Technical Field
The technical field relates to surgical clip appliers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, at least one reusable shaft assembly, and at least one disposable clip cartridge assembly.
Description of Related Art
Endoscopic surgical staplers and surgical clip appliers are known in the art and are used for a number of distinct and useful surgical procedures. In the case of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, access to the interior of an abdomen is achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performed elsewhere in the body are often generally referred to as endoscopic procedures. Typically, a tube or cannula device is extended into the patient's body through the entrance incision to provide an access port. The port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different surgical instruments therethrough using a trocar and for performing surgical procedures far removed from the incision.
During a majority of these procedures, the surgeon must often terminate the flow of blood or another fluid through one or more vessels. The surgeon will often use a particular endoscopic surgical clip applier to apply a surgical clip to a blood vessel or another duct to prevent the flow of body fluids therethrough during the procedure.
Endoscopic surgical clip appliers having various sizes (e.g., diameters), that are configured to apply a variety of diverse surgical clips, are known in the art, and which are capable of applying a single or multiple surgical clips during an entry to the body cavity. Such surgical clips are typically fabricated from a biocompatible material and are usually compressed over a vessel. Once applied to the vessel, the compressed surgical clip terminates the flow of fluid therethrough.
Endoscopic surgical clip appliers that are able to apply multiple clips in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures during a single entry into the body cavity are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,084,057 and 5,100,420 to Green et al., which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. Another multiple endoscopic surgical clip applier is disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,436 by Pratt et al., the contents of which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. These devices are typically, though not necessarily, used during a single surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,502 to Pier et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a resterilizable endoscopic surgical clip applier. The endoscopic surgical clip applier advances and forms multiple clips during a single insertion into the body cavity. This resterilizable endoscopic surgical clip applier is configured to receive and cooperate with an interchangeable clip magazine so as to advance and form multiple clips during a single entry into a body cavity.
During endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures it may be desirable and/or necessary to use different size surgical clips or different configured surgical clips depending on the underlying tissue or vessels to be ligated. In order to reduce overall costs of an endoscopic surgical clip applier, it is desirable for a single endoscopic surgical clip applier to be loadable with and capable of firing different size surgical clips as needed.
Accordingly, a need exists for endoscopic surgical clip appliers that include reusable handle assemblies, reusable shaft assemblies, and disposable clip cartridge assemblies, with each clip cartridge assembly being loaded with a particularly sized clip (e.g., relatively small, relatively medium, or relatively large).
The present disclosure relates to reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a reposable surgical clip applier is provided. The reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly having a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof; a fixed handle extending from the housing; a trigger pivotally connected to the fixed handle, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; and a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end.
According to an embodiment, the reposable surgical clip applier includes a first endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The first endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws pivotably and fixedly supported in, and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; and an inner shaft slidably supported within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube.
The first endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.
The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; a cartridge plunger supported on the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly, the cartridge plunger being slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder; a first biasing member disposed within the bore of the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder and the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member interposed between a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly and the cartridge plunger.
The first biasing member of the first endoscopic assembly may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member of the first endoscopic assembly may be a coil spring having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.
In operation, during an actuation of the trigger, with the first endoscopic assembly connected to the handle assembly, the trigger may distally advance the drive plunger against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the first endoscopic assembly to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.
The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement.
In operation, when the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the trigger further may distally advance the drive plunger of the handle assembly against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the first endoscopic assembly to further distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.
According to another embodiment, the reposable surgical clip applier includes a second endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The second endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws fixedly supported in and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in the lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be closed by the spindle; and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof.
The second endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.
The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a cylindrical body, a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; and a cartridge plunger slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder. The cartridge plunger includes a stem connected to the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly; and a pair of opposed fingers supported on the stem and extending through respective longitudinally extending slots formed in the cylindrical body of the cartridge cylinder, wherein the pair of opposed fingers project from the cartridge cylinder.
The drive assembly of the second endoscopic assembly further includes a first biasing member disposed about the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between a proximal flange supported on the cartridge cylinder and the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member supported on the stem of the cartridge plunger, and being interposed between the cartridge plunger and a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly.
The second endoscopic assembly may further include a wedge plate disposed adjacent the spindle and slidably translatable relative to the spindle, wherein a distal end of the wedge plate is interposed between a distal end of the spindle and the pair of jaws; a filler component disposed adjacent the wedge plate and proximal of the pair of jaws; a clip channel disposed adjacent the filler component and adjacent the pair of jaws; a plurality of surgical clip loaded within the clip channel and slidably disposed therein; a clip follower disposed within the clip channel at a location proximal of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being biased distally; a clip channel cover disposed adjacent the clip channel; and a pusher bar disposed adjacent the clip channel cover and slidably translatable relative to the pair of jaws, wherein a distal end of the pusher bar is configured to distally advance a distal-most surgical clip of the plurality of surgical clips between the pair of jaws.
The handle assembly may further include a ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly may include a ratchet rack defining a length of rack teeth and having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pawl operatively engagable with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, wherein the pawl prohibits reversal of a direction of the trigger once the tooth of the pawl engages the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, until the tooth of the pawl is disposed beyond the proximal end or the distal end of the ratchet rack.
In operation, when the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, and when the tooth of the pawl is still engaged with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, further actuation of the trigger may further advance the rack teeth of the ratchet rack until the rack teeth of the ratchet rack clears the tooth of the pawl.
The handle assembly may further include a release lever supported on the housing thereof. The release lever may include a first end operatively associated with the pawl switch, wherein actuation of the release lever, upon a connection of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, moves the first end thereof into engagement with the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position. The release lever may include a second end defining a catch configured to selectively engage a lip of the outer housing of the first endoscopic assembly when the first endoscopic assembly is connected to the handle assembly.
The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever may engage the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.
In operation, during an actuation of the trigger, with the second endoscopic assembly connected to the handle assembly, the trigger may distally advance the drive plunger against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the second endoscopic assembly to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.
The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement.
In operation, when the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the trigger may further distally advance the drive plunger of the handle assembly against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the second endoscopic assembly to further distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.
In operation, when the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, and when the tooth of the pawl is still engaged with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, further actuation of the trigger may further advance the rack teeth of the ratchet rack until the rack teeth of the ratchet rack clears the tooth of the pawl.
The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the second endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever engages the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument is provided. The handle assembly includes a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof, the bore having an open distal end configured to selectively receive an endoscopic assembly therein; a fixed handle extending from the housing; a trigger pivotally connected to the fixed handle, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end; and a ratchet assembly supported in the housing.
The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet rack defining a length of rack teeth and having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pawl operatively engagable with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, wherein the pawl prohibits reversal of a direction of the trigger once the tooth of the pawl engages the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, until the tooth of the pawl is disposed beyond the proximal end or the distal end of the ratchet rack.
The handle assembly further includes a pawl switch supported on the housing, the pawl switch being operatively associated with the ratchet assembly, wherein the pawl switch includes an actuated position wherein the pawl switch acts on the pawl to disengage the pawl from the ratchet rack.
The pawl switch of the handle assembly may include an un-actuated position wherein the pawl is in operative association with the ratchet rack.
The pawl switch may default to the un-actuated position upon a coupling of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly.
The handle assembly may further include a release lever supported on the housing thereof. The release lever may include a first end operatively associated with the pawl switch, wherein actuation of the release lever, upon a connection of the endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, moves the first end thereof into engagement with the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position. The release lever may include a second end defining a catch configured to selectively engage a lip of the outer housing of the endoscopic assembly when the endoscopic assembly is connected to the handle assembly.
The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever engages the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.
According to yet aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic assembly configured for selective connection to an actuation assembly, is provided. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws pivotably and fixedly supported in, and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; and an inner shaft slidably supported within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube.
The endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective connection to the actuation assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.
The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; a cartridge plunger supported on the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly, the cartridge plunger being slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder; a first biasing member disposed within the bore of the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder and the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member interposed between a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly and the cartridge plunger.
The first biasing member may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member may be a coil spring having a second spring constant. The second spring constant may be less than the first spring constant.
In operation, during an actuation of the actuation assembly, with the endoscopic assembly connected to the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly may act on the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft thereof. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic assembly, configured for selective connection to an actuation assembly, is provided. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws fixedly supported in and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in the lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be closed by the spindle; and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof.
The endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective connection to the actuation assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.
The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a cylindrical body, a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; and a cartridge plunger slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder. The cartridge plunger includes a stem connected to the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly; and a pair of opposed fingers supported on the stem and extending through respective longitudinally extending slots formed in the cylindrical body of the cartridge cylinder, wherein the pair of opposed fingers project from the cartridge cylinder;
The drive assembly further includes a first biasing member disposed about the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between a proximal flange supported on the cartridge cylinder and the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member supported on the stem of the cartridge plunger, and being interposed between the cartridge plunger and a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly.
The first biasing member may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member may be a coil spring having a second spring constant. The second spring constant may be less than the first spring constant.
In operation, during an actuation of the actuation assembly, with the endoscopic assembly connected to the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly may act on the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.
The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft thereof is stopped from distal advancement.
In an operation of the endoscopic assembly, when the inner shaft thereof is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the actuation assembly may distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.
