Fastener cartridge assembly comprising a camming sled with variable cam arrangements

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11134947
  • Patent Number
    11,134,947
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, May 30, 2019
    4 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 5, 2021
    2 years ago
Abstract
A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector that is configured to receive various control motions from a robotic system.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to stapling instruments that are capable of applying lines of staples and, more particularly, to improvements relating to staple cartridges for use with surgical stapling instruments that are capable of applying lines of staples having differing formed staple heights to tissue while simultaneously cutting the tissue.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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


An example of a surgical stapler suitable for endoscopic applications is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232196, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In use, a clinician is able to close the jaw members of the stapler upon tissue to position the tissue prior to firing. Once the clinician has determined that the jaw members are properly gripping tissue, the clinician can then fire the surgical stapler, thereby severing and stapling the tissue. The simultaneous severing and stapling avoids complications that may arise when performing such actions sequentially with different surgical tools that respectively only sever or staple.


Whenever a transsection of tissue is across an area of varied tissue composition, it would be advantageous for the staples that are closest to the cut line to have one formed height that is less than the formed height of those staples that are farthest from the cut line. In practice, the rows of inside staples serve to provide a hemostatic barrier, while the outside rows of staples with larger formed heights provide a cinching effect where the tissue transitions from the tightly compressed hemostatic section to the non-compressed adjacent section. In other applications, it may be useful for the staples in a single line of staples to have differing formed heights. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,941,623 and 5,027,834 disclose surgical stapler and cartridge arrangements that employ staples that have different prong lengths to ultimately achieve lines of staples that have differing formed heights. Likewise, WO 2003/094747 A1 discloses a surgical stapler and cartridge that has six rows of staples wherein the outer two rows of staples comprise staples that are larger than the staples employed in the inner two rows and middle rows of staples. Thus, all of these approaches require the use of different sizes of staples in the same cartridge.


BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to surgical stapling devices that are capable of producing staples of different formed lengths. For example, in such a device that also cuts the tissue being stapled, the inside rows of staples closest to the longitudinal incision line could have a formed height that is less than the formed height of the outer rows of staples. That way, the inside rows of staples may provide a hemostatic barrier, while the outside rows of staples with larger formed heights may provide a cinching effect where the tissue transitions from the tightly compressed hemostatic section to the non-compressed adjacent section.


According to various implementations, the staple cartridge may have staple drivers of different heights to product staples having different formed lengths. The staples driven by the shorter staple drivers would have longer formed lengths (assuming no other differences that would affect the formed heights of the staples). Also, the staple forming pockets in the anvil may have different depths. Staples formed in deeper pockets would tend to be longer than staples formed in shallow pockets. In addition, some of the staple forming pockets may be formed in compliant material portions of the anvil. Staples formed in such pockets would tend to be longer than staples formed in a non-compliant (or less compliant) portion of the anvil. Additionally, the channel may have internal steps that would produce staples having different formed heights. Staples formed with staple drivers starting at a lower step would have a longer formed length that stapled formed with staple drivers starting at a higher step. Also, staples with different wire diameters may be used. Thicker staples would tend to produce staples with longer formed lengths. In that connection, embodiments of the present invention are directed to staple pushers that can accommodate staples of varying wire thicknesses. Also, staples of differing materials could be used. Staples made of stronger, less compliant materials, would tend to produce longer formed staples.


According to other embodiments, the surgical stapling device may comprise a plurality of stacked wedge band sets. Each stacked wedge band set may comprise a number of wedge bands stacked one on another. The wedge bands may be actuated in succession in order to drive the staples in successive stages. That is, for example, in an embodiment having three wedge bands in a stack, the first wedge band may be actuated first to partially deploy the staples, the second wedge band in stack may be actuated next to begin to form the staples, and the third wedge band in the stack may be actuated last to finish the formation of the staples. To produce staples having different formed heights, the heights of the stacks (corresponding to the cumulative height of the wedge bands in the stacks) may be different, for example.


The techniques used to create formed staples of different heights could be used in a variety of different surgical stapling devices. For example, the stapling devices could be devices that cut the clamped tissue or devices that include no cutting instrument. The surgical staplers may be, for example, endocutters, open linear stapler devices, or circular staplers.


In accordance with other general aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has a robotically controlled actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body that is supportable within the stapling device for selective confronting relationship with the anvil portion thereof when in a closed position. The cartridge body is configured to axially receive a dynamic actuation member therein that is responsive to control motions applied thereto by the robotically controlled actuator. At least one first staple driver is movably supported within the cartridge body for contact by the dynamic actuation member such that, as the dynamic actuation member is axially advanced through the cartridge body when a first control motion is applied thereto by the robotically controlled actuator, the first staple drivers are driven in a direction toward the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position. Each first staple driver defines a first staple support cradle for supporting a staple thereon. The first staple support cradle is located a first staple forming distance from a corresponding portion of the closed anvil. At least one second staple driver is movably supported within the cartridge body for contact by the dynamic actuation member such that as the dynamic actuation member is axially advanced through the cartridge body, the second staple drivers are driven in the direction toward the closed anvil. Each of the second staple drivers defines a second staple support cradle for supporting another staple thereon. The second staple support cradle is located a second staple forming distance from another portion of the closed anvil wherein the second staple forming distance differs from the first staple forming distance.


In accordance with other general aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a surgical stapling device that includes a robotic system that is operable to produce a firing motion and a closing motion. The device further includes an implement portion that is responsive to the firing and closing motions from the robotic system. In various forms, the implement portion includes an elongate channel that is operably coupled to a portion of the robotic system and is configured to support a staple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably coupled to the elongate channel and has an anvil channel therein. The anvil is movable from an open position to a closed position upon application of the closing motion thereto from the robotic system. Various embodiments further include a firing device that includes a distally presented cutting edge that is longitudinally movable within the elongate channel and the anvil from a starting position to an ending position upon application of the firing motion thereto from the robotic system. The firing device has an upper portion for engaging the anvil channel and a lower portion for engaging the elongate channel during distal movement for firing. Various forms of the staple cartridge comprise a cartridge body that is sized to be supported within the elongate channel. The cartridge body has a longitudinally extending slot therein for receiving the firing device therein. The cartridge body has a non-planar deck surface that is configured to confront a staple forming portion of the anvil that has staple forming pockets therein when the anvil is in the closed position. A first plurality of inside staple drivers is axially aligned in a first row of inside staple drivers in a portion of the cartridge body that is adjacent a first side of the longitudinally extending slot. A second plurality of inside staple drivers is axially aligned in a second row of inside staple drivers in another portion of the cartridge body that is adjacent a second side of the longitudinally extending slot. The inside staple drivers are movably supported within the cartridge body for selective movement toward the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. Each inside staple driver defines a first staple support cradle for supporting a staple thereon. Each first staple support cradle is located a first staple forming distance from a corresponding portion of the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. A first plurality of outside staple drivers is axially aligned in a first row of outside staple drivers that are adjacent to the first row of the inside staple drivers. A second plurality of outside staple drivers is axially aligned in a second row of outside staple drivers and is adjacent to the second row of inside staple drivers. Each of the outside staple drivers is movably supported within the cartridge body for selective driving movement toward the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position. Each of the outside staple drivers defines a second staple support cradle for supporting another staple thereon. Each second staple support cradle is located a second staple forming distance from another corresponding portion of the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position. The second staple forming distance differs in magnitude from the first staple forming distance. A wedge sled is supported within the cartridge body for driving contact by the firing device and actuating contact with the first and second pluralities of the inside staple drivers as well as the first and second pluralities of outside staple drivers such that, as the firing device moves within the elongated slot in the cartridge body in a first axial direction in response to the firing motion from the robotic system, the wedge sled drives each of the inside and outside drivers towards the anvil to bring the staples supported thereon into forming contact with the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate by way of example embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention, wherein:



FIG. 1 depicts a partially cut away side elevation view of a surgical stapling and severing instrument in an open position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side elevation detail view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of an end effector of the surgical stapling and severing instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged side elevation view of the firing bar of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged front view of the firing bar of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional side elevation detail view of an alternative end effector for the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1, incorporating a firing bar that lacks a middle pin for preventing pinching of the end effector, according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 6 depicts a side elevational view of a handle portion of a proximal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with a left side removed to expose interior parts in an unclamped, unfired (“start”) position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 7 depicts a perspective, exploded view of the handle portion of the proximal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 8 depicts a side elevational view of the handle portion of the proximal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the left side removed to expose interior parts in the closed (“clamped”) position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 9 depicts a side elevational view of the handle portion of proximal end of surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the left side removed to expose interior parts in the stapled and severed (“fired”) position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 10 depicts a plan view of a staple cartridge installed in an end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a staple cartridge according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 12 is a side view of a staple that may be employed with various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of one inside double driver supporting two staples thereon according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 14 is a top view of the inside double driver and staples of FIG. 13 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 14A is an elevational view of the inside double driver of FIG. 13 within a portion of a staple cartridge mounted in the end effector and also illustrating a corresponding portion of the anvil when in a closed position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of the inside double driver and staples of FIGS. 13 and 14 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 15A is another side elevational view of the inside double driver of FIG. 15 wherein corresponding portions of the cartridge tray and anvil are illustrated in broken lines to depict the relationships therebetween according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of one outside single driver supporting a staple thereon according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 16A is another front view of the outside single driver of FIG. 16 with portions of the cartridge tray and anvil shown to illustrate the relationships therebetween according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 17 is a top view of the outside single driver and staple of FIG. 16 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 18 is an isometric exploded view of the implement portion of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 10 showing the cross-sectional relationship between the firing bar, elongate channel, wedge sled, staple drivers, staples and staple cartridge according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 19A is another cross-sectional view of an end effector showing the cross-sectional relationship between the firing bar, elongate channel, wedge sled, staple drivers, staples, staple cartridge and anvil according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one wedge sled according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of an inside sled cam of the wedge sled depicted in FIG. 20 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of an outside sled cam of the wedge sled depicted in FIG. 20 according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the end effector at the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the anvil in the up or open position with the cartridge largely removed exposing a single staple driver and a double staple driver as exemplary and the wedge sled in its start position against a middle pin of the firing bar according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the end effector at the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the anvil in the up or open position exposing the staple cartridge and cutting edge of the firing bar according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the anvil in the up or open position with the staple cartridge completely removed and a portion of an elongate channel removed to expose a lowermost pin of the firing bar according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 26 is a side elevation view in section showing a mechanical relationship between the anvil, elongate channel, and staple cartridge in the closed position of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1, the section generally taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 24 to expose wedge sled, staple drivers and staples but also depicting the firing bar along the longitudinal centerline according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a staple cartridge wherein an outside cam of a wedge is adjacent to an outside single driver according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a staple cartridge wherein an outside cam of a wedge sled is engaging three outside single drivers according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of lines of staples installed on each side of a cut line using a surgical stapling and severing instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 30 depicts a staple formed by one inside driver according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 31 depicts another staple formed by one outside driver according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of lines of staples installed on each side of a cut line using a surgical stapling and severing instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of lines of staples installed on each side of a cut line using a surgical stapling and severing instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of lines of staples installed on each side of a cut line using a surgical stapling and severing instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 35 is a side elevation section view of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal centerline of the end effector in a partially closed but unclamped position gripping tissue according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 36 depicts a partially cut away side elevational view of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in the closed or clamped position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 37 depicts a side elevation view of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in the closed or clamped position with tissue properly compressed according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 38 depicts a view in centerline section of the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in a partially fired position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 39 depicts a partially cut away side elevation view of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in a partially fired position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 40 depicts a view in centerline section of the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in a fully fired position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 41 is a partially cut-away side elevational view of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in a full fired position according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 42-44 depict aspects of an end effector having a sled with multiple sled cams where one sled cam is taller than another according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 45 depicts aspects of an end effector with staple forming pockets having varying depths according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 46-47 depict a double staple driver having staples of different pre-formation lengths according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 48 depicts a side-view of an end effector having a double staple driver having different staple driver heights according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 49-50 depict a side-view of an end effector having staple forming pockets of varying depths according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 51-62 depict aspects of a surgical stapling device having stacks of actuatable wedge bands according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 63-69 depict aspects of an open linear surgical stapling device according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 70-77 depicts cross-sectional front views of an end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 78-83 depict staple drivers that can accommodate staple having different wire diameters according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 84-89 depict a circular surgical stapling device according to various embodiments of the present invention;



FIGS. 90-95 depict another surgical stapling device according to embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 96 is a perspective view of one robotic controller embodiment;



FIG. 97 is a perspective view of one robotic surgical arm cart/manipulator of a robotic system operably supporting a plurality of surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 98 is a side view of the robotic surgical arm cart/manipulator depicted in FIG. 97;



FIG. 99 is a perspective view of an exemplary cart structure with positioning linkages for operably supporting robotic manipulators that may be used with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 101 is an exploded assembly view of an adapter and tool holder arrangement for attaching various surgical tool embodiments to a robotic system;



FIG. 102 is a side view of the adapter shown in FIG. 101;



FIG. 103 is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIG. 101;



FIG. 104 is a top view of the adapter of FIGS. 101 and 102;



FIG. 105 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 100;



FIG. 106 is a partial exploded view of a portion of an articulatable surgical end effector embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 107 is a perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 105 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 108 is a rear perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 105 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 109 is a front perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 105 with the tool mounting housing removed;



FIG. 110 is a partial exploded perspective view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 105;



FIG. 111 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 105;



FIG. 112 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical tool depicted in FIG. 111;



FIG. 113 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool mounting portion of the surgical tool embodiment depicted in FIG. 105;



FIG. 114 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool mounting portion of FIG. 113;



FIG. 115 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool of FIG. 105;



FIG. 116 is a side view of a half portion of a closure nut embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 117 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 117 with the anvil in the open position and the closure clutch assembly in a neutral position;



FIG. 119 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly shown in FIG. 118 with the clutch assembly engaged in a closure position;



FIG. 120 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly shown in FIG. 118 with the clutch assembly engaged in a firing position;



FIG. 121 is a top view of a portion of a tool mounting portion embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 122 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 122 with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 124 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 122 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 125 is a perspective view of a closure drive nut and portion of a knife bar embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 126 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 127 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 128 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 127 with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 129 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 128 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 130 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting collar embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention showing the knife bar and distal end portion of the closure drive shaft;



FIG. 131 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting collar embodiment of FIG. 130;



FIG. 132 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 132A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a gear arrangement of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 132B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gear arrangement shown in FIG. 132A;



FIG. 133 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention employing a pressure sensor arrangement with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 134 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 133 with the anvil in the closed position;



