	Beetel	Aug 2014	B2
8800840	Jankowski	Aug 2014	B2
8800841	Ellerhorst et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8801710	Ullrich 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
8801801	Datta et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8807414	Ross et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808161	Gregg et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808164	Hoffman et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808274	Hartwell	Aug 2014	B2
8808294	Fox et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808308	Boukhny et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808311	Heinrich et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8808325	Hess et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8810197	Juergens	Aug 2014	B2
8811017	Fujii 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
8814836	Ignon et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8815594	Harris et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8818523	Olson 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
8820608	Miyamoto	Sep 2014	B2
8821514	Aranyi	Sep 2014	B2
8822934	Sayeh et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8825164	Tweden et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8827133	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8827134	Viola et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8827903	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8828046	Stefanchik et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8831779	Ortmaier et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8833219	Pierce	Sep 2014	B2
8833630	Milliman	Sep 2014	B2
8833632	Swensgard	Sep 2014	B2
8834353	Dejima et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8834465	Ramstein et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8834498	Byrum et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8834518	Faller et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8840003	Morgan et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8840603	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8840609	Stuebe	Sep 2014	B2
8840876	Eemeta et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8844789	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8844790	Demmy et al.	Sep 2014	B2
8851215	Goto	Oct 2014	B2
8851354	Swensgard et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8851355	Aranyi et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8852174	Burbank	Oct 2014	B2
8852185	Twomey	Oct 2014	B2
8852199	Deslauriers et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8852218	Hughett, Sr. et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8857693	Schuckmann et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8857694	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8858538	Belson et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8858547	Brogna	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
8864010	Williams	Oct 2014	B2
8864750	Ross et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8869912	Roβkamp et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8869913	Matthias et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8870050	Hodgkinson	Oct 2014	B2
8870867	Walberg et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8870912	Brisson et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8875971	Hall et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8875972	Weisenburgh, II et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8876857	Burbank	Nov 2014	B2
8876858	Braun	Nov 2014	B2
8882660	Phee et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8882792	Dietz et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8884560	Ito	Nov 2014	B2
8887979	Mastri et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8888688	Julian et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8888695	Piskun et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8888792	Harris et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8888809	Davison 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
8899460	Wojcicki	Dec 2014	B2
8899461	Farascioni	Dec 2014	B2
8899462	Kostrzewski et al.	Dec 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
8900267	Woolfson et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8905287	Racenet et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8905977	Shelton et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8910846	Viola	Dec 2014	B2
8910847	Nalagatla et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8911426	Coppeta et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8911448	Stein	Dec 2014	B2
8911460	Neurohr et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8911471	Spivey et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8912746	Reid et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8915842	Weisenburgh, II et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920368	Sandhu et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920433	Barrier et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920435	Smith et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920438	Aranyi et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920443	Hiles et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8920444	Hiles et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8922163	Macdonald	Dec 2014	B2
8925782	Shelton, IV	Jan 2015	B2
8925783	Zemlok et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8925788	Hess et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8926506	Widenhouse et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8926598	Mollere et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8931576	Iwata	Jan 2015	B2
8931679	Kostrzewski	Jan 2015	B2
8931680	Milliman	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
8939898	Omoto	Jan 2015	B2
8944069	Miller et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8945095	Blumenkranz et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8945098	Seibold et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8945163	Voegele et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8955732	Zemlok et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8956342	Russo et al.	Feb 2015	B1
8956390	Shah et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8958860	Banerjee et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8960519	Whitman et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8960520	McCuen	Feb 2015	B2
8960521	Kostrzewski	Feb 2015	B2
8961191	Hanshew	Feb 2015	B2
8961504	Hoarau et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8963714	Medhal et al.	Feb 2015	B2
D725674	Jung et al.	Mar 2015	S
8967443	McCuen	Mar 2015	B2
8967444	Beetel	Mar 2015	B2
8967446	Beardsley et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8967448	Carter et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8968276	Zemlok et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8968308	Horner 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
8968355	Malkowski et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8968358	Reschke	Mar 2015	B2
8970507	Holbein et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8973803	Hall et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8973804	Hess et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8973805	Scirica et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8974440	Farritor et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8974542	Fujimoto et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8974932	McGahan 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
8979843	Timm et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8979890	Boudreaux	Mar 2015	B2
8982195	Claus et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8984711	Ota et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8985240	Winnard	Mar 2015	B2
8985429	Balek et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8986302	Aldridge et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8989903	Weir et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8991676	Hess et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8991677	Moore et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8991678	Wellman et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8992042	Eichenholz	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
8998059	Smith et al.	Apr 2015	B2
8998060	Bruewer et al.	Apr 2015	B2
8998061	Williams et al.	Apr 2015	B2
8998939	Price et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9000720	Stulen et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9002518	Manzo et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9004339	Park	Apr 2015	B1
9005230	Yates et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9005238	DeSantis et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9005243	Stopek et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9010606	Aranyi et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9010608	Casasanta, Jr. et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9010611	Ross et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9011437	Woodruff et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9011439	Shalaby et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9011471	Timm et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9014856	Manzo et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9016539	Kostrzewski et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9016540	Whitman et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9016541	Viola et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9016542	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9016545	Aranyi et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9017331	Fox	Apr 2015	B2
9017355	Smith et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9017369	Renger et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9017371	Whitman et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9017849	Stulen et al.	Apr 2015	B2
9017851	Felder et al.	Apr 2015	B2
D729274	Clement et al.	May 2015	S
9021684	Lenker et al.	May 2015	B2
9023014	Chowaniec et al.	May 2015	B2
9023069	Kasvikis et al.	May 2015	B2
9023071	Miller et al.	May 2015	B2
9026347	Gadh et al.	May 2015	B2
9027817	Milliman et al.	May 2015	B2
9028468	Scarfogliero et al.	May 2015	B2
9028494	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2015	B2
9028495	Mueller et al.	May 2015	B2
9028510	Miyamoto et al.	May 2015	B2
9028511	Weller et al.	May 2015	B2
9028519	Yates et al.	May 2015	B2
9030166	Kano	May 2015	B2
9030169	Christensen et al.	May 2015	B2
9033203	Woodard, Jr. et al.	May 2015	B2
9033204	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2015	B2
9034505	Detry et al.	May 2015	B2
9038881	Schaller et al.	May 2015	B1
9039690	Kersten et al.	May 2015	B2
9039694	Ross et al.	May 2015	B2
9039720	Madan	May 2015	B2
9040062	Maeda et al.	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
9044229	Scheib et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9044230	Morgan et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9044238	Orszulak	Jun 2015	B2
9044241	Barner et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9044261	Houser	Jun 2015	B2
9044281	Pool et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050083	Yates et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050084	Schmid et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050089	Orszulak	Jun 2015	B2
9050100	Yates et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050120	Swarup et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050123	Krause et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050176	Datta et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9050192	Mansmann	Jun 2015	B2
9055941	Schmid et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9055942	Balbierz et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9055943	Zemlok 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
9060776	Yates et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9060794	Kang et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9060894	Wubbeling	Jun 2015	B2
9061392	Forgues et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9070068	Coveley et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9072515	Hall et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9072523	Houser 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
9078654	Whitman et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9084601	Moore et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9084602	Gleiman	Jul 2015	B2
9086875	Harrat et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9089326	Krumanaker et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9089330	Widenhouse et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9089338	Smith et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9089352	Jeong	Jul 2015	B2
9089360	Messerly et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9091588	Lefler	Jul 2015	B2
D736792	Brinda et al.	Aug 2015	S
9095339	Moore et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9095346	Houser et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9095362	Dachs, II et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9095367	Olson et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9096033	Holop et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9098153	Shen et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9099863	Smith et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9099877	Banos et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9099922	Toosky et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9101358	Kerr et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9101385	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9101475	Wei et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9101621	Zeldis	Aug 2015	B2
9107663	Swensgard	Aug 2015	B2
9107667	Hodgkinson	Aug 2015	B2
9107690	Bales, Jr. et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9110587	Kim et al.	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
9113868	Felder et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113873	Marczyk et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113874	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113876	Zemlok et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113879	Felder et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113880	Zemlok et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113881	Scirica	Aug 2015	B2
9113883	Aronhalt et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113884	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9113887	Behnke, II et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9119615	Felder et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9119657	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9119898	Bayon et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9119957	Gantz et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9123286	Park	Sep 2015	B2
9124097	Cruz	Sep 2015	B2
9125651	Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9125654	Aronhalt et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9125662	Shelton, IV	Sep 2015	B2
9126317	Lawton et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9131835	Widenhouse et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9131940	Huitema et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9131950	Matthew	Sep 2015	B2
9131957	Skarbnik et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9138225	Huang et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9138226	Racenet et al.	Sep 2015	B2
9144455	Kennedy et al.	Sep 2015	B2
D740414	Katsura	Oct 2015	S
D741882	Shmilov et al.	Oct 2015	S
9149274	Spivey et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9149324	Huang et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9149325	Worrell et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9153994	Wood et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9161753	Prior	Oct 2015	B2
9161769	Stoddard et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9161803	Yates et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9161807	Garrison	Oct 2015	B2
9161855	Rousseau et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9164271	Ebata et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9168038	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9168039	Knodel	Oct 2015	B1
9168042	Milliman	Oct 2015	B2
9168054	Turner et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9168144	Rivin et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9171244	Endou et al.	Oct 2015	B2
9179832	Diolaiti	Nov 2015	B2
9179911	Morgan et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9179912	Yates et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9180223	Yu et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9182244	Luke et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186046	Ramamurthy et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186137	Farascioni et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186140	Hiles et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186142	Fanelli et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186143	Timm et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186148	Felder et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9186221	Burbank	Nov 2015	B2
9192376	Almodovar	Nov 2015	B2
9192380	(Tarinelli) Racenet et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9192384	Bettuchi	Nov 2015	B2
9192430	Rachlin et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9192434	Twomey et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9193045	Saur et al.	Nov 2015	B2
9197079	Yip et al.	Nov 2015	B2
D744528	Agrawal	Dec 2015	S
D746459	Kaercher et al.	Dec 2015	S
9198642	Storz	Dec 2015	B2
9198644	Balek et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9198661	Swensgard	Dec 2015	B2
9198662	Barton et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9198683	Friedman et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9204830	Zand 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
9204881	Penna	Dec 2015	B2
9204923	Manzo et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9204924	Marczyk 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
9216013	Scirica et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9216019	Schmid et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9216020	Zhang et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9216030	Fan et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9216062	Duque et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220500	Swayze et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220501	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220502	Zemlok et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220504	Viola et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220508	Dannaher	Dec 2015	B2
9220559	Worrell et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9220570	Kim et al.	Dec 2015	B2
D746854	Shardlow et al.	Jan 2016	S
9226750	Weir et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9226751	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9226754	D'Agostino et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9226760	Shelton, IV	Jan 2016	B2
9226761	Burbank	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
9233610	Kim et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9237891	Shelton, IV	Jan 2016	B2
9237892	Hodgkinson	Jan 2016	B2
9237895	McCarthy et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9237900	Boudreaux et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9237921	Messerly et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9239064	Helbig et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9240740	Zeng et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9241711	Ivanko	Jan 2016	B2
9241712	Zemlok et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9241714	Timm et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9241716	Whitman	Jan 2016	B2
9241731	Boudreaux et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9241758	Franer et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9244524	Inoue et al.	Jan 2016	B2
D748668	Kim et al.	Feb 2016	S
D749128	Perez et al.	Feb 2016	S
D749623	Gray et al.	Feb 2016	S
D750122	Shardlow et al.	Feb 2016	S
D750129	Kwon	Feb 2016	S
9254131	Soltz et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9254170	Parihar et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9259265	Harris et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9259274	Prisco	Feb 2016	B2
9259275	Burbank	Feb 2016	B2
9261172	Solomon et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9265500	Sorrentino et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9265510	Dietzel et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9265516	Casey et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9265585	Wingardner et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9271718	Milad et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9271727	McGuckin, Jr. et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9271753	Butler et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9271799	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9272406	Aronhalt et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9274095	Humayun et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9277919	Timmer et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9277922	Carter et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9277969	Brannan et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9282962	Schmid et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9282963	Bryant	Mar 2016	B2
9282966	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9282974	Shelton, IV	Mar 2016	B2
9283028	Johnson	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
9289211	Williams 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	Toussaint et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9295464	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9295465	Farascioni	Mar 2016	B2
9295466	Hodgkinson et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9295467	Scirica	Mar 2016	B2
9295468	Heinrich et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9295514	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9295522	Kostrzewski	Mar 2016	B2
9295565	McLean	Mar 2016	B2
9295784	Eggert et al.	Mar 2016	B2
D753167	Yu et al.	Apr 2016	S
9301691	Hufnagel et al.	Apr 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
9301811	Goldberg et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9307965	Ming et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9307986	Hall et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9307987	Swensgard et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9307988	Shelton, IV	Apr 2016	B2
9307989	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9307994	Gresham et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9308009	Madan et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9308011	Chao et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9308646	Lim et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9313915	Niu et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9314246	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9314247	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9314261	Bales, Jr. et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9314291	Schall et al.	Apr 2016	B2
9314339	Mansmann	Apr 2016	B2
9314908	Tanimoto 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
9325516	Pera et al.	Apr 2016	B2
D755196	Meyers et al.	May 2016	S
D756373	Raskin et al.	May 2016	S
D756377	Connolly et al.	May 2016	S
D757028	Goldenberg et al.	May 2016	S
9326767	Koch et al.	May 2016	B2
9326768	Shelton, IV	May 2016	B2
9326769	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2016	B2
9326770	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2016	B2
9326771	Baxter, III et al.	May 2016	B2
9326788	Batross et al.	May 2016	B2
9326812	Waaler et al.	May 2016	B2
9326824	Inoue et al.	May 2016	B2
9327061	Govil et al.	May 2016	B2
9331721	Martinez Nuevo 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
9333040	Shellenberger et al.	May 2016	B2
9333082	Wei et al.	May 2016	B2
9337668	Yip	May 2016	B2
9339226	van der Walt et al.	May 2016	B2
9339342	Prisco et al.	May 2016	B2
9345477	Anim et al.	May 2016	B2
9345479	(Tarinelli) Racenet et al.	May 2016	B2
9345480	Hessler et al.	May 2016	B2
9345481	Hall et al.	May 2016	B2
9345503	Ishida et al.	May 2016	B2
9351726	Leimbach et al.	May 2016	B2
9351727	Leimbach et al.	May 2016	B2
9351728	Sniffin et al.	May 2016	B2
9351730	Schmid et al.	May 2016	B2
9351731	Carter et al.	May 2016	B2
9351732	Hodgkinson	May 2016	B2
9352071	Landgrebe et al.	May 2016	B2
D758433	Lee et al.	Jun 2016	S
D759063	Chen	Jun 2016	S
9358003	Hall et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9358004	Sniffin et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9358005	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9358015	Sorrentino et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9358031	Manzo	Jun 2016	B2
9358065	Ladtkow et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364217	Kostrzewski et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364219	Olson et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364220	Williams	Jun 2016	B2
9364223	Scirica	Jun 2016	B2
9364226	Zemlok et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364229	D'Agostino et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364230	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364231	Wenchell	Jun 2016	B2
9364233	Alexander, III et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9364279	Houser et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9368991	Qahouq	Jun 2016	B2
9370341	Ceniccola et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9370358	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9370362	Petty et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9370364	Smith et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9370400	Parihar	Jun 2016	B2
9375206	Vidal et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9375218	Wheeler et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9375230	Ross et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9375232	Hunt et al.	Jun 2016	B2
9375255	Houser et al.	Jun 2016	B2
D761309	Lee et al.	Jul 2016	S
9381058	Houser et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9383881	Day et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9386983	Swensgard et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9386984	Aronhalt et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9386985	Koch, Jr. et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9386988	Baxter, III et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9387003	Kaercher et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9392885	Vogler et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9393015	Laurent et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9393017	Flanagan et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9393018	Wang et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9393354	Freedman et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9396369	Whitehurst et al.	Jul 2016	B1
9396669	Karkanias et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9398905	Martin	Jul 2016	B2
9398911	Auld	Jul 2016	B2
D763277	Ahmed et al.	Aug 2016	S
D764498	Capela et al.	Aug 2016	S