The endoscopic assembly may further include a wedge plate disposed adjacent the spindle and slidably translatable relative to the spindle, wherein a distal end of the wedge plate is interposed between a distal end of the spindle and the pair of jaws; a filler component disposed adjacent the wedge plate and proximal of the pair of jaws; a clip channel disposed adjacent the filler component and adjacent the pair of jaws; a plurality of surgical clip loaded within the clip channel and slidably disposed therein; a clip follower disposed within the clip channel at a location proximal of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being biased distally; a clip channel cover disposed adjacent the clip channel; and a pusher bar disposed adjacent the clip channel cover and slidably translatable relative to the pair of jaws, wherein a distal end of the pusher bar is configured to distally advance a distal-most surgical clip of the plurality of surgical clips between the pair of jaws.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a reposable surgical clip applier is provided. The reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly configured to actuate at least a first endoscopic assembly or a second endoscopic assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof; a trigger pivotally connected to the housing, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; and a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end, the drive plunger having a stroke length.
The reposable surgical clip applier further includes a first endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The first endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having a pair of jaws pivotally supported on a distal end of an outer tube; an inner shaft slidably supported within a lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube; and a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly.
The hub assembly of the first endoscopic assembly includes a first biasing member having a first spring constant; and a second biasing member having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.
The first endoscopic assembly has a stroke length defined by a distance to move the inner shaft to move the pair of jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position;
The reposable surgical clip applier additionally includes a second endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The second endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having a pair of jaws fixedly supported on a distal end of an outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in a lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are fully opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be fully closed by the spindle; an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof; and a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly.
The hub assembly of the second endoscopic assembly includes a first biasing member having a first spring constant; and a second biasing member having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.
The second endoscopic assembly has a stroke length defined by a distance to move the spindle to move the pair of jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.
The stroke length of the first endoscopic assembly is different than the stroke length of the second endoscopic assembly.
A particular embodiment of a surgical clip applier is disclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:
Embodiments of reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers, in accordance with the present disclosure, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical structural elements. As shown in the drawings and described throughout the following description, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is further away from the user.
Referring now to
Briefly, the shaft assembly of endoscopic assembly 200 may have various outer diameters such as, for example, about 5 mm or about 10 mm, depending on intended use. Further, the shaft assembly may have various relatively elongated or shortened lengths depending on intended use, such as, for example, in bariatric surgery. In one embodiment, in bariatric surgery, the shaft assembly may have a length of between about 30 cm and about 40 cm. Further, the shaft assembly may be configured to fire and form a specific type of surgical clip, either individually or multiply. However one skilled in the art should appreciate that the shaft assembly may have any length in excess of about 30 cm and the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above identified lengths.
In accordance with the present disclosure, as will be discussed in greater detail below, an endoscopic assembly or a surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) may be loaded with a particularly sized set of surgical clips (e.g., relatively small surgical clips, relatively medium surgical clips, or relatively large surgical clips). It is contemplated that clip cartridge assemblies may be configured to be selectively loaded into the shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 200, and to be actuated by the same or common handle assembly 100, to fire and form the surgical clip(s) loaded therein onto underlying tissue and/or vessels.
Referring now to
Handle assembly 100 includes a trigger 104 pivotably supported between right side half-section 102a and left side half-section 102b of housing 102. Trigger 104 is biased by a biasing member 104a (e.g., a return spring, compression spring or torsion spring) to an un-actuated condition. Specifically, biasing member 104a (
As illustrated in
With reference to
Drive plunger 120 further includes a tooth 120d (
Drive plunger 120 additionally includes a tab or fin 120e projecting from a surface thereof. Tab 120e of drive plunger 120 may be substantially aligned or in registration with tooth 120d of drive plunger 120. Tab 120e of drive plunger 120 may project in a direction substantially opposite to tooth 120d of drive plunger 120 or to trigger 104.
With reference to
Release lever 130 includes a distal end 130b extending distally of pivot pin 132. Distal end 130b of release lever 130 includes a catch or tooth 130d projecting therefrom, in a direction towards drive plunger 120. Catch 130d may be located distal of drive plunger 120.
A biasing member 134, in the form of a leaf spring, may be provided which tends to bias distal end 130b and catch 130d of release lever 130 towards drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, and tends to bias proximal end 130a of release lever 130 away from pawl switch 140. Specifically, biasing member 134 tends to maintain catch 130d of release lever 130 in engagement with an engagement feature (e.g., annular channel 212c) of endoscopic assembly 200, as will be described in greater detail below.
With reference to
Pawl 154 is engagable with rack 152 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack 152 and, in turn, trigger 104. In use, as trigger 104 is actuated (from a fully un-actuated position), rack 152 is also moved, into engagement with pawl 154. Rack 152 has a length which allows pawl 154 to reverse and advance back over rack 152, when rack 152 changes between proximal or distal movement, as trigger 104 reaches a fully actuated or fully un-actuated position. The relative lengths and sizes of rack 152 of ratchet assembly 150, trigger 104 and drive plunger 120 define a stroke length of trigger 104, drive plunger 120 or handle assembly 100 (e.g., a “full stroke”).
Turning now to
With reference to
Pawl switch 140 includes a finger lever 140a projecting from housing 102, whereby pawl switch 140 may be actuated by a finger of a user. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be provided with guard walls 102d disposed on opposed sides of finger lever 140a in order to inhibit inadvertent actuation of pawl switch 140. Pawl switch 140 is movable, upon actuation of finger lever 140a, between a first position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “on” or “activated”, and a second position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “off” or “de-activated.” It is contemplated that pawl switch 140, and in turn ratchet assembly 150, default to the first position.
Pawl switch 140 further includes a first flange 140b projecting a first distance from a pivot point thereof, and a second flange 140c projecting a second distance from the pivot point thereof, wherein the projection of the second flange 140c is greater than the projection of the first flange 140b. First flange 140b of pawl switch 140 is selectively engagable by wall 130c of proximal end 130a of release lever 130. In this manner, each time an endoscopic assembly 200 is attached to handle assembly 100, and release lever 130 is actuated, wall 130c of release lever 130 engages first flange 140b of pawl switch 140 to move pawl switch to the first position (
Pawl switch 140 also includes a ramp or camming surface 140d projecting therefrom which selectively engages a tab or finger 142a of pawl actuator 142 to slidably move pawl actuator 142, and in turn pawl spring 156, into and out of operative engagement/registration with/from pawl 154.
Pawl actuator 142 is pivotally connected to housing 102 and operatively connected to pawl switch 140 such that actuation of pawl switch 140 actuates pawl actuator 142. Pawl actuator 142 is slidably supported on a pair of support pins 143a, 143b, and a biasing member 144 is provided to bias pawl actuator 142 against pawl switch 140. In operation, with reference to
Further in operation, with reference to
Turning now to
Hub assembly 210 functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 210 includes an outer housing 212 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 212 includes a first or right side half section 212a, and a second or left side half section 212b. Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 defines an outer annular channel 212c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 212d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 212c of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 is configured to receive catch 130d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (
Ribs 212d of outer housing 212 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 212d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100. During connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100, ribs 212d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are slidably received in respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100.
The connection of hub assembly 210 of endoscopic assembly 200 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 200 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.
Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 further defines an open proximal end 212e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 200 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10 is fired.
As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 200 includes a shaft assembly 220 extending distally from hub assembly 210. Shaft assembly 220 includes an elongate outer tube 222 having a proximal end 222a supported and secured to outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, a distal end 222b projecting from outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, and a lumen 222c (
Shaft assembly 220 further includes an inner shaft 224 slidably supported within lumen 222c of outer tube 222. Inner shaft 224 includes a proximal end 224a projecting proximally from proximal end 222a of outer tube 222, and a distal end 224b defining an inner clevis 224c for supporting a cam pin 224d which engages camming slots 252c, 254c of a pair of jaws 250, as will be described in greater detail below.
With reference to
Drive assembly 230 also includes a cartridge plunger 234 slidably supported within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232. Cartridge plunger 234 is fixedly supported on inner shaft 224, at the proximal end 224a thereof. Cartridge plunger 234 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230. A ring, flange or the like 235 may be fixedly supported at a distal end of bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232, through which proximal end 224a of cartridge plunger 234 extends and which functions to maintain cartridge plunger 234 within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232.
Drive assembly 230 includes a first biasing member 236 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232. Specifically, first biasing member 236 is interposed between proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 and a proximal surface of cartridge plunger 234. First biasing member 236 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 238, as is described in detail below.
Drive assembly 230 further includes a second biasing member 238 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on proximal end 224a of inner shaft 224. Specifically, second biasing member 238 is interposed between a proximal flange 222d of outer tube 222 and a distal surface of cartridge plunger 234. Second biasing member 238 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236.
As illustrated in
When the pair of jaws 250 are in an open position, and a new, unformed or open surgical clip (not shown) is located or loaded within the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250, as inner shaft 224 is moved distally relative to outer shaft 222, cam pin 224d is translated through cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254. As cam pin 224d is translated through cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 are moved to the closed or approximated position to close and/or form the surgical clip located or loaded therewithin.
The dimensions of jaws 252, 254 and of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 determines an overall length required to move jaws 252, 254 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, defining a closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250.
With reference now to
As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 238, as cartridge cylinder 232 is advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 distally advances first biasing member 236, which in turn acts on cartridge plunger 234 to distally advance cartridge plunger 234. As cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 distally advances inner shaft 224 relative to outer shaft 222. Being that second biasing member 238 is interposed between proximal flange 222d of outer tube 222 and distal surface of cartridge plunger 234, as cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 also compresses second biasing member 238.
As inner shaft 224 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 222, inner shaft 224 distally advances cam pin 224d through cam slot 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 to close the pair of jaws 250 and to close and/or form the surgical clip (not shown) loaded within the pair of jaws 250. Cam pin 224d of inner shaft 224 is advanced distally until cam pin 224d reaches an end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 and/or until the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another (e.g., in contact with one another or fully closed on the surgical clip (not shown)), whereby cam pin 224d may not have reached the end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254. This position may be considered a hard stop of the pair of jaws 250. The axial distance that cam pin 224d has traveled from a proximal-most position thereof to when cam pin 224d reaches the end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 or when the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another, may also define the closure stroke length of the pair of jaw 250.