FIG. 135 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention in relation to a tool holder portion of a robotic system with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 136 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention in relation to a tool holder portion of a robotic system with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 137 is a side view of a portion of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 138 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 139 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 140 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment of a portion of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some components thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 141 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the end effector of FIG. 140;



FIG. 142 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the end effector of FIGS. 140 and 141;



FIG. 143 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with the anvil in the open position;



FIG. 144 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIG. 143;



FIG. 145 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of FIGS. 143 and 144 with the anvil thereof in the closed position;



FIG. 146 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the surgical end effector and elongated shaft assembly of the surgical tool embodiment of FIGS. 143-145;



FIG. 147 is a top view of a tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 148 is a perspective assembly view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 149 is a front perspective view of a disposable loading unit arrangement that may be employed with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 150 is a rear perspective view of the disposable loading unit of FIG. 149;



FIG. 151 is a bottom perspective view of the disposable loading unit of FIGS. 149 and 150;



FIG. 152 is a bottom perspective view of another disposable loading unit embodiment that may be employed with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 153 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting portion of a disposable loading unit depicted in FIGS. 149-151;



FIG. 154 is a perspective view of a portion of a disposable loading unit and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with the disposable loading unit in a first position;



FIG. 155 is another perspective view of a portion of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly of FIG. 154 with the disposable loading unit in a second position;



FIG. 156 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 154 and 154;



FIG. 157 is another cross-sectional view of the disposable loading unit and elongated shaft assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 154-156;



FIG. 158 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of another disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 159 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of another disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 160 is another partial exploded perspective view of the disposable loading unit embodiment and an elongated shaft assembly embodiment of FIG. 159;



FIG. 161 is a top view of another tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 162 is a side view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention with some of the components thereof shown in cross-section and in relation to a robotic tool holder of a robotic system;



FIG. 163 is an exploded assembly view of a surgical end effector embodiment that may be used in connection with various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 164 is a side view of a portion of a cable-driven system for driving a cutting instrument employed in various surgical end effector embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 165 is a top view of the cable-driven system and cutting instrument of FIG. 164;



FIG. 166 is a top view of a cable drive transmission embodiment of the present invention in a closure position;



FIG. 167 is another top view of the cable drive transmission embodiment of FIG. 166 in a neutral position;



FIG. 168 is another top view of the cable drive transmission embodiment of FIGS. 166 and 167 in a firing position;



FIG. 169 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 166;



FIG. 170 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 167;



FIG. 171 is a perspective view of the cable drive transmission embodiment in the position depicted in FIG. 168;



FIG. 172 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 173 is a side view of a portion of another cable-driven system embodiment for driving a cutting instrument employed in various surgical end effector embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 174 is a top view of the cable-driven system embodiment of FIG. 173;



FIG. 175 is a top view of a tool mounting portion embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 176 is a top cross-sectional view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 177 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 178 is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 177 taken along line 178-178 in FIG. 177;



FIG. 179 is a perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 177 and 178 with portions thereof shown in cross-section;



FIG. 180 is a side view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 177-179;



FIG. 181 is a perspective view of a sled assembly embodiment of various surgical tool embodiments of the present invention;



FIG. 182 is a cross-sectional view of the sled assembly embodiment of FIG. 181 and a portion of the elongated channel of FIG. 180;



FIGS. 183-188 diagrammatically depict the sequential firing of staples in a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 189 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 190 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 191 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 190 with a sled assembly axially advancing therethrough;



FIG. 192 is a perspective view of another sled assembly embodiment of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 193 is a partial top view of a portion of the surgical end effector embodiment depicted in FIGS. 190 and 191 with the sled assembly axially advancing therethrough;



FIG. 194 is another partial top view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 193 with the top surface of the surgical staple cartridge omitted for clarity;



FIG. 195 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a rotary driver embodiment and staple pusher embodiment of the surgical end effector depicted in FIGS. 190 and 191;



FIG. 196 is a perspective view of an automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention with a surgical end effector in extractive engagement with the extraction system thereof;



FIG. 197 is another perspective view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIG. 196;



FIG. 198 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 196 and 197;



FIG. 199 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 196-198 with the extraction system thereof removing a spent surgical staple cartridge from the surgical end effector;



FIG. 200 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIGS. 196-199 illustrating the loading of a new surgical staple cartridge into a surgical end effector;



FIG. 201 is a perspective view of another automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention with some components shown in cross-section;



FIG. 202 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the automated reloading system embodiment of FIG. 201;



FIG. 203 is another exploded perspective view of the portion of the automated reloading system embodiment depicted in FIG. 202;



FIG. 204 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the automated reloading system embodiment of FIGS. 201-203;



FIG. 205 is a cross-sectional view of an orientation tube embodiment supporting a disposable loading unit therein;



FIG. 206 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 207 is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 208 is a perspective view of a closure tube embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 209 is a perspective view of the closure tube embodiment of FIG. 208 assembled on the articulation joint embodiment of FIG. 207;



FIG. 210 is a top view of a portion of a tool mounting portion embodiment of a surgical tool embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 211 is a perspective view of an articulation drive assembly embodiment employed in the tool mounting portion embodiment of FIG. 210;



FIG. 212 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention; and



FIG. 213 is a perspective view of another surgical tool embodiment of the present invention.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,259, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,253;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,210, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED DISPOSABLE MOTOR DRIVEN LOADING UNIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,749;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,194, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED ENDOSCOPIC ACCESSORY CHANNEL, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,992,422;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,253, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,386,983;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,190, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,912;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,223, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SHAFT BASED ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,682;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,263, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0295295;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,272, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FORCE FEEDBACK CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0290856;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,246, entitled ROBOTICALLY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH E-BEAM DRIVER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,770; and


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535.


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


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


Turning to the figures, wherein like numerals denote like components throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict one embodiment of a surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 that is capable of practicing the unique benefits of the present invention. It should be recognized, however, that the unique and novel aspects of the present invention may be advantageously employed in connection with a variety of other staplers and stapler instruments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection afforded to the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to use only with the specific type of surgical stapling and severing instruments described herein.


As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 incorporates an end effector 12 having an actuator or E-beam firing mechanism (“firing bar”) 14 that advantageously controls the spacing of the end effector 12. In particular, an elongate channel 16 and a pivotally translatable anvil 18 are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing. The problems are avoided associated with varying amounts of tissue being captured in the end effector 12.


It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping a handle of an instrument. Thus, the end effector 12 is distal with respect to the more proximal handle portion 20. It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.


The surgical and stapling and severing instrument 10 includes a handle portion 20 that is connected to an implement portion 22, the latter further comprising a shaft 23 distally terminating in the end effector 12. The handle portion 20 includes a pistol grip 24 toward which a closure trigger 26 is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping, or closing, of the anvil 18 toward the elongate channel 16 of the end effector 12. A firing trigger 28 is farther outboard of the closure trigger 26 and is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end effector 12.


In practice, closure trigger 26 is actuated first. Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 12, the clinician may draw back the closure trigger 26 to its fully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip 24. Then, the firing trigger 28 is actuated. The firing trigger 28 springedly returns when the clinician removes pressure. A release button 30 when depressed on the proximal end of the handle portion 20 releases any locked closure trigger 26.


A closure sleeve 32 encloses a frame 34, which in turn encloses a firing drive member 36 that is positioned by the firing trigger 28. The frame 34 connects the handle portion 20 to the end effector 12. With the closure sleeve 32 withdrawn proximally by the closure trigger 26 as depicted, the anvil 18 springedly opens, pivoting away from the elongate channel 16 and translating proximally with the closure sleeve 32. The elongate channel 16 receives a staple cartridge 37.


With particular reference to FIGS. 2-4, the firing bar 14 includes three vertically spaced pins that control the spacing of the end effector 12 during firing. In particular, an upper pin 38 is staged to enter an anvil pocket 40 near the pivot between the anvil 18 and elongate channel 16. When fired with the anvil 18 closed, the upper pin 38 advances distally within a longitudinal anvil slot 42 extending distally through anvil 18. Any minor upward deflection in the anvil 18 is overcome by a downward force imparted by the upper pin 38. Firing bar 14 also includes a lowermost pin, or firing bar cap, 44 that upwardly engages a channel slot 45 in the elongate channel 16, thereby cooperating with the upper pin 38 to draw the anvil 18 and the elongate channel 16 slightly closer together in the event of excess tissue clamped therebetween. The firing bar 14 advantageously includes a middle pin 46 that passes through a firing drive slot 47 formed in a lower surface of the cartridge 300 and an upward surface of the elongate channel 16, thereby driving the staples therein as described below. The middle pin 46, by sliding against the elongate channel 16, advantageously resists any tendency for the end effector 12 to be pinched shut at its distal end. To illustrate an advantage of the middle pin 46, FIG. 5 depicts an alternative end effector 12′ that lacks a middle pin on a firing bar 14′. In this depiction, the end effector 12′ is allowed to pinch shut at its distal end, which tends to impair desired staple formation.


Returning to FIGS. 2-4, a distally presented cutting edge 48 between the upper and middle pins 38, 46 on the firing bar 14 traverses through a proximally presented, vertical slot 49 in the cartridge 37 to sever clamped tissue. The affirmative positioning of the firing bar 14 with regard to the elongate channel 16 and anvil 18 assure that an effective cut is performed. The affirmative vertical spacing provided by the E-Beam firing bar 14 is suitable for the limited size available for endoscopic devices. Moreover, the E-Beam firing bar 14 enables fabrication of an anvil 15 with a camber imparting a vertical deflection at its distal end, similar to the position depicted in FIG. 5. This cambered anvil 15 advantageously assists in achieving the desired gap in the end effector 12 even with an anvil 15 having a reduced thickness, which may be more suited to the size limitations of an endoscopic device.


With reference to FIGS. 6-9, the handle portion 20 is comprised of first and second base sections 50 and 52, which are molded from a polymeric material such as a glass-filled polycarbonate. The first base section 50 is provided with a plurality of cylindrically-shaped pins 54. The second base section 52 includes a plurality of extending members 56, each having a hexagonal-shaped opening 58. The cylindrically-shaped pins 54 are received within the hexagonal-shaped openings 58 and are frictionally held therein for maintaining the first and second base sections 50 and 52 in assembly.


A rotating knob 60 has a bore 62 extending completely through it for engaging and rotating the implement portion 22 about its longitudinal axis. The rotating knob 60 includes an inwardly protruding boss 64 extending along at least a portion of the bore 62. The protruding boss 64 is received within a longitudinal slot 66 formed at a proximal portion of the closure sleeve 32 such that rotation of the rotating knob 60 effects rotation of the closure sleeve 32. It will be appreciated that the boss 64 further extends through frame 34 and into contact with a portion of the firing drive member 36 to effect their rotation as well. Thus, the end effector 12 (not shown in FIGS. 6-9) rotates with the rotating knob 60.


A proximal end 68 of the frame 34 passes proximally through the rotating knob 60 and is provided with a circumferential notch 70 that is engaged by opposing channel securement members 72 extending respectively from the base sections 50 and 52. Only the channel securement member 72 of the second base section 52 is shown. The channel securement members 72, extending from the base sections 50, 52 serve to secure the frame 34 to the handle portion 20 such that the frame 34 does not move longitudinally relative to the handle portion 20.


The closure trigger 26 has a handle section 74, a gear segment section 76, and an intermediate section 78. A bore 80 extends through the intermediate section 78. A cylindrical support member 82 extending from the second base section 52 passes through the bore 80 for pivotably mounting the closure trigger 26 on the handle portion 20. A second cylindrical support member 83 extending from the second base section 52 passes through a bore 81 of firing trigger 28 for pivotally mounting on the handle portion 20. A hexagonal opening 84 is provided in the cylindrical support member 83 for receiving a securement pin (not shown) extending from the first base section 50.


A closure yoke 86 is housed within the handle portion 20 for reciprocating movement therein and serves to transfer motion from the closure trigger 26 to the closure sleeve 32. Support members 88 extending from the second base section 52 and securement member 72, which extends through a recess 89 in the yoke 86, support the yoke 86 within the handle portion 20.


A proximal end 90 of the closure sleeve 32 is provided with a flange 92 that is snap-fitted into a receiving recess 94 formed in a distal end 96 of the yoke 86. A proximal end 98 of the yoke 86 has a gear rack 100 that is engaged by the gear segment section 76 of the closure trigger 26. When the closure trigger 26 is moved toward the pistol grip 24 of the handle portion 20, the yoke 86 and, hence, the closure sleeve 32 move distally, compressing a spring 102 that biases the yoke 86 proximally. Distal movement of the closure sleeve 32 effects pivotal translation movement of the anvil 18 distally and toward the elongate channel 16 of the end effector 12 and proximal movement effects closing, as discussed below.


The closure trigger 26 is forward biased to an open position by a front surface 130 interacting with an engaging surface 128 of the firing trigger 28. Clamp first hook 104 that pivots top to rear in the handle portion 20 about a pin 106 restrains movement of the firing trigger 28 toward the pistol grip 24 until the closure trigger 26 is clamped to its closed position. Hook 104 restrains firing trigger 28 motion by engaging a lockout pin 107 in firing trigger 28. The hook 104 is also in contact with the closure trigger 26. In particular, a forward projection 108 of the hook 104 engages a member 110 on the intermediate section 78 of the closure trigger 26, the member 100 being outward of the bore 80 toward the handle section 74. Hook 104 is biased toward contact with member 110 of the closure trigger 26 and engagement with lockout pin 107 in firing trigger 28 by a release spring 112. As the closure trigger 26 is depressed, the hook 104 is moved top to rear, compressing the release spring 112 that is captured between a rearward projection 114 on the hook 104 and a forward projection 116 on the release button 30. As the yoke 86 moves distally in response to proximal movement of the closure trigger 26, an upper latch arm 118 of the release button 30 moves along an upper surface 120 on the yoke 86 until dropping into an upwardly presented recess 122 in a proximal, lower portion of the yoke 86. The release spring 112 urges the release button 30 outward, which pivots the upper latch arm 118 downwardly into engagement with the upwardly presented recess 122, thereby locking the closure trigger 26 in a tissue clamping position, such as depicted in FIG. 8.


The latch arm 118 can be moved out of the recess 122 to release the anvil 18 by pushing the release button 30 inward. Specifically, the upper latch arm 118 pivots upward about pin 123 of the second base section 52. The yoke 86 is then permitted to move proximally in response to return movement of the closure trigger 26.