9402604	Williams et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402625	Coleman et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402626	Ortiz et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402627	Stevenson et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402629	Ehrenfels et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402679	Ginnebaugh et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9402688	Min et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9408604	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9408605	Knodel et al.	Aug 2016	B1
9408606	Shelton, IV	Aug 2016	B2
9408622	Stulen et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9411370	Benni et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9413128	Tien et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9414838	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9414849	Nagashimada	Aug 2016	B2
9414880	Monson et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9420967	Zand et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421003	Williams et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421014	Ingmanson et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421030	Cole et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421060	Monson et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421062	Houser et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9421682	McClaskey et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9427223	Park et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9427231	Racenet et al.	Aug 2016	B2
9429204	Stefan et al.	Aug 2016	B2
D767624	Lee et al.	Sep 2016	S
9433411	Racenet et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9433414	Chen et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9433419	Gonzalez et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9433420	Hodgkinson	Sep 2016	B2
9439649	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9439650	McGuckin, Jr. et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9439651	Smith et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9439668	Timm et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9445808	Woodard, Jr. et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9445813	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9445816	Swayze et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9445817	Bettuchi	Sep 2016	B2
9446226	Zilberman	Sep 2016	B2
9451938	Overes et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9451958	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2016	B2
D768152	Gutierrez et al.	Oct 2016	S
D768156	Frincke	Oct 2016	S
D768167	Jones et al.	Oct 2016	S
D769315	Scotti	Oct 2016	S
D769930	Agrawal	Oct 2016	S
9461340	Li et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9463012	Bonutti et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9463040	Jeong et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9463260	Stopek	Oct 2016	B2
9468438	Baber et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9468447	Aman et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9470297	Aranyi et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9471969	Zeng et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9474506	Magnin et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9474513	Ishida et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9474523	Meade et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9474540	Stokes et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9475180	Eshleman et al.	Oct 2016	B2
D770476	Jitkoff et al.	Nov 2016	S
D770515	Cho et al.	Nov 2016	S
D771116	Dellinger et al.	Nov 2016	S
D772905	Ingenlath	Nov 2016	S
9480476	Aldridge et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9480492	Aranyi et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9483095	Tran et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9486186	Fiebig et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9486213	Altman et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9486214	Shelton, IV	Nov 2016	B2
9486215	Olson et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9486302	Boey et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9488197	Wi	Nov 2016	B2
9492146	Kostrzewski et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492167	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492170	Bear et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492172	Weisshaupt et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492189	Williams et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492192	To et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9492237	Kang et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9498213	Marczyk et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9498219	Moore et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9498231	Haider et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9504455	Whitman et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9504483	Houser et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9504520	Worrell et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9504521	Deutmeyer et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9504528	Ivinson et al.	Nov 2016	B2
9507399	Chien	Nov 2016	B2
D774547	Capela et al.	Dec 2016	S
D775336	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2016	S
9510827	Kostrzewski	Dec 2016	B2
9510828	Yates et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9510830	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9510846	Sholev et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9510895	Houser et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9510925	Hotter et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9517063	Swayze et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9517065	Simms et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9517068	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9517326	Hinman et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9521996	Armstrong	Dec 2016	B2
9522003	Weir et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9522014	Nishizawa et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9522029	Yates et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9526481	Storz et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9526499	Kostrzewski et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9526563	Twomey	Dec 2016	B2
9526564	Rusin	Dec 2016	B2
9526921	Kimball et al.	Dec 2016	B2
D776683	Gobinski et al.	Jan 2017	S
D777773	Shi	Jan 2017	S
9532783	Swayze et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9539060	Lightcap et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9539726	Simaan et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9545253	Worrell et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9545258	Smith et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9549732	Yates et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9549733	Knodel	Jan 2017	B2
9549735	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9549750	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9554794	Baber et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9554796	Kostrzewski	Jan 2017	B2
9554803	Smith et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9554812	Inkpen et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9559624	Philipp	Jan 2017	B2
9561013	Tsuchiya	Feb 2017	B2
9561029	Scheib et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561030	Zhang et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561031	Heinrich et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561032	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561038	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561045	Hinman et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9561072	Ko	Feb 2017	B2
9566061	Aronhalt et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9566062	Boudreaux	Feb 2017	B2
9566065	Knodel	Feb 2017	B2
9566067	Milliman et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9572574	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9572576	Hodgkinson et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9572577	Lloyd et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9572592	Price et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9574644	Parihar	Feb 2017	B2
9579088	Farritor et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9579143	Ullrich et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9579158	Brianza et al.	Feb 2017	B2
D780803	Gill et al.	Mar 2017	S
D781879	Butcher et al.	Mar 2017	S
D782530	Paek et al.	Mar 2017	S
9585550	Abel et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585657	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585658	Shelton, IV	Mar 2017	B2
9585659	Viola et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585660	Laurent et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585662	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585663	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9585672	Bastia	Mar 2017	B2
9590433	Li	Mar 2017	B2
9592050	Schmid et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9592052	Shelton, IV	Mar 2017	B2
9592053	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9592054	Schmid et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597073	Sorrentino et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597075	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597078	Scirica et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597080	Milliman et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597104	Nicholas et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9597143	Madan et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9603595	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9603598	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9603599	Miller et al.	Mar 2017	B2
9603991	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	B2
D783658	Hurst et al.	Apr 2017	S
9610068	Kappel et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9610079	Kamei et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9610080	Whitfield et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9610412	Zemlok et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9614258	Takahashi et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9615826	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9622745	Ingmanson et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9622746	Simms et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629623	Lytle, IV et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629626	Soltz et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629627	Kostrzewski et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629628	Aranyi	Apr 2017	B2
9629629	Leimbach et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629631	Nicholas et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629632	Linder et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629652	Mumaw et al.	Apr 2017	B2
9629814	Widenhouse et al.	Apr 2017	B2
D785794	Magno, Jr.	May 2017	S
D786280	Ma	May 2017	S
D786896	Kim et al.	May 2017	S
D787547	Basargin et al.	May 2017	S
D788123	Shan et al.	May 2017	S
D788140	Hemsley et al.	May 2017	S
9636091	Beardsley et al.	May 2017	B2
9636111	Wenchell	May 2017	B2
9636112	Penna et al.	May 2017	B2
9636113	Wenchell	May 2017	B2
9636850	Stopek et al.	May 2017	B2
9641122	Romanowich et al.	May 2017	B2
9642620	Baxter, III et al.	May 2017	B2
9642642	Lim	May 2017	B2
9649096	Sholev	May 2017	B2
9649110	Parihar et al.	May 2017	B2
9649111	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2017	B2
9649190	Mathies	May 2017	B2
9655613	Schaller	May 2017	B2
9655614	Swensgard et al.	May 2017	B2
9655615	Knodel et al.	May 2017	B2
9655616	Aranyi	May 2017	B2
9655624	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2017	B2
9661991	Glossop	May 2017	B2
9662108	Williams	May 2017	B2
9662110	Huang et al.	May 2017	B2
9662116	Smith et al.	May 2017	B2
9662131	Omori et al.	May 2017	B2
D788792	Alessandri et al.	Jun 2017	S
D789384	Lin et al.	Jun 2017	S
D790570	Butcher et al.	Jun 2017	S
9668728	Williams et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9668729	Williams et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9668732	Patel et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9668733	Williams	Jun 2017	B2
9668734	Kostrzewski et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9668735	Beetel	Jun 2017	B2
9675344	Combrowski et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675348	Smith et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675351	Hodgkinson et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675354	Weir et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675355	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675368	Guo et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675372	Laurent et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675375	Houser et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675405	Trees et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9675819	Dunbar et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9681870	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9681873	Smith et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9681884	Clem et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687230	Leimbach et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687231	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687232	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687233	Fernandez et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687236	Leimbach et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687237	Schmid et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9687253	Detry et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9689466	Kanai et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9690362	Leimbach et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9693772	Ingmanson et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9693774	Gettinger et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9693775	Agarwal et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9693777	Schellin et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700309	Jaworek et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700310	Morgan et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700312	Kostrzewski et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700314	Marczyk	Jul 2017	B2
9700315	Chen et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700317	Aronhalt et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700318	Scirica et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700319	Motooka et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700320	Dinardo	Jul 2017	B2
9700321	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9700334	Hinman et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9706674	Collins et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9706981	Nicholas et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9706991	Hess et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9706993	Hessler et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9707003	Hoell, Jr. et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9707005	Strobl et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9707026	Malackowski et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9707033	Parihar et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9707043	Bozung	Jul 2017	B2
9707684	Ruiz Morales et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9713468	Harris et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9713470	Scirica et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9713474	Lorenz	Jul 2017	B2
D795919	Bischoff et al.	Aug 2017	S
9717497	Zerkle et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9717498	Aranyi et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9718190	Larkin et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9722236	Sathrum	Aug 2017	B2
9724091	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724092	Baxter, III et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724094	Baber et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724095	Gupta et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724096	Thompson et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724098	Baxter, III et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724118	Schulte et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9724163	Orban	Aug 2017	B2
9730692	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9730695	Leimbach et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9730697	Morgan et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9730717	Katsuki et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9731410	Hirabayashi et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9733663	Leimbach et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9737297	Racenet et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9737299	Yan	Aug 2017	B2
9737301	Baber et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9737302	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9737303	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9737365	Hegeman et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9743927	Whitman	Aug 2017	B2
9743928	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9743929	Leimbach et al.	Aug 2017	B2
D798319	Bergstrand et al.	Sep 2017	S
9750498	Timm et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9750499	Leimbach et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9750501	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9750502	Scirica et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9750503	Milliman	Sep 2017	B2
9750639	Barnes et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9757123	Giordano et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9757124	Schellin et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9757126	Cappola	Sep 2017	B2
9757128	Saber et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9757129	Williams	Sep 2017	B2
9757130	Shelton, IV	Sep 2017	B2
9763662	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9763668	Whitfield et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9770245	Swayze et al.	Sep 2017	B2
9770274	Pool et al.	Sep 2017	B2
D798886	Prophete et al.	Oct 2017	S
D800742	Rhodes	Oct 2017	S
D800744	Jitkoff et al.	Oct 2017	S
D800766	Park et al.	Oct 2017	S
D800904	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2017	S
9775608	Aronhalt et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775609	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775610	Nicholas et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775611	Kostrzewski	Oct 2017	B2
9775613	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775614	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775618	Bettuchi et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9775635	Takei	Oct 2017	B2
9775678	Lohmeier	Oct 2017	B2
9782169	Kimsey et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9782170	Zemlok et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9782180	Smith et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9782187	Zergiebel et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9782193	Thistle	Oct 2017	B2
9782214	Houser et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9788834	Schmid et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9788835	Morgan et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9788836	Overmyer et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9788847	Jinno	Oct 2017	B2
9788851	Dannaher et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9788902	Inoue et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9795379	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9795380	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9795381	Shelton, IV	Oct 2017	B2
9795382	Shelton, IV	Oct 2017	B2
9795383	Aldridge et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9795384	Weaner et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9797486	Zergiebel et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9801626	Parihar et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9801627	Harris et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9801628	Harris et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9801634	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9802033	Hibner et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9804618	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2017	B2
D803234	Day et al.	Nov 2017	S
D803235	Markson et al.	Nov 2017	S
D803850	Chang et al.	Nov 2017	S
9808244	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9808246	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9808247	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9808248	Hoffman	Nov 2017	B2
9808249	Shelton, IV	Nov 2017	B2
9814460	Kimsey et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9814462	Woodard, Jr. et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9814463	Williams et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9814530	Weir et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9814561	Forsell	Nov 2017	B2
9815118	Schmitt et al.	Nov 2017	B1
9820445	Simpson et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9820737	Beardsley et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9820738	Lytle, IV et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9820741	Kostrzewski	Nov 2017	B2
9820768	Gee et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9825455	Sandhu et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9826976	Parihar et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9826977	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9826978	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2017	B2
9829698	Haraguchi et al.	Nov 2017	B2
D806108	Day	Dec 2017	S
9833235	Penna et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9833236	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9833238	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9833239	Yates et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9833241	Huitema et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9833242	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839420	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839421	Zerkle et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839422	Schellin et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839423	Vendely et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839427	Swayze et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839428	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839429	Weisenburgh, II et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839480	Pribanic et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9839481	Blumenkranz et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844368	Boudreaux et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844369	Huitema et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844372	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844373	Swayze et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844374	Lytle, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844375	Overmyer et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844376	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9844379	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9848871	Harris et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9848873	Shelton, IV	Dec 2017	B2
9848875	Aronhalt et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9848877	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2017	B2
9850994	Schena	Dec 2017	B2
D808989	Ayvazian et al.	Jan 2018	S
9855039	Racenet et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9855040	Kostrzewski	Jan 2018	B2
9855662	Ruiz Morales et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9861261	Shahinian	Jan 2018	B2
9861359	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9861361	Aronhalt et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9861362	Whitman et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9861366	Aranyi	Jan 2018	B2
9861382	Smith et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9861446	Lang	Jan 2018	B2
9867612	Parihar et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9867613	Marczyk et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9867615	Fanelli et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9867617	Ma	Jan 2018	B2
9867618	Hall et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9867620	Fischvogt et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9868198	Nicholas et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9872682	Hess et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9872683	Hopkins et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9872684	Hall et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9872722	Lech	Jan 2018	B2
9877721	Schellin et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9877722	Schellin et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9877723	Hall et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9877776	Boudreaux	Jan 2018	B2
D810099	Riedel	Feb 2018	S
9883843	Garlow	Feb 2018	B2
9883860	Leimbach	Feb 2018	B2
9883861	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9884456	Schellin et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9888919	Leimbach et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9888921	Williams et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9888924	Ebersole et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9889230	Bennett et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9895147	Shelton, IV	Feb 2018	B2
9895148	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9895813	Blumenkranz et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901339	Farascioni	Feb 2018	B2
9901341	Kostrzewski	Feb 2018	B2
9901342	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901344	Moore et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901345	Moore et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901346	Moore et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901406	State et al.	Feb 2018	B2
9901412	Lathrop et al.	Feb 2018	B2
D813899	Erant et al.	Mar 2018	S
9907456	Miyoshi	Mar 2018	B2
9907552	Measamer et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9907553	Cole et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9907600	Stulen et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9907620	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913641	Takemoto et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913642	Leimbach et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913644	McCuen	Mar 2018	B2
9913646	Shelton, IV	Mar 2018	B2
9913647	Weisenburgh, II et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913648	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913694	Brisson	Mar 2018	B2
9913733	Piron et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9918704	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9918714	Gibbons, Jr.	Mar 2018	B2
9918715	Menn	Mar 2018	B2
9918716	Baxter, III et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9918717	Czernik	Mar 2018	B2
9918730	Trees et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924941	Burbank	Mar 2018	B2