When the pair of jaws 250 have reached the hard stop, or when the cam pin 224d has reached an end of the closure stroke length, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 250 cannot close any further, and since cam pin 224d cannot be advanced distally any further, inner shaft 222 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232.
With inner shaft 222, and in turn cartridge plunger 234, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 232 is continued to be advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 236 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring 104a of trigger 104 and/or by first biasing member 236 and second biasing member 238 of endoscopic assembly 200.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250 may vary depending on the particular endoscopic assembly 200 connected to handle assembly 100. For example, particular endoscopic assemblies 200 may require the pair of jaws 250 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, various sized and dimensioned endoscopic assemblies, including a hub assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, substantially similar to hub assembly 210, may be connected to the universal handle assembly 100 and be actuatable by the universal handle assembly 100.
Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.
Turning now to
Turning now to
Hub assembly 410 also functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 410 includes an outer housing 412 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 412 includes a first or right side half section 412a, and a second or left side half section 412b. Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 defines an outer annular channel 412c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 412d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 412c of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 is configured to receive catch 130d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (
Ribs 412d of outer housing 412 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 400 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 412d of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 (
The connection of hub assembly 410 of endoscopic assembly 400 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 400 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.
Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 further defines an open proximal end 412e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 400 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10′ is fired.
As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 400 includes a shaft assembly 420 extending distally from hub assembly 410. Shaft assembly 420 includes an elongate outer tube 422 having a proximal end 422a supported and secured to outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, a distal end 422b projecting from outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, and a lumen 422c (
Shaft assembly 420 further includes an inner shaft 424 slidably supported within lumen 422c of outer tube 422. Inner shaft 424 includes a proximal end 424a projecting proximally from proximal end 422a of outer tube 422, and a distal end 424b configured to actuate the pair of jaws 450 to form a surgical clip (not shown) that has been loaded into the pair of jaws 450. Proximal end 424a, as illustrated in
With reference to
Drive assembly 430 also includes a cartridge plunger or key 434 slidably supported within bore 432d and within slits 432e of cartridge cylinder 432. Cartridge plunger 434 is selectively connectable to proximal end 424a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within slits 432e and bore 432d of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430. Cartridge plunger 434 includes an elongate stem or body portion 434a having a proximal end 434b, and a distal end 434c, wherein distal end 434c of cartridge plunger 434 is configured for selective connection to proximal end 424a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 further includes a pair of opposed arms 434d supported at the proximal end 434b thereof and which extend in a distal direction along stem 434a and towards distal end 434c. Each arm 434d terminates in a radially extending finger 434e, wherein fingers 434e project from cartridge cylinder 432 when cartridge plunger 434 is disposed within cartridge cylinder 432.
Drive assembly 430 may also include a collar 437 defining a lumen therethrough and through with inner shaft 424 and stem 434a of cartridge plunger 434 extend. Collar 437 includes an outer annular flange 437a extending therefrom.
Drive assembly 430 includes a first biasing member 436 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed about cartridge cylinder 432. Specifically, first biasing member 436 is interposed between ring 435 supported on cartridge cylinder 432 and fingers 434e of cartridge plunger 434. First biasing member 436 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 438, as is described in detail below.
Drive assembly 430 further includes a second biasing member 438 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on stem 434a of cartridge plunger 434 and on collar 437. Specifically, second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437a of collar 437 and proximal end 434b of cartridge plunger 434. Second biasing member 438 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436.
Turning now to
Spindle 440 includes a proximal end 440 defining an engagement feature (e.g., a nub or enlarged head) configured to engage a complementary engagement feature provided in distal end 424b of inner shaft 424. Spindle 440 further includes a distal end 440b operatively connected to a jaw cam closure wedge 442 via a slider joint 444. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 is selectively actuatable by spindle 440 to engage camming features of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450 and form a surgical clip “C” loaded therewithin.
Slider joint 444 supports a latch member 446 for selective engagement with spindle 440. Latch member 446 may be cammed in a direction toward spindle 440, wherein latch member 446 extends into a corresponding slot formed in spindle 440 during actuation or translation of spindle 440. In operation, during distal actuation spindle 400, at a predetermined distance, latch member 446 is mechanically forced or cammed into and engage a channel of spindle 440. This engagement of latch member 446 in the channel of spindle 440 allows slider joint 444 to move together with jaw cam closure wedge 442. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 thus can engage the relevant surfaces of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450.
As illustrated in
Spindle 440 is provided with a camming feature configured to move a cam link 448 (pivotably connected to a filler component 466, as will be described in greater detail below) a perpendicular manner relatively to a longitudinal axis of spindle 440 during a distal advancement of spindle 440.
Clip channel 470 of shaft assembly 420 slidably retains a stack of surgical clips “C” therein for application, in seriatim, to the desired tissue or vessel. A clip follower 472 is provided and slidably disposed within clip channel 470 at a location proximal of the stack of surgical clips “C”. A biasing member 474 is provided to spring bias clip follower 472, and in turn, the stack of surgical clips “C”, distally. A clip channel cover 476 is provided that overlies clip channel 470 to retain and guide clip follower 472, biasing member 474 and the stack of surgical clips “C” in clip channel 470.
As mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 includes a pusher bar 480 for loading a distal-most surgical clip “C1” of the stack of surgical clips “C” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a pusher 480a at a distal end thereof for engaging a backspan of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” and urging the distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a fin or tab 480b extending therefrom and extending into a slot 482a of a trip block 482. Fin 480b of pusher bar 480 is acted upon by a biasing member (not shown) that is supported in trip block 482 to bias pusher bar 480 in a proximal direction.
In operation, in order for spindle 440 to advance pusher bar 480 during a distal movement thereof, spindle 440 supports a trip lever 484 and a biasing member 486 (e.g., leaf spring). During a distal movement of spindle 440, as illustrated in
Also as mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 further includes a wedge plate 460 that is biased to a proximal position by a wedge plate spring 462. Wedge plate 460 is a flat bar shaped member having a number of windows formed therein. Wedge plate 460 has a distal-most position wherein a tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is inserted between the pair of jaws 450 to maintain the pair of jaws 450 in an open condition for loading of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” therein. Wedge plate 460 has a proximal-most position, maintained by wedge plate spring 462, wherein the tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is retracted from between the pair of jaws 450.
As illustrated in
Shaft assembly 420 further includes a filler component 466 interposed between clip channel 470 and wedge plate 460, at a location proximal of the pair of jaws 450. Filler component 466 pivotably supports a cam link 448 that is engagable with wedge plate 460. In operation, during a distal advancement of spindle 440, a camming feature of spindle 440 engages a cam link boss of cam link 448 to thereby move cam link 448 out of engagement of wedge plate 460 and permit wedge plate 460 to return to the proximal-most position as a result of biasing member 462.
Trip block 482 defines an angled proximal surface 482b for engagement with a corresponding surface of trip lever 484 that will be discussed herein. As mentioned above, notch or slot 482a of trip block 482 is for receipt of fin 480b of pusher bar 480. In order to disengage trip lever 484 from a window 480c (
Trip lever biasing spring 486 functions to maintain a tip of trip lever 484 in contact with pusher bar 480, and more specifically, within window 480c of pusher bar 480 (FIG. 31) such that distal advancement of spindle 440 results in distal advancement of pusher bar 480, which in turn results in a loading of a distal-most surgical clip “C1” in the pair of jaws 450.
With reference to
Lockout bar 490 is adapted to move distally with clip follower 472 each time clip applier 10′ is fired, and clip follower 472 is advanced distally. In operation, each time a surgical clip “C” is fired from clip applier 10′, clip follower 472 will advance distally relative to the clip channel 470.
Pusher bar 480 defines a distal window therein (not shown). In operation, when clip follower 472 is positioned beneath pusher bar 480 (e.g., when there are no remaining surgical clips), a distal end 490a of lockout bar 490 will deflect upward (due to a biasing of a lockout biasing member 492), and enter a distal window 480d of pusher bar 480 to engage pusher bar 480 at a distal end of distal window 480d. Further, a proximal end 490b of lockout bar 490, defines a hook (
With the distal end of pusher bar 480 disposed within distal window 480d of pusher bar 480, pusher bar 480, and in turn, spindle 440 cannot return to a fully proximal position. Since spindle 440 cannot return to the fully proximal position, pawl 152 of ratchet mechanism 150 of handle assembly 100 cannot return to the home or initial position relative to rack 154 thereof. Instead, pawl 154 will remain in an intermediate position along rack 154, thus preventing trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position.
With continued reference to
As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 432b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 438, as cartridge cylinder 432 is advanced distally, ring 435 acts on first biasing member 436 which in turn acts on fingers 434e of cartridge plunger 434 to push cartridge plunger 434 distally. As cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 distally advances inner shaft 424 relative to outer shaft 422. Being that second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437a of collar 437 and proximal end 434b of cartridge plunger 434, as cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 also compresses second biasing member 438.
As inner shaft 424 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 422, inner shaft 424 actuates a clip pusher (not shown) which in turn acts on a distal-most surgical clip (not shown) of a stack of surgical clips (not shown) to distally advance the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450. Following loading of the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450, the distal advancement of inner shaft 424 effects a closure of the pair of jaws 450 to form the surgical clip loaded therewithin.
When the pair of jaws 450 have fully closed to form the surgical clip loaded therein, or when the pair of jaws 450 have reached a hard stop, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 450 cannot close any further, inner shaft 422 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 432b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432.