A firing trigger return spring 124 is located within the handle portion 20 with one end attached to pin 106 of the second base section 52 and the other end attached to a pin 126 on the firing trigger 28. The firing return spring 124 applies a return force to the pin 126 for biasing the firing trigger 28 in a direction away from the pistol grip 24 of the handle portion 20. The closure trigger 26 is also biased away from pistol grip 24 by engaging surface 128 of firing trigger 28 biasing front surface 130 of closure trigger 26.


As the closure trigger 26 is moved toward the pistol grip 24, its front surface 130 engages with the engaging surface 128 on the firing trigger 28 causing the firing trigger 28 to move to its “firing” position. When in its firing position, the firing trigger 28 is located at an angle of approximately 45° to the pistol grip 24. After staple firing, the spring 124 causes the firing trigger 28 to return to its initial position. During the return movement of the firing trigger 28, its engaging surface 128 pushes against the front surface 130 of the closure trigger 26 causing the closure trigger 26 to return to its initial position. A stop member 132 extends from the second base section 52 to prevent the closure trigger 26 from rotating beyond its initial position.


The surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 additionally includes a reciprocating section 134, a multiplier 136 and a drive member 138. The reciprocating section 134 comprises a wedge sled in the implement portion 22 (not shown in FIGS. 6-9) and a metal drive rod 140. The drive member 138 includes first and second gear racks 141 and 142. A first notch 144 is provided on the drive member 138 intermediate the first and second gear racks 141, 142. During return movement of the firing trigger 28, a tooth 146 on the firing trigger 28 engages with the first notch 144 for returning the drive member 138 to its initial position after staple firing. A second notch 148 is located at a proximal end of the metal drive rod 140 for locking the metal drive rod 140 to the upper latch arm 118 of the release button 30 in its unfired position. The multiplier 136 comprises first and second integral pinion gears 150 and 152. The first integral pinion gear 150 is engaged with a first gear rack 154 provided on the metal drive rod 140. The second integral pinion gear 152 is engaged with the first gear rack 141 on the drive member 138. The first integral pinion gear 150 has a first diameter and the second integral pinion gear 152 has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.



FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 depict respectively the handle portion 20 in the start position (open and unfired), a clamped position (closed and unfired) and a fired position. The firing trigger 28 is provided with a gear segment section 156. The gear segment section 156 engages with the second gear rack 142 on the drive member 138 such that motion of the firing trigger 28 causes the drive member 138 to move back and forth between a first drive position, shown in FIG. 8, and a second drive position, shown in FIG. 9. In order to prevent staple firing before tissue clamping has occurred, the upper latch arm 118 on the release button 39 is engaged with the second notch 148 on the drive member 138 such that the metal drive rod 140 is locked in its proximal-most position, as depicted in FIG. 6. When the upper latch arm 118 falls into the recess 122, the upper latch arm 118 disengages with the second notch 148 to permit distal movement of the metal drive rod 140, as depicted in FIG. 9.


Because the first gear rack 141 on the drive member 138 and the gear rack 154 on the metal drive rod 140 are engaged with the multiplier 136, movement of the firing trigger 28 causes the metal drive rod 140 to reciprocate between a first reciprocating position, shown in FIG. 8, and a second reciprocating position, shown in FIG. 9. Since the diameter of the first pinion gear 150 is greater than the diameter of the second pinion gear 152, the multiplier 136 moves the reciprocating section 134 a greater distance than the drive member 138 is moved by the firing trigger 28. The diameters of the first and second pinion gears 150 and 152 may be changed to permit the length of the stroke of the firing trigger 28 and the force required to move it to be varied. It will be appreciated that the handle portion 20 is illustrative and that other actuation mechanisms may be employed. For instance, the closing and firing motions may be generated by automated means.


One embodiment of an end effector 12 of the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 is depicted in further detail in FIGS. 18, 19, and 23-26. As described above, the handle portion 20 produces separate and distinct closing and firing motions that actuate the end effector 12. The end effector 12 advantageously maintains the clinical flexibility of this separate and distinct closing and firing (i.e., stapling and severing). In addition, the end effector 12 introduces the aforementioned ability to affirmatively maintain the closed spacing during firing after the clinician positions and clamps the tissue. Both features procedurally and structurally enhance the ability of the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 by ensuring adequate spacing for instances where an otherwise inadequate amount of tissue is clamped and to enhance the clamping in instances where an otherwise excessive amount of tissue has been clamped.



FIG. 10 depicts a staple cartridge embodiment 300 of the present invention installed in the end effector 12 with the firing bar 14 in its unfired, proximal position. The staple cartridge 300 has a cartridge body 302 that is divided by an elongated slot 310 that extends from a proximal end 304 of the cartridge 300 towards a tapered outer tip 306. A plurality of staple-receiving channels 320a-320f are formed within the staple cartridge body 302 and are arranged in six laterally spaced longitudinal rows 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, with three rows on each side of the elongated slot 310. Positioned within the staple-receiving channels 320a-320f are the staples 222. See FIGS. 10 and 11.


The cartridge 300 further includes four laterally spaced longitudinal rows of staple drivers 330a, 330b, 370a, and 370b as shown in FIG. 11. The “first” inside staple drivers 330a are slidably mounted within corresponding channels 320b and 320c such that each driver 330a supports two staples 222, one in a channel 320b and one in a channel 320c. Likewise, the “second” inside drivers 330b are slidably mounted within channels 320d and 320e such that each driver 330b supports two staples 222, one in a channel 320d and one in a channel 320e. The “outside” drivers 370a and 370b are slidably mounted within the staple-receiving channels 320a and 320f, respectively. Each of the outside drivers 370a and 370b supports a single staple 222. Drivers 370a are referred to herein as “first” outside drivers and drivers 370b are referred to herein as “second” outside drivers.



FIG. 12 illustrates a staple 222 that may be used in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention. The staple 222 includes a main portion 223 and two prongs 225. The prongs 225 each have a length “P” and the main portion has a width “W”. The reader will appreciate that a variety of different types of staples may be employed. For example, for a vascular staple, “P” may be approximately 0.102 inches; for a regular staple, “P” may be approximately 0.134 inches; and for a thick tissue staple, “P” may be approximately 0.160 inches. “W” may be approximately 0.012 inches. Other sizes of staples 222 may be employed in the manners discussed below.


The inside staple drivers 330a located on one side of the elongated slot 310 are referred to herein as “first” inside staple drivers and the inside staple drivers 330b located on the other side of the elongated slot 310 are referred to herein as “second” inside staple drivers. As will be discussed in further detail below, in one embodiment, the second inside staple drivers 330b are identical to the first inside staple drivers 330a, except for their orientation in their respective channels in the cartridge body 302.



FIGS. 13-15 illustrate one embodiment of a “first” inside double driver 330a for supporting and driving staples 222. As can be seen in those Figures, the staple driver 330a has a primary driver portion 340 and a secondary driver portion 350 that is connected to the first primary portion 340 by a central base member 360. The primary driver portion 340 has a primary driver base 342 that has a groove 343 therein adapted to mate with a corresponding vertically extending tongue (not shown) in the cartridge body 302 for guiding and stabilizing the driver 330a as it moves within its respective channel. The primary driver portion 340 further has a first forward support column 344 and a first rearward support column 346 protruding upward from the first driver base 342. The first forward support column 344 has a first forward staple-receiving groove 345 therein and the first rearward support column 346 has a first rearwardly staple-receiving groove 347 therein. See FIGS. 13-15. The first forward support column 344 and the first rearward support column 346 are spaced from each other and collectively form a first staple cradle 348 for supporting the main portion 223 of the staple 222 therein in an upright position (i.e., prongs facing the anvil). Similarly, the secondary driver portion 350 has a secondary driver base 352 and a secondary forward support column 354 and a secondary rearward support column 356 protruding out from the second driver base 352. The secondary forward support column 354 has a secondary forward staple-receiving groove 355 therein and the secondary rearward support column 356 has a secondary rearward staple-receiving groove 357 therein. The secondary forward support column 354 and the secondary rearward support column 356 are spaced from each other and collectively form a secondary staple cradle 358 for supporting the main portion 223 of another staple 222 therein.


As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 15, the central base member 360 has an angled rearwardly facing edge 362 adapted to be engaged by a corresponding sled cam as will be discussed in further detail below. As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the secondary forward support column 354 of the secondary driver portion is oriented relative to the first rearward support column 346 such that the staple 222 that is supported in the secondary staple cradle 358 is longitudinally offset from the staple 222 in the first staple cradle 348. The reader will appreciate that the first inside drivers 330a are each installed in one orientation into a corresponding pair of channels 320b and 320c located on one side of the elongated slot 310 in the cartridge body 302. The second inside staple drivers 330b (located on the opposite side of the elongated slot 310 from the first inside staple drivers 330a) comprise inside drivers 330a rotated 180 degrees so that their respective angled surfaces 363 face towards the proximal end 304 of the cartridge 300 to enable them to be installed in pairs of corresponding channels 320d and 320e. Thus, in this embodiment, only one inside driver configuration is employed which thereby eliminates the need for two different inside staple driver configurations for channels on each side of the elongated slot 310.



FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate one embodiment of a “first” outside staple driver 370a. As can be seen in those Figures, a first outside staple driver 370a has a second base 372 that has an angled rearwardly facing portion 374. Protruding upward from the second base 372 is a second forward support column 375 that has a second forward staple-receiving groove 376 therein. A second rearward support column 377 also protrudes upward from the second base 372 in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the second forward support column 375. The second rearward support column 377 has a second rearward staple-receiving groove 378 therein. The support columns 375, 377 collectively form a second staple cradle 379 that is configured to support a staple 222 therein in an upright position as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The staple drivers 370a also have a laterally protruding rib 371 which is received in a corresponding groove (not shown) in the cartridge body 302 for guiding and stabilizing the driver 370a as it moves within its respective channel.


The reader will appreciate that a first outside driver 370a is installed in one orientation into a corresponding channel 320a on one side of the elongated slot 310. A second outside staple driver 370b (to be located on the opposite side of the elongated slot 310 from the first outside staple drivers 370a) comprises an outside driver 370a rotated 180 degrees so that the angled surface 374′ thereon faces toward the proximal end 304 of the cartridge 300 to enable it to be installed in a corresponding channel 320f in the cartridge body 302. Thus, in this embodiment, only one outside staple driver configuration is employed which avoids the need for two different outside staple driver configurations for channels on each side of the elongated slot 310. FIGS. 19 and 19A illustrate in cross-section one embodiment of a staple cartridge of the present invention mounted within one type of end effector 12. The end effector 12 in this embodiment employs a “stepped” anvil 18 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 23-25. In other embodiments, however, the bottom surface of the anvil is planar and not stepped. As can be seen in FIGS. 19A, and 23-25, the anvil 18 has a central portion 19 that is offset or not coplanar with the two lateral side portions 21, 23. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the upper surface 306 of the cartridge 300 is provided with a recessed central portion 307 and two lateral side portions 309 that are adapted to closely mate with the corresponding portions 19, 21, 23, respectively, of the anvil 18, when the anvil 18 is in the closed position. See FIG. 19A.


As can be seen in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the under surfaces 200 of anvil 18 are provided with a series of forming pockets 202 that may be arranged in rows that correspond to the rows of channels in the cartridge 300. That is, row 205 of pockets 202 may correspond to channel row 500. Row 207 of pockets may correspond to channel row 502. Row 209 of pockets 202 may correspond to channel row 504. Row 211 of pockets 202 may correspond to channel row 506. Row 213 of pockets 202 may correspond to channel row 508. Row 215 of pockets 202 may correspond to channel row 510. Each pocket 202 has at least one forming surface 203 therein that is adapted to contact the ends of the staple prongs 225 being driven therein to thereby cause the prongs 225 to bend inwardly toward each other. In one embodiment, each pocket 202 has two intersecting arcuate forming surfaces 203 that are oriented as shown in FIG. 14A. Each arcuate forming surface has an apex 203′ that defines a maximum pocket depth “Z”. However other forming pocket configurations could be employed.


Returning to FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the cartridge body 302 is mounted within the cartridge tray 224. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the cartridge body 302 is formed with two inside longitudinally extending slots 390 and two outside longitudinally extending slots 392. Slots 390 and 392 extend from the proximal end 304 of the cartridge to its tapered outer tip 306 (shown in FIG. 10). This embodiment further includes a wedge sled 400 that slidably supported on the cartridge tray 224. One wedge sled embodiment 400 includes a pair of inside sled cams 410, wherein one inside sled cam 410 corresponds to one of the inside longitudinally extending slots 390 and wherein the other inside sled cam 410 corresponds to the other inside longitudinally extending slot 390. See FIG. 19. The wedge sled 400 further includes a pair of outside sled cams 420, wherein one outside sled cam 420 corresponds to one of the outside longitudinally extending slots 392 and the other outside sled cam 420 corresponds to the other outside longitudinally extending slot 392 as shown in FIG. 19. When assembled, the cartridge tray 224 holds the wedge sled 400 and the drivers 330a, 330b, 370a, 370b inside the cartridge body 302.


As can be seen in FIG. 18, the elongate channel 16 has a proximally placed attachment cavity 226 that receives a channel anchoring member 228 on the distal end of the frame 34 for attaching the end effector 12 to the handle portion 20. The elongate channel 16 also has an anvil cam slot 230 that pivotally receives an anvil pivot 232 of the anvil 18. The closure sleeve 32 that encompasses the frame 34 includes a distally presented tab 234 that engages an anvil feature 236 proximate but distal to the anvil pivot 232 on the anvil 18 to thereby effect opening and closing of the anvil 18. The firing drive member 36 is shown as being assembled from the firing bar 14 attached to a firing connector 238 by pins 240, which in turn is rotatingly and proximally attached to the metal drive rod 140. The firing bar 14 is guided at a distal end of the frame by a slotted guide 239 inserted therein.



FIGS. 20-23 illustrate one embodiment of the wedge sled 400 of the present invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 20 and 23, the wedge sled 400 includes a central spacer portion 402 that extends between the inside sled cams 410. A pusher block 404 is formed on the central spacer portion 402 for engagement with the middle pin 46 of the firing bar 14. A side profile of one embodiment of an inside sled cam 410 is depicted in FIG. 21. As can be seen in that Figure, the inside sled cam 410 has a bottom surface 412, and a first camming surface 414 that forms an angle “G” with the bottom surface 412 and a second camming surface 415 that extends to a top surface 416. In one embodiment, for example, the angle “G” may be 35 degrees and the angle “G” may be 20 degrees. The height of the inside sled cam 410 (the distance between the bottom surface 412 and the top surface 416) is represented as “first” sled cam height “H”. In one embodiment, distance “H’ is approximately 0.173 inches and the length of the top surface 416 may vary from embodiment to embodiment. As will be further evident as the present Detailed Description proceeds, the first sled cam height represents the vertical distance that the inside sled cams 410 will drive the corresponding inside drivers 330a, 330b toward the anvil 18 during operation.