9924942	Swayze et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924943	Mohan Pinjala et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924944	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924945	Zheng et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924946	Vendely et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924947	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9924961	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9931106	Au et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9931116	Racenet et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9931118	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9931120	Chen et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9936949	Measamer et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9936950	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9936951	Hufnagel et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9936952	Demmy	Apr 2018	B2
9936954	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9937626	Rockrohr	Apr 2018	B2
9943309	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9943310	Harris et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9943312	Posada et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9949754	Newhauser et al.	Apr 2018	B2
9953193	Butler et al.	Apr 2018	B2
D819072	Clediere	May 2018	S
9955954	Destoumieux et al.	May 2018	B2
9955965	Chen et al.	May 2018	B2
9955966	Zergiebel	May 2018	B2
9956677	Baskar et al.	May 2018	B2
9962129	Jerebko et al.	May 2018	B2
9962157	Sapre	May 2018	B2
9962158	Hall et al.	May 2018	B2
9962159	Heinrich et al.	May 2018	B2
9962161	Scheib et al.	May 2018	B2
9968354	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	B2
9968355	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	B2
9968356	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	B2
9968397	Taylor et al.	May 2018	B2
9974529	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	B2
9974538	Baxter, III et al.	May 2018	B2
9974539	Yates et al.	May 2018	B2
9974541	Calderoni	May 2018	B2
9974542	Hodgkinson	May 2018	B2
9980713	Aronhalt et al.	May 2018	B2
9980724	Farascioni et al.	May 2018	B2
9980729	Moore et al.	May 2018	B2
9980769	Trees et al.	May 2018	B2
D819680	Nguyen	Jun 2018	S
D819682	Howard et al.	Jun 2018	S
D819684	Dart	Jun 2018	S
D820307	Jian et al.	Jun 2018	S
D820867	Dickens et al.	Jun 2018	S
9987000	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987003	Timm et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987006	Morgan et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987008	Scirica et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987095	Chowaniec et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987097	Van Der Weide et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9987099	Chen et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9993248	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9993258	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9993284	Boudreaux	Jun 2018	B2
9999408	Boudreaux et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9999423	Schuckmann et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9999426	Moore et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9999431	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
9999472	Weir et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004497	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004498	Morgan et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004500	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004501	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004505	Moore et al.	Jun 2018	B2
10004506	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	B2
D822206	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2018	S
10010322	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10010324	Huitema et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10010395	Puckett et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10013049	Leimbach et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10016199	Baber et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10016656	Devor et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10022120	Martin et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10022123	Williams et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10022125	(Prommersberger) Stopek et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10024407	Aranyi et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10028742	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10028743	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10028744	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10028761	Leimbach et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10029108	Powers et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10029125	Shapiro et al.	Jul 2018	B2
10034344	Yoshida	Jul 2018	B2
10034668	Ebner	Jul 2018	B2
D826405	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2018	S
10039440	Fenech et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10039529	Kerr et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10039532	Srinivas et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10039545	Sadowski et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10041822	Zemlok	Aug 2018	B2
10045769	Aronhalt et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10045776	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10045778	Yates et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10045779	Savage et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10045781	Cropper et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10045782	Murthy Aravalli	Aug 2018	B2
10045869	Forsell	Aug 2018	B2
10052044	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10052099	Morgan et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10052100	Morgan et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10052102	Baxter, III et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10052104	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10052164	Overmyer	Aug 2018	B2
10058317	Fan et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10058327	Weisenburgh, II et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10058373	Takashino et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10058395	Devengenzo et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10058963	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10064620	Gettinger et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10064621	Kerr et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10064622	Murthy Aravalli	Sep 2018	B2
10064624	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10064639	Ishida et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10064649	Golebieski et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10064688	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10070861	Spivey et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10070863	Swayze et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10071452	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10076325	Huang et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10076326	Yates et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10076340	Belagali et al.	Sep 2018	B2
10080552	Nicholas et al.	Sep 2018	B2
D830550	Miller et al.	Oct 2018	S
D831209	Huitema et al.	Oct 2018	S
D831676	Park et al.	Oct 2018	S
D832301	Smith	Oct 2018	S
10085624	Isoda et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085643	Bandic et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085728	Jogasaki et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085746	Fischvogt	Oct 2018	B2
10085748	Morgan et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085749	Cappola et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085750	Zergiebel et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085751	Overmyer et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085754	Sniffin et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10085806	Hagn et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10092290	Yigit et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10092292	Boudreaux et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10098635	Burbank	Oct 2018	B2
10098636	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10098640	Bertolero et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10098642	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10099303	Yoshida et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10101861	Kiyoto	Oct 2018	B2
10105128	Cooper et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10105136	Yates et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10105139	Yates et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10105140	Malinouskas et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10105142	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10105149	Haider et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10106932	Anderson et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10111657	McCuen	Oct 2018	B2
10111658	Chowaniec et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10111660	Hemmann	Oct 2018	B2
10111665	Aranyi et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10111679	Baber et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10111698	Scheib et al.	Oct 2018	B2
10111702	Kostrzewski	Oct 2018	B2
D833608	Miller et al.	Nov 2018	S
10117649	Baxter et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10117650	Nicholas et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10117652	Schmid et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10117653	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10117654	Ingmanson et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10123798	Baxter, III et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10124493	Rothfuss et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130352	Widenhouse et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130359	Hess et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130361	Yates et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130363	Huitema et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130366	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130367	Cappola et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130382	Gladstone	Nov 2018	B2
10130738	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10130830	Miret Carceller et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10133248	Fitzsimmons et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10135242	Baber et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10136879	Ross et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10136887	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10136889	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10136890	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10136891	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2018	B2
D835659	Anzures et al.	Dec 2018	S
D836124	Fan	Dec 2018	S
10143474	Bucciaglia et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10149679	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10149680	Parihar et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10149682	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10149683	Smith et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10149712	Manwaring et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10152789	Carnes et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10154841	Weaner et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10159481	Whitman et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10159482	Swayze et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10159483	Beckman et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10159506	Boudreaux et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10163065	Koski et al.	Dec 2018	B1
10163589	Zergiebel et al.	Dec 2018	B2
10164466	Calderoni	Dec 2018	B2
D837244	Kuo et al.	Jan 2019	S
D837245	Kuo et al.	Jan 2019	S
10166023	Vendely et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10166025	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10166026	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172611	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172615	Marczyk et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172616	Murray et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172617	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172618	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172619	Harris et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172620	Harris et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172636	Stulen et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10172669	Felder et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10175127	Collins et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10178992	Wise et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10180463	Beckman et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10182813	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10182815	Williams et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10182816	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10182818	Hensel et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10182819	Shelton, IV	Jan 2019	B2
10182868	Meier et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10188385	Kerr et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10188389	Vendely et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10188393	Smith et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10188394	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	B2
10190888	Hryb et al.	Jan 2019	B2
D839900	Gan	Feb 2019	S
D841667	Coren	Feb 2019	S
10194801	Elhawary et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194904	Viola et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194907	Marczyk et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194908	Duque et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194910	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194913	Nalagatla et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10194976	Boudreaux	Feb 2019	B2
10194992	Robinson	Feb 2019	B2
10201348	Scheib et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10201349	Leimbach et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10201363	Shelton, IV	Feb 2019	B2
10201364	Leimbach et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10201365	Boudreaux et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10201381	Zergiebel et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10206605	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10206676	Shelton, IV	Feb 2019	B2
10206677	Harris et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10206678	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10206748	Burbank	Feb 2019	B2
10210244	Branavan et al.	Feb 2019	B1
10211586	Adams et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213198	Aronhalt et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213201	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213202	Flanagan et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213203	Swayze et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213204	Aranyi et al.	Feb 2019	B2
10213262	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	B2
D842328	Jian et al.	Mar 2019	S
10219811	Haider et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10219832	Bagwell et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10220522	Rockrohr	Mar 2019	B2
10226239	Nicholas et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10226249	Jaworek et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10226250	Beckman et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10226251	Scheib et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10226274	Worrell et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10231634	Zand et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10231653	Bohm et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10231734	Thompson et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10231794	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238385	Yates et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238386	Overmyer et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238387	Yates et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238389	Yates et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238390	Harris et al.	Mar 2019	B2
10238391	Leimbach et al.	Mar 2019	B2
D844666	Espeleta et al.	Apr 2019	S
D844667	Espeleta et al.	Apr 2019	S
D845342	Espeleta et al.	Apr 2019	S
D847199	Whitmore	Apr 2019	S
10244991	Shademan et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245027	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245028	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245029	Hunter et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245030	Hunter et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245032	Shelton, IV	Apr 2019	B2
10245033	Overmyer et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245034	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245035	Swayze et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245038	Hopkins et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10245058	Omori et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10251648	Harris et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10251649	Schellin et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10251725	Valentine et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258322	Fanton et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258330	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258331	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258332	Schmid et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258333	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258336	Baxter, III et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10258418	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10264797	Zhang et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265065	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265067	Yates et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265068	Harris et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265072	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265073	Scheib et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265074	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10265090	Ingmanson et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10271840	Sapre	Apr 2019	B2
10271844	Valentine et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10271845	Shelton, IV	Apr 2019	B2
10271846	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10271847	Racenet et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10271849	Vendely et al.	Apr 2019	B2
10271851	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	B2
D847989	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	S
D848473	Zhu et al.	May 2019	S
D849046	Kuo et al.	May 2019	S
10278696	Gurumurthy et al.	May 2019	B2
10278697	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10278702	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10278703	Nativ et al.	May 2019	B2
10278707	Thompson et al.	May 2019	B2
10278722	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10278780	Shelton, IV	May 2019	B2
10285694	Viola et al.	May 2019	B2
10285695	Jaworek et al.	May 2019	B2
10285699	Vendely et al.	May 2019	B2
10285700	Scheib	May 2019	B2
10285705	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10292701	Scheib et al.	May 2019	B2
10292704	Harris et al.	May 2019	B2
10292707	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10293100	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10293553	Racenet et al.	May 2019	B2
10299787	Shelton, IV	May 2019	B2
10299788	Heinrich et al.	May 2019	B2
10299789	Marczyk et al.	May 2019	B2
10299790	Beardsley	May 2019	B2
10299792	Huitema et al.	May 2019	B2
10299817	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10299818	Riva	May 2019	B2
10299878	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	B2
10303851	Nguyen et al.	May 2019	B2
D850617	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	S
D851676	Foss	Jun 2019	S
D851762	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	S
10307159	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10307160	Vendely et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10307161	Jankowski	Jun 2019	B2
10307163	Moore et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10307170	Parfett et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10307202	Smith et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314559	Razzaque et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314577	Laurent et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314578	Leimbach et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314580	Scheib et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314582	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314584	Scirica et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314587	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314588	Turner et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314589	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10314590	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10315566	Choi et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10321907	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10321909	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10321927	Hinman	Jun 2019	B2
10327743	St. Goar et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327764	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327765	Timm et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327767	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327769	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327776	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	B2
10327777	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	B2
D854032	Jones et al.	Jul 2019	S
D854151	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	S
10335144	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10335145	Harris et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10335147	Rector et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10335148	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10335149	Baxter, III et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10335150	Shelton, IV	Jul 2019	B2
10335151	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10337148	Rouse et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10342533	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10342535	Scheib et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10342541	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10342543	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10342623	Huelman et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10349937	Williams	Jul 2019	B2
10349939	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10349941	Marczyk et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10349963	Fiksen et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10350016	Burbank et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10357246	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10357247	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10357248	Dalessandro et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10357252	Harris et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10363031	Alexander, III et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10363033	Timm et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10363036	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	B2
10363037	Aronhalt et al.	Jul 2019	B2
D855634	Kim	Aug 2019	S
D856359	Huang et al.	Aug 2019	S
10368838	Williams et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368861	Baxter, III et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368863	Timm et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368864	Harris et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368865	Harris et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368867	Harris et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10368892	Stulen et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10376263	Morgan et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10383626	Soltz	Aug 2019	B2
10383628	Kang et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10383629	Ross et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10383630	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10383633	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10383634	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390823	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390825	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390828	Vendely et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390829	Eckert et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390830	Schulz	Aug 2019	B2
10390841	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2019	B2
10390897	Kostrzewski	Aug 2019	B2
D860219	Rasmussen et al.	Sep 2019	S
D861035	Park et al.	Sep 2019	S
10398433	Boudreaux et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10398434	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10398436	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10398460	Qvermyer	Sep 2019	B2
10404136	Oktavec et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405854	Schmid et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405857	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405859	Harris et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405863	Wise et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405914	Manwaring et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10405932	Overmyer	Sep 2019	B2
10405937	Black et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413155	Inoue	Sep 2019	B2
10413291	Worthington et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413293	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413294	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413297	Harris et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413370	Yates et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10413373	Yates et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420548	Whitman et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420549	Yates et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420550	Shelton, IV	Sep 2019	B2
10420551	Calderoni	Sep 2019	B2
10420552	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420553	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420554	Collings et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420555	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420558	Nalagatla et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420559	Marczyk et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420560	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420561	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10420577	Chowaniec et al.	Sep 2019	B2
D861707	Yang	Oct 2019	S
D862518	Niven et al.	Oct 2019	S
D863343	Mazlish et al.	Oct 2019	S
D864388	Barber	Oct 2019	S
D865174	Auld et al.	Oct 2019	S
D865175	Widenhouse et al.	Oct 2019	S