With inner shaft 422, and in turn cartridge plunger 434, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 432 is continued to be advanced distally relative to cartridge plunger 434, cartridge cylinder 432 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 436 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring (not shown) of trigger 104 or handle assembly 100 and/or by first biasing member 436 and second biasing member 438 of endoscopic assembly 400.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 450 of endoscopic assembly 400 connected to handle assembly 100 is different than, for example, the closure stroke of the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200. For example, endoscopic assembly 400 may require the pair of jaws 450 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance as compared to the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200 in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, universal handle assembly 100 may be loaded with, and is capable of firing, either endoscopic assembly 200 or endoscopic assembly 400.
In accordance with the present disclosure, while the trigger stroke length of trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant, the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of each endoscopic assembly 200, 400 is unique for each respective endoscopic assembly 200, 400. Accordingly, each drive assembly 230, 430 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 functions to accommodate for the variations in the closure stroke lengths for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400.
To the extent consistent, handle assembly 100 and/or endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 may include any or all of the features of the handle assembly and/or endoscopic assemblies disclosed and described in International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/080845, filed Jun. 5 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Reposable Surgical Clip Applier,” International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/091603, filed on Oct. 10, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” and/or International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/093626, filed on Nov. 3, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.
Surgical instruments such as the clip appliers described herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.
The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.
The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).
The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.
Referring to
Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” supporting an end effector 1100, in accordance with any one of several embodiments disclosed herein, as will be described in greater detail below.
Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be set up to activate the drives, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, their attaching devices 1009, 1011 and thus the surgical tool (including end effector 1100) execute a desired movement according to a movement defined by means of manual input devices 1007, 1008. Control device 1004 may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and/or of the drives.
Medical work station 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by means of end effector 1100. Medical work station 1000 may also include more than two robot arms 1002, 1003, the additional robot arms likewise being connected to control device 1004 and being telemanipulatable by means of operating console 1005. A medical instrument or surgical tool (including an end effector 1100) may also be attached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station 1000 may include a database 1014, in particular coupled to with control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data from patient/living being 1013 and/or anatomical atlases.
Reference is made herein to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0116416, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, entitled “Medical Workstation,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an exemplary robotic surgical system.
It is contemplated, and within the scope of the present disclosure, that other endoscopic assemblies, including a pair of jaws having a unique and diverse closure stroke length thereof, may be provided with a drive assembly, similar to any of the drive assemblies described herein, for accommodating and adapting the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws thereof to the constant trigger stroke length.
Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/253,162 filed Nov. 10, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3120230 | Skold | Feb 1964 | A |
3363628 | Wood | Jan 1968 | A |
3638847 | Noiles et al. | Feb 1972 | A |
3675688 | Bryan et al. | Jul 1972 | A |
3735762 | Bryan et al. | May 1973 | A |
3867944 | Samuels | Feb 1975 | A |
4242902 | Green | Jan 1981 | A |
4296751 | Blake, III et al. | Oct 1981 | A |
4372316 | Blake, III et al. | Feb 1983 | A |
4408603 | Blake, III et al. | Oct 1983 | A |
4412539 | Jarvik | Nov 1983 | A |
4449531 | Cerwin et al. | May 1984 | A |
4478220 | Di Giovanni et al. | Oct 1984 | A |
4480640 | Becht | Nov 1984 | A |
4480641 | Failla et al. | Nov 1984 | A |
4487204 | Hrouda | Dec 1984 | A |
4487205 | Di Giovanni et al. | Dec 1984 | A |
4491133 | Menges et al. | Jan 1985 | A |
4492232 | Green | Jan 1985 | A |
4498476 | Cerwin et al. | Feb 1985 | A |
4500024 | DiGiovanni et al. | Feb 1985 | A |
4509518 | McGarry et al. | Apr 1985 | A |
4512345 | Green | Apr 1985 | A |
4522207 | Klieman et al. | Jun 1985 | A |
4532925 | Blake, III | Aug 1985 | A |
4534351 | Rothfuss et al. | Aug 1985 | A |
4545377 | Cerwin et al. | Oct 1985 | A |
4549544 | Favaron | Oct 1985 | A |
4556058 | Green | Dec 1985 | A |
4557263 | Green | Dec 1985 | A |
4562839 | Blake, III et al. | Jan 1986 | A |
4572183 | Juska | Feb 1986 | A |
4576165 | Green et al. | Mar 1986 | A |
4576166 | Montgomery et al. | Mar 1986 | A |
4590937 | Deniega | May 1986 | A |
4592498 | Braun et al. | Jun 1986 | A |
4598711 | Deniega | Jul 1986 | A |
4602631 | Funatsu | Jul 1986 | A |
4611595 | Klieman et al. | Sep 1986 | A |
4612932 | Caspar et al. | Sep 1986 | A |
4616650 | Green et al. | Oct 1986 | A |
4616651 | Golden | Oct 1986 | A |
4624254 | McGarry et al. | Nov 1986 | A |
4637395 | Caspar et al. | Jan 1987 | A |
4646740 | Peters et al. | Mar 1987 | A |
4647504 | Kimimura et al. | Mar 1987 | A |
4658822 | Kees, Jr. | Apr 1987 | A |
4660558 | Kees, Jr. | Apr 1987 | A |
4662373 | Montgomery et al. | May 1987 | A |
4662374 | Blake, III | May 1987 | A |
4671278 | Chin | Jun 1987 | A |
4671282 | Tretbar | Jun 1987 | A |
4674504 | Klieman et al. | Jun 1987 | A |
4681107 | Kees, Jr. | Jul 1987 | A |
4696396 | Samuels | Sep 1987 | A |
4702247 | Blake, III et al. | Oct 1987 | A |
4706668 | Backer | Nov 1987 | A |
4712549 | Peters et al. | Dec 1987 | A |
4733666 | Mercer, Jr. | Mar 1988 | A |
4759364 | Boebel | Jul 1988 | A |
4765335 | Schmidt et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4777949 | Perlin | Oct 1988 | A |
4796625 | Kees, Jr. | Jan 1989 | A |
4799481 | Transue et al. | Jan 1989 | A |
4815466 | Perlin | Mar 1989 | A |
4821721 | Chin et al. | Apr 1989 | A |
4822348 | Casey | Apr 1989 | A |
4834096 | Oh et al. | May 1989 | A |
4850355 | Brooks et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
4854317 | Braun | Aug 1989 | A |
4856517 | Collins et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
4929239 | Braun | May 1990 | A |
4931058 | Cooper | Jun 1990 | A |
4934364 | Green | Jun 1990 | A |
4951860 | Peters et al. | Aug 1990 | A |
4957500 | Liang et al. | Sep 1990 | A |
4966603 | Focelle et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4967949 | Sandhaus | Nov 1990 | A |
4983176 | Cushman et al. | Jan 1991 | A |
4988355 | Leveen et al. | Jan 1991 | A |
5002552 | Casey | Mar 1991 | A |
5026379 | Yoon | Jun 1991 | A |
5030224 | Wright et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5030226 | Green et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5032127 | Frazee et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5035692 | Lyon et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5047038 | Peters et al. | Sep 1991 | A |
5049152 | Simon et al. | Sep 1991 | A |
5049153 | Nakao et al. | Sep 1991 | A |
5053045 | Schmidt et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5059202 | Liang et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5062563 | Green et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5062846 | Oh et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5078731 | Hayhurst | Jan 1992 | A |
5084057 | Green et al. | Jan 1992 | A |
5100416 | Oh et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5100420 | Green et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5104394 | Knoepfler | Apr 1992 | A |
5104395 | Thornton et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
5112343 | Thornton | May 1992 | A |
5122150 | Puig | Jun 1992 | A |
5127915 | Mattson | Jul 1992 | A |
5129885 | Green et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5156608 | Troidl et al. | Oct 1992 | A |
5160339 | Chen et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5163945 | Ortiz et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5171247 | Hughett et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5171249 | Stefanchik et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5171250 | Yoon | Dec 1992 | A |
5171251 | Bregen et al. | Dec 1992 | A |
5171252 | Friedland | Dec 1992 | A |
5171253 | Klieman | Dec 1992 | A |
5192288 | Thompson et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5197970 | Green et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5199566 | Ortiz et al. | Apr 1993 | A |
5201746 | Shichman | Apr 1993 | A |
5201900 | Nardella | Apr 1993 | A |
5207691 | Nardella | May 1993 | A |
5207692 | Kraus et al. | May 1993 | A |
5217473 | Yoon | Jun 1993 | A |
5219353 | Garvey, III et al. | Jun 1993 | A |
5246450 | Thornton et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5269792 | Kovac et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5281228 | Wolfson | Jan 1994 | A |
5282807 | Knoepfler | Feb 1994 | A |
5282808 | Kovac et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5282832 | Toso et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5289963 | McGarry et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5290299 | Fain et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
5300081 | Young et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5304183 | Gourlay et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5306280 | Bregen et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5306283 | Conners | Apr 1994 | A |
5312426 | Segawa et al. | May 1994 | A |
5330442 | Green et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5330487 | Thornton et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5340360 | Stefanchik | Aug 1994 | A |
5342373 | Stefanchik et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5354304 | Allen et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5354306 | Garvey, III et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5356064 | Green et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5366458 | Korthoff et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5366459 | Yoon | Nov 1994 | A |
5368600 | Failla et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5381943 | Allen et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5382253 | Hogendijk | Jan 1995 | A |
5382254 | McGarry et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5382255 | Castro et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5383880 | Hooven | Jan 1995 | A |
5383881 | Green et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5395375 | Turkel et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5395381 | Green et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5403327 | Thornton et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5409498 | Braddock et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5413584 | Schulze | May 1995 | A |
5423835 | Green et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
5425740 | Hutchinson, Jr. | Jun 1995 | A |
5431667 | Thompson et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5431668 | Burbank, III et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5431669 | Thompson et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5439468 | Schulze et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5441509 | Vidal et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
5447513 | Davison et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
5449365 | Green et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
5462555 | Bolanos et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5462558 | Kolesa et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5464416 | Steckel | Nov 1995 | A |
5474566 | Alesi et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5474567 | Stefanchik et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5474572 | Hayhurst | Dec 1995 | A |
5487499 | Sorrentino et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5487746 | Yu et al. | Jan 1996 | A |
5501693 | Gravener | Mar 1996 | A |
5509920 | Phillips et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
5514149 | Green et al. | May 1996 | A |
5520701 | Lerch | May 1996 | A |
5527318 | McGarry | Jun 1996 | A |
5527319 | Green et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
5527320 | Carruthers et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
5542949 | Yoon | Aug 1996 | A |
5547474 | Kloeckl et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5569274 | Rapacki et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5571121 | Heifetz | Nov 1996 | A |
5575802 | McQuilkin et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5582615 | Foshee et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5584840 | Ramsey et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5591178 | Green et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
5593414 | Shipp et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
5593421 | Bauer | Jan 1997 | A |
5601573 | Fogelberg | Feb 1997 | A |
5601574 | Stefanchik et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5607436 | Pratt et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
5618291 | Thompson et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
5618306 | Roth et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
5620452 | Yoon | Apr 1997 | A |
5626585 | Mittelstadt et al. | May 1997 | A |
5626586 | Pistl et al. | May 1997 | A |
5626587 | Bishop et al. | May 1997 | A |
5626592 | Phillips et al. | May 1997 | A |
RE35525 | Stefanchik et al. | Jun 1997 | E |
5634930 | Thornton et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