The wedge sled 400 further comprises lateral spacer portions 406 that extend between the inside sled cams 410 and the outside sled cams 420 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23. A side profile of one embodiment of an outside sled cam 420 is depicted in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, the outside sled cam 420 has a bottom surface 422 and a first camming surface 424 that forms an angle “I” with respect to the bottom surface 422 and a second camming surface 425 that extends to a top surface 426. In one embodiment, angle “I” may be approximately 35 degrees and angle “I′” may be approximately 20 degrees. See FIG. 22. The height of the outside sled cam 420 (the distance between the bottom surface 412 and the top surface 416) is represented as the “second” sled cam height “J”. In one embodiment, distance “J’ is approximately 0.163 inches. The second sled cam height represents the vertical distance that the outside sled cams 420 will drive the corresponding outside drivers 370a, 370b toward the anvil 18 during operation. The reader will understand that the above-recited dimensions are illustrative of one embodiment and may vary for other embodiments.


With particular reference to FIG. 23, a portion of the staple cartridge 300 is removed to expose portions of the elongate channel 16, such as recesses 212, 214 and to expose some components of the staple cartridge 300 in their unfired position. In particular, the cartridge body 302 (shown in FIG. 18) has been removed. The wedge sled 400 is shown at its proximal, unfired position with a pusher block 404 contacting the middle pin 46 (not shown in FIG. 23) of the firing bar 14. The wedge sled 400 is in longitudinal sliding contact upon the cartridge tray 224 and includes wedges sled cams 410, 420 that force upward the double drivers 330a, 330b and the single drivers 370b, 370b as the wedge sled 400 moves distally. Staples 222 (not shown in FIG. 23) resting upon the drivers 330a, 330b, 370a, 370b are thus also forced upward into contact with the anvil forming pockets 202 in anvil 18 to form closed staples. Also depicted is the channel slot 45 in the elongate channel 16 that is aligned with the elongated slot 310 in the staple cartridge 300.



FIG. 24 depicts the end effector 12, which is in an open position by a retracted closure sleeve 32, with a staple cartridge 300 installed in the elongate channel 16. The firing bar 14 is at its proximal position, with the upper pin 38 aligned in a non-interfering fashion with the anvil pocket 40. The anvil pocket 40 is shown as communicating with the longitudinal anvil slot 42 in the anvil 18. The distally presented cutting edge 48 of the firing bar 14 is aligned with and proximally from removed from the vertical slot 49 in the staple cartridge 300, thereby allowing removal of a spent cartridge and insertion of an unfired cartridge, which may be “snapfit” into the elongate channel 16. Specifically, in this embodiment, extension features 316, 318 of the staple cartridge 300 engage recesses 212, 214, respectively (shown in FIG. 23) of the elongate channel 16.



FIG. 25 depicts the end effector 12 of FIG. 23 with all of the staple cartridge 300 removed to show the middle pin 46 of the firing bar 14 as well as portion of the elongate channel 16 removed adjacent to the channel slot 45 to expose the firing bar cap 44. In addition, portions of the shaft 23 are removed to expose a proximal portion of the firing bar 14. Projecting downward from the anvil 18 near the pivot is a pair of opposing tissue stops 244 which serve to prevent tissue from being positioned too far up into the end effector 12 during clamping. FIG. 26 depicts the end effector 12 in a closed position with the firing bar 14 in an unfired position. The upper pin 38 is in the anvil pocket 40 and is vertically aligned with the anvil slot 42 for distal longitudinal movement of the firing bar 14 during firing. The middle pin 46 is positioned to push the wedge sled 400 distally so that the sled cams 410, 420 contact and lift double drivers 330a, 330b and the single drivers 370a, 370b, respectively, to drive them upwardly toward the anvil 18.


As can be appreciated from reference to FIGS. 14A, 15A and 19A, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the bottom of the first staple-receiving grooves 345, 347 forming the first staple cradle 349 and the apex 203′ of forming surfaces 203 of the corresponding forming pocket 202 of anvil 18, when the anvil 18 is in the closed position and when the inside driver 330a, 330b is supported on the cartridge tray 224, is referred to herein as the first staple forming distance “A”. The distance between the bottom of the secondary staple-receiving grooves 345, 347 forming the secondary staple cradle 349 and the apex 203′ of the forming surface 203 of the corresponding forming pocket 202 in the anvil 18 when the anvil 18 is in the closed position and the inside driver 330a, 330b is supported on the cartridge tray 224 is referred to herein as the secondary staple forming distance “B”. In one embodiment, the first staple forming distance “A” and the secondary staple forming distance “B” are substantially equal to each other. In other embodiments, those distances “A” and “B” may differ from each other.


As illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 19A the distance between the bottom of the second staple-receiving grooves 376, 378 that form the second staple cradle 379 and the apex 203′ of the forming surface 203 of a corresponding forming pocket 202 in anvil 18 when the anvil 18 is in the closed position and the outside drivers 370a, 370b are supported on the cartridge channel 224, is referred to herein as a “second” staple forming distance “C”.



FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate the forming of staples supported on some of the first outside drivers 370a. In FIG. 27, one of the outside sled cams 420 of the wedge sled 400 is initially contacting one of the outside drivers 370a. As the wedge sled 400 continues in the driving direction represented by arrow “K” in FIG. 28, the outside sled cam 420 causes the outside drivers 370a drive the staples 222 supported thereby into the staple forming pockets 202 in the anvil 18. Likewise, as the wedge sled 400 is driven in the driving direction “K”, the inside sled cams 410 contact the inside drivers 330a, 330b and causes them to drive the staples 222 supported thereby into the corresponding staple forming pockets 202 in the anvil 18.


As indicated above, in some applications involving an area of varied tissue composition, it can be desirable to form rows of staples wherein the formed (final) heights of the staples in a row that is the farthest distance away from the cut line are greater than the formed (final) heights of those staples in the row that is closest to the cut line. In other applications, it may be desirable for the formed heights of the staples in a single row to increase (or decrease) from staple to staple. Another clinical benefit would be to have the formed heights of the staples in the outermost rows larger than formed heights of the staples in the inside rows. The various embodiments of the subject invention can provide these results while employing identical staples in all of the rows.


In the description to follow, those staples 222 in the outermost rows 520, 530 of staples (those staples formed using the outside staple drivers 370a, 370b) will be referred to hereinafter as staples 222′ and those staples in the innermost rows 522, 524, 526, 528 of staples (those staples formed using the inside staple drivers 330a, 330b) will be referred to hereinafter as staples 222″. It will be understood, however, that staples 222′ and 222″ are identical to each other prior to being formed by the various embodiments of the present invention. That is, staples 222′ and 222″ each have identical prong lengths “P” and widths “W”. Returning to FIGS. 14A-16A and 21 and 22, the above desired effects may be attained by altering the staple forming distances “A”, “B”, and “C” relative to each other and/or the sled cam heights “H” and “J”. In one embodiment of the subject invention, for example, the height “H” of each of the inside sled cams 410 is substantially equal to the sled height “J” of each of the outside sled cams 420. See FIGS. 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the staple forming distances “A” and “B” are substantially equal to each other, but distances “A” and “B” are less than the staple forming distance “C”. The distance “D” between the bottoms of the first staple-receiving grooves 345, 347 and the bottom surface 342′ of the primary driver base 342 is substantially equal to the distance “E” between the bottoms of the secondary staple-receiving grooves 356, 357 and the bottom surface 352′ of the secondary driver base portion 352. See FIG. 15. Also in this embodiment, the distance “F” between the bottoms of the second staple-receiving grooves 376 and 378 and the bottom surface 373 of the third base 372 of the outside drivers 370a, 370b (FIG. 16) is less than distances “D” and “E” (FIG. 15). Because the forming distance “C” is greater than the forming distances “A” and “B”, the staples 222 supported and formed by the outside drivers 370a, 370b are not compressed as much as the staples supported and formed by the inside drivers 330a, 330b. It will be understood that similar results may be attained on the opposite side of the elongated slot 310 and the cut line 600 formed in the tissue by using the same arrangements and sizes of inside drivers 330b and outside drivers 370b. In an alternative embodiment, the same effect may be achieved by altering the depths of the forming pockets 202 corresponding to the drivers 330a and 370b such that forming distance “C” is greater than the forming distances “ ”A” and “B”. That is, the depth (distance “Z” in FIG. 16A) of the forming pockets 202 corresponding to the outside drivers 370a. 370b may be greater than the depth (distance “Z” in FIG. 14A) of the forming pockets 202 that correspond to the inside drivers 330a, 330b.



FIG. 29 illustrates the rows of staples formed on each side of a cut line 600 utilizing this embodiment of the present invention wherein the forming distances “A” and “B” are equal to each other and the forming distance “C” is greater than the forming distances “A” and “B”. For example, if forming distance “C” is 0.020″ greater than forming distances “A” and “B”, the formed height of the outside staples 222′ (represented as dimension “L” in FIG. 30) in rows 520 and 530 would be 0.020 inches is greater than the formed height of the inside staples 222″ (represented as dimension “M” in FIG. 31) in rows 522, 524, 526, 528.


The same result may be achieved by utilizing another embodiment of the present invention wherein the forming distances “A”, “B” and “C” are essentially equal. In this embodiment, however, the height of each of the inside sled cams 410 (distance “H” in FIG. 21) is greater than the height of each of the outside sled cams 420 (distance “J” in FIG. 22). Thus, because the height “H” of the inside sled cams 410 is greater than the height “J”’ of the outside sled cams 420, the inside sled cams 410 will drive the corresponding inside drivers 330a, 330b further towards the anvil than the outside sled cams 420 will drive the corresponding outside drivers 370a, 370b. Such driving action will cause the staples supported by the inside drivers 330a, 330b to be compressed to a greater extent than those staples supported by the outside drivers 370a, 370b. For example, if distance “H” is 0.020 inches greater than distance “J”, the formed height of staples 222′ in lines 520, 530 would be 0.020″ greater than the formed height of staples 222″ in lines 522, 524, 526, 528.


When employing yet another embodiment of the present invention, the outside rows 520, 530 of staples 222′ and the inside rows 522, 528 of staples 222″ may be formed with heights that are greater than the formed heights of the staples 222″ in the inside rows 524, 526. See FIG. 32. This result is achieved by making the forming distances “C” greater than the forming distance “A” and making forming distance “A” greater than secondary forming distance “B”.


Another embodiment of the present invention can be used to install staples where it is desirable for the formed heights of staples in a single row to vary. One such arrangement is depicted in FIG. 33. As can be seen in FIG. 33, the formed heights of the staples 222′ in the outside rows 520, 530 increase when moving from the proximal ends 521, 531 of each row 520, 530, respectively to the distal ends 523, 533 of each row 520, 530, respectively. This effect may be accomplished by decreasing the forming distance “C” for each succeeding driver 370a, 370b. That is, the driver 370a closest the proximal end of the cartridge 300 would be sized to establish a forming distance “C” that is greater than the forming distance “C” achieved by the adjacent driver 370a and so on to achieve a condition wherein each succeeding staple 222′ (moving in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the cartridge 300) would have larger formed heights. This result could also be attained in the staples 222″ in rows 522, 524, 526, 528 by similarly altering the forming distances “A” and/or “B” attained by each driver 330a, 330b. Likewise, formed heights of the staples 222′ in the outside rows 520, 530 could be made to decrease when moving from the proximal ends 521, 531 of each row 520, 530, respectively, to the distal ends 523, 533 of each row 520, 530, respectively. This result may be attained by increasing the forming distance of each succeeding driver 370a, 370b. That is, the driver 370a closest the proximal end of the cartridge 300 would have a forming distance “C” that is less than the forming distance “C” of the adjacent driver 370a and so on to achieve a condition wherein each succeeding staple 222′ (moving in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the cartridge) would have smaller formed heights. See FIG. 34.


In use, the surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 is used as depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 35-41. In FIGS. 1-2, the instrument 10 is in its start position, having had an unfired, fully loaded staple cartridge 300 snap-fitted into the distal end of the elongate channel 16. Both triggers 26, 28 are forward and the end effector 12 is open, such as would be typical after inserting the end effector 12 through a trocar or other opening into a body cavity. The instrument 10 is then manipulated by the clinician such that tissue 248 to be stapled and severed is positioned between the staple cartridge 300 and the anvil 18, as depicted in FIG. 35. With reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the clinician then moves the closure trigger 26 proximally until positioned directly adjacent to the pistol grip 24, locking the handle portion 20 into the closed and clamped position. The retracted firing bar 14 in the end effector 12 does not impede the selective opening and closing of the end effector 12, but rather resides within the anvil pocket 40. With the anvil 18 closed and clamped, the E-beam firing bar 14 is aligned for firing through the end effector 12. In particular, the upper pin 38 is aligned with the anvil slot 42 and the elongate channel 16 is affirmatively engaged about the channel slot 45 by the middle pin 46 and the firing bar cap 44.


With reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, after tissue clamping has occurred, the clinician moves the firing trigger 28 proximally causing the firing bar 14 to move distally into the end effector 12. In particular, the middle pin 46 enters the staple cartridge 300 through the firing drive slot 47 to affect the firing of the staples 222 (not shown in FIGS. 38 and 39) via wedge sled 400 toward the anvil 18. The lowermost pin, or firing bar cap 44, cooperates with the middle pin 46 to slidingly position cutting edge 48 of the firing bar 14 to sever tissue. The two pins 44, 46 also position the upper pin 38 of the firing bar 14 within longitudinal anvil slot 42 of the anvil 18, affirmatively maintaining the spacing between the anvil 18 and the elongate channel 16 throughout its distal firing movement.


With reference to FIGS. 40 and 41, the clinician continues moving the firing trigger 28 until brought proximal to the closure trigger 26 and pistol grip 24. Thereby, all of the ends of the staples 222 are bent over as a result of their engagement with the anvil 18. The firing bar cap 44 is arrested against a firing bar stop 250 projecting toward the distal end of the channel slot 45. The cutting edge 48 has traversed completely through the tissue. The process is complete by releasing the firing trigger 28 and by then depressing the release button 30 while simultaneously squeezing the closure trigger 26 to open the end effector 12.