10426463	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426466	Contini et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426467	Miller et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426468	Contini et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426469	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426471	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426476	Harris et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426477	Harris et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426478	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426481	Aronhalt et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10426555	Crowley et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433837	Worthington et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433839	Scheib et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433840	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433844	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433845	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433846	Vendely et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433849	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10433918	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441279	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441280	Timm et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441281	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441285	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441286	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441345	Aldridge et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10441369	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10448948	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10448950	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10448952	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10456122	Koltz et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10456132	Gettinger et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10456133	Yates et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10456137	Vendely et al.	Oct 2019	B2
10456140	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	B2
D865796	Xu et al.	Nov 2019	S
10463367	Kostrzewski et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463369	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463370	Yates et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463371	Kostrzewski	Nov 2019	B2
10463372	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463373	Mozdzierz et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463382	Ingmanson et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463383	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10463384	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470762	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470763	Yates et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470764	Baxter, III et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470767	Gleiman et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470768	Harris et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10470769	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10471282	Kirk et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10471576	Totsu	Nov 2019	B2
10471607	Butt et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478181	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478182	Taylor	Nov 2019	B2
10478185	Nicholas	Nov 2019	B2
10478187	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478188	Harris et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478189	Bear et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478190	Miller et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10478207	Lathrop	Nov 2019	B2
10482292	Clouser et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485536	Ming et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485537	Yates et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485539	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485541	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485542	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485543	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485546	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
10485547	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	B2
D869655	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2019	S
D870742	Cornell	Dec 2019	S
10492783	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10492785	Overmyer et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10492787	Smith et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10492814	Snow et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10492847	Godara et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10492851	Hughett, Sr. et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10498269	Zemlok et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10499890	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10499914	Huang et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10499917	Scheib et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10499918	Schellin et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10500000	Swayze et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10500309	Shah et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10508720	Nicholas	Dec 2019	B2
10512461	Gupta et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517590	Giordano et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517592	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517594	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517595	Hunter et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517596	Hunter et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517599	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10517682	Giordano et al.	Dec 2019	B2
10524784	Kostrzewski	Jan 2020	B2
10524787	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10524788	Vendely et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10524789	Swayze et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10524790	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10524795	Nalagatla et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10531874	Morgan et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10531887	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10537324	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10537325	Bakos et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10537351	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542908	Mei et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542974	Yates et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542976	Calderoni et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542978	Chowaniec et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542979	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542982	Beckman et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542985	Zhan et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542988	Schellin et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10542991	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	B2
10548504	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10548593	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10548600	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10548673	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10561418	Richard et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10561419	Beardsley	Feb 2020	B2
10561420	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10561422	Schellin et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10561432	Estrella et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10561474	Adams et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10562160	Iwata et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568493	Blase et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568621	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568624	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568625	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568626	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568629	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568632	Miller et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10568652	Hess et al.	Feb 2020	B2
10569071	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	B2
D879808	Harris et al.	Mar 2020	S
D879809	Harris et al.	Mar 2020	S
10575868	Hall et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10580320	Kamiguchi et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10582928	Hunter et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588231	Sgroi, Jr. et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588623	Schmid et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588625	Weaner et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588626	Overmyer et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588629	Malinouskas et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588630	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588631	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588632	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10588633	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10595835	Kerr et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10595862	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10595882	Parfett et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10595887	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10595929	Boudreaux et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10603036	Hunter et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10603039	Vendely et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10603041	Miller et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10603117	Schings et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10603128	Zergiebel et al.	Mar 2020	B2
10610224	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10610236	Baril	Apr 2020	B2
10610313	Bailey	Apr 2020	B2
10610346	Schwartz	Apr 2020	B2
10617411	Williams	Apr 2020	B2
10617412	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617413	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617414	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617416	Leimbach et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617417	Baxter, III et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617418	Barton et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10617420	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624616	Mukherjee et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624630	Deville et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624633	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624634	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624635	Harris et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10624709	Remm	Apr 2020	B2
10624861	Widenhouse et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10625062	Matlock et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10631857	Kostrzewski	Apr 2020	B2
10631858	Burbank	Apr 2020	B2
10631859	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10631860	Bakos et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10636104	Mazar et al.	Apr 2020	B2
10639018	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10639034	Harris et al.	May 2020	B2
10639035	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10639036	Yates et al.	May 2020	B2
10639037	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10639089	Manwaring et al.	May 2020	B2
10639115	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10645905	Gandola et al.	May 2020	B2
10646220	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10646292	Solomon et al.	May 2020	B2
10653413	Worthington et al.	May 2020	B2
10653417	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10653435	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	B2
10660640	Yates et al.	May 2020	B2
10667408	Sgroi, Jr. et al.	May 2020	B2
D888953	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2020	S
10667808	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10667809	Bakos et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10667810	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10667811	Harris et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10667818	McLain et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10674895	Yeung et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675021	Harris et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675024	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675025	Swayze et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675026	Harris et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675028	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10675035	Zingman	Jun 2020	B2
10675102	Forgione et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10677035	Balan et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10682134	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10682136	Harris et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10682138	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10682141	Moore et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10682142	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687806	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687809	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687810	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687812	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687813	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687817	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687819	Stokes et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10687904	Harris et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695053	Hess et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695055	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695057	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695058	Lytle, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695062	Leimbach et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695063	Morgan et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695074	Carusillo	Jun 2020	B2
10695081	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	B2
10695123	Allen, IV	Jun 2020	B2
10695187	Moskowitz et al.	Jun 2020	B2
D890784	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	S
10702266	Parihar et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10702267	Hess et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10702270	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10702271	Aranyi et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10705660	Xiao	Jul 2020	B2
10709446	Harris et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10709468	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10709469	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10709496	Moua et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10716563	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10716565	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10716568	Hall et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10716614	Yates et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10717179	Koenig et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10722232	Yates et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10722233	Wellman	Jul 2020	B2
10722292	Arya et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10722293	Arya et al.	Jul 2020	B2
10722317	Ward et al.	Jul 2020	B2
D893717	Messerly et al.	Aug 2020	S
10729432	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10729436	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10729443	Cabrera et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10729458	Stoddard et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10729501	Leimbach et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10729509	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736616	Scheib et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736628	Yates et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736629	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736630	Huang et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736633	Vendely et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736634	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736636	Baxter, III et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10736644	Windolf et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743849	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743851	Swayze et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743868	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743870	Hall et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743872	Leimbach et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743873	Overmyer et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743874	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743875	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743877	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10743930	Nagtegaal	Aug 2020	B2
10751048	Whitman et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10751053	Harris et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10751076	Laurent et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10751138	Giordano et al.	Aug 2020	B2
10758229	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10758230	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10758232	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10758233	Scheib et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10758259	Demmy et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10765425	Yates et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10765427	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10765429	Leimbach et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10765430	Wixey	Sep 2020	B2
10765432	Moore et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10765442	Strobl	Sep 2020	B2
10772625	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10772628	Chen et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10772629	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10772630	Wixey	Sep 2020	B2
10772631	Zergiebel et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10772632	Kostrzewski	Sep 2020	B2
10772651	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779818	Zemlok et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779820	Harris et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779821	Harris et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779822	Yates et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779823	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779824	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779825	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779826	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10779903	Wise et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10780539	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10786248	Rousseau et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10786253	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10786255	Hodgkinson et al.	Sep 2020	B2
10792038	Becerra et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10796471	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10799240	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10799306	Robinson et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806448	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806449	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806450	Yates et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806451	Harris et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806453	Chen et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10806479	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813638	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813639	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813640	Adams et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813641	Setser	Oct 2020	B2
10813683	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813705	Hares et al.	Oct 2020	B2
10813710	Grubbs	Oct 2020	B2
10820939	Sartor	Nov 2020	B2
10828028	Harris et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10828030	Weir et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10828032	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10828033	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10828089	Clark et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835245	Swayze et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835246	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835247	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835249	Schellin et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835251	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10835330	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842357	Moskowitz et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842473	Scheib et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842488	Swayze et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842489	Shelton, IV	Nov 2020	B2
10842490	DiNardo et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842491	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
10842492	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	B2
D904612	Wynn et al.	Dec 2020	S
D906355	Messerly et al.	Dec 2020	S
10849621	Whitfield et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10849623	Dunki-Jacobs et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10849697	Yates et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10856866	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10856867	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10856868	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10856869	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10856870	Harris et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10863981	Overmyer et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10863984	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10863986	Yates et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10869664	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	B2
10869665	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10869666	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10869669	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874290	Walen et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874391	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874392	Scirica et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874393	Satti et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874396	Moore et al.	Dec 2020	B2
10874399	Zhang	Dec 2020	B2
10879275	Li et al.	Dec 2020	B2
D907647	Siebel et al.	Jan 2021	S
D907648	Siebel et al.	Jan 2021	S
D908216	Messerly et al.	Jan 2021	S
10881395	Merchant et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10881396	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10881399	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10881401	Baber et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10881446	Strobl	Jan 2021	B2
10888318	Parihar et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888321	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888322	Morgan et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888325	Harris et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888328	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888329	Moore et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888330	Moore et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10888369	Messerly et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10892899	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10893853	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10893863	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10893864	Harris et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10893867	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898183	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898184	Yates et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898185	Overmyer et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898186	Bakos et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898190	Yates et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898193	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898194	Moore et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10898195	Moore et al.	Jan 2021	B2
10903685	Yates et al.	Jan 2021	B2
D910847	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	S
10905415	DiNardo et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905418	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905420	Jasemian et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905422	Bakos et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905423	Baber et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905426	Moore et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10905427	Moore et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10911515	Biasi et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10912559	Harris et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10912562	Dunki-Jacobs et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10912575	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10918364	Applegate et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10918380	Morgan et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10918385	Overmyer et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10918386	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	B2
10925600	McCuen	Feb 2021	B2
10925605	Moore et al.	Feb 2021	B2
D914878	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	S
10932772	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932774	Shelton, IV	Mar 2021	B2
10932775	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932778	Smith et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932779	Vendely et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932804	Scheib et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932806	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10932872	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10944728	Wiener et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10945727	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10945728	Morgan et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10945729	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10945731	Baxter, III et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10952708	Scheib et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10952727	Giordano et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10952728	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10952759	Messerly et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10952767	Kostrzewski et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10959722	Morgan et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10959725	Kerr et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10959727	Hunter et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10959731	Casasanta, Jr. et al.	Mar 2021	B2
10959744	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	B2
D917500	Siebel et al.	Apr 2021	S
10966627	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10966717	Shah et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10966718	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10966791	Harris et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10973515	Harris et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10973516	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10973517	Wixey	Apr 2021	B2