5643291 | Pier et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5645551 | Green et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5645553 | Kolesa et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5649937 | Bito et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5653720 | Johnson et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
5662662 | Bishop et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5662676 | Koninckx | Sep 1997 | A |
5662679 | Voss et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5665097 | Baker et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5676676 | Porter | Oct 1997 | A |
5681330 | Hughett et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5683405 | Yacoubian et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5695502 | Pier et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5695505 | Yoon | Dec 1997 | A |
5697938 | Jensen et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5700270 | Peyser et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5700271 | Whitfield et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5702048 | Eberlin | Dec 1997 | A |
5709706 | Kienzle et al. | Jan 1998 | A |
5713911 | Racenet et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
5713912 | Porter | Feb 1998 | A |
5720756 | Green et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
5722982 | Ferreira et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5725537 | Green et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5725538 | Green et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5725542 | Yoon | Mar 1998 | A |
5733295 | Back et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5749881 | Sackier et al. | May 1998 | A |
5755726 | Pratt et al. | May 1998 | A |
5766189 | Matsuno | Jun 1998 | A |
5769857 | Reztzov et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5772673 | Cuny et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5776146 | Sackier et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5776147 | Dolendo | Jul 1998 | A |
5779718 | Green et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5779720 | Walder-Utz et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5782844 | Yoon et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5788698 | Savornin | Aug 1998 | A |
5792149 | Sherts et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5792150 | Pratt et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5797922 | Hessel et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5810853 | Yoon | Sep 1998 | A |
5817116 | Takahashi et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5827306 | Yoon | Oct 1998 | A |
5827323 | Klieman et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5833695 | Yoon | Nov 1998 | A |
5833696 | Whitfield et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5833700 | Fogelberg et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5835199 | Phillips et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5843097 | Mayenberger et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5843101 | Fry | Dec 1998 | A |
5846255 | Casey | Dec 1998 | A |
5849019 | Yoon | Dec 1998 | A |
5858018 | Shipp et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
5861005 | Kontos | Jan 1999 | A |
5868759 | Peyser et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5868761 | Nicholas et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5876410 | Petillo | Mar 1999 | A |
5895394 | Kienzle et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5897565 | Foster | Apr 1999 | A |
5904693 | Dicesare et al. | May 1999 | A |
5906625 | Bito et al. | May 1999 | A |
5913862 | Ramsey et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5918791 | Sorrentino et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5921996 | Sherman | Jul 1999 | A |
5921997 | Fogelberg et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5928251 | Aranyi | Jul 1999 | A |
5938667 | Peyser et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5951574 | Stefanchik et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5972003 | Rousseau et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
5976159 | Bolduc et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5993465 | Shipp et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6004335 | Vaitekunas et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6009551 | Sheynblat | Dec 1999 | A |
6017358 | Yoon et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6045560 | McKean et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
RE36720 | Green et al. | May 2000 | E |
6059799 | Aranyi et al. | May 2000 | A |
6099536 | Petillo | Aug 2000 | A |
6099537 | Sugai et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6139555 | Hart et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6210418 | Storz et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6217590 | Levinson | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6228097 | Levinson et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6241740 | Davis et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6258105 | Hart et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6261302 | Voegele et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6273898 | Kienzle et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6277131 | Kalikow | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6306149 | Meade | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6318619 | Lee | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6322571 | Adams | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6350269 | Shipp et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6352541 | Kienzle et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6391035 | Appleby et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6423079 | Blake, III | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6428548 | Durgin | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6440144 | Bacher | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6461363 | Gadberry et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6464710 | Foster | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6494886 | Wilk et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6517536 | Hooven et al. | Feb 2003 | B2 |
6520972 | Peters | Feb 2003 | B2 |
6527786 | Davis et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6537289 | Kayan et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6546935 | Hooven | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6551333 | Kuhns et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6562051 | Bolduc et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6569171 | DeGuillebon et al. | May 2003 | B2 |
6579304 | Hart et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6599298 | Forster et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6602252 | Mollenauer | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6607540 | Shipp | Aug 2003 | B1 |
6613060 | Adams et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6626916 | Yeung et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6626922 | Hart et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6648898 | Baxter | Nov 2003 | B1 |
6652538 | Kayan et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6652539 | Shipp et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6656193 | Grant et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6673083 | Kayan et al. | Jan 2004 | B1 |
6676659 | Hutchins et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6679894 | Damarati | Jan 2004 | B2 |
RE38445 | Pistl et al. | Feb 2004 | E |
6695854 | Kayan et al. | Feb 2004 | B1 |
6706057 | Bidoia et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6716226 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
6723109 | Solingen | Apr 2004 | B2 |
6743240 | Smith et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6773438 | Knodel et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6773440 | Gannoe et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6776783 | Frantzen et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6776784 | Ginn | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6780195 | Porat | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6793663 | Kneifel et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6793664 | Mazzocchi et al. | Sep 2004 | B2 |
6802848 | Anderson et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
6814742 | Kimura et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6818009 | Hart et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6821273 | Mollenauer | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6821284 | Sturtz et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6824547 | Wilson, Jr. et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6824548 | Smith et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6835199 | McGuckin, Jr. et al. | Dec 2004 | B2 |
6835200 | Laufer et al. | Dec 2004 | B2 |
6837893 | Miller | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6837894 | Pugsley, Jr. et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6837895 | Mayenberger | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6840945 | Manetakis et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6843794 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6849078 | Durgin et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6849079 | Blake, III et al. | Feb 2005 | B1 |
6853879 | Sunaoshi | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6869435 | Blake, III | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6869436 | Wendlandt | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6889116 | Jinno | May 2005 | B2 |
6896682 | McClellan et al. | May 2005 | B1 |
6905503 | Gifford, III et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6911032 | Jugenheimer et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6911033 | de Guillebon et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6913607 | Ainsworth et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6916327 | Northrup, III et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6923818 | Muramatsu et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6939356 | Debbas | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6942674 | Belef et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6942676 | Buelna | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6945978 | Hyde | Sep 2005 | B1 |
6945979 | Kortenbach et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6949107 | McGuckin, Jr. et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6953465 | Dieck et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
6955643 | Gellman et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
6959852 | Shelton, IV et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6960218 | Rennich | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6960221 | Ho et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6962594 | Thevenet | Nov 2005 | B1 |
6963792 | Green | Nov 2005 | B1 |
6964363 | Wales et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6964668 | Modesitt et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6966875 | Longobardi | Nov 2005 | B1 |
6966917 | Suyker et al. | Nov 2005 | B1 |
6966919 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
6969391 | Gazzani | Nov 2005 | B1 |
6972023 | Whayne et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6972027 | Fallin et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6973770 | Schnipke et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6974462 | Sater | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6974466 | Ahmed et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6974475 | Wall | Dec 2005 | B1 |
6981505 | Krause et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
6981628 | Wales | Jan 2006 | B2 |
6991635 | Takamoto et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7052504 | Hughett | May 2006 | B2 |
7056330 | Gayton | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7108703 | Danitz et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7144402 | Kuester, III | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7175648 | Nakao | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7179265 | Manetakis et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7207997 | Shipp et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
7211091 | Fowler et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7211092 | Hughett | May 2007 | B2 |
7214230 | Brock et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7214232 | Bowman et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7223271 | Muramatsu et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7232445 | Kortenbach et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7261724 | Molitor et al. | Aug 2007 | B2 |
7261725 | Binmoeller | Aug 2007 | B2 |
7264625 | Buncke | Sep 2007 | B1 |
7288098 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
7297149 | Vitali et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
7316693 | Viola | Jan 2008 | B2 |
7316696 | Wilson, Jr. et al. | Jan 2008 | B2 |
7326223 | Wilson, Jr. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7329266 | Royse et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7331968 | Arp et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7338503 | Rosenberg et al. | Mar 2008 | B2 |
7357805 | Masuda et al. | Apr 2008 | B2 |
7510562 | Lindsay | Mar 2009 | B2 |
7552853 | Mas et al. | Jun 2009 | B2 |
7637917 | Whitfield et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7644848 | Swayze et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7686820 | Huitema et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7695482 | Viola | Apr 2010 | B2 |
7717926 | Whitfield et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7727248 | Smith et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7731724 | Huitema et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7740641 | Huitema | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7752853 | Singh et al. | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7753250 | Clauson et al. | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7766207 | Mather et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7819886 | Whitfield et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7887553 | Lehman et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
7905890 | Whitfield et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7942885 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7952060 | Watanabe et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7963433 | Whitman et al. | Jun 2011 | B2 |
7988027 | Olson et al. | Aug 2011 | B2 |