FIGS. 42-43 show the inside and outside sled cams 410, 420 of the sled 400 having different heights so that the staples, when formed, may have different formed heights. In particular, as shown in FIG. 42 the outside sled cam 420 may be shorter than the inside sled cam 410. That way, the outside staples may have a greater formed height than the inside staples. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the sled 400 with the different heights for the inside and outside sled cams 410, 420. FIG. 43 is a side view of the end effector 12 showing various stages of driving the staples 222 with a sled 400 having different heights for the inside and outside sled cams 410, 420. As can be seen in FIG. 43, the formed staple 222b may have a greater formed height than the formed staple 222a because the staple 222b was driven by the outside cam sled 420 and the staple 222a was driven by the taller inside cam sled 410.


In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, the heights of the driver portions 342, 352 of a double driver 330 may vary so that the staples, when formed, may have different heights. In particular, as shown in FIG. 44, the secondary driver portion 352 may be shorter (having height “E”) than the primary driver portion 342 (having height “D”). That way, the staple 222a driven by the secondary driver portion 352 may have a greater formed height than the staple 222b driven by the primary driver portion 342. In various embodiments, some or all of the inside double drivers 330 could have primary and secondary driver portions 342 of different heights. Further, the heights differential need not be all the same. Different inside double drivers 330 could have different height differentials.


In addition, the height of the primary and secondary driver portions 342, 352 may be the same as or different from the height of the driver portions 372 of the outside staple drivers 370. That is, in various embodiments, the driver height of the outside staple driver portion 372 may be (1) different from the height of both driver portions 342, 352 of the inside double driver 330 when the driver portions 342, 352 are the same height, (2) different from the height of both driver portions 342, 352 when they are different heights, or (3) the same as the height for one of the driver portions 342, 352 when the driver portions 342, 352 have different heights. Also, the heights of the driver portions 372 of the outside staple drivers 370 need not be all the same. Different outside staple drivers 370 could have different heights.



FIG. 45 shows an embodiment having different height drivers (e.g., the primary driver portion 342 taller than the secondary driver portion 352) and with different depth anvil pockets 202. Varying the depth of the anvil pockets 202 can also affect the height of the formed staples. All things being equal, deeper pockets should result in longer formed staples. In the illustrated embodiment, the pockets 202 corresponding to the primary driver portion 342 are deeper than the pockets 202 corresponding to the secondary driver portion 352. Some or all of the pockets 202 for each staple row 500-510 could be deeper. Also, the depth differentials need not be the same. A multitude of different depths could be used in a single row 500-510 or across rows 500-510.


In addition, as shown in FIG. 46, staples 222 with differing pre-formation prong heights (“P”) may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the longer staple 222a is used with the shorter, secondary driver portion 352 of an inside double driver 330 in comparison with staple 222b driven by the primary driver portion 342. The pre-formation staple prong lengths may vary within a staple row 500-510 or across staple rows. That is, for example, all of the staples in the inside rows 504-506 could have the same pre-formation prong length x, all of the staples in the intermediate rows 502, 508 could be longer (e.g., a length 1.10x), and all of the staples in the outer rows 500, 510 could be still longer (e.g., a length of 1.20x). As shown in FIG. 47, the anvil pockets 202 could have the same depth. In other embodiments, varying anvil pocket depths could be used.



FIG. 48 is a side view of the end effector 12 in an embodiment where the outside staple drivers 370 have different heights. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first staple driver 370′ is taller than the second staple driver 370″. In the illustrated embodiment, the staples 222 have the same pre-formation prong length and the corresponding anvil pockets 202 have the same depth. As such, the formed staple 222″ formed with the second outside staple driver 370″ is longer than the formed staple 222′ formed with the first outside staple driver 370′.



FIG. 49 is a side view of the end effector 12 where the anvil 18 has pockets 202 of different depth for the staples 222 driven by a inside double driver 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the pockets 202 corresponding to the primary driver portion 342 are deeper than the corresponding pockets 202 for the secondary driver portion 352. In this embodiment, the primary and secondary driver portions 342, 352 are the same height and the staples 222 have the same pre-formation prong length. The distance between the top of the primary driver portion 342 and the top of the corresponding anvil pockets 202 is height “A” and the corresponding height for the secondary portion 352 is height “B,” where “A” is greater than “B” by a height differential “h”. This should result in longer formed staples for the primary driver portion 342, as shown in FIG. 50.



FIGS. 51 and 60 show aspects of an end effector 12 according to other embodiments that can be used to produce staples of different formed lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple drivers 330, 370 are driven in stages by a plurality of actuator wedge cams 709 at the distal end of a plurality of wedge band sets 710, 712, 714. In the illustrated embodiment, each wedge band set comprise four wedge bands (shown best in FIG. 56); two 720 for actuating the inner drivers 330a,b and two 722 for actuating the outer drivers 370a,b. The wedge bands of the wedge band sets 710, 712, 714 may be actuated in serial order and may ride on top of one another in a stack to drive the staple drivers 330a,b, 370a,b (and hence the staples 222) in serial stages. For example, the wedge bands of the lowermost actuator wedge band set 710 may be fired (or actuated) first, and may partially deploy the staples 222. The middle wedge band set 712, which rides on top of the lowermost wedge band set 710 as shown in FIGS. 53-56, may be actuated next, which may have the effect of beginning to form the staples 222. Then the uppermost wedge band set 714, which rides on the middle wedge band set 712, may be actuated, which finishes the formation of the staples 222. FIG. 56 illustrates this operation. In FIG. 56, the lowermost wedge band sets 710 have been fired, the middle wedge band sets 712 have been partially fired, and the uppermost wedge band set 714 has not yet been fired. Thus, such an embodiment may comprise a plurality (in this case four) of stacked wedge band sets, each stack comprising a wedge band from the lowermost set 710, the middle set 712, and the uppermost set 714.


The firing bar 716, with the e-beam firing mechanism 14, may then be fired to cut the tissue clamped by the end effector 12. A hold down spring 718, which may be connected to the frame 34 at a crossbar 719, may engage and urge the firing bar 716 downward.


As can be seen best in FIGS. 54 and 56, the cumulative height of the wedge band stacks of inner row 720 or may be greater than the cumulative height of the wedge band stacks of the outer row 722 (by a height differential h′). That way, the outer row of staples may have a greater formed length than the inner row of formed staples, as shown in the example of FIG. 55, where the outer row staple 222a has a greater formed length than the inner row staple 222b. As shown the example of FIG. 61, according to one embodiment, the wedge bands of the lowermost and middle wedge bands sets 710, 712 may be the same height, and the height of the wedge bands for the outer row 722 of the uppermost wedge band set 714 may be less than the height of the wedge bands of the inner row 720 of the uppermost wedge band set 714 to provide the height differential for the different wedge band stacks.


The end effector 12 in such an embodiment may still comprise a sled 400, but without the sled cams 410, 420, to keep the firing mechanism 14 out of the lockout in the channel (see FIGS. 3-4 and related text).


The inner and outer wedge band stacks 720, 722 may be tightly spaced within the frame 34. Accordingly, the end effector 12 may further comprise an actuator wedge band respective guide 702 for spreading out the wedge band stacks 720, 722 when they enter the end effector 12 to align with the staple drivers 330, 370. The wedge band guide 702 may include wedge band channels for each of the inner and outer wedge band stacks 720, 722. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the wedge band guide 702 may comprise four wedge band channels—two of the inner rows 720 and two for the outer rows 722. FIGS. 58-60 show one side of the wedge band guide 702 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 60, the wedge band channels 730, 732 may force the wedge band stacks 720, 722 outward as they enter the end effector 12. The inner wedge band channel 730 may direct the inner wedge band stack 720 so that the inner wedge band stack 720 aligns with the inner staple drivers 330 and the outer wedge band channel 732 may direct the outer row wedge band stack 722 so that the outer wedge band stack aligns with the outer staple drivers 370. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 730, 732 are straight. In other embodiments, one or both of the channels 730, 732 may comprise curved portions.



FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly 10 according to such an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 62, each wedge band set 710-714 may have its own actuation (or firing) bar. The lowermost actuation bar 740 may actuate the wedge bands of the lowermost wedge band set 710, the middle actuation bar 742 may actuate the wedge bands of the middle wedge band set 712, and the uppermost actuation bar 744 may actuate the wedge bands of the uppermost wedge band set 714. The firing bar 716 for actuating the cutting instrument 14 may be connected to the uppermost wedge band set 714 so that the cutting instrument 14 is actuated with the uppermost (last) wedge band set 714. In other embodiments, the firing bar 716 may have its own actuation mechanism so that is may be actuated separately.


In practice, the clinician may choose (or select) to actuate less than all of the wedge band sets 710-714 before actuating the firing rod 716 to cut the tissue to thereby exercise some choice in the length of the staples to be formed. For example, in various embodiments, the clinician may select to actuate the lowermost and middle wedge band sets 710, 712—and not the uppermost wedge band set 714—before cutting.



FIGS. 63-69 illustrate an embodiment of an open linear stapling and cutting device 800 that may use multiple stacked wedge band sets to produce staples of different formed lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil 810 is below the channel 809. As such, the staples are driven down through tissue clamped in the end effector 12 as part of the stapling operation.


The device 800 may include an upper body piece 802 and a lower body piece 804. The upper body piece 802 may include a channel 806 in which the staple cartridge 809 is inserted. The anvil 810 may be connected to the lower body piece 804 and face the staple cartridge 809 so that the staples 222 can be formed against the staple forming surface 812 of the anvil 810. When the clinician is satisfied with the position of the tissue between the cartridge 809 and the anvil 810, the clinician may lock the device 800 using a clamp lever 814 of a clamp lever assembly 816 connected to the upper body piece 802.


The staple drivers 820 in the cartridge 809 may be actuated in stages using multiple staged wedge band stacks. Because the staples 222 are driven down in this embodiment, the wedge bands of the uppermost wedge band set 822 may be actuated first to partially deploy the staples 222. Next, the wedge bands of the middle wedge band set 824, which ride on the uppermost wedge band set 822, may be actuated to begin forming the staples 222. Then the wedge bands of the lowermost wedge band set 826, which ride on the middle wedge band set 824, may be actuated, which finishes the formation of the staples 222.


In the illustrated embodiment, the firing bar 828, with the knife 830 at is distal end, is connected to the lowermost wedge band set 826 and is fired with the lowermost wedge band set 826. A hold down spring 832 may engage and urge the firing bar 828 upward. A knife retainer 834 may retain the firing bar 828 with the lowermost wedge band set 826.


As best shown in FIGS. 67-68, the clinician may actuate the wedge band sets using a three-part actuation slide bar 840. The upper piece 842 may actuate the uppermost (initial) wedge band set 822. The middle piece 844 may actuate the middle wedge band set 824. The lower piece 846 may actuate the lowermost (last) wedge band set 826.


To form staples of different formed heights, the staple pushers 820 may have different heights. For example, as shown in FIG. 66, one set of staple pusher 820a could be shorter than another set of staple pushers 820b. As such, the formed staple 222a, produced by the shorter staple pusher 820a, may have a longer formed length than the formed staple 222b, formed by the longer staple pusher 820b. In other embodiments, the staples 222 may have different lengths or wire diameters to create different length formed staples, and/or the pockets 202 in the anvil 810 could have different depths to create different length formed staples. Also, the cumulative heights of the wedge band stacks could be different.


According to various embodiments of the present invention, the staple drivers could have a staple/driver interface that permits staples of varying wire diameter to be employed. For example, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 78-83, the outside staple drivers 370a,b may have a raised dimple configuration on its upper surface for supporting staples having differing wire diameters. The dimple configuration may comprise, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, two inner sets of outwardly protruding dimples (or convex bumps) 620a,b, and two outer sets of dimples 622a,b. Each set of dimples defines a receiving area where a staple 222 may sit in the upright position, as shown in FIGS. 81-83. The dimples of the inner sets 620a,b may be larger than the dimples of the outer dimple sets 622a,b so that the receiving area of the inner sets 620a,b is less than for the outer dimple sets 622a,b. Nevertheless, due to the convex nature of the dimples, staples 222 of varying wire thicknesses may be accommodated, as shown in FIGS. 82 and 83. For example, the dimples could be configured so that the staple drivers 370 can accommodate staples having a wire diameter of 0.006 inches to 0.012 inches, or some other range such as 0.004 inches to 0.008 inches or 0.006 inches to 0.008 inches, etc. As such, staples of different wire thicknesses could be used in a single cartridge 306. Differing wire diameters would produce different formed staple heights all other things being equal (e.g., same drive/crush distance, same pocket depth, etc.). In addition, as shown best in FIG. 78, the staple cradles for the inside drivers 330 may include sharp points 624 that may injure the tissue that is being stapled. The dimple configurations on the outside staple drivers 370 lack such sharp points, which would tend to minimize the trauma on the tissue being stapled.


In the illustrated embodiment, the outer staple drivers 370a,b have the raised dimple configuration in order to accommodate staples of different wire diameters and the staple cradles of the inside staple drivers 342, 352 can only support upright staples of one general wire diameter. In other embodiments, the one or both of the inside staple drivers 342, 352 may also or alternatively have the raised dimple configuration. Also, rather than using the raised dimple configuration, a v-shaped staple channel 349, 379 may be used. Such a v-shaped channel may also accommodate staples having different wire diameters. Also, staple pushers with staple interfaces that accommodate different staple wire diameters could be used with other types of staple drivers than the inside double and outside single staple drivers shown in FIGS. 78-83.



FIGS. 70-77 are cross-sectional frontal views of the end effector 12 according to various embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 70, the anvil 18 is stepped, having a central portion 19 that is offset relative to (or not coplanar with) the two lateral side portions 21, 23. Also, the upper surface 306 of the cartridge 300 has a recessed central portion 307 and two lateral side portions 309 (see FIG. 19A). All the staples 222 have the same pre-formation prong height and the corresponding anvil pockets 202 have the same depth. However, due to the stepped nature of the anvil 18, the pockets 202 on the two lateral side portions 21, 23 of the anvil 18 are offset from the pockets in the central portion 19 of the anvil. Offsetting the vertical position of the staple forming pockets 202 can affect the length of the formed staples 222. All other things being equal, staples formed by staple forming pockets that are elevated will have a longer formed length than staples formed with pockets that are not elevated. Also in this embodiment, the primary and secondary driver portions 342, 352 of the double inside drivers 330a,b are the same height, and the height of the driver portion 372 of the outside staple drivers 370a,b is greater than the height of the driver portions 342, 352 of the double inside staple drivers 330a,b. Also, the inside and outside sled cams 410, 4120 are the same height in this embodiment.