10973519	Weir et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10973520	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980534	Yates et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980535	Yates et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980536	Weaner et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980537	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980538	Nalagatla et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980539	Harris et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10980560	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10983646	Yoon et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10987102	Gonzalez et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10987178	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	B2
10993713	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
10993715	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
10993716	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
10993717	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11000274	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11000275	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11000277	Giordano et al.	May 2021	B2
11000278	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11000279	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11006951	Giordano et al.	May 2021	B2
11006955	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11007004	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11007022	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11013511	Huang et al.	May 2021	B2
11013552	Widenhouse et al.	May 2021	B2
11013563	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	B2
11020016	Wallace et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11020112	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11020113	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11020114	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11020115	Scheib et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026678	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026680	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026684	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026687	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026712	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026713	Stokes et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11026751	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11033267	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11039834	Harris et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11039836	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11039837	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11045189	Yates et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11045191	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11045192	Harris et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11045197	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11045270	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	B2
11051807	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051810	Harris et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051811	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051813	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051836	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051840	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11051873	Wiener et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058418	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058420	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058422	Harris et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058423	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058424	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058425	Widenhouse et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058426	Nalagatla et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11058498	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11064997	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11064998	Shelton, IV	Jul 2021	B2
11065048	Messerly et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11069012	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11071543	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11071545	Baber et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11071554	Parfett et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11071560	Deck et al.	Jul 2021	B2
11076853	Parfett et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11076854	Baber et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11076921	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11076929	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083452	Schmid et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083453	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083454	Harris et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083455	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083456	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083457	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11083458	Harris et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11090045	Shelton, IV	Aug 2021	B2
11090046	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11090047	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11090048	Fanelli et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11090049	Bakos et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11090075	Hunter et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11096688	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11096689	Overmyer et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11100631	Yates et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11103241	Yates et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11103248	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11103268	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11103269	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	B2
11109858	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11109859	Overmyer et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11109860	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11109866	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11109878	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11116485	Scheib et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11116502	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11123070	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129611	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129613	Harris et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129615	Scheib et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129616	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129634	Scheib et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129636	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129666	Messerly et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11129680	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11132462	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11133106	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	B2
11134938	Timm et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11134940	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11134942	Harris et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11134943	Giordano et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11134944	Wise et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11134947	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2021	B2
11135352	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2021	B2
20010000531	Casscells et al.	Apr 2001	A1
20010025183	Shahidi	Sep 2001	A1
20010025184	Messerly	Sep 2001	A1
20010034530	Malackowski et al.	Oct 2001	A1
20020014510	Richter et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020022810	Urich	Feb 2002	A1
20020022836	Goble et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020022861	Jacobs et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020029032	Arkin	Mar 2002	A1
20020029036	Goble et al.	Mar 2002	A1
20020042620	Julian et al.	Apr 2002	A1
20020087048	Brock et al.	Jul 2002	A1
20020091374	Cooper	Jul 2002	A1
20020095175	Brock et al.	Jul 2002	A1
20020103494	Pacey	Aug 2002	A1
20020111624	Witt et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020116063	Giannetti et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020117534	Green et al.	Aug 2002	A1
20020127265	Bowman et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020128633	Brock et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020134811	Napier et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020135474	Sylliassen	Sep 2002	A1
20020138086	Sixto et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020143340	Kaneko	Oct 2002	A1
20020151770	Noll et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020158593	Henderson et al.	Oct 2002	A1
20020177848	Truckai et al.	Nov 2002	A1
20020185514	Adams et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020188170	Santamore et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20020188287	Zvuloni et al.	Dec 2002	A1
20030009193	Corsaro	Jan 2003	A1
20030011245	Fiebig	Jan 2003	A1
20030012805	Chen et al.	Jan 2003	A1
20030040670	Govari	Feb 2003	A1
20030045835	Anderson et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030047230	Kim	Mar 2003	A1
20030050654	Whitman et al.	Mar 2003	A1
20030066858	Holgersson	Apr 2003	A1
20030078647	Vallana et al.	Apr 2003	A1
20030083648	Wang et al.	May 2003	A1
20030084983	Rangachari et al.	May 2003	A1
20030093103	Malackowski et al.	May 2003	A1
20030094356	Waldron	May 2003	A1
20030096158	Takano et al.	May 2003	A1
20030114851	Truckai et al.	Jun 2003	A1
20030121586	Mitra et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030139741	Goble et al.	Jul 2003	A1
20030149406	Martineau et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030153908	Goble et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030153968	Geis et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030163085	Tanner et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030164172	Chumas et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030181900	Long	Sep 2003	A1
20030190584	Heasley	Oct 2003	A1
20030195387	Kortenbach et al.	Oct 2003	A1
20030205029	Chapolini et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030212005	Petito et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030216732	Truckai et al.	Nov 2003	A1
20030236505	Bonadio et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20040006335	Garrison	Jan 2004	A1
20040006340	Latterell et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040007608	Ehrenfels et al.	Jan 2004	A1
20040024457	Boyce et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040028502	Cummins	Feb 2004	A1
20040030333	Goble	Feb 2004	A1
20040034287	Hickle	Feb 2004	A1
20040034357	Beane et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040044295	Reinert et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040044364	DeVries et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040049121	Yaron	Mar 2004	A1
20040049172	Root et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040059362	Knodel et al.	Mar 2004	A1
20040068161	Couvillon	Apr 2004	A1
20040068224	Couvillon et al.	Apr 2004	A1
20040068307	Goble	Apr 2004	A1
20040070369	Sakakibara	Apr 2004	A1
20040073222	Koseki	Apr 2004	A1
20040078037	Batchelor et al.	Apr 2004	A1
20040082952	Dycus et al.	Apr 2004	A1
20040085180	Juang	May 2004	A1
20040092992	Adams et al.	May 2004	A1
20040093024	Lousararian et al.	May 2004	A1
20040098040	Taniguchi et al.	May 2004	A1
20040101822	Wiesner et al.	May 2004	A1
20040102783	Sutterlin et al.	May 2004	A1
20040108357	Milliman et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040110439	Chaikof et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040115022	Albertson et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040116952	Sakurai et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040119185	Chen	Jun 2004	A1
20040122419	Neuberger	Jun 2004	A1
20040122423	Dycus et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040133095	Dunki-Jacobs et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040133189	Sakurai	Jul 2004	A1
20040143297	Ramsey	Jul 2004	A1
20040147909	Johnston et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040153100	Ahlberg et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040158261	Vu	Aug 2004	A1
20040164123	Racenet et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040166169	Malaviya et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040167572	Roth et al.	Aug 2004	A1
20040181219	Goble et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040193189	Kortenbach et al.	Sep 2004	A1
20040197367	Rezania et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040199181	Knodel et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040204735	Shiroff et al.	Oct 2004	A1
20040218451	Said et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040222268	Bilotti et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040225186	Horne et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040232201	Wenchell et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040236352	Wang et al.	Nov 2004	A1
20040239582	Seymour	Dec 2004	A1
20040243147	Lipow	Dec 2004	A1
20040243151	Demmy et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040243163	Casiano et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040247415	Mangone	Dec 2004	A1
20040249366	Kunz	Dec 2004	A1
20040254455	Iddan	Dec 2004	A1
20040254566	Plicchi et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040254590	Hoffman et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040260315	Dell et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20040267310	Racenet et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20050010158	Brugger et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050010213	Stad et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050021078	Vleugels et al.	Jan 2005	A1
20050032511	Malone et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050033352	Zepf et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050051163	Deem et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050054946	Krzyzanowski	Mar 2005	A1
20050057225	Marquet	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
20050080342	Gilreath et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050085693	Belson et al.	Apr 2005	A1
20050090817	Phan	Apr 2005	A1
20050096683	Ellins et al.	May 2005	A1
20050116673	Carl et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050124855	Jaffe et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050125897	Wyslucha et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050129735	Cook et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050130682	Takara et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131173	McDaniel et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131211	Bayley et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131390	Heinrich et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050131436	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
20050139636	Schwemberger et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050143759	Kelly	Jun 2005	A1
20050143769	White et al.	Jun 2005	A1
20050145671	Viola	Jul 2005	A1
20050150928	Kameyama et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154258	Tartaglia et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050154406	Bombard et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050159778	Heinrich et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050165419	Sauer et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050169974	Tenerz et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050171522	Christopherson	Aug 2005	A1
20050177176	Gerbi et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177181	Kagan et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050177249	Kladakis et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050182298	Ikeda et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050182443	Jonn et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050184121	Heinrich	Aug 2005	A1
20050186240	Ringeisen et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050187545	Hooven et al.	Aug 2005	A1
20050203550	Laufer et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050209614	Fenter et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050216055	Scirica et al.	Sep 2005	A1
20050222587	Jinno et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050222611	Weitkamp	Oct 2005	A1
20050222616	Rethy et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050222665	Aranyi	Oct 2005	A1
20050228224	Okada et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050228446	Mooradian et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050230453	Viola	Oct 2005	A1
20050240178	Morley et al.	Oct 2005	A1
20050242950	Lindsay et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050245965	Orban III et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050246881	Kelly et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050251063	Basude	Nov 2005	A1
20050256452	DeMarchi et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050258963	Rodriguez et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050261676	Hall et al.	Nov 2005	A1
20050263563	Racenet et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050267455	Eggers et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050274034	Hayashida et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283188	Loshakove et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20050283226	Haverkost	Dec 2005	A1
20060008787	Hayman et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060015009	Jaffe et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060020167	Sitzmann	Jan 2006	A1
20060020258	Strauss et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060020336	Liddicoat	Jan 2006	A1
20060025812	Shelton	Feb 2006	A1
20060041188	Dirusso et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060047275	Goble	Mar 2006	A1
20060049229	Milliman et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052824	Ransick et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060052825	Ransick et al.	Mar 2006	A1
20060064086	Odom	Mar 2006	A1
20060079735	Martone et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079874	Faller et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060079879	Faller et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060086032	Valencic et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060087746	Lipow	Apr 2006	A1
20060089535	Raz et al.	Apr 2006	A1
20060097699	Kamenoff	May 2006	A1
20060100643	Laufer et al.	May 2006	A1
20060100649	Hart	May 2006	A1
20060106369	Desai et al.	May 2006	A1
20060111711	Goble	May 2006	A1
20060111723	Chapolini et al.	May 2006	A1
20060116634	Shachar	Jun 2006	A1
20060142772	Ralph et al.	Jun 2006	A1
20060144898	Bilotti et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060154546	Murphy et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060161050	Butler et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060161185	Saadat et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060167471	Phillips	Jul 2006	A1
20060173290	Lavallee et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060173470	Oray et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060176031	Forman et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060176242	Jaramaz et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060178556	Hasser et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060180633	Emmons	Aug 2006	A1
20060180634	Shelton et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060185682	Marczyk	Aug 2006	A1
20060199999	Ikeda et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060201989	Ojeda	Sep 2006	A1
20060206100	Eskridge et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060217729	Eskridge et al.	Sep 2006	A1
20060226957	Miller et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060235368	Oz	Oct 2006	A1
20060241666	Briggs et al.	Oct 2006	A1
20060244460	Weaver	Nov 2006	A1
20060252981	Matsuda et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060252990	Kubach	Nov 2006	A1
20060252993	Freed et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060258904	Stefanchik et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060259073	Miyamoto et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060261763	Iott et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060263444	Ming et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264831	Skwarek et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060264929	Goble et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060271042	Latterell et al.	Nov 2006	A1
20060271102	Bosshard et al.	Nov 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
20070005045	Mintz et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070009570	Kim et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070010702	Wang et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070010838	Shelton et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070016235	Tanaka et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070018958	Tavakoli et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070026039	Drumheller et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070026040	Crawley et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070027468	Wales et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070027551	Farnsworth et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070043387	Vargas et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070049951	Menn	Mar 2007	A1
20070049966	Bonadio et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070051375	Milliman	Mar 2007	A1
20070055228	Berg et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070073341	Smith et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070073389	Bolduc et al.	Mar 2007	A1
20070078328	Ozaki et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070078484	Talarico et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070084897	Shelton et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070088376	Zacharias	Apr 2007	A1
20070090788	Hansford et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070093869	Bloom et al.	Apr 2007	A1
20070102472	Shelton	May 2007	A1
20070103437	Rosenberg	May 2007	A1
20070106113	Ravo	May 2007	A1
20070106317	Shelton et al.	May 2007	A1
20070118115	Artale et al.	May 2007	A1
20070134251	Ashkenazi et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070135686	Pruitt et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20070135803	Belson	Jun 2007	A1
20070152612	Chen et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070152829	Lindsay et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070155010	Farnsworth et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070170225	Shelton et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070173687	Shima et al.	Jul 2007	A1
20070173813	Odom	Jul 2007	A1
20070173872	Neuenfeldt	Jul 2007	A1
20070175950	Shelton et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070175951	Shelton et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070175955	Shelton et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070179477	Danger	Aug 2007	A1
20070185545	Duke	Aug 2007	A1
20070187857	Riley et al.	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
20070197954	Keenan	Aug 2007	A1
20070198039	Jones et al.	Aug 2007	A1
20070203510	Bettuchi	Aug 2007	A1
20070207010	Caspi	Sep 2007	A1
20070208359	Hoffman	Sep 2007	A1
20070208375	Nishizawa et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070213750	Weadock	Sep 2007	A1
20070225562	Spivey et al.	Sep 2007	A1
20070233163	Bombard et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070243227	Gertner	Oct 2007	A1
20070244471	Malackowski	Oct 2007	A1
20070244496	Hellenkamp	Oct 2007	A1
20070246505	Pace-Floridia et al.	Oct 2007	A1
20070260132	Sterling	Nov 2007	A1
20070262592	Hwang et al.	Nov 2007	A1
20070270660	Caylor 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
20070290027	Maatta et al.	Dec 2007	A1
20070296286	Avenell	Dec 2007	A1
20080003196	Jonn et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080015598	Prommersberger	Jan 2008	A1
20080021486	Oyola et al.	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
20080039746	Hissong et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080042861	Dacquay et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080051833	Gramuglia et al.	Feb 2008	A1
20080064920	Bakos et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080064921	Larkin et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080065153	Allard et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080069736	Mingerink et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080071328	Haubrich et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080077158	Haider et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080078802	Hess et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080081948	Weisenburgh 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
20080083807	Beardsley et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080083811	Marczyk	Apr 2008	A1
20080085296	Powell et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080086078	Powell et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080091072	Omori et al.	Apr 2008	A1
20080108443	Jinno et al.	May 2008	A1
20080114250	Urbano et al.	May 2008	A1
20080125634	Ryan et al.	May 2008	A1
20080125749	Olson	May 2008	A1
20080128469	Dalessandro et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080129253	Shiue et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080135600	Hiranuma et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080140115	Stopek	Jun 2008	A1
20080140159	Bornhoft et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080149682	Uhm	Jun 2008	A1
20080154299	Livneh	Jun 2008	A1
20080154335	Thrope et al.	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
20080177392	Williams et al.	Jul 2008	A1
20080190989	Crews et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080196253	Ezra et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080196419	Dube	Aug 2008	A1
20080197167	Viola et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080200755	Bakos	Aug 2008	A1
20080200762	Stokes et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080200835	Monson et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080200911	Long	Aug 2008	A1
20080200933	Bakos et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080200934	Fox	Aug 2008	A1
20080206186	Butler et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080208058	Sabata et al.	Aug 2008	A1
20080234709	Houser	Sep 2008	A1
20080242939	Johnston	Oct 2008	A1
20080243088	Evans	Oct 2008	A1
20080249536	Stahler et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080249608	Dave	Oct 2008	A1
20080255413	Zemlok et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080255420	Lee et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080255663	Akpek et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080262654	Omori et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080269596	Revie et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080281171	Fennell et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080281332	Taylor	Nov 2008	A1
20080287944	Pearson et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20080293910	Kapiamba 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
20080298784	Kastner	Dec 2008	A1
20080308602	Timm et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080308603	Shelton et al.	Dec 2008	A1
20080312686	Ellingwood	Dec 2008	A1
20080312687	Blier	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
20090020958	Soul	Jan 2009	A1