8011550 | Aranyi et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8011555 | Tarinelli et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8016178 | Olson et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8021375 | Aldrich et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8021378 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8038686 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8056565 | Zergiebel | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8062310 | Shibata et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8066720 | Knodel et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8066721 | Kortenbach et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8066722 | Miyagi et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8070760 | Fujita | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8075571 | Vitali et al. | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8080021 | Griego | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8083668 | Durgin et al. | Dec 2011 | B2 |
8088061 | Wells et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8091755 | Kayan et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8100926 | Filshie et al. | Jan 2012 | B1 |
8128643 | Aranyi et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8133240 | Damarati | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8142451 | Boulnois et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8157145 | Shelton, IV et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
8157149 | Olson et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
8157151 | Ingmanson et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
8172859 | Matsuno et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8172870 | Shipp | May 2012 | B2 |
8187290 | Buckman et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
8211120 | Itoh | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8211124 | Ainsworth et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8216255 | Smith et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8216257 | Huitema et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8236012 | Molitor et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8246634 | Huitema et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8246635 | Huitema | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8262678 | Matsuoka et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8262679 | Nguyen | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8267944 | Sorrentino et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8267945 | Nguyen et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8267946 | Whitfield et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8272554 | Whitman et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8282655 | Whitfield et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8308743 | Matsuno et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8328822 | Huitema et al. | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8336556 | Zergiebel | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8348130 | Shah et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8357171 | Whitfield et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8366709 | Schechter et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8366726 | Dennis | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8371491 | Huitema et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8372095 | Viola | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8382773 | Whitfield et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8398655 | Cheng et al. | Mar 2013 | B2 |
8403945 | Whitfield et al. | Mar 2013 | B2 |
8403946 | Whitfield et al. | Mar 2013 | B2 |
8408442 | Racenet et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8409222 | Whitfield et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8409223 | Sorrentino et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8419752 | Sorrentino et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8430892 | Bindra et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8444660 | Adams et al. | May 2013 | B2 |
8465460 | Yodfat et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8465502 | Zergiebel | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8475473 | Vandenbroek et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8480688 | Boulnois et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8486091 | Sorrentino et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8491608 | Sorrentino et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8496673 | Nguyen et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8506580 | Zergiebel et al. | Aug 2013 | B2 |
8512357 | Viola | Aug 2013 | B2 |
8518055 | Cardinale et al. | Aug 2013 | B1 |
8523882 | Huitema et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8529585 | Jacobs et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8529586 | Rosenberg et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8529588 | Ahlberg et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8545486 | Malkowski | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8556920 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8568430 | Shipp | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8579918 | Whitfield et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8585717 | Sorrentino et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8603109 | Aranyi et al. | Dec 2013 | B2 |
8652151 | Lehman et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
8652152 | Aranyi et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
8663247 | Menn et al. | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8685048 | Adams et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8690899 | Kogiso et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8708213 | Shelton, IV et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8709027 | Adams et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8715299 | Menn et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8720766 | Hess et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8734469 | Pribanic et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8747423 | Whitfield et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8753356 | Vitali et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8814884 | Whitfield et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8821516 | Huitema | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8839954 | Disch | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8845659 | Whitfield et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8894665 | Sorrentino et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
8894666 | Schulz et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
8900253 | Aranyi et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8915930 | Huitema et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8920438 | Aranyi et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8950646 | Viola | Feb 2015 | B2 |
8961542 | Whitfield et al. | Feb 2015 | B2 |
8968337 | Whitfield et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8968342 | Wingardner, III et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8973804 | Hess et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
9011464 | Zammataro | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9011465 | Whitfield et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9089334 | Sorrentino et al. | Jul 2015 | B2 |
9113892 | Malkowski et al. | Aug 2015 | B2 |
9113893 | Sorrentino et al. | Aug 2015 | B2 |
9119629 | Cardinale et al. | Sep 2015 | B2 |
9186136 | Malkowski et al. | Nov 2015 | B2 |
9186153 | Zammataro | Nov 2015 | B2 |
9208429 | Thornton et al. | Dec 2015 | B2 |
9220507 | Patel et al. | Dec 2015 | B1 |
9282961 | Whitman et al. | Mar 2016 | B2 |
9326776 | Gadberry et al. | May 2016 | B2 |
9358011 | Sorrentino et al. | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9364216 | Rockrohr et al. | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9364240 | Whitfield et al. | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9370400 | Parihar | Jun 2016 | B2 |
9393024 | Whitfield et al. | Jul 2016 | B2 |
9398917 | Whitfield et al. | Jul 2016 | B2 |
9408610 | Hartoumbekis | Aug 2016 | B2 |
9414844 | Zergiebel et al. | Aug 2016 | B2 |
9433411 | Racenet et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9439654 | Sorrentino et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9480477 | Aranyi et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
9498227 | Zergiebel et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
9526501 | Malkowski | Dec 2016 | B2 |
9532787 | Zammataro | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9545254 | Sorrentino et al. | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9549741 | Zergiebel | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9642627 | Zammataro | May 2017 | B2 |
9687247 | Aranyi et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
9717505 | Whitfield et al. | Aug 2017 | B2 |
9737310 | Whitfield et al. | Aug 2017 | B2 |
9750500 | Malkowski | Sep 2017 | B2 |
9763668 | Whitfield et al. | Sep 2017 | B2 |
9775623 | Zammataro et al. | Oct 2017 | B2 |
9775624 | Rockrohr et al. | Oct 2017 | B2 |
9848886 | Malkowski et al. | Dec 2017 | B2 |
9855043 | Malkowski | Jan 2018 | B2 |
9931124 | Gokharu | Apr 2018 | B2 |
9968361 | Aranyi et al. | May 2018 | B2 |
9968362 | Malkowski et al. | May 2018 | B2 |
20010047178 | Peters | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20020040226 | Laufer et al. | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20020068947 | Kuhns et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082618 | Shipp et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020087169 | Brock et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020087170 | Kuhns et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020099388 | Mayenberger | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020120279 | Deguillebon et al. | Aug 2002 | A1 |
20020128668 | Manetakis et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020177859 | Monassevitch et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020198537 | Smith et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020198538 | Kortenbach et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020198539 | Sixto et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020198540 | Smith et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020198541 | Smith et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030014060 | Wilson et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030018345 | Green | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030023249 | Manetakis | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030040759 | de Guillebon et al. | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030105476 | Sancoff et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030114867 | Bolduc et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030135224 | Blake | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030167063 | Kerr | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20030208231 | Williamson et al. | Nov 2003 | A1 |
20030220657 | Adams | Nov 2003 | A1 |
20030225423 | Huitema | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20030229360 | Gayton | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20030233105 | Gayton | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20040010272 | Manetakis et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040044352 | Fowler et al. | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040097970 | Hughett | May 2004 | A1 |
20040097971 | Hughett | May 2004 | A1 |
20040097972 | Shipp et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
20040106936 | Shipp et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040133215 | Baxter | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040138681 | Pier | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040153100 | Ahlberg et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040158266 | Damarati | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040162567 | Adams | Aug 2004 | A9 |
20040167545 | Sadler et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040176776 | Zubok et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040176783 | Edoga et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040176784 | Okada | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20040193213 | Aranyi et al. | Sep 2004 | A1 |
20050010242 | Lindsay | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050080440 | Durgin et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050090837 | Sixto et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050090838 | Sixto et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050096670 | Wellman et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050096671 | Wellman et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050096672 | Manetakis et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050101975 | Nguyen et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107807 | Nakao | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107809 | Litscher et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107810 | Morales et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107811 | Starksen et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107812 | Starksen et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050107871 | Realyvasquez et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050113847 | Gadberry et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050119671 | Reydel et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050119673 | Gordon et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050119677 | Shipp | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050125010 | Smith et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050143767 | Kimura et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050149063 | Young et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050149064 | Peterson et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050149068 | Williams et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050149069 | Bertolero et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050165415 | Wales | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050165418 | Chan | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050171560 | Hughett | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050175703 | Hunter et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050177176 | Gerbi et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050203547 | Weller et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050203548 | Weller et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050216036 | Nakao | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050216056 | Valdevit et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050222588 | Vandenbroek et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050222590 | Gadberry et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050222665 | Aranyi | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050228411 | Manzo | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050228416 | Burbank et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050234478 | Wixey et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050251183 | Buckman et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050251184 | Anderson | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050256529 | Yawata et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050267495 | Ginn et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050273122 | Theroux et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277951 | Smith et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277952 | Arp et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277953 | Francese et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277954 | Smith et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277955 | Palmer et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277956 | Francese et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277958 | Levinson | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050288689 | Kammerer et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050288690 | Bourque et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060004388 | Whayne et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060004390 | Rosenberg et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060009789 | Gambale et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060009790 | Blake et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060009792 | Baker et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060020270 | Jabba et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060020271 | Stewart et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060047305 | Ortiz et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060047306 | Ortiz et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060064117 | Aranyi et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060079115 | Aranyi et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060079913 | Whitfield et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060085015 | Whitfield et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060100649 | Hart | May 2006 | A1 |