FIG. 71 shows an embodiment where the end effector 12 has a stepped cartridge tray 224 at the bottom of the cartridge 300 to match the steps in the channel 16. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge tray 224 has a central portion 602 on which the double inside staple drivers 330a,b rest and outer lateral portions 604 on which the outside staple drivers 370a,b rest. As can be seen in FIG. 71, the central portion 602 of the cartridge tray 224 is elevated above the lateral portions 604. As such, the sled 400 may be configured so that the outside sled cam 420 is positioned lower than the inside sled cam 410 so that the outside sled cam 420 can engage the lower outside driver portions 370a,b.


The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 72 is similar to that shown in FIG. 71 except that in FIG. 72 the cartridge 300 does not include the cartridge tray 224. Rather, the staple drivers 330, 370 rest directly on the channel 16. Such an embodiment may be beneficial because it may allow for more material (e.g., metal) in the channel 16 at points A and B than in a similar embodiment with the cartridge tray 224 (such as shown in FIG. 71).


The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 73 is also similar to that shown in FIG. 71 except that in FIG. 73 the cartridge tray 224 is raised slightly relative to the bottom on the channel 16 in comparison with the embodiment shown in FIG. 71. Such an embodiment may also allow for more material (e.g., metal) in the channel 16 at points A and B than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 71. According to other embodiments, the height of the anvil 18 could be reduced to permit more material in the channel 16 at points A and B.


The embodiment of FIG. 74 is similar to that used in FIG. 73 except that no cartridge tray 224 is included in the embodiment of FIG. 74.


The embodiment of FIG. 75 is similar to that of FIG. 70 except than in FIG. 75 the outer rows of pockets 202 are formed in a compliant material portion 610 of the anvil 18. The compliant material portion 610 may be made from a material that is more compliant to the rest of the anvil 18. For example, the compliant material portion 610 may be made from plastic or a plastic composite material and the rest of the pockets may be defined in a less-compliant material, such as stainless steel, of the anvil 18. The less-compliant anvil portion is sometimes referred to herein as “non-compliant” to distinguish it from the compliant materials portion 610, although it should be recognized that the so-called non-compliant material portion would be somewhat compliant, just less compliant than the compliant material portion 610. All things being equal, staples formed with the outer pockets 202 formed in the compliant material portion 610 of the anvil 18 would be longer than stapled form in the non-compliant (e.g., metal) portion of the anvil 18 because the compliant material portion 610 would compress more during the staple formation process.



FIGS. 76 and 77 collectively show another embodiment. In this embodiment, the channel 16 includes a compliant material portion 612 under the outside drivers 370. The complaint material portion 612 may be plastic or a composite plastic, for example. The inside drivers 330 may rest on the less-compliant (or “non-compliant”) channel 16, which may be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). The outside sled cam 420 may slightly compress the compliant material portions 612 under the outside drivers 370 when forming the staples in relation to the inside drivers 330 on the channel 16, thereby forming slightly longer staples in the outside rows. In other embodiments, the compliant material portions 612 could be under the inside drivers 330 if it was desired to make the inside staples have a greater formed length.


According to other embodiments, staples of different materials could be used to produce staples of different formed lengths. The different materials may have different modulus of elasticity so that they will be formed differently given the same driving force. Staples having a higher modulus of elasticity will tend to be deformed less given the same driving force, thereby tending to produce staples having a longer formed length. The different materials for the staples 222 may comprise titanium, stainless steel, alloys, etc.


The present invention is also directed to other types of surgical cutting devices that can create formed staples of different heights. For example, FIGS. 84-89 illustrate a circular stapler 900 that is capable of forming staples with different formed heights. As seen in FIG. 84, the circular stapler 900 includes a head 902, an anvil 904, an adjustment knob assembly 906, and a trigger 908. The head 902 is coupled to a handle assembly 910 by an arcuate shaft assembly 912. The trigger 908 is pivotally supported by the handle assembly 910 and acts to operate the stapler 900 when a safety mechanism (not shown) is released. When the trigger 908 is activated, a firing mechanism (not shown in FIG. 84) operates within the shaft assembly 912 so that staples 914 are expelled from the head 902 into forming contact with the anvil 904. Simultaneously, a knife 916 operably supported within the head 902 acts to cut tissue clamped between the head 902 and the anvil 904. The stapler 900 is then pulled through the tissue leaving stapled tissue in its place.



FIGS. 85 and 86 illustrate one form of the anvil 904 and the head 902 that may be employed in connection with various embodiments of the subject invention. As can be seen in these figures, the anvil 904 may have a circular body portion 920 that has an anvil shaft 922 for attaching a trocar (not shown) thereto. The anvil body 920 has a staple forming surface 924 thereon and may also have a shroud 926 attached to the distal end thereof. The anvil 904 may be further provided with a pair of trocar retaining clips or leaf-type springs 928 that serve to releasably retain the trocar in retaining engagement with the anvil shaft 922. A plastic knife board 930 may be fitted into a cavity 932 in the anvil body 904.


The head 902 may comprise a casing member 940 that supports a cartridge supporting assembly in the form of a circular staple driver assembly 942 therein that is adapted to interface with a circular staple cartridge 944 and drive the staples 914 supported therein into forming contact with the staple forming surface 924 of the anvil 904. The circular knife member 916 is also centrally disposed within the staple driver assembly 942. The proximal end of the casing member 940 may be coupled to an outer tubular shroud 946 of the arcuate shaft assembly 912 by a distal ferrule member 948. More details regarding circular staples may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,151, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICE WITH CLOSURE APPARATUS FOR LIMITING MAXIMUM TISSUE COMPRESSION FORCE, filed Sep. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,647, which is incorporated herein by reference.


As can be seen in FIGS. 85-89, the staple driver assembly 942 may comprise an outer ring of staple drivers 950 and an inner ring of staple drivers 952. Correspondingly, the anvil 904 may comprise two concentric rings of staple forming pockets 202. Actuation of the firing trigger 908 of the handle assembly 910 cause a compression shaft (not shown) of the shaft assembly 912 to move distally thereby driving the staple driver assembly 942 distally to fire the staples 914 into forming contact with the staple forming surface 924 of the anvil 904. Thus, the outer staple drivers 950, when actuated by the drive mechanism of the stapler 900, drive an outer ring of staples 914 into the clamped tissue and are formed by surface forming surface 924 of the anvil 904. Similarly, the inner staple drivers 952, when actuated by the drive mechanism of the stapler 900, drive an outer ring of staples 914 into the clamped tissue and are formed by surface forming surface 924 of the anvil 904.


The staple drivers 950, 952 could be of different heights to thereby form different length formed staples (all other things being equal). For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer staple drivers 950 may be shorter than the inner staple drivers 952 so that the outer formed staples are longer than the inner formed staples, as shown in FIG. 88. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner staple drivers 952 could be shorter than the outer staple drivers 950. Further, the outer staple drivers 950 may not be a uniform height; there could be height variation among the outer staple drivers 950. Similarly, there could be height variation among the inner staple drivers 952.


In addition, staples with different pre-formation prong heights could be used. Also, the staple forming pockets 202 in the surface forming surface 924 of the anvil 904 may have varying depths to thereby vary the length of the formed staples. Also, as described above, some or all of the staple drivers 950, 952 may have a dimple configuration at their interface with the staples 914 to accommodate staples of different wire diameters or some other configuration that accommodates staples of different wire diameters (e.g., a v-shaped staple channel). Also, some of the pockets 202 in the anvil 1006 may be formed in a compliant material portion of the anvil 1006. Also, the staples 914 could be made of materials that have a different modulus of elasticity.


In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 90-95, the present invention is directed to a linear stapler 1000 that is capable of forming staples of different heights. FIGS. 90-95 focus on the end effector 1002 for such a linear stapler 1000. The end effector 1002 may comprise a replaceable staple cartridge 1004 and a linear anvil 1006. The cartridge 1004 comprises staples which are driven into and formed by the anvil 1006 when the device 1000 is actuated. Unlike the endocutters described before, the anvil 1006 may be non-rotatable in the linear stapler 1000. To clamp tissue in the end effector 1002, the user may squeeze a clamping trigger (not shown), which causes the cartridge 1004 to slide distally toward the anvil 1006 from an open position to a closed position. More details regarding the operation and components of a liner stapler may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE, (“the '543 patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference. Typically, such linear staplers do not comprise a cutting instrument.



FIGS. 92-93 show the end effector 1002 with the outer cover of the cartridge 1004 removed. As can be seen in these figures, the staple cartridge 1004 may comprise a staple driver assembly 1010 comprising a row of inner staple drivers 1012 and a row of outer staple drivers 1014. The staple drivers 1012, 1014 could be of different heights to thereby form different length formed staples (all other things being equal). For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer staple drivers 1014 may be shorter than the inner staple drivers 1012 so that the outer formed staples 222b are longer than the inner formed staples 222a, as shown in FIGS. 94-95. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner staple drivers 1012 could be shorter than the outer staple drivers 1014. Further, the outer staple drivers 1014 may not be a uniform height; there could be height variation among the outer staple drivers 1014. Similarly, there could be height variation among the inner staple drivers 1012. Also, the cartridge 1004 may comprise, for example, three rows of staples, where the outer two rows have shorter staple drivers and the inner row has longer staple drivers.


In addition, staples 1008 having different pre-formation prong heights could be used. Also, the staple forming pockets 202 in the surface forming surface 1016 of the anvil 1006 may have varying depths to thereby vary the length of the formed staples. Also, as described above, some or all of the staple drivers 1012, 1014 may have a dimple configuration at their interface with the staples 1008 to accommodate staples of different wire diameters or some other configuration that accommodates staples of different wire diameters (e.g., a v-shaped staple channel). Also, some of the pockets 202 in the anvil 1006 may be formed in a compliant material portion of the anvil 1006. Also, staples 1008 of different materials could be used.


In operation, as described in more detail in the '543 patent, when the clamping trigger is retracted by the user, the anvil 1006 is cause to slide proximally toward the staple cartridge 1004 into the closed position to clamp tissue in the end effector 102. The cartridge 1004 may comprise a distally-extending tissue retaining pin 1020 that engages an opening 1022 in the anvil when the end effector 1002 is in the closed position to retain the tissue between the cartridge 1004 and the anvil 1002. When the clinician retracts the separate firing trigger (not shown), a distally extending firing bar (not shown) is actuated, which actuates the staple drivers 1010 to drive the staples 1008.


In another embodiment, the linear stapler 1000 could be configured so that the staple cartridge 1004 slides distally toward the anvil when the clamping trigger is actuated.


It should be recognized that stapling devices according to the present invention may combine some of the features described herein for creating staples of different formed lengths. For example, for embodiments having different staple crushing distances, the staples may all have the same pre-formation prong length or some staples may have different pre-formation prong lengths. Also, the staples may all be made out of the same material, or staples made of different materials, with different modulus of elasticity, could be used. Also, the staple wire diameters may all be the same or some of them could be different.


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


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


It is preferred that the device is sterilized. This can be done by any number of ways known to those skilled in the art including beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, steam.


While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art. The various embodiments of the present invention represent vast improvements over prior staple methods that require the use of different sizes of staples in a single cartridge to achieve staples that have differing formed (final) heights.


Accordingly, the present invention has been discussed in terms of endoscopic procedures and apparatus. However, use herein of terms such as “endoscopic” should not be construed to limit the present invention to a surgical stapling and severing instrument for use only in conjunction with an endoscopic tube (i.e., trocar). On the contrary, it is believed that the present invention may find use in any procedure where access is limited to a small incision, including but not limited to laparoscopic procedures, as well as open procedures. Moreover, the unique and novel aspects of the various staple cartridge embodiments of the present invention may find utility when used in connection with other forms of stapling apparatuses without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.


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



FIG. 96 depicts one version of a master controller 11001 that may be used in connection with a robotic arm slave cart 11100 of the type depicted in FIG. 96. Master controller 11001 and robotic arm slave cart 11100, as well as their respective components and control systems are collectively referred to herein as a robotic system 11000. Examples of such systems and devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320, which issued Apr. 28, 2009, entitled MECHANICAL ACTUATOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOLS, which has been herein incorporated by reference. Thus, various details of such devices will not be described in detail herein beyond that which may be necessary to understand various embodiments and forms of the present invention. As is known, the master controller 11001 generally includes master controllers (generally represented as 11003 in FIG. 96) which are grasped by the surgeon and manipulated in space while the surgeon views the procedure via a stereo display 11002. The master controllers 11001 generally comprise manual input devices which preferably move with multiple degrees of freedom, and which often further have an actuatable handle for actuating tools (for example, for closing grasping saws, applying an electrical potential to an electrode, or the like).


As can be seen in FIG. 97, in one form, the robotic arm cart 11100 is configured to actuate a plurality of surgical tools, generally designated as 11200. Various robotic surgery systems and methods employing master controller and robotic arm cart arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,368, entitled MULTI-COMPONENT TELEPRESENCE SYSTEM AND METHOD, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In various forms, the robotic arm cart 11100 includes a base 11002 from which, in the illustrated embodiment, three surgical tools 11200 are supported. In various forms, the surgical tools 11200 are each supported by a series of manually articulatable linkages, generally referred to as set-up joints 11104, and a robotic manipulator 11106. These structures are herein illustrated with protective covers extending over much of the robotic linkage. These protective covers may be optional, and may be limited in size or entirely eliminated in some embodiments to minimize the inertia that is encountered by the servo mechanisms used to manipulate such devices, to limit the volume of moving components so as to avoid collisions, and to limit the overall weight of the cart 11100. Cart 11100 will generally have dimensions suitable for transporting the cart 11100 between operating rooms. The cart 11100 may be configured to typically fit through standard operating room doors and onto standard hospital elevators. In various forms, the cart 11100 would preferably have a weight and include a wheel (or other transportation) system that allows the cart 1100 to be positioned adjacent an operating table by a single attendant.


Referring now to FIG. 98, in at least one form, robotic manipulators 11106 may include a linkage 11108 that constrains movement of the surgical tool 11200. In various embodiments, linkage 11108 includes rigid links coupled together by rotational joints in a parallelogram arrangement so that the surgical tool 11200 rotates around a point in space 11110, as more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,084, the full disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. The parallelogram arrangement constrains rotation to pivoting about an axis 11112a, sometimes called the pitch axis. The links supporting the parallelogram linkage are pivotally mounted to set-up joints 11104 (FIG. 97) so that the surgical tool 11200 further rotates about an axis 11112b, sometimes called the yaw axis. The pitch and yaw axes 11112a, 11112b intersect at the remote center 11114, which is aligned along a shaft 11208 of the surgical tool 11200. The surgical tool 11200 may have further degrees of driven freedom as supported by manipulator 11106, including sliding motion of the surgical tool 11200 along the longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT”. As the surgical tool 11200 slides along the tool axis LT-LT relative to manipulator 11106 (arrow 11112c), remote center 11114 remains fixed relative to base 11116 of manipulator 11106. Hence, the entire manipulator is generally moved to re-position remote center 11114. Linkage 11108 of manipulator 11106 is driven by a series of motors 11120. These motors actively move linkage 11108 in response to commands from a processor of a control system. As will be discussed in further detail below, motors 11120 are also employed to manipulate the surgical tool 11200.