20090048583	Williams et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20090048589	Takashino et al.	Feb 2009	A1
20090076506	Baker	Mar 2009	A1
20090078736	Van Lue	Mar 2009	A1
20090081313	Aghion et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090088659	Graham et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090090763	Zemlok et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090099579	Nentwick et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090099876	Whitman	Apr 2009	A1
20090110533	Jinno	Apr 2009	A1
20090112234	Crainich et al.	Apr 2009	A1
20090118762	Crainch et al.	May 2009	A1
20090119011	Kondo et al.	May 2009	A1
20090131819	Ritchie et al.	May 2009	A1
20090132400	Conway	May 2009	A1
20090143855	Weber et al.	Jun 2009	A1
20090149871	Kagan et al.	Jun 2009	A9
20090171147	Lee et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090177218	Young et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090177226	Reinprecht et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090181290	Baldwin et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090188964	Orlov	Jul 2009	A1
20090192534	Ortiz et al.	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
20090221993	Sohi et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090227834	Nakamoto et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090234273	Intoccia et al.	Sep 2009	A1
20090242610	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090246873	Yamamoto et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090247368	Chiang	Oct 2009	A1
20090247901	Zimmer	Oct 2009	A1
20090248100	Vaisnys et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090253959	Yoshie et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090255974	Viola	Oct 2009	A1
20090261141	Stratton et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090262078	Pizzi	Oct 2009	A1
20090270895	Churchill et al.	Oct 2009	A1
20090277288	Doepker et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090278406	Hoffman	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
20090318557	Stockel	Dec 2009	A1
20090325859	Ameer et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20100005035	Carpenter et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100012703	Calabrese et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100015104	Fraser et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100016853	Burbank	Jan 2010	A1
20100016888	Calabrese et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100017715	Balassanian	Jan 2010	A1
20100023024	Zeiner et al.	Jan 2010	A1
20100030233	Whitman et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100030239	Viola et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100032179	Hanspers et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100036370	Mirel et al.	Feb 2010	A1
20100051668	Milliman et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100057118	Dietz et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100065604	Weng	Mar 2010	A1
20100069833	Wenderow et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100069942	Shelton, IV	Mar 2010	A1
20100076483	Imuta	Mar 2010	A1
20100076489	Stopek et al.	Mar 2010	A1
20100081883	Murray et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100094340	Stopek et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100100123	Bennett	Apr 2010	A1
20100100124	Calabrese et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100116519	Gareis	May 2010	A1
20100122339	Boccacci	May 2010	A1
20100133317	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100137990	Apatsidis et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100138659	Carmichael et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100145146	Melder	Jun 2010	A1
20100147921	Olson	Jun 2010	A1
20100147922	Olson	Jun 2010	A1
20100159435	Mueller et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100179022	Shirokoshi	Jul 2010	A1
20100180711	Kilibarda et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100191262	Harris et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100191292	DeMeo et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100193566	Scheib et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100204717	Knodel	Aug 2010	A1
20100204721	Young et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100217281	Matsuoka et al.	Aug 2010	A1
20100222901	Swayze et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100228250	Brogna	Sep 2010	A1
20100234687	Azarbarzin et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100241137	Doyle et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100245102	Yokoi	Sep 2010	A1
20100249497	Peine et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100249947	Lesh et al.	Sep 2010	A1
20100256675	Romans	Oct 2010	A1
20100258327	Esenwein et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100267662	Fielder et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100274160	Yachi et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100292540	Hess et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100298636	Castro et al.	Nov 2010	A1
20100301097	Scirica et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100310623	Laurencin et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100312261	Suzuki et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100318085	Austin et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100331856	Carlson et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20110006101	Hall et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110009694	Schultz et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110011916	Levine	Jan 2011	A1
20110016960	Debrailly	Jan 2011	A1
20110021871	Berkelaar	Jan 2011	A1
20110022032	Zemlok et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110024477	Hall	Feb 2011	A1
20110024478	Shelton, IV	Feb 2011	A1
20110025311	Chauvin et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110029270	Mueglitz	Feb 2011	A1
20110036891	Zemlok et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110046667	Culligan et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110052660	Yang et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110056717	Herisse	Mar 2011	A1
20110060363	Hess et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110066156	McGahan et al.	Mar 2011	A1
20110082538	Dahlgren et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110087276	Bedi et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110088921	Forgues et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110091515	Zilberman et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110095064	Taylor et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110095067	Ohdaira	Apr 2011	A1
20110101069	Bombard et al.	May 2011	A1
20110101794	Schroeder et al.	May 2011	A1
20110112517	Peine et al.	May 2011	A1
20110112530	Keller	May 2011	A1
20110114697	Baxter, III et al.	May 2011	A1
20110118708	Burbank et al.	May 2011	A1
20110125149	El-Galley et al.	May 2011	A1
20110125176	Yates et al.	May 2011	A1
20110127945	Yoneda	Jun 2011	A1
20110129706	Takahashi et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110144764	Bagga et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110147433	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110160725	Kabaya et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110163146	Ortiz et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110172495	Armstrong	Jul 2011	A1
20110174099	Ross	Jul 2011	A1
20110174861	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2011	A1
20110192882	Hess et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110199225	Touchberry et al.	Aug 2011	A1
20110218400	Ma et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110218550	Ma	Sep 2011	A1
20110220381	Friese et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110225105	Scholer et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110230713	Kleemann et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110235168	Sander	Sep 2011	A1
20110238044	Main et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110241597	Zhu et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110256266	Orme et al.	Oct 2011	A1
20110271186	Owens	Nov 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
20110285507	Nelson	Nov 2011	A1
20110290856	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110290858	Whitman et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110293690	Griffin et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110295295	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110313894	Dye et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20110315413	Fisher et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20120004636	Lo	Jan 2012	A1
20120007442	Rhodes et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120008880	Toth	Jan 2012	A1
20120016239	Barthe et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120016413	Timm et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120016467	Chen et al.	Jan 2012	A1
20120029272	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2012	A1
20120033360	Hsu	Feb 2012	A1
20120059286	Hastings et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120064483	Lint et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120074200	Schmid et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120078243	Worrell et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120078244	Worrell et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120080336	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120080344	Shelton, IV	Apr 2012	A1
20120080478	Morgan et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120080498	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120086276	Sawyers	Apr 2012	A1
20120095458	Cybulski et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120109186	Parrott et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116261	Mumaw et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116262	Houser et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116265	Houser et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116266	Houser et al.	May 2012	A1
20120116381	Houser et al.	May 2012	A1
20120118595	Pellenc	May 2012	A1
20120123463	Jacobs	May 2012	A1
20120125792	Cassivi	May 2012	A1
20120130217	Kauphusman et al.	May 2012	A1
20120132286	Lim et al.	May 2012	A1
20120171539	Rejman et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120175398	Sandborn et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120190964	Hyde et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120197272	Oray et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120211542	Racenet	Aug 2012	A1
20120220990	Mckenzie et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120234895	O'Connor et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120234897	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120239068	Morris et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120248169	Widenhouse et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120251861	Liang et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120253328	Cunningham et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120271327	West et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120283707	Giordano et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120289811	Viola et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120289979	Eskaros et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120292367	Morgan et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120296342	Haglund Wendelschafer	Nov 2012	A1
20120298722	Hess et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120301498	Altreuter et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120316424	Stopek	Dec 2012	A1
20120330329	Harris et al.	Dec 2012	A1
20130006227	Takashino	Jan 2013	A1
20130008937	Viola	Jan 2013	A1
20130012983	Kleyman	Jan 2013	A1
20130018400	Milton et al.	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
20130023910	Solomon et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130026208	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130026210	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130030462	Keating et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130041292	Cunningham	Feb 2013	A1
20130057162	Pollischansky	Mar 2013	A1
20130068816	Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al.	Mar 2013	A1
20130087597	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130090534	Burns et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130096568	Justis	Apr 2013	A1
20130098970	Racenet et al.	Apr 2013	A1
20130106352	Nagamine	May 2013	A1
20130116669	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2013	A1
20130123816	Hodgkinson et al.	May 2013	A1
20130126202	Oomori et al.	May 2013	A1
20130131476	Siu et al.	May 2013	A1
20130131651	Strobl et al.	May 2013	A1
20130136969	Yasui et al.	May 2013	A1
20130153641	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130158390	Tan et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130162198	Yokota et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130169217	Watanabe et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130172713	Kirschenman	Jul 2013	A1
20130172878	Smith	Jul 2013	A1
20130175317	Yates et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130183769	Tajima	Jul 2013	A1
20130211244	Nathaniel	Aug 2013	A1
20130214025	Zemlok et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130215449	Yamasaki	Aug 2013	A1
20130231681	Robinson et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130233906	Hess et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130238021	Gross et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130248578	Arteaga Gonzalez	Sep 2013	A1
20130253480	Kimball et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130256373	Schmid et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130256380	Schmid et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130267978	Trissel	Oct 2013	A1
20130270322	Scheib et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130277410	Fernandez et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130293353	McPherson et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130306704	Balbierz et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130327552	Lovelass et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130333910	Tanimoto et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130334280	Krehel et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130334283	Swayze et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130334285	Swayze et al.	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
20140005640	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140005678	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140005702	Timm et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140005718	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140008289	Williams et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140014704	Onukuri et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140014705	Baxter, III	Jan 2014	A1
20140014707	Onukuri et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140018832	Shelton, IV	Jan 2014	A1
20140022283	Chan et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140039549	Belsky et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140041191	Knodel	Feb 2014	A1
20140048580	Merchant et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140081176	Hassan	Mar 2014	A1
20140094681	Valentine et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140100558	Schmitz et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140107697	Patani et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140115229	Kothamasu et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140131418	Kostrzewski	May 2014	A1
20140135832	Park et al.	May 2014	A1
20140151433	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140155916	Hodgkinson et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140158747	Measamer et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140166723	Beardsley 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
20140175147	Manoux et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140175150	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140175152	Hess et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140181710	Baalu et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140183244	Duque et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140188091	Vidal et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140188159	Steege	Jul 2014	A1
20140207124	Aldridge et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140209658	Skalla et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140224857	Schmid	Aug 2014	A1
20140228632	Sholev et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140228867	Thomas et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140239047	Hodgkinson et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140243865	Swayze et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140246475	Hall et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140248167	Sugimoto et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140249557	Koch et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140249573	Arav	Sep 2014	A1
20140262408	Woodard	Sep 2014	A1
20140263541	Leimbach et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140263552	Hall et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140263558	Hausen et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140276730	Boudreaux et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140284371	Morgan et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140288460	Ouyang et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140291379	Schellin et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140291383	Spivey et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140299648	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140303645	Morgan et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140303660	Boyden et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140330161	Swayze et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140330298	Arshonsky et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140330579	Cashman et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140358163	Farin et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20140367445	Ingmanson et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20140374130	Nakamura et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20140378950	Chiu	Dec 2014	A1
20150001272	Sniffin et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150002089	Rejman et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150025549	Kilroy et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150025571	Suzuki et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150053737	Leimbach et al.	Feb 2015	A1
20150053743	Yates et al.	Feb 2015	A1
20150053746	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2015	A1
20150053748	Yates et al.	Feb 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
20150066000	An 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
20150076211	Irka et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150082624	Craig et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150083781	Giordano et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150087952	Albert et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150088127	Craig et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150088547	Balram et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150090760	Giordano et al.	Apr 2015	A1
20150090762	Giordano et al.	Apr 2015	A1
20150127021	Harris et al.	May 2015	A1
20150134077	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2015	A1
20150150620	Miyamoto et al.	Jun 2015	A1
20150173749	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2015	A1
20150173756	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2015	A1
20150173789	Baxter, III et al.	Jun 2015	A1
20150196295	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150196296	Swayze et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150196299	Swayze et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150201918	Kumar et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150201932	Swayze 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
20150209045	Hodgkinson et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150222212	Iwata	Aug 2015	A1
20150223868	Brandt et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150230697	Phee et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150231409	Racenet et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150238118	Legassey et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150272557	Overmyer et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150272571	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150272580	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150272582	Leimbach et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297200	Fitzsimmons et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297222	Huitema et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297223	Huitema et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297225	Huitema et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297228	Huitema et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297233	Huitema et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150297824	Cabiri et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150303417	Koeder et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150313594	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2015	A1
20150324317	Collins et al.	Nov 2015	A1
20150352699	Sakai et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150366585	Lemay et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150367497	Ito et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150372265	Morisaku et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150374372	Zergiebel et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150374378	Giordano et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20160000437	Giordano et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160000452	Yates et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160000453	Yates et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160030042	Heinrich et al.	Feb 2016	A1
20160030043	Fanelli et al.	Feb 2016	A1
20160051316	Boudreaux	Feb 2016	A1
20160066913	Swayze et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160069449	Kanai et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160074035	Whitman et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160074040	Widenhouse et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160082161	Zilberman et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160120545	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2016	A1
20160135835	Onuma	May 2016	A1
20160135895	Faasse et al.	May 2016	A1
20160139666	Rubin et al.	May 2016	A1
20160183939	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2016	A1
20160183943	Shelton, IV	Jun 2016	A1
20160183944	Swensgard et al.	Jun 2016	A1
20160192960	Bueno et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160199063	Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160199956	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160235494	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2016	A1
20160242783	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2016	A1
20160249910	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160249922	Morgan et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160256159	Pinjala et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160256221	Smith	Sep 2016	A1
20160256229	Morgan et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160262745	Morgan et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160262921	Balbierz et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160270781	Scirica	Sep 2016	A1
20160287265	Macdonald et al.	Oct 2016	A1
20160287279	Bovay et al.	Oct 2016	A1
20160302820	Hibner et al.	Oct 2016	A1
20160310143	Bettuchi	Oct 2016	A1
20160314716	Grubbs	Oct 2016	A1
20160314717	Grubbs	Oct 2016	A1
20160367122	Ichimura et al.	Dec 2016	A1
20160374716	Kessler	Dec 2016	A1
20170007234	Chin et al.	Jan 2017	A1
20170007244	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2017	A1
20170007245	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2017	A1
20170007347	Jaworek et al.	Jan 2017	A1
20170027572	Nalagatla et al.	Feb 2017	A1
20170055819	Hansen et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170066054	Birky	Mar 2017	A1
20170079642	Overmyer et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170086829	Vendely et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170086830	Yates et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170086842	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170086930	Thompson et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170105733	Scheib et al.	Apr 2017	A1
20170135711	Overmyer et al.	May 2017	A1
20170135717	Boudreaux et al.	May 2017	A1
20170135747	Broderick et al.	May 2017	A1
20170172382	Nir et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170172549	Smaby et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170172662	Panescu et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170182195	Wagner	Jun 2017	A1
20170182211	Raxworthy et al.	Jun 2017	A1
20170196558	Morgan et al.	Jul 2017	A1
20170196649	Yates et al.	Jul 2017	A1
20170202770	Friedrich et al.	Jul 2017	A1
20170209145	Swayze et al.	Jul 2017	A1
20170224332	Hunter et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170224334	Worthington et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170231627	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170231628	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170231629	Stopek et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170238962	Hansen et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170242455	Dickens	Aug 2017	A1
20170249431	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170255799	Zhao et al.	Sep 2017	A1
20170262110	Polishchuk et al.	Sep 2017	A1
20170265774	Johnson et al.	Sep 2017	A1
20170281186	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170281189	Nalagatla et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170296169	Yates et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170296173	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170296185	Swensgard et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170296213	Swensgard et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170312042	Giordano et al.	Nov 2017	A1
20170319201	Morgan et al.	Nov 2017	A1
20170333034	Morgan et al.	Nov 2017	A1
20170333035	Morgan et al.	Nov 2017	A1
20170348010	Chiang	Dec 2017	A1
20170348043	Wang et al.	Dec 2017	A1
20170354413	Chen et al.	Dec 2017	A1
20170358052	Yuan	Dec 2017	A1
20170360441	Sgroi	Dec 2017	A1
20180008356	Giordano et al.	Jan 2018	A1
20180042611	Swayze et al.	Feb 2018	A1
20180049794	Swayze et al.	Feb 2018	A1
20180051780	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2018	A1
20180055501	Zemlok et al.	Mar 2018	A1
20180085116	Yates et al.	Mar 2018	A1
20180085117	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2018	A1
20180092710	Bosisio et al.	Apr 2018	A1
20180110523	Shelton, IV	Apr 2018	A1
20180114591	Pribanic et al.	Apr 2018	A1
20180116658	Aronhalt, IV et al.	May 2018	A1
20180116662	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	A1
20180125481	Yates et al.	May 2018	A1
20180125487	Beardsley	May 2018	A1
20180125488	Morgan et al.	May 2018	A1
20180125590	Giordano et al.	May 2018	A1