20060111731 | Manzo | May 2006 | A1 |
20060129170 | Royce et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060135992 | Bettuchi et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060163312 | Viola et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060173470 | Oray et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060178683 | Shimoji et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060184182 | Aranyi et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060190013 | Menn | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060195125 | Sakakine et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060200179 | Barker et al. | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20060212050 | D'Agostino et al. | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20060217749 | Wilson et al. | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20060224165 | Surti et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060224170 | Duff | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235437 | Vitali et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235438 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235439 | Molitor et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235440 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235441 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235442 | Huitema | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235443 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060235444 | Huitema et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060259045 | Damarati | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060259049 | Harada et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060264987 | Sgro | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060271072 | Hummel et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20070016228 | Salas | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070021761 | Phillips | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070023476 | Whitman et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070023477 | Whitman et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070027458 | Sixto, Jr. et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070034669 | de la Torre et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070038233 | Martinez et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070049947 | Menn et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070049948 | Menn et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070049949 | Manetakis | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070049950 | Theroux et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070049951 | Menn | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070049953 | Shimoji et al. | Mar 2007 | A2 |
20070066981 | Meagher | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070073314 | Gadberry et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070083218 | A. Morris | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070093856 | Whitfield et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070106314 | Dunn | May 2007 | A1 |
20070112365 | Hilal et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070118155 | Goldfarb et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070118161 | Kennedy et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070118163 | Boudreaux et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070118174 | Chu | May 2007 | A1 |
20070123916 | Maier et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070142848 | Ainsworth et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070142851 | Sixto et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070149988 | Michler et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070149989 | Santilli et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070162060 | Wild | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070173866 | Sorrentino et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070175949 | Shelton et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070185504 | Manetakis et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070191868 | Theroux et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070203509 | Bettuchi | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070203510 | Bettuchi | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20070213747 | Monassevitch et al. | Sep 2007 | A1 |
20070250080 | Jones et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070265640 | Kortenbach et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20070276417 | Mendes, Jr. et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20070282355 | Brown et al. | Dec 2007 | A1 |
20070288039 | Aranyi et al. | Dec 2007 | A1 |
20070293875 | Soetikno et al. | Dec 2007 | A1 |
20080004636 | Walberg et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080004637 | Klassen et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080004639 | Huitema et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080015615 | Molitor et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080027465 | Vitali et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080027466 | Vitali et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080045981 | Margolin et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20080051808 | Rivera et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20080065118 | Damarati | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080083813 | Zemlok et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080103510 | Taylor et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
20080147092 | Rogge et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080147093 | Roskopf et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080154287 | Rosenberg et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080167665 | Arp et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080167671 | Giordano et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080228199 | Cropper et al. | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20080243145 | Whitfield et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080255413 | Zemlok et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080255589 | Blakeney et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080306492 | Shibata et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20080306493 | Shibata et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20080312665 | Shibata et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20080312670 | Lutze et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20080319456 | Hart | Dec 2008 | A1 |
20090076533 | Kayan et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090088777 | Miyagi et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090088783 | Kennedy et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090171380 | Whiting | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090182193 | Whitman et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090209946 | Swayze et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
20090222003 | Otley | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20090228023 | Cui | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20090228024 | Whitfield et al. | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20090264904 | Aldrich et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090299382 | Zergiebel | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20090326558 | Cui et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100049216 | Zergiebel | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100057105 | Sorrentino et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100069935 | Crainich | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100274262 | Schulz et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100274264 | Schulz et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20110054498 | Monassevitch et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110082474 | Bindra et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087241 | Nguyen | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110087243 | Nguyen et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110112552 | Lehman et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
20110137323 | Malkowski et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110137324 | Boudreaux et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110144662 | McLawhorn et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110144665 | Malkowski | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110190791 | Jacobs et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110208211 | Whitfield et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110208212 | Zergiebel et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110218553 | Huitema et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110218554 | Cheng et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110218555 | Huitema | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110218556 | Nguyen et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110224696 | Huitema et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110224700 | Schmidt et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110224701 | Menn | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110230900 | Sarradon | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110245847 | Menn et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110245848 | Rosenberg et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110251608 | Timm et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110295290 | Whitfield | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20110313437 | Yeh | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20120029534 | Whitfield et al. | Feb 2012 | A1 |
20120041455 | Martinez | Feb 2012 | A1 |
20120046671 | Matsuoka et al. | Feb 2012 | A1 |
20120048759 | Disch et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120053402 | Conlon et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120059394 | Brenner et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120065647 | Litscher et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120109158 | Zammataro | May 2012 | A1 |
20120116420 | Sorrentino et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120197269 | Zammataro | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20120265220 | Menn | Oct 2012 | A1 |
20120277765 | Zammataro et al. | Nov 2012 | A1 |
20120330326 | Creston et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
20130110135 | Whitfield et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130131697 | Hartoumbekis | May 2013 | A1 |
20130165951 | Blake, III | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130165952 | Whitfield et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130172909 | Harris | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130172910 | Malkowski | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130172912 | Whitfield et al. | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130253541 | Zergiebel | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20130274767 | Sorrentino et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130289583 | Zergiebel et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130296892 | Sorrentino et al. | Nov 2013 | A1 |
20130325040 | Zammataro | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20140005693 | Shelton, IV et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140039526 | Malkowski | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140058412 | Aranyi et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140194903 | Malkowski et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140207156 | Malkowski | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140263565 | Lytle, IV et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140296879 | Menn et al. | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20150032131 | Sorrentino et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150045816 | Aranyi et al. | Feb 2015 | A1 |
20150066057 | Rockrohr et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150080916 | Aranyi et al. | Mar 2015 | A1 |
20150127022 | Whitfield et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
20150164511 | Whitfield et al. | Jun 2015 | A1 |
20150190138 | Whitfield et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150190139 | Zammataro | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150351771 | Malkowski et al. | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20150351772 | Malkowski et al. | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20160113655 | Holsten | Apr 2016 | A1 |
20160151071 | Tokarz et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160213377 | Shankarsetty | Jul 2016 | A1 |
20160242767 | Kasvikis | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160242789 | Sorrentino et al. | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160256157 | Rockrohr et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160256158 | Whitfield et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160262764 | Gokharu | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160296236 | Whitfield et al. | Oct 2016 | A1 |