An alternative set-up joint structure is illustrated in FIG. 99. In this embodiment, a surgical tool 11200 is supported by an alternative manipulator structure 11106′ between two tissue manipulation tools. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate a wide variety of alternative robotic structures, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,193, entitled AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL POSITIONING, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, while the data communication between a robotic component and the processor of the robotic surgical system is primarily described herein with reference to communication between the surgical tool 11200 and the master controller 11001, it should be understood that similar communication may take place between circuitry of a manipulator, a set-up joint, an endoscope or other image capture device, or the like, and the processor of the robotic surgical system for component compatibility verification, component-type identification, component calibration (such as off-set or the like) communication, confirmation of coupling of the component to the robotic surgical system, or the like.


An exemplary non-limiting surgical tool 11200 that is well-adapted for use with a robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly 11010 (FIG. 101) that is operatively coupled to a master controller 11001 that is operable by inputs from an operator (i.e., a surgeon) is depicted in FIG. 100. As can be seen in that Figure, the surgical tool 11200 includes a surgical end effector 12012 that comprises an endocutter. In at least one form, the surgical tool 11200 generally includes an elongated shaft assembly 12008 that has a proximal closure tube 12040 and a distal closure tube 12042 that are coupled together by an articulation joint 12011. The surgical tool 11200 is operably coupled to the manipulator by a tool mounting portion, generally designated as 11300. The surgical tool 11200 further includes an interface 11230 which mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion 11300 to the manipulator. One form of interface 11230 is illustrated in FIGS. 101-105. In various embodiments, the tool mounting portion 11300 includes a tool mounting plate 11302 that operably supports a plurality of (four are shown in FIG. 105) rotatable body portions, driven discs or elements 11304, that each include a pair of pins 11306 that extend from a surface of the driven element 11304. One pin 11306 is closer to an axis of rotation of each driven elements 11304 than the other pin 11306 on the same driven element 11304, which helps to ensure positive angular alignment of the driven element 11304. Interface 11230 includes an adaptor portion 11240 that is configured to mountingly engage the mounting plate 11302 as will be further discussed below. The adaptor portion 11240 may include an array of electrical connecting pins 11242 (FIG. 103) which may be coupled to a memory structure by a circuit board within the tool mounting portion 11300. While interface 11230 is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


As can be seen in FIGS. 101-104, the adapter portion 11240 generally includes a tool side 11244 and a holder side 11246. In various forms, a plurality of rotatable bodies 11250 are mounted to a floating plate 11248 which has a limited range of movement relative to the surrounding adaptor structure normal to the major surfaces of the adaptor 11240. Axial movement of the floating plate 11248 helps decouple the rotatable bodies 11250 from the tool mounting portion 11300 when the levers 11303 along the sides of the tool mounting portion housing 11301 are actuated (See FIG. 100). Other mechanisms/arrangements may be employed for releasably coupling the tool mounting portion 11300 to the adaptor 11240. In at least one form, rotatable bodies 11250 are resiliently mounted to floating plate 11248 by resilient radial members which extend into a circumferential indentation about the rotatable bodies 11250. The rotatable bodies 11250 can move axially relative to plate 11248 by deflection of these resilient structures. When disposed in a first axial position (toward tool side 11244) the rotatable bodies 11250 are free to rotate without angular limitation. However, as the rotatable bodies 11250 move axially toward tool side 11244, tabs 11252 (extending radially from the rotatable bodies 11250) laterally engage detents on the floating plates so as to limit angular rotation of the rotatable bodies 11250 about their axes. This limited rotation can be used to help drivingly engage the rotatable bodies 11250 with drive pins 11272 of a corresponding tool holder portion 11270 of the robotic system 11000, as the drive pins 11272 will push the rotatable bodies 11250 into the limited rotation position until the pins 11234 are aligned with (and slide into) openings 11256′. Openings 11256 on the tool side 11244 and openings 11256′ on the holder side 11246 of rotatable bodies 11250 are configured to accurately align the driven elements 11304 (FIG. 105) of the tool mounting portion 11300 with the drive elements 11271 of the tool holder 11270. As described above regarding inner and outer pins 11306 of driven elements 11304, the openings 11256, 11256′ are at differing distances from the axis of rotation on their respective rotatable bodies 11250 so as to ensure that the alignment is not 180 degrees from its intended position. Additionally, each of the openings 11256 is slightly radially elongated so as to fittingly receive the pins 11306 in the circumferential orientation. This allows the pins 11306 to slide radially within the openings 11256, 11256′ and accommodate some axial misalignment between the tool 11200 and tool holder 11270, while minimizing any angular misalignment and backlash between the drive and driven elements. Openings 11256 on the tool side 11244 are offset by about 90 degrees from the openings 11256′ (shown in broken lines) on the holder side 11246, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 104.


Various embodiments may further include an array of electrical connector pins 11242 located on holder side 11246 of adaptor 11240, and the tool side 11244 of the adaptor 11240 may include slots 11258 (FIG. 104) for receiving a pin array (not shown) from the tool mounting portion 11300. In addition to transmitting electrical signals between the surgical tool 11200 and the tool holder 11270, at least some of these electrical connections may be coupled to an adaptor memory device 11260 (FIG. 103) by a circuit board of the adaptor 11240.


A detachable latch arrangement 11239 may be employed to releasably affix the adaptor 11240 to the tool holder 11270. As used herein, the term “tool drive assembly” when used in the context of the robotic system 11000, at least encompasses various embodiments of the adapter 11240 and tool holder 11270 and which has been generally designated as 11010 in FIG. 101. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 101, the tool holder 11270 may include a first latch pin arrangement 11274 that is sized to be received in corresponding clevis slots 11241 provided in the adaptor 11240. In addition, the tool holder 11270 may further have second latch pins 11276 that are sized to be retained in corresponding latch clevises 11243 in the adaptor 11240. See FIG. 103. In at least one form, a latch assembly 11245 is movably supported on the adapter 1240 and is biasable between a first latched position wherein the latch pins 11276 are retained within their respective latch clevis 11243 and an unlatched position wherein the second latch pins 11276 may be into or removed from the latch clevises 11243. A spring or springs (not shown) are employed to bias the latch assembly into the latched position. A lip on the tool side 11244 of adaptor 11240 may slidably receive laterally extending tabs of tool mounting housing 11301.


Turning next to FIGS. 105-112, in at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 11200 includes a surgical end effector 12012 that comprises in this example, among other things, at least one component 12024 that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other component 12022 in response to various control motions applied thereto as will be discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, component 12022 comprises an elongated channel 12022 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 12034 therein and component 12024 comprises a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12024. Various embodiments of the surgical end effector 12012 are configured to maintain the anvil 12024 and elongated channel 12022 at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012. As can be seen in FIG. 111, the surgical end effector 12012 further includes a cutting instrument 12032 and a sled 12033. The cutting instrument 12032 may be, for example, a knife. The surgical staple cartridge 12034 operably houses a plurality of surgical staples (not show) therein that are supported on movable staple drivers (not shown). As the cutting instrument 12032 is driven distally through a centrally-disposed slot (not shown) in the surgical staple cartridge 12034, it forces the sled 12033 distally as well. As the sled 12033 is driven distally, its “wedge-shaped” configuration contacts the movable staple drivers and drives them vertically toward the closed anvil 12024. The surgical staples are formed as they are driven into the forming surface located on the underside of the anvil 12024. The sled 12033 may be part of the surgical staple cartridge 12034, such that when the cutting instrument 12032 is retracted following the cutting operation, the sled 12033 does not retract. The anvil 12024 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12025 located at the proximal end of the elongated channel 12022. The anvil 12024 may also include a tab 12027 at its proximal end that interacts with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to facilitate the opening of the anvil 12024. The elongated channel 12022 and the anvil 12024 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of an antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12034 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12034, as was also described above.


As can be seen in FIGS. 105-112, the surgical end effector 12012 is attached to the tool mounting portion 11300 by an elongated shaft assembly 12008 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft assembly 12008 includes an articulation joint generally indicated as 12011 that enables the surgical end effector 12012 to be selectively articulated about an articulation axis AA-AA that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. See FIG. 106. In other embodiments, the articulation joint is omitted. In various embodiments, the shaft assembly 12008 may include a closure tube assembly 12009 that comprises a proximal closure tube 12040 and a distal closure tube 12042 that are pivotably linked by a pivot links 12044 and operably supported on a spine assembly generally depicted as 12049. In the illustrated embodiment, the spine assembly 12049 comprises a distal spine portion 12050 that is attached to the elongated channel 12022 and is pivotally coupled to the proximal spine portion 12052. The closure tube assembly 12009 is configured to axially slide on the spine assembly 12049 in response to actuation motions applied thereto. The distal closure tube 12042 includes an opening 12045 into which the tab 12027 on the anvil 12024 is inserted in order to facilitate opening of the anvil 12024 as the distal closure tube 12042 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD”. The closure tubes 12040, 12042 may be made of electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna, as described above. Components of the main drive shaft assembly (e.g., the drive shafts 12048, 12050) may be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic).


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 11300 includes a rotational transmission assembly 12069 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12008 (and surgical end effector 12012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In various embodiments, for example, the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 of the tool mounting portion 11300 by a forward support cradle 11309 and a closure sled 12100 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302. In at least one form, the rotational transmission assembly 12069 includes a tube gear segment 12062 that is formed on (or attached to) the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 for operable engagement by a rotational gear assembly 12070 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302. As can be seen in FIG. 108, the rotational gear assembly 12070, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 12072 that is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302 when the tool mounting portion 11300 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIG. 105. The rotational gear assembly 12070 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12074 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the tube gear segment 12062 and the rotation drive gear 12072. Application of a first rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12072. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12072 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 (and the surgical end effector 12012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 108). It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 and surgical end effector 12012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT in a first direction and an application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 and surgical end effector 12012 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.


In at least one embodiment, the closure of the anvil 12024 relative to the staple cartridge 12034 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube assembly 12009 in the distal direction “DD” on the spine assembly 12049. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end 12060 of the proximal closure tube 12040 is supported by the closure sled 12100 which comprises a portion of a closure transmission, generally depicted as 12099. In at least one form, the closure sled 12100 is configured to support the closure tube 12009 on the tool mounting plate 11320 such that the proximal closure tube 12040 can rotate relative to the closure sled 12100, yet travel axially with the closure sled 12100. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 113, the closure sled 12100 has an upstanding tab 12101 that extends into a radial groove 12063 in the proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube 12040. In addition, as can be seen in FIGS. 110 and 113, the closure sled 12100 has a tab portion 12102 that extends through a slot 11305 in the tool mounting plate 11302. The tab portion 12102 is configured to retain the closure sled 12100 in sliding engagement with the tool mounting plate 11302. In various embodiments, the closure sled 12100 has an upstanding portion 12104 that has a closure rack gear 12106 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 12106 is configured for driving engagement with a closure gear assembly 12110. See FIG. 110.


In various forms, the closure gear assembly 12110 includes a closure spur gear 12112 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 105. Thus, application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 12112 when the tool mounting portion 11300 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The closure gear assembly 12110 further includes a closure reduction gear set 12114 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 12112. As can be seen in FIGS. 109 and 110, the closure reduction gear set 12114 includes a driven gear 12116 that is rotatably supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 12112. The closure reduction gear set 12114 further includes a first closure drive gear 12118 that is in meshing engagement with a second closure drive gear 12120 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the closure rack gear 12106. Thus, application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 12112 and the closure transmission 12110 and ultimately drive the closure sled 12100 and closure tube assembly 12009 axially. The axial direction in which the closure tube assembly 12009 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the second driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary output motion received from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 12100 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately drive the closure tube assembly 11009 in the distal direction. As the distal closure tube 12042 is driven distally, the end of the closure tube segment 12042 will engage a portion of the anvil 12024 and cause the anvil 12024 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an “opening” out put motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 12100 and shaft assembly 12008 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD”. As the distal closure tube 12042 is driven in the proximal direction, the opening 12045 therein interacts with the tab 12027 on the anvil 12024 to facilitate the opening thereof. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube 12042 has been moved to its starting position. In various embodiments, the various gears of the closure gear assembly 12110 are sized to generate the necessary closure forces needed to satisfactorily close the anvil 12024 onto the tissue to be cut and stapled by the surgical end effector 12012. For example, the gears of the closure transmission 12110 may be sized to generate approximately 70-120 pounds.


In various embodiments, the cutting instrument 12032 is driven through the surgical end effector 12012 by a knife bar 12200. See FIGS. 111 and 113. In at least one form, the knife bar 12200 may be fabricated from, for example, stainless steel or other similar material and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Such knife bar configuration is sufficiently rigid to push the cutting instrument 12032 through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012, while still being flexible enough to enable the surgical end effector 12012 to articulate relative to the proximal closure tube 12040 and the proximal spine portion 12052 about the articulation axis AA-AA as will be discussed in further detail below. As can be seen in FIGS. 114 and 115, the proximal spine portion 12052 has a rectangular-shaped passage 12054 extending therethrough to provide support to the knife bar 12200 as it is axially pushed therethrough. The proximal spine portion 12052 has a proximal end 12056 that is rotatably mounted to a spine mounting bracket 12057 attached to the tool mounting plate 11032. See FIG. 113. Such arrangement permits the proximal spine portion 12052 to rotate, but not move axially, within the proximal closure tube 12040.


As shown in FIG. 111, the distal end 12202 of the knife bar 12200 is attached to the cutting instrument 12032. The proximal end 12204 of the knife bar 12200 is rotatably affixed to a knife rack gear 12206 such that the knife bar 12200 is free to rotate relative to the knife rack gear 12206. See FIG. 113. As can be seen in FIGS. 107-112, the knife rack gear 12206 is slidably supported within a rack housing 12210 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 11302 such that the knife rack gear 12206 is retained in meshing engagement with a knife gear assembly 12220. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 110, in at least one embodiment, the knife gear assembly 12220 includes a knife spur gear 12222 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 105. Thus, application of another rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding third driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the knife spur gear 12222. The knife gear assembly 12220 further includes a knife gear reduction set 12224 that includes a first knife driven gear 12226 and a second knife drive gear 12228. The knife gear reduction set 12224 is rotatably mounted to the tool mounting plate 11302 such that the first knife driven gear 12226 is in meshing engagement with the knife spur gear 12222. Likewise, the second knife drive gear 12228 is in meshing engagement with a third knife drive gear 12230 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the knife rack gear 12206. In various embodiments, the gears of the knife gear assembly 12220 are sized to generate the forces needed to drive the cutting element 12032 through the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12012 and actuate the staples therein. For example, the gears of the knife drive assembly 12230 may be sized to generate approximately 40 to 100 pounds. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the axial movement of the cutting instrument 12032 in a distal direction and application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12032 in a proximal direction.