20180125594	Beardsley	May 2018	A1
20180126504	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	A1
20180132845	Schmid et al.	May 2018	A1
20180132849	Miller et al.	May 2018	A1
20180132850	Leimbach et al.	May 2018	A1
20180132926	Asher et al.	May 2018	A1
20180132952	Spivey et al.	May 2018	A1
20180133521	Frushour et al.	May 2018	A1
20180140299	Weaner et al.	May 2018	A1
20180146960	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2018	A1
20180153542	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180153634	Zemlok et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168574	Robinson et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168575	Simms et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168577	Aronhalt et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168578	Aronhalt et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168579	Aronhalt et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168590	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168592	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168598	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168608	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168609	Fanelli et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168610	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168614	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168615	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168618	Scott et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168619	Scott et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168623	Simms et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168625	Posada et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168633	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168647	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168648	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168649	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168650	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2018	A1
20180168754	Overmyer	Jun 2018	A1
20180228490	Richard et al.	Aug 2018	A1
20180235609	Harris et al.	Aug 2018	A1
20180236181	Marlin et al.	Aug 2018	A1
20180242970	Mozdzierz	Aug 2018	A1
20180250001	Aronhalt et al.	Sep 2018	A1
20180271520	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2018	A1
20180271604	Grout et al.	Sep 2018	A1
20180273597	Stimson	Sep 2018	A1
20180289369	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20180289371	Wang et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20180296216	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2018	A1
20180333155	Hall et al.	Nov 2018	A1
20180333169	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2018	A1
20180353176	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180353177	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180353178	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180353179	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180360446	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180360456	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180360472	Harris et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180360473	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180368833	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180368839	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180368843	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180368844	Bakos et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20180368846	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20190000459	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000461	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000462	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000470	Yates et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000471	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000472	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000474	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000475	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000476	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000477	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000478	Messerly et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190000481	Harris et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190015102	Baber et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190015165	Giordano et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190029682	Huitema et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190029701	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190033955	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2019	A1
20190038279	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	A1
20190038281	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	A1
20190038282	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	A1
20190038283	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2019	A1
20190038285	Mozdzierz	Feb 2019	A1
20190076143	Smith	Mar 2019	A1
20190090871	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2019	A1
20190091183	Tomat et al.	Mar 2019	A1
20190099179	Leimbach et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190099181	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190099229	Spivey et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190104919	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105035	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105036	Morgan et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105037	Morgan et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105039	Morgan et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105043	Jaworek et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190105044	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190110779	Gardner et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190110791	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190110792	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190117224	Setser et al.	Apr 2019	A1
20190125320	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125321	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125335	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125336	Deck et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125338	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125342	Beardsley et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125357	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125358	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125359	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125360	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125361	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125377	Shelton, IV	May 2019	A1
20190125378	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125387	Parihar et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125388	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125430	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125431	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125432	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125454	Stokes et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125455	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125456	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125457	Parihar et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125458	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125459	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190125476	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190133422	Nakamura	May 2019	A1
20190138770	Compaijen et al.	May 2019	A1
20190142421	Shelton, IV	May 2019	A1
20190150925	Marczyk et al.	May 2019	A1
20190151029	Robinson	May 2019	A1
20190159778	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2019	A1
20190183499	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190183502	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192138	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192141	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192146	Widenhouse et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192147	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192148	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192149	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192150	Widenhouse et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192151	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192152	Morgan et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192153	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192154	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192155	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192156	Simms et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192157	Scott et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192158	Scott et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192159	Simms et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192235	Harris et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190192236	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2019	A1
20190200844	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190200863	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190200905	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190200906	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190200977	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190200981	Harris et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201023	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201024	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201025	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201026	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201027	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201028	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201029	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201030	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201033	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201034	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201045	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201046	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201047	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201104	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201112	Wiener et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201113	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201115	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201116	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201118	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201120	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201135	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201136	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201137	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201138	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201139	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201140	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201141	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201142	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190201594	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190205001	Messerly et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190205567	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206003	Harris et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206551	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206555	Morgan et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206561	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206562	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206563	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206564	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190206565	Shelton, IV	Jul 2019	A1
20190206569	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190208641	Yates et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209164	Timm et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209165	Timm et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209171	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209172	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209247	Giordano et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209248	Giordano et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209249	Giordano et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190209250	Giordano et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190216558	Giordano et al.	Jul 2019	A1
20190261983	Granger et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190261984	Nelson et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190261987	Viola et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190261991	Beckman et al.	Aug 2019	A1
20190269400	Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190269402	Murray et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190269407	Swensgard et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190269428	Allen et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190274677	Shelton, IV	Sep 2019	A1
20190274678	Shelton, IV	Sep 2019	A1
20190274679	Shelton, IV	Sep 2019	A1
20190274685	Olson et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190282233	Burbank et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290263	Morgan et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290264	Morgan et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290266	Scheib et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290267	Baxter, III et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290274	Shelton, IV	Sep 2019	A1
20190290281	Aronhalt et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190290297	Haider et al.	Sep 2019	A1
20190298340	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298341	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298342	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298343	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298346	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298347	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298350	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298352	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298353	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298356	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298357	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298360	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298361	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190298362	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307452	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307453	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307454	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307456	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307477	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307478	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190307479	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190314016	Huitema et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190314017	Huitema et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190314018	Huitema et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190321041	Shelton, IV	Oct 2019	A1
20190328387	Overmyer et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190328390	Harris et al.	Oct 2019	A1
20190343515	Morgan et al.	Nov 2019	A1
20190343525	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	A1
20190350582	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2019	A1
20190357909	Huitema et al.	Nov 2019	A1
20190365384	Baxter, III et al.	Dec 2019	A1
20190374224	Huitema et al.	Dec 2019	A1
20200000469	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200000471	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200000531	Giordano et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200008800	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200008802	Aronhalt et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200008809	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200015819	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200015915	Swayze et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200022702	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2020	A1
20200038016	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200038018	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200038020	Yates et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200046348	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054320	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054321	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054323	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054324	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054330	Harris et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054332	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054333	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054334	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200054355	Laurent et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200060523	Matsuda et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200060680	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200060681	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200060713	Leimbach et al.	Feb 2020	A1
20200077994	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200078015	Miller et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200078016	Swayze et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200085427	Giordano et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200085431	Swayze et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200085435	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200085436	Beckman et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200085518	Giordano et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200093484	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200093485	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200093506	Leimbach et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200093550	Spivey et al.	Mar 2020	A1
20200100699	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	A1
20200100783	Yates et al.	Apr 2020	A1
20200100787	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	A1
20200107829	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2020	A1
20200138434	Miller et al.	May 2020	A1
20200138435	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	A1
20200138436	Yates et al.	May 2020	A1
20200138437	Vendely et al.	May 2020	A1
20200138534	Garcia Kilroy et al.	May 2020	A1
20200146676	Yates et al.	May 2020	A1
20200146741	Long et al.	May 2020	A1
20200155151	Overmyer et al.	May 2020	A1
20200155155	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2020	A1
20200178958	Overmyer et al.	Jun 2020	A1
20200187943	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2020	A1
20200197027	Hershberger et al.	Jun 2020	A1
20200214706	Vendely et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200214731	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200222047	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200229812	Parihar et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200229816	Bakos et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200237371	Huitema et al.	Jul 2020	A1
20200246001	Ming et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200253605	Swayze et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261075	Boudreaux et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261076	Boudreaux et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261077	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261078	Bakos et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261080	Bakos et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261081	Boudreaux et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261082	Boudreaux et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261083	Bakos et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261084	Bakos et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261085	Boudreaux et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261086	Zeiner et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261087	Timm et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261088	Harris et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261089	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200261106	Hess et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200268377	Schmid et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200268394	Parfett et al.	Aug 2020	A1
20200275926	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200275927	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200275928	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200275930	Harris et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200281585	Timm et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200281587	Schmid et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200281590	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200289112	Whitfield et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200297340	Hess et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200297341	Yates et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200297346	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200297438	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2020	A1
20200305862	Yates et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200305863	Yates et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200305864	Yates et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200305865	Shelton, IV	Oct 2020	A1
20200305868	Shelton, IV	Oct 2020	A1
20200305869	Shelton, IV	Oct 2020	A1
20200305870	Shelton, IV	Oct 2020	A1
20200305871	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200305872	Weidner et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200305874	Huitema et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200315612	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200315625	Hall et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200315983	Widenhouse et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200323526	Huang et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200330092	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200330093	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200330094	Baxter, III et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200330096	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200337693	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200337702	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200337703	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200337791	Shelton, IV et al.	Oct 2020	A1
20200345346	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345349	Kimball et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345352	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345353	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345354	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345355	Baxter, III et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345356	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345357	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345358	Jenkins	Nov 2020	A1
20200345359	Baxter, III et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345360	Leimbach et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200345446	Kimball et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200352562	Timm et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200367885	Yates et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200367886	Shelton, IV et al.	Nov 2020	A1
20200375585	Swayze et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200375592	Hall et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200375593	Hunter et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200375597	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200390444	Harris et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200397433	Lytle, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200397434	Overmyer et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405290	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405292	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405293	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405294	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200405295	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405296	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405297	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405301	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405302	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405303	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200405305	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405306	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405307	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405308	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200405309	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405311	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405312	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405313	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200405314	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405316	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405341	Hess et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405409	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405410	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200405416	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405422	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405436	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405437	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405438	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405439	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405440	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200405441	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20200410177	Shelton, IV	Dec 2020	A1
20200410180	Shelton, IV et al.	Dec 2020	A1
20210000466	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2021	A1
20210000467	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	A1
20210000470	Leimbach et al.	Jan 2021	A1
20210015480	Shelton, IV et al.	Jan 2021	A1
20210022741	Baxter, III et al.	Jan 2021	A1
20210030416	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	A1
20210045742	Shelton, IV et al.	Feb 2021	A1
20210052271	Harris et al.	Feb 2021	A1
20210059661	Schmid et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059662	Shelton, IV	Mar 2021	A1