20160338695 | Hartoumbekis | Nov 2016 | A1 |
20160338699 | Sorrentino et al. | Nov 2016 | A1 |
20170027581 | Zergiebel et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170128071 | Holsten et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
20170172780 | Murthy Aravalli | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170238936 | Mujawar | Aug 2017 | A1 |
20170258472 | Aranyi | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170325814 | Malkowski | Nov 2017 | A1 |
20170340325 | Baril et al. | Nov 2017 | A1 |
20170340331 | Hu et al. | Nov 2017 | A1 |
20170340332 | Whitfield et al. | Nov 2017 | A1 |
20170360449 | Rockrohr et al. | Dec 2017 | A1 |
20180008276 | Bhatnagar et al. | Jan 2018 | A1 |
20180008277 | Baril | Jan 2018 | A1 |
20180070952 | Malkowski et al. | Mar 2018 | A1 |
20180116671 | Prior | May 2018 | A1 |
20180116673 | Baril et al. | May 2018 | A1 |
20180116674 | Baril | May 2018 | A1 |
20180116675 | Baril | May 2018 | A1 |
20180116676 | Williams | May 2018 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2010200641 | Oct 2010 | AU |
2740831 | Apr 2010 | CA |
1939231 | Apr 2007 | CN |
101401737 | Apr 2009 | CN |
101664329 | Mar 2010 | CN |
20 2005 001664 | May 2005 | DE |
20 2009 006113 | Jul 2009 | DE |
0000756 | Feb 1979 | EP |
0 073 655 | Mar 1983 | EP |
0 085 931 | Aug 1983 | EP |
0 086 721 | Aug 1983 | EP |
0 089 737 | Sep 1983 | EP |
0 092 300 | Oct 1983 | EP |
0 324 166 | Jul 1989 | EP |
0 392 750 | Oct 1990 | EP |
0 406 724 | Jan 1991 | EP |
0 409 569 | Jan 1991 | EP |
0514139 | Mar 1993 | EP |
0 569 223 | Nov 1993 | EP |
0 591 003 | Apr 1994 | EP |
0 598 529 | May 1994 | EP |
0 685 204 | Dec 1995 | EP |
0 732 078 | Sep 1996 | EP |
0 755 655 | Jan 1997 | EP |
0 769 274 | Apr 1997 | EP |
0 769 275 | Apr 1997 | EP |
0 834 286 | Apr 1998 | EP |
1 317 906 | Jun 2003 | EP |
1 468 653 | Oct 2004 | EP |
1 609 427 | Dec 2005 | EP |
1 712 187 | Oct 2006 | EP |
1 712 191 | Oct 2006 | EP |
1 757 236 | Feb 2007 | EP |
1 813 199 | Aug 2007 | EP |
1 813 207 | Aug 2007 | EP |
1 894 531 | Mar 2008 | EP |
1 908 423 | Apr 2008 | EP |
1 913 881 | Apr 2008 | EP |
2 000 102 | Dec 2008 | EP |
2 140 817 | Jan 2010 | EP |
2 229 895 | Sep 2010 | EP |
2 263 570 | Dec 2010 | EP |
2 332 471 | Jun 2011 | EP |
2 412 318 | Feb 2012 | EP |
1134832 | Nov 1968 | GB |
2073022 | Oct 1981 | GB |
2003-033361 | Feb 2003 | JP |
2006-154230 | Jun 2006 | JP |
2006-277221 | Oct 2006 | JP |
2008-017876 | Jan 2008 | JP |
2008-515550 | May 2008 | JP |
2009-198991 | Sep 2009 | JP |
2001-66001 | Sep 2001 | WO |
2001-67965 | Sep 2001 | WO |
2003-086207 | Oct 2003 | WO |
2003-092473 | Nov 2003 | WO |
2004-032762 | Apr 2004 | WO |
2005-091457 | Sep 2005 | WO |
2006-042076 | Apr 2006 | WO |
2006-042084 | Apr 2006 | WO |
2006-042110 | Apr 2006 | WO |
2006-042141 | Apr 2006 | WO |
2006-135479 | Dec 2006 | WO |
2008-118928 | Oct 2008 | WO |
Entry |
---|
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 07 25 3905.9, completed Jan. 29, 2008; dated Feb. 7, 2008; (7 Pages). |
International Search Report corresponding to International Application No. PCT-US08-58185, completed Sep. 4, 2008; dated Sep. 9, 2008; (2 Pages). |
The International Search Report corresponding to International Application No. PCT-US08-59859, completed Sep. 14, 2008; dated Sep. 18, 2008; (2 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 07 25 3807.7, completed Nov. 7, 2008; dated Nov. 26, 2008; (11 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2049.3, completed Dec. 11, 2009; dated Jan. 12, 2010; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2050.1, completed Dec. 23, 2009; dated Jan. 21, 2010; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2051.9, completed Dec. 21, 2009; dated Jan. 28, 2010; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2052.7, completed Nov. 16, 2009; dated Nov. 24, 2009; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2053.5, completed Nov. 24, 2009; dated Dec. 1, 2009; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2054.3, completed Jan. 7, 2010; dated Jan. 22, 2010; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 09 25 2056.8, completed Jan. 8, 2010; dated Feb. 5, 2010; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 10 25 0497.4, completed May 4, 2010; dated May 12, 2010; (6 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 10 25 2079.8, completed Mar. 8, 2011; dated Mar. 17, 2011; (3 Pages). |
The European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 05 81 0218.7, completed Apr. 18, 2011; dated May 20, 2011; (3 Pages). |
The European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 05 80 7612.6, completed May 2, 2011; dated May 20, 2011; (3 pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 10 25 1737.2, completed May 9, 2011; dated May 20, 2011; (4 pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 11 25 0214.1, completed May 25, 2011; dated Jun. 1, 2011; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 11 00 2681.2, completed May 31, 2011; dated Jun. 10, 2011; (3 Pages). |
The European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 05 80 2686.5, completed Jan. 9, 2012; dated Jan. 18, 2012; (3 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. 12 15 1313.9, completed Mar. 20, 2012 and dated Apr. 12, 2012; (5 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 16 1291.5, completed Apr. 24, 2012 and dated May 4, 2012; (5 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 16 5891.8, completed Jun. 12, 2012 and dated Jun. 20, 2012; (6 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 16 2288.0, completed Jun. 4, 2012 and dated Jul. 7, 2012; (6 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 16 4955.2, completed Aug. 23, 2012 and dated Sep. 4, 2012; (5 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 11 25 0754.6, completed Oct. 22, 2012 and dated Oct. 31, 2012; (6 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 18 6401.1, completed Nov. 22, 2012 and dated Nov. 30, 2012; (7 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 18 6448.2, completed Nov. 28, 2012 and dated Dec. 10, 2012; (6 Pages). |
The extended European Search Report corresponding to European Application No. EP 12 19 1706.6, completed Dec. 19, 2012 and dated Jan. 8, 2013; (6 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 12 19 8745.7, completed Mar. 19, 2013 and dated Apr. 11, 2013; (8 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 12 15 2989.5, completed Apr. 9, 2013 and dated Apr. 18, 2013; (9 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 08 73 2820.9, completed Jul. 2, 2013 and dated Jul. 9, 2013; (10 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 13 17 2008.8, completed Aug. 14, 2013 and dated Aug. 28, 2013; (8 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 13 16 6382.5, completed Nov. 19, 2013 and dated Nov. 28, 2013; (8 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 11 25 0194.5, completed Nov. 25, 2013 and dated Dec. 3, 2013; (8 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 10 25 1798.4, completed Dec. 12, 2013 and dated Jan. 2, 2014; (9 Pages). |
“Salute II Disposable Fixation Device”, Technique Guide—Laparoscopic and Open Inguinal and Ventral Hernia Repair; Davol, A Bard Company, 2006; (7 Pages). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 10 25 2112.7, completed Jul. 29, 2014 and dated Aug. 5, 2014; (8 pp). |
The Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 15 1673.2, completed Apr. 25, 2014 and dated May 8, 2014; (8 pp). |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to JP 2011-160130 dated Dec. 1, 2014. |
Chinese Office Action corresponding to CN 201210015011.8 dated Jan. 4, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to JP 2011-160126 dated Jan. 9, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to JP 2011-184521 dated Jan. 15, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to 14 18 2236.1 dated Jan. 20, 2015. |
Chinese Office Action corresponding to CN 201110201736.1 dated Feb. 9, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to EP 14 16 1540.1 dated Feb. 27, 2015. |
Australian Office Action corresponding to AU 2010226985 dated Mar. 31, 2015. |
Australian Office Action corresponding to AU 2013211526 dated Apr. 6, 2015. |
Australian Office Action corresponding to AU 2011211463 dated Apr. 13, 2015. |
Australian Office Action corresponding to AU 2013254887 dated Apr. 14, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to JP 2013-225272 dated May 1, 2015. |
European Office Action corresponding to EP 12 152 989.5 dated May 4, 2015. |
Australian Office Action corresponding to AU 2009212759 dated May 7, 2015. |
Chinese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln No. CN 201210212642.9 dated Jun. 3, 2015. |
European Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln No. EP 04 719 757.9 dated Jun. 12, 2015. |
European Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln No. EP 13 166 382.5 dated Jun. 19, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. JP 2010-226908 dated Jun. 26, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 15 15 5024.1 dated Jul. 17, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 14 19 2026.4 dated Jul. 17, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. JP 2011-160126 dated Aug. 10, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 14 15 0321.9 dated Sep. 23, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 11 25 0675.3 dated Oct. 7, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 11 25 0674.6 dated Oct. 7, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 12 19 3447.5 dated Oct. 19, 2015. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CA 2,675,875 dated Oct. 26, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. JP 2015-005629 dated Oct. 28, 2015. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. JP 2014-245081 dated Oct. 28, 2015. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CA 2,675,921 dated Oct. 30, 2015. |
Chinese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CN 201210555570.8 dated Nov. 2, 2015. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CA 2,676,309 dated Nov. 3, 2015. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CA 2,676,211 dated Nov. 24, 2015. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CA 2,676,547 dated Nov. 25, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 15 17 3809.3 dated Nov. 25, 2015. |
Chinese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. CN 201210586814.9 dated Dec. 2, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Application No. EP 12 17 2940.4 dated Dec. 14, 2015. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CN 201210586826.1 dated Dec. 30, 2015. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 15 18 5362.9 dated Feb. 12, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 12 19 7813.4 dated Mar. 7, 2016. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CA 2,676,465 dated Mar. 8, 2016. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. JP 2014-245081 dated Mar. 18, 2016. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. JP 2015-005629 dated Mar. 18, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int=l Appln. No. EP 15 19 3549.1 dated Mar. 22, 2016. |
International Search Report and Written Opinion corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. PCT/CN2015/082199 dated Mar. 31, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 15 19 7251.0 dated Apr. 8, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 15 0739.7 dated May 17, 2016. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CA 2,716,672 dated May 31, 2016. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CA 2,717,448 dated May 31, 2016. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CA 2,721,951 dated Jun. 1, 2016. |
Partial European Search Report corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 15 0287.7 dated Jun. 16, 2016. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to counterpart Int'l Appln. No. CN 201210555570.8 dated Jun. 20, 2016. |
European Office Action corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 16 15 9324.9 dated Aug. 7, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Chinese Appln. No. CN 2014104295806 dated Aug. 31, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 17 17 3508.7 dated Sep. 29, 2017. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Chinese Appln. No. CN 201410076318.8 dated Oct. 10, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 17 18 0570.8 dated Dec. 6, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Chinese Appln. No. CN 201410076318.8 dated Jan. 23, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 16 18 3184.7 dated Jan. 24, 2017. |
Japanese Office Action corresponding to Japanese Appln. No. JP 2016-097807 dated Feb. 14, 2017. |
European Office Action corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 12 19 3447.5 dated Apr. 4, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Chinese Appln. No. CN 201410008877.5 dated Apr. 6, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 17 15 3714.5 dated May 11, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 17 15 8519.3 dated May 19, 2017. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 17 15 7606.9 dated May 22, 2017. |
European Office Action corresponding to European Appln. No. EP 11 25 0674.6 dated May 23, 2017. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to Canadian Appln. No. CA 2,743,402 dated May 30, 2017. |
International Search Report & Written Opinion corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. PCT/CN2015/091603 dated Jul. 8, 2016. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CN 201210586814.9 dated Jul. 18, 2016. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CN 201510093591.6 dated Jul. 25, 2016. |
International Search Report & Written Opinion corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. PCT/CN2015/094172 dated Aug. 4, 2016. |
Canadian Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CA 2,728,538 dated Sep. 6, 2016. |
Chinese Second Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CN 201210586826.1 dated Sep. 14, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 15 0287.7 dated Oct. 4, 2016. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CN 201510205737.1 dated Nov. 1, 2016. |
European Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. EP 08 73 2820.9 dated Nov. 3, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 18 5465.8 dated Dec. 21, 2016. |
Extended European Search Report corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. EP 16 18 4652.2 dated Jan. 4, 2017. |
Chinese First Office Action corresponding to Int'l Appln. No. CN 201510419902.3 dated Jan. 4, 2017. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20170128071 A1 | May 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62253162 | Nov 2015 | US |