20210059664	Hensel et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059666	Schmid et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059669	Yates et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059670	Overmyer et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059671	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059672	Giordano et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210059673	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068817	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068818	Overmyer et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068820	Parihar et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068830	Baber et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068831	Baber et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068832	Yates et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210068835	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210077092	Parihar et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210077099	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210077100	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210077109	Harris et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085313	Morgan et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085314	Schmid et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085315	Aronhalt et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085316	Harris et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085317	Miller et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085318	Swayze et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085319	Swayze et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085320	Leimbach et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085321	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085325	Shelton, IV et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210085326	Vendely et al.	Mar 2021	A1
20210093321	Auld et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210093323	Scirica et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210100541	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210100550	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210100982	Laby et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210106333	Shelton, IV et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210107031	Bales, Jr. et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210121175	Yates et al.	Apr 2021	A1
20210128146	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	A1
20210137522	Shelton, IV et al.	May 2021	A1
20210186490	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186492	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186493	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186494	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186495	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186497	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186498	Boudreaux et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186499	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186500	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186501	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186502	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186503	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186504	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186505	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186506	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210186507	Shelton, IV et al.	Jun 2021	A1
20210212691	Smith et al.	Jul 2021	A1
20210219976	DiNardo et al.	Jul 2021	A1
20210228209	Shelton, IV et al.	Jul 2021	A1
20210236117	Morgan et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210236124	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210244406	Kerr et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210244407	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210244410	Swayze et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210244412	Vendely et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210259681	Shelton, IV et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210259687	Gonzalez et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210259986	Widenhouse et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210259987	Widenhouse et al.	Aug 2021	A1
20210267589	Swayze et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210267592	Baxter, III et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210267594	Morgan et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210267595	Posada et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210267596	Fanelli et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210275053	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210275172	Harris et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210275173	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210275176	Beckman et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210282767	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210282769	Baxter, III et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210282776	Overmyer et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210290226	Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210290231	Baxter, III et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210290232	Harris et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210290233	Shelton, IV et al.	Sep 2021	A1
20210290236	Moore et al.	Sep 2021	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (486)

Number	Date	Country
2012200594	Feb 2012	AU
2012203035	Jun 2012	AU
2012268848	Jan 2013	AU
2011218702	Jun 2013	AU
2012200178	Jul 2013	AU
112013027777	Jan 2017	BR
1015829	Aug 1977	CA
1125615	Jun 1982	CA
2520413	Mar 2007	CA
2725181	Nov 2007	CA
2851239	Nov 2007	CA
101143105	Mar 2008	CA
10118890	May 2008	CA
101203085	Jun 2008	CA
2664874	Nov 2009	CA
2813230	Apr 2012	CA
2940510	Aug 2015	CA
2698728	Aug 2016	CA
1163558	Oct 1997	CN
2488482	May 2002	CN
1634601	Jul 2005	CN
2716900	Aug 2005	CN
2738962	Nov 2005	CN
1777406	May 2006	CN
2796654	Jul 2006	CN
2868212	Feb 2007	CN
200942099	Sep 2007	CN
200984209	Dec 2007	CN
200991269	Dec 2007	CN
201001747	Jan 2008	CN
201029899	Mar 2008	CN
101273908	Oct 2008	CN
101378791	Mar 2009	CN
101507635	Aug 2009	CN
101522120	Sep 2009	CN
101669833	Mar 2010	CN
101721236	Jun 2010	CN
101756727	Jun 2010	CN
101828940	Sep 2010	CN
101873834	Oct 2010	CN
201719298	Jan 2011	CN
102038532	May 2011	CN
201879759	Jun 2011	CN
201949071	Aug 2011	CN
102217961	Oct 2011	CN
102217963	Oct 2011	CN
102243850	Nov 2011	CN
102247183	Nov 2011	CN
101779977	Dec 2011	CN
101912284	Jul 2012	CN
102125450	Jul 2012	CN
202313537	Jul 2012	CN
202397539	Aug 2012	CN
202426586	Sep 2012	CN
102743201	Oct 2012	CN
202489990	Oct 2012	CN
102228387	Nov 2012	CN
102835977	Dec 2012	CN
202568350	Dec 2012	CN
103037781	Apr 2013	CN
103083053	May 2013	CN
103391037	Nov 2013	CN
203328751	Dec 2013	CN
103505264	Jan 2014	CN
103584893	Feb 2014	CN
103635150	Mar 2014	CN
103690212	Apr 2014	CN
203564285	Apr 2014	CN
203564287	Apr 2014	CN
203597997	May 2014	CN
103829981	Jun 2014	CN
103829983	Jun 2014	CN
103860221	Jun 2014	CN
103908313	Jul 2014	CN
203693685	Jul 2014	CN
203736251	Jul 2014	CN
103981635	Aug 2014	CN
104027145	Sep 2014	CN
203815517	Sep 2014	CN
102783741	Oct 2014	CN
102973300	Oct 2014	CN
204092074	Jan 2015	CN
104337556	Feb 2015	CN
204158440	Feb 2015	CN
204158441	Feb 2015	CN
102469995	Mar 2015	CN
104422849	Mar 2015	CN
104586463	May 2015	CN
204520822	Aug 2015	CN
204636451	Sep 2015	CN
103860225	Mar 2016	CN
103750872	May 2016	CN
105919642	Sep 2016	CN
103648410	Oct 2016	CN
105997173	Oct 2016	CN
106344091	Jan 2017	CN
104349800	Nov 2017	CN
107635483	Jan 2018	CN
208625874	Mar 2019	CN
273689	May 1914	DE
1775926	Jan 1972	DE
3036217	Apr 1982	DE
3210466	Sep 1983	DE
3709067	Sep 1988	DE
19534043	Mar 1997	DE
19851291	Jan 2000	DE
19924311	Nov 2000	DE
20016423	Feb 2001	DE
20112837	Oct 2001	DE
20121753	Apr 2003	DE
202004012389	Sep 2004	DE
10314072	Oct 2004	DE
102004014011	Oct 2005	DE
102004041871	Mar 2006	DE
102004063606	Jul 2006	DE
202007003114	Jun 2007	DE
102010013150	Sep 2011	DE
102012213322	Jan 2014	DE
102013101158	Aug 2014	DE
1558161	Aug 2005	EM
002220467-0008	Apr 2013	EM
0000756	Feb 1979	EP
0122046	Oct 1984	EP
0129442	Nov 1987	EP
0255631	Feb 1988	EP
0169044	Jun 1991	EP
0541950	May 1993	EP
0548998	Jun 1993	EP
0594148	Apr 1994	EP
0646357	Apr 1995	EP
0505036	May 1995	EP
0669104	Aug 1995	EP
0705571	Apr 1996	EP
0528478	May 1996	EP
0770355	May 1997	EP
0625335	Nov 1997	EP
0879742	Nov 1998	EP
0650701	Mar 1999	EP
0923907	Jun 1999	EP
0484677	Jul 2000	EP
1034747	Sep 2000	EP
1034748	Sep 2000	EP
0726632	Oct 2000	EP
1053719	Nov 2000	EP
1055399	Nov 2000	EP
1055400	Nov 2000	EP
1064882	Jan 2001	EP
1080694	Mar 2001	EP
1090592	Apr 2001	EP
1095627	May 2001	EP
0806914	Sep 2001	EP
1234587	Aug 2002	EP
1284120	Feb 2003	EP
0717967	May 2003	EP
0869742	May 2003	EP
1374788	Jan 2004	EP
1407719	Apr 2004	EP
0996378	Jun 2004	EP
1157666	Sep 2005	EP
0880338	Oct 2005	EP
1158917	Nov 2005	EP
1344498	Nov 2005	EP
1330989	Dec 2005	EP
1632191	Mar 2006	EP
1082944	May 2006	EP
1253866	Jul 2006	EP
1723914	Nov 2006	EP
1285633	Dec 2006	EP
1011494	Jan 2007	EP
1767163	Mar 2007	EP
1837041	Sep 2007	EP
0922435	Oct 2007	EP
1599146	Oct 2007	EP
1330201	Jun 2008	EP
2039302	Mar 2009	EP
1719461	Jun 2009	EP
2116196	Nov 2009	EP
1769754	Jun 2010	EP
1627605	Dec 2010	EP
2316345	May 2011	EP
1962711	Feb 2012	EP
2486862	Aug 2012	EP
2486868	Aug 2012	EP
2517638	Oct 2012	EP
2606812	Jun 2013	EP
2649948	Oct 2013	EP
2649949	Oct 2013	EP
2668910	Dec 2013	EP
2687164	Jan 2014	EP
2713902	Apr 2014	EP
2743042	Jun 2014	EP
2764827	Aug 2014	EP
2777524	Sep 2014	EP
2789299	Oct 2014	EP
2842500	Mar 2015	EP
2853220	Apr 2015	EP
2298220	Jun 2016	EP
2510891	Jun 2016	EP
3031404	Jun 2016	EP
3047806	Jul 2016	EP
9078334	Oct 2016	EP
2364651	Nov 2016	EP
2747235	Nov 2016	EP
3095399	Nov 2016	EP
3120781	Jan 2017	EP
3135225	Mar 2017	EP
2789299	May 2017	EP
3225190	Oct 2017	EP
3326548	May 2018	EP
3663378	Aug 2018	EP
3476334	May 2019	EP
3275378	Jul 2019	EP
1070456	Sep 2009	ES
459743	Nov 1913	FR
999646	Feb 1952	FR
1112936	Mar 1956	FR
2598905	Nov 1987	FR
2689749	Jul 1994	FR
2765794	Jan 1999	FR
2815842	May 2002	FR
939929	Oct 1963	GB
1210522	Oct 1970	GB
1217159	Dec 1970	GB
1339394	Dec 1973	GB
2021042	Jan 1980	GB
2109241	Jun 1983	GB
2090534	Jun 1984	GB
930100110	Nov 1993	GB
2272159	May 1994	GB
2336214	Oct 1999	GB
2509523	Jul 2014	GB
S4711908	May 1972	JP
S5033988	Apr 1975	JP
S5367286	Jun 1978	JP
S56112235	Sep 1981	JP
S60113007	Jun 1985	JP
S62170011	Oct 1987	JP
S63270040	Nov 1988	JP
S63318824	Dec 1988	JP
H0129503	Jun 1989	JP
H02106189	Apr 1990	JP
H0378514	Aug 1991	JP
H0385009	Aug 1991	JP
H04215747	Aug 1992	JP
H04131860	Dec 1992	JP
H0584252	Apr 1993	JP
H05123325	May 1993	JP
H05226945	Sep 1993	JP
H0630945	Feb 1994	JP
H06237937	Aug 1994	JP
H06327684	Nov 1994	JP
H079622	Feb 1995	JP
H07124166	May 1995	JP
H07163573	Jun 1995	JP
H07255735	Oct 1995	JP
H07285089	Oct 1995	JP
H0833642	Feb 1996	JP
H08164141	Jun 1996	JP
H08182684	Jul 1996	JP
H08507708	Aug 1996	JP
H08229050	Sep 1996	JP
H08289895	Nov 1996	JP
H09-323068	Dec 1997	JP
H10118090	May 1998	JP
H10-200699	Jul 1998	JP
H10296660	Nov 1998	JP
2000014632	Jan 2000	JP
2000033071	Feb 2000	JP
2000112002	Apr 2000	JP
2000166932	Jun 2000	JP
2000171730	Jun 2000	JP
2000210299	Aug 2000	JP
2000271141	Oct 2000	JP
2000287987	Oct 2000	JP
2000325303	Nov 2000	JP
2001-69758	Mar 2001	JP
2001087272	Apr 2001	JP
2001208655	Aug 2001	JP
2001514541	Sep 2001	JP
2001276091	Oct 2001	JP
2002051974	Feb 2002	JP
2002054903	Feb 2002	JP
2002085415	Mar 2002	JP
2002143078	May 2002	JP
2002153481	May 2002	JP
2002528161	Sep 2002	JP
2002314298	Oct 2002	JP
2003135473	May 2003	JP
2003521301	Jul 2003	JP
3442423-BB2	Sep 2003	JP
2003300416	Oct 2003	JP
2004147701	May 2004	JP
2004162035	Jun 2004	JP
2004229976	Aug 2004	JP
2005013573	Jan 2005	JP
2005080702	Mar 2005	JP
2003131173	May 2005	JP
2005131163	May 2005	JP
2005131164	May 2005	JP
2005131211	May 2005	JP
2005131212	May 2005	JP
2005137423	Jun 2005	JP
2005187954	Jul 2005	JP
2005211455	Aug 2005	JP
2005328882	Dec 2005	JP
2005332432	Dec 2005	JP
2005342267	Dec 2005	JP
3791856	Jun 2006	JP
2006187649	Jul 2006	JP
2006218228	Aug 2006	JP
2006281405	Oct 2006	JP
2006291180	Oct 2006	JP
2006346445	Dec 2006	JP
2007-97252	Apr 2007	JP
2007289715	Nov 2007	JP
2007304057	Nov 2007	JP
2007306710	Nov 2007	JP
D1322057	Feb 2008	JP
2008154804	Jul 2008	JP
2008220032	Sep 2008	JP
2009507526	Feb 2009	JP
2009189838	Aug 2009	JP
2009189846	Aug 2009	JP
2009207260	Sep 2009	JP
2009226028	Oct 2009	JP
2009538684	Nov 2009	JP
2009539420	Nov 2009	JP
D1383743	Feb 2010	JP
2010065594	Mar 2010	JP
2010069307	Apr 2010	JP
2010069310	Apr 2010	JP
2010098844	Apr 2010	JP
2010214128	Sep 2010	JP
2011072574	Apr 2011	JP
4722849	Jul 2011	JP
4728996	Jul 2011	JP
2011524199	Sep 2011	JP
2011200665	Oct 2011	JP
D1432094	Dec 2011	JP
2012115542	Jun 2012	JP
2012143283	Aug 2012	JP
5157410	Feb 2013	JP
2013099551	May 2013	JP
2013126430	Jun 2013	JP
D1481426	Sep 2013	JP
2013541982	Nov 2013	JP
2013541983	Nov 2013	JP
2013541997	Nov 2013	JP
D1492363	Feb 2014	JP
2014121599	Jul 2014	JP
2014171879	Sep 2014	JP
1517663	Feb 2015	JP
2015512725	Apr 2015	JP
2015513956	May 2015	JP
2015513958	May 2015	JP
2015514471	May 2015	JP
2015516838	Jun 2015	JP
2015521524	Jul 2015	JP
2015521525	Jul 2015	JP
2016007800	Jan 2016	JP
2016512057	Apr 2016	JP
2016530949	Oct 2016	JP
2017513563	Jun 2017	JP
1601498	Apr 2018	JP
2019513530	May 2019	JP
20100110134	Oct 2010	KR
20110003229	Jan 2011	KR
300631507	Mar 2012	KR
300747646	Jun 2014	KR
1814161	May 1993	RU
2008830	Mar 1994	RU
2052979	Jan 1996	RU
2066128	Sep 1996	RU
2069981	Dec 1996	RU
2098025	Dec 1997	RU
2104671	Dec 1997	RU
2110965	May 1998	RU
2141279	Nov 1999	RU
2144791	Jan 2000	RU
2161450	Jan 2001	RU
2181566	Apr 2002	RU
2187249	Apr 2002	RU
2225170	Aug 2002	RU
32984	Oct 2003	RU
42750	Dec 2004	RU
61114	Feb 2007	RU
61122	Feb 2007	RU
2430692	Oct 2011	RU
297156	May 1971	SU
328636	Sep 1972	SU
511939	Apr 1976	SU
674747	Jul 1979	SU
728848	Apr 1980	SU
1009439	Apr 1983	SU
1271497	Nov 1986	SU
1333319	Aug 1987	SU
1377052	Feb 1988	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
189517	May 1993	SU
1814161	May 1993	SU
WO-9308754	May 1993	WO
WO-9315648	Aug 1993	WO
WO-9420030	Sep 1994	WO
WO-9517855	Jul 1995	WO
WO-9520360	Aug 1995	WO
WO-9623448	Aug 1996	WO
WO-9635464	Nov 1996	WO
WO-9639086	Dec 1996	WO
WO-9639088	Dec 1996	WO
WO-9724073	Jul 1997	WO
WO-9734533	Sep 1997	WO
WO-9827870	Jul 1998	WO
WO-9903407	Jan 1999	WO
WO-9903409	Jan 1999	WO
WO-9948430	Sep 1999	WO
WO-0024322	May 2000	WO
WO-0024330	May 2000	WO
WO-0053112	Sep 2000	WO
WO-0024448	Oct 2000	WO
WO-0057796	Oct 2000	WO
WO-0105702	Jan 2001	WO
WO-0154594	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0158371	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0162164	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0162169	Aug 2001	WO
WO-0191646	Dec 2001	WO
WO-0219932	Mar 2002	WO
WO-0226143	Apr 2002	WO
WO-0236028	May 2002	WO
WO-02065933	Aug 2002	WO
WO-03055402	Jul 2003	WO
WO-03094747	Nov 2003	WO
WO-03079909	Mar 2004	WO
WO-2004019803	Mar 2004	WO
WO-2004032783	Apr 2004	WO
WO-2004047626	Jun 2004	WO
WO-2004047653	Jun 2004	WO
WO-2004056277	Jul 2004	WO
WO-2004078051	Sep 2004	WO
WO-2007078050	Sep 2004	WO
WO-2004096015	Nov 2004	WO
WO-2006044581	Apr 2006	WO
WO-2006051252	May 2006	WO
WO-2006059067	Jun 2006	WO
WO-2006073581	Jul 2006	WO
WO-2006085389	Aug 2006	WO
WO-2007015971	Feb 2007	WO
WO-2007074430	Jul 2007	WO
WO-2007129121	Nov 2007	WO
WO-2007137304	Nov 2007	WO
WO-2007142625	Dec 2007	WO
WO-2008021969	Feb 2008	WO
WO-2006061566	May 2008	WO
WO-2008089404	Jul 2008	WO
WO-2009005969	Jan 2009	WO
WO-2009067649	May 2009	WO
WO-2009091497	Jul 2009	WO
WO-2010126129	Nov 2010	WO
WO-2010134913	Nov 2010	WO
WO-2011008672	Jan 2011	WO
WO-2011044343	Apr 2011	WO
WO-2012006306	Jan 2012	WO
WO-2012013577	Feb 2012	WO
WO-2012044606	Apr 2012	WO
WO-2012061725	May 2012	WO
WO-2012072133	Jun 2012	WO
WO-20120166503	Dec 2012	WO
WO-2013087092	Jun 2013	WO
WO-2013151888	Oct 2013	WO
WO-2014004209	Jan 2014	WO
WO-2014113438	Jul 2014	WO
WO-2014175894	Oct 2014	WO
WO-2015032797	Mar 2015	WO
WO-2015076780	May 2015	WO
WO-2015137040	Sep 2015	WO
WO-2015138760	Sep 2015	WO
WO-2015187107	Dec 2015	WO
WO-2016100682	Jun 2016	WO
WO-2016107448	Jul 2016	WO
WO-2019036490	Feb 2019	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (87)

Entry
“ATM-MPLS Network Interworking Version 2.0, af-aic-0178.001” ATM Standard, The ATM Forum Technical Committee, published Aug. 2003.
“Council Directive 93/42/EEC of Jun. 14, 1993 Concerning Medical Devices,” Official Journal of the European Communities, L&C. Ligislation and Competition, S, No. L 169, Jun. 14, 1993, pp. 1-43.
“Understanding the Requirements of ISO/IEC 14443 for Type B Proximity Contactless Identification Cards,” retrieved from https://www.digchip.com/application-notes/22/15746.php on Mar. 2, 2020, pp. 1-28 (Nov. 2005).
A.V. Kasture and S.G. Wadodkar, Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II: Second Year Diploma in Pharmacy, Nirali Prakashan, p. 339, 2007.
Adeeb, et al. “An Inductive Link-Based Wireless Power Transfer System for Biomedical Applications,” Research Article. Nov. 14, 2011. Pages 1-12. vol. 2012, Article ID 879294. Hindawi Publishing Corporation.
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.
Anonymous, Analog Devices Wiki, Chapter 11: The Current Mirror, Aug. 20, 2017, 22 pages. https://wiki.analog.com/university/courses/electronics/text/chapter-11 ?rev=1503222341.
Anonymous: “Sense & Control Application Note Current Sensing Using Linear Hall Sensors,” Feb. 3, 2009, pp. 1-18. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Current_Sensing_Rev.1.1.pdf?fileld=db3a304332d040720132d939503e5f17 [retrieved on Oct. 18, 2016].
Arrow Sign Icon Next Button, by Blan-k, shutterstock.com [online], published on or before Aug. 6, 2014, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL:https://www.shutterstock.com/de/image-vector/arrow-sign-icon-next-button-navigation-207700303?irgwc=1&utm . . . see PDF in file for full URL] (Year: 2014).
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).
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=18journalCode=vsu which redirects to http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119040681/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0; [online] accessed: Sep. 22, 2008 (2 pages).
Biomedical Coatings, Fort Wayne Metals, Research Products Corporation, obtained online at www.fwmetals.com on Jun. 21, 2010 (1 page).
Brar et al., “Investigation of the mechanical and degradation properties of Mg—Sr and Mg—Zn—Sr alloys for use as potential biodegradable implant materials,” J. Meeh. Behavior of Biomed. Mater. 7 (2012) pp. 87-95.
Breedveld et al., “A New, Easily Miniaturized Sterrable Endoscope,” IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine (Nov./Dec. 2005).
Byrne et al., “Molecular Imprinting Within Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 149-161.
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.
Chen et al., “Elastomeric Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering,” Progress in Polymer Science 38 (2013), pp. 584-671.
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).
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Curved Tip Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology and Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Staplers,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 1 page.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Black Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Stapler,” (2010), 2 pages.
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).
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).
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).
Data Sheet of LM4F230H5QR, 2007.
Datasheet for Panasonic TK Relays Ultra Low Profile 2 A Polarized Relay, Copyright Matsushita Elecuic Works, Ltd. (Known of at least as early as Aug. 17, 2010), 5 pages.
Disclosed Anonymously, “Motor-Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements,” Research Disclosure Database No. 526041, Published: Feb. 2008.
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.
Elite Icons, by smart/icons, iconfinder.com [online], published on Aug. 18, 2016, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://www.iconfinder.com/iconsets/elite] (Year: 2016).
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.
Fischer, Martin H, “Colloid-Chemical Studies on Soaps”, The Chemical Engineer, pp. 184-193, Aug. 1919.
Foot and Ankle: Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics; by DiGiovanni MD, Elsevier; (p. 27, left col. heading “Materials for Soft Orthoses”, 7th bullet point); (Year: 2007).
Forum discussion regarding “Speed is Faster”, published on Oct. 1, 2014 and retrieved on Nov. 8, 2019 from URL https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/199018/how-is-that-correct-speed-is-faster-or-prices-are-cheaper (Year: 2014).
Gao et al., “Mechanical Signature Enhancement of Response Vibrations in the Time Lag Domain,” Fifth International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Dec. 15-18, 1997, pp. 1-8.
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.
Honda HS1332AT and ATD Model Info, powerequipment.honda.com [online], published on or before Mar. 22, 2016, [retrieved on May 31, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hss1332at-hss1332atd] {Year: 2016).
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.
IEEE Std 802.3-2012 (Revision of IEEE Std 802.3-2008, published Dec. 28, 2012.
Indian Standard: Automotive Vehicles—Brakes and Braking Systems (IS 11852-1:2001), Mar. 1, 2001.
Jauchem, J.R., “Effects of low-level radio-frequency (3 kHz to 300 GHz) enery on human cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and other systems: A review of the recent literatured,” Int. J. Hyg. Environ. Health 211 (2008) 1-29.
Jeong et al., “Thermosensitive Sol-Gel Reversible Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54(2002) pp. 37-51.
Kawamura, Atsuo, et al. “Wireless Transmission of Power and Information Through One High-Frequency Resonant AC Link Inverter for Robot Manipulator Applications,” Journal, May/Jun. 1996, pp. 503-508, vol. 32, No. 3, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.
Lee, Youbok, “Antenna Circuit Design for RFID Applications,” 2003, pp. 1-50, DS00710C, Microchip Technology Inc., Available: http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00710c.pdf.
Ludois, Daniel C., “Capacitive Power Transfer for Rotor Field Current in Synchronous Machines,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, USA, vol. 27, No. 11, Nov. 1, 2012, pp. 4638-4645.
Lyon et al. “The Relationship Between Current Load and Temperature for Quasi-Steady State and Transient Conditions,” SPIE—International Society for Optical Engineering. Proceedings, vol. 4020, (pp. 62-70), Mar. 30, 2000.
Matsuda, “Thermodynamics of Formation of Porous Polymeric Membrane from Solutions,” Polymer Journal, vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 435-444 (1991).
Miyata et al., “Biomolecule-Sensitive Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 79-98.
Mouser Electronics, “LM317 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator with Overcurrent/Overtemperature Self Protection”, Sep. 30, 2016 (Sep. 30, 2016), XP0555246104, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/405/lm317m-440423.pdf, pp. 1-9.
Mouser Electronics, “LM317M 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator with Overcurrent/Overtemperature Self Protection”, Mar. 31, 2014 (Mar. 31, 2014), XP0555246104, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/405/lm317m-440423.pdf, pp. 1-8.
NF Monographs: Sodium Stearate, U.S. Pharmacopeia, http://www.pharmacopeia.cn/v29240/usp29nf24s0_m77360.html, accessed May 23, 2016.
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.
Pellicer et al. “On the biodegradability, mechanical behavior, and cytocompatibility of amorphous Mg72Zn23Ca5 and crystalline Mg70Zn23Ca5Pd2 alloys as temporary implant materials,” J Biomed Mater Res Part A , 2013:101A:502-517.
Peppas, “Physiologically Responsive Hydrogels,” Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, vol. 6 (Jul. 1991) pp. 241-246.
Peppas, Editor “Hydrogels in Medicine and Pharmacy,” vol. I, Fundamentals, CRC Press, 1986.
Pitt et al., “Attachment of Hyaluronan to Metallic Surfaces,” J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 68A: pp. 95-106, 2004.
Pushing Pixels (GIF), published on dribble.com, 2013.
Qiu et al., “Environment-Sensitive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 53 (2001) pp. 321-339.
Qiu Li Loh et al.: “Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Role of Porosity and Pore Size”, Tissue Engineering Part B-Reviews, vol. 19, No. 6, Dec. 1, 2013, pp. 485-502.
Rotary Systems: Sealed Slip Ring Categories, Rotary Systems, May 22, 2017, retrieved from the internet: http://web.archive.org/we/20170522174710/http:/rotarysystems.com: 80/slip-rings/sealed/, retrieved on Aug. 12, 2020, pp. 1-2.
Sandvik, “Welding Handbook,” https://www.meting.rs/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/welding-handbook.pdf, retrieved on Jun. 22, 2020. pp. 5-6.
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).
Schroeter, John, “Demystifying UHF Gen 2 RFID, HF RFID,” Online Article, Jun. 2, 2008, pp. 1-3, <https://www.edn.com/design/industrial-control/4019123/Demystifying-UHF-Gen-2-RFID-HF-RFID>.
Seils et al., Covidien Summary: Clinical Study “UCONN Biodynamics: Final Report on Results,” (2 pages).
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.
Slow Safety Sign, shutterstock.com [online], published on or before May 9, 2017, [retrieved on May 31, 2019], retrieved from the https://www.shutterstock.com/image-victor/slow-safety-sign-twodimensional-turtle-symbolizing- . . .see PDF in file for full URL] (Year: 2017).
Sodium stearate C18H35NaO2, Chemspider Search and Share Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry, pp. 1-3, 2015, http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.12639.html, accessed May 23, 2016.
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.
Texas Instruments: “Current Recirculation and Decay Modes,” Application Report SLVA321—Mar. 2009; Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slva321/slva321 [retrieved on Apr. 25, 2017], 7 pages.
The Sodem Aseptic Battery Transfer Kit, Sodem Systems, 2000, 3 pages.
Trendafilova et al., “Vibration-based Methods for Structural and Machinery Fault Diagnosis Based on Nonlinear Dynamics Tools,” In: Fault Diagnosis in Robotic and Industrial Systems, IConcept Press LTD, 2012, pp. 1-29.
Tutorial overview of inductively coupled RFID Systems, UPM, May 2003, pp. 1-7, UPM Rafsec,<http://cdn.mobiusconsulting.com/papers/rfidsystems.pdf>.
V.K. Ahluwalia and Madhuri Goyal, A Textbook of Organic Chemistry, Section 19.113, p. 356, 2000.
Van Meer et al., “A Disposable Plastic Compact Wrist for Smart Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools,” LAAS/CNRS (Aug. 2005).
Warning Sign Beveled Buttons, by Peter, flarestock.com [online], published on or before Jan. 1, 2017, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://www.flarestock.com/stock-images/warning-sign-beveled-buttons/70257] (Year: 2017).
Yan et al., Comparison of the effects of Mg—6Zn and Ti—3AI—2.5V alloys on TGF-β/TNF-αVEGF/b-FGF in the healing of the intestinal track in vivo, Biomed. Mater. 9 (2014), 11 pages.
Yan et al., “Comparison of the effects of Mg—6Zn and titanium on intestinal tract in vivo,” J Mater Sci: Mater Med (2013), 11 pages.
Yang et al.; “4D printing reconfigurable, deployable and mechanically tunable metamaterials,” Material Horizions, vol. 6, pp. 1244-1250 (2019).
Young, “Microcellular foams via phase separation,” Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 4(3), (May/Jun. 1986).
Youtube.com; video by Fibran (retrieved from URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN2Qjt51gFQ); (Year: 2018).

Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20200146678 A1	May 2020	US

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	61782866	Mar 2013	US

Continuations (2)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	15480882	Apr 2017	US
Child	16682240		US
Parent	14200111	Mar 2014	US
Child	15480882		US

Control systems for surgical instruments

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

CPC

Field of Search

CPC

International Classifications

Term Extension

Abstract