In various embodiments, the surgical tool 11200 employs and articulation system 12007 that includes an articulation joint 12011 that enables the surgical end effector 12012 to be articulated about an articulation axis AA-AA that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 11200 includes first and second articulation bars 12250a, 12250b that are slidably supported within corresponding passages 12053 provided through the proximal spine portion 12052. See FIGS. 113 and 115. In at least one form, the first and second articulation bars 12250a, 12250b are actuated by an articulation transmission generally designated as 12249 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 11032. Each of the articulation bars 12250a, 12250b has a proximal end 12252 that has a guide rod protruding therefrom which extend laterally through a corresponding slot in the proximal end portion of the proximal spine portion 12052 and into a corresponding arcuate slot in an articulation nut 12260 which comprises a portion of the articulation transmission. FIG. 114 illustrates articulation bar 12250a. It will be understood that articulation bar 12250b is similarly constructed. As can be seen in FIG. 114, for example, the articulation bar 12250a has a guide rod 12254 which extends laterally through a corresponding slot 12058 in the proximal end portion 12056 of the distal spine portion 12050 and into a corresponding arcuate slot 12262 in the articulation nut 12260. In addition, the articulation bar 12250a has a distal end 12251a that is pivotally coupled to the distal spine portion 12050 by, for example, a pin 12253a and articulation bar 12250b has a distal end 12251b that is pivotally coupled to the distal spine portion 12050 by, for example, a pin 12253b. In particular, the articulation bar 12250a is laterally offset in a first lateral direction from the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT and the articulation bar 12250b is laterally offset in a second lateral direction from the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. Thus, axial movement of the articulation bars 12250a and 12250b in opposing directions will result in the articulation of the distal spine portion 12050 as well as the surgical end effector 12012 attached thereto about the articulation axis AA-AA as will be discussed in further detail below.


Articulation of the surgical end effector 12012 is controlled by rotating the articulation nut 12260 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. The articulation nut 12260 is rotatably journaled on the proximal end portion 12056 of the distal spine portion 12050 and is rotatably driven thereon by an articulation gear assembly 12270. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 108, in at least one embodiment, the articulation gear assembly 12270 includes an articulation spur gear 12272 that is coupled to a corresponding fourth one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 11302. See FIG. 105. Thus, application of another rotary input motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding fourth driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the articulation spur gear 12272 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. An articulation drive gear 12274 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 11302 in meshing engagement with the articulation spur gear 12272 and a gear portion 12264 of the articulation nut 12260 as shown. As can be seen in FIGS. 113 and 114, the articulation nut 12260 has a shoulder 12266 formed thereon that defines an annular groove 12267 for receiving retaining posts 12268 therein. Retaining posts 12268 are attached to the tool mounting plate 11302 and serve to prevent the articulation nut 12260 from moving axially on the proximal spine portion 12052 while maintaining the ability to be rotated relative thereto. Thus, rotation of the articulation nut 12260 in a first direction, will result in the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250a in a distal direction “DD” and the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250b in a proximal direction “PD” because of the interaction of the guide rods 12254 with the spiral slots 12262 in the articulation gear 12260. Similarly, rotation of the articulation nut 12260 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction will result in the axial movement of the articulation bar 12250a in the proximal direction “PD” as well as cause articulation bar 12250b to axially move in the distal direction “DD”. Thus, the surgical end effector 12012 may be selectively articulated about articulation axis “AA-AA” in a first direction “FD” by simultaneously moving the articulation bar 12250a in the distal direction “DD” and the articulation bar 12250b in the proximal direction “PD”. Likewise, the surgical end effector 12012 may be selectively articulated about the articulation axis “AA-AA” in a second direction “SD” by simultaneously moving the articulation bar 12250a in the proximal direction “PD” and the articulation bar 12250b in the distal direction “DD.” See FIG. 106.


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



FIGS. 117-121 illustrate yet another surgical tool 12300 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly that is operably coupled to a controller of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and which is configured to provide at least one rotary output motion to at least one rotatable body portion supported on the tool drive assembly. In various forms, the surgical tool 12300 includes a surgical end effector 12312 that includes an elongated channel 12322 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12324, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12312. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12312 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned elongated channel 12322 and anvil 12324, a cutting instrument 12332 that has a sled portion 12333 formed thereon, a surgical staple cartridge 12334 that is seated in the elongated channel 12322, and a rotary end effector drive shaft 12336 that has a helical screw thread formed thereon. The cutting instrument 12332 may be, for example, a knife. As will be discussed in further detail below, rotation of the end effector drive shaft 12336 will cause the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 to axially travel through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 to move between a starting position and an ending position. The direction of axial travel of the cutting instrument 12332 depends upon the direction in which the end effector drive shaft 12336 is rotated. The anvil 12324 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12325 connected to the proximate end of the elongated channel 12322. The anvil 12324 may also include a tab 12327 at its proximate end that operably interfaces with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12324. When the end effector drive shaft 12336 is rotated, the cutting instrument 12332 and sled 12333 will travel longitudinally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 from the starting position to the ending position, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12312. The movement of the sled 12333 through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 causes the staples therein to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12324, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12322 and the anvil 12324 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12334 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12334, as described above.


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


In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12312 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12308 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12460 and defines a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In this embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 does not include an articulation joint. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments may have an articulation joint therein. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 comprises a hollow outer tube 12340 that is rotatably supported on a tool mounting plate 12462 of a tool mounting portion 12460 as will be discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, the elongated shaft assembly 12308 further includes a distal spine shaft 12350. Distal spine shaft 12350 has a distal end portion 12354 that is coupled to, or otherwise integrally formed with, a distal stationary base portion 12360 that is non-movably coupled to the channel 12322. See FIGS. 118-120.


As shown in FIG. 115, the distal spine shaft 12350 has a proximal end portion 12351 that is slidably received within a slot 12355 in a proximal spine shaft 12353 that is non-movably supported within the hollow outer tube 12340 by at least one support collar 12357. As can be further seen in FIGS. 118 and 119, the surgical tool 12300 includes a closure tube 12370 that is constrained to only move axially relative to the distal stationary base portion 12360. The closure tube 12370 has a proximal end 12372 that has an internal thread 12374 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a transmission arrangement, generally depicted as 12375 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. In various forms, the transmission arrangement 12375 includes a rotary drive shaft assembly, generally designated as 12381. When rotated, the rotary drive shaft assembly 12381 will cause the closure tube 12370 to move axially as will be describe in further detail below. In at least one form, the rotary drive shaft assembly 12381 includes a closure drive nut 12382 of a closure clutch assembly generally designated as 12380. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12382 has a proximal end portion 12384 that is rotatably supported relative to the outer tube 12340 and is in threaded engagement with the closure tube 12370. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12384 may be threadably attached to a retention ring 12386. Retention ring 12386, in cooperation with an end 12387 of the closure drive nut 12382, defines an annular slot 12388 into which a shoulder 12392 of a locking collar 12390 extends. The locking collar 12390 is non-movably attached (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) to the end of the outer tube 12340. Such arrangement serves to affix the closure drive nut 12382 to the outer tube 12340 while enabling the closure drive nut 12382 to rotate relative to the outer tube 12340. The closure drive nut 12382 further has a distal end 12383 that has a threaded portion 12385 that threadably engages the internal thread 12374 of the closure tube 12370. Thus, rotation of the closure drive nut 12382 will cause the closure tube 12370 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 119.


Closure of the anvil 12324 and actuation of the cutting instrument 12332 are accomplished by control motions that are transmitted by a hollow drive sleeve 12400. As can be seen in FIGS. 118 and 119, the hollow drive sleeve 12400 is rotatably and slidably received on the distal spine shaft 12350. The drive sleeve 12400 has a proximal end portion 12401 that is rotatably mounted to the proximal spine shaft 12353 that protrudes from the tool mounting portion 12460 such that the drive sleeve 12400 may rotate relative thereto. See FIG. 118. As can also be seen in FIGS. 118-120, the drive sleeve 12400 is rotated about the longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT” by a drive shaft 12440. The drive shaft 12440 has a drive gear 12444 that is attached to its distal end 12442 and is in meshing engagement with a driven gear 12450 that is attached to the drive sleeve 12400.


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


As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 118 and 119, the distal face 12414 of the drive clutch portion 12410 has a series of distal teeth 12415 formed thereon that are adapted for selective engagement with corresponding distal teeth cavities 12426 formed in a face plate portion 12424 of a knife drive shaft assembly 12420. In various embodiments, the knife drive shaft assembly 12420 comprises a hollow knife shaft segment 12430 that is rotatably received on a corresponding portion of the distal spine shaft 12350 that is attached to or protrudes from the stationary base 12360. When the distal teeth 12415 of the closure clutch portion 12410 are in meshing engagement with the distal teeth cavities 12426 in the face plate portion 12424, rotation of the drive sleeve 12400 will result in rotation of the drive shaft segment 12430 about the stationary shaft 12350. As can be seen in FIGS. 118-120, a knife drive gear 12432 is attached to the drive shaft segment 12430 and is meshing engagement with a drive knife gear 12434 that is attached to the end effector drive shaft 12336. Thus, rotation of the drive shaft segment 12430 will result in the rotation of the end effector drive shaft 12336 to drive the cutting instrument 12332 and sled 12333 distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334 to cut and staple tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12312. The sled 12333 may be made of, for example, plastic, and may have a sloped distal surface. As the sled 12333 traverses the elongated channel 12322, the sloped forward surface of the sled 12333 pushes up or “drive” the staples in the surgical staple cartridge 12334 through the clamped tissue and against the anvil 12324. The anvil 12324 turns or “forms” the staples, thereby stapling the severed tissue. As used herein, the term “fire” refers to the initiation of actions required to drive the cutting instrument and sled portion in a distal direction through the surgical staple cartridge to cut the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector and drive the staples through the severed tissue.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12312 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 12375 includes a rotational transmission assembly 12465 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12308 (and surgical end effector 12312) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 121, a proximal end 12341 of the outer tube 12340 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12343 attached to the tool mounting plate 12462 of the tool mounting portion 12460. A rotation gear 12345 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12341 of the outer tube 12340 of the elongated shaft assembly 12308 for meshing engagement with a rotation gear assembly 12470 operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12472 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIGS. 105 and 121. The rotation drive assembly 12470 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12474 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12345 and the rotation drive gear 12472. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12472 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12472 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12308 (and the end effector 12312) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


Closure of the anvil 12324 relative to the staple cartridge 12034 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382. To apply the rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382, the closure clutch 12410 must first be brought into meshing engagement with the proximal end portion 12384 of the closure drive nut 12382. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 12375 further includes a shifter drive assembly 12480 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 121, it can be seen that a proximal end portion 12359 of the proximal spine portion 12353 extends through the rotation gear 12345 and is rotatably coupled to a shifter gear rack 12481 that is slidably affixed to the tool mounting plate 12462 through slots 12482. The shifter drive assembly 12480 further comprises a shifter drive gear 12483 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 121. The shifter drive assembly 12480 further comprises a shifter driven gear 12478 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with the shifter drive gear 12483 and the shifter rack gear 12482. Application of a second rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 ultimately results in the axial movement of the shifter gear rack 12482 and the proximal spine portion 12353 as well as the drive sleeve 12400 and the closure clutch 12410 attached thereto. The direction of axial travel of the closure clutch 12410 depends upon the direction in which the shifter drive gear 12483 is rotated by the robotic system 11000. Thus, rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 in a first rotary direction will result in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 in the proximal direction “PD” to bring the proximal teeth 12416 into meshing engagement with the proximal teeth cavities 12418 in the closure drive nut 12382. Conversely, rotation of the shifter drive gear 12483 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will result in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 in the distal direction “DD” to bring the distal teeth 12415 into meshing engagement with corresponding distal teeth cavities 12426 formed in the face plate portion 12424 of the knife drive shaft assembly 12420.


Once the closure clutch 12410 has been brought into meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382, the closure drive nut 12382 is rotated by rotating the closure clutch 12410. Rotation of the closure clutch 12410 is controlled by applying rotary output motions to a rotary drive transmission portion 12490 of transmission arrangement 12375 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 as shown in FIG. 121. In at least one embodiment, the rotary drive transmission 12490 includes a rotary drive assembly 12490′ that includes a gear 12491 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12460 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 121. The rotary drive transmission 12490 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 12492 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12462 in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear 12493 and the rotary drive gear 12491. The second rotary driven gear 12493 is coupled to a proximal end portion 12443 of the drive shaft 12440.


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


A method of operating the surgical tool 12300 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 12462 has been operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000 and oriented into position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled, if the anvil 12334 is not already in the open position (FIG. 118), the robotic system 11000 may apply the first rotary output motion to the shifter drive gear 12483 which results in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 into meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382 (if it is not already in meshing engagement therewith). See FIG. 119. Once the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 has confirmed that the closure clutch 12410 is meshing engagement with the closure drive nut 12382 (e.g., by means of sensor(s)) in the surgical end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic control system), the robotic controller 11001 may then apply a second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12492 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the rotation of the rotary drive nut 12382 in the first direction which results in the axial travel of the closure tube 12370 in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12370 moved in the distal direction, it contacts a portion of the anvil 12323 and causes the anvil 12324 to pivot to the closed position to clamp the target tissue between the anvil 12324 and the surgical staple cartridge 12334. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 12334 has been pivoted to the closed position by corresponding sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12312 in communication therewith, the robotic system 11000 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. The robotic controller 11001 may also provide the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 12334 has been fully closed. The surgeon may then initiate the firing procedure. In alternative embodiments, the firing procedure may be automatically initiated by the robotic controller 11001. The robotic controller 11001 then applies the primary rotary control motion 12483 to the shifter drive gear 12483 which results in the axial movement of the closure clutch 12410 into meshing engagement with the face plate portion 12424 of the knife drive shaft assembly 12420. See FIG. 120. Once the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 has confirmed that the closure clutch 12410 is meshing engagement with the face plate portion 12424 (by means of sensor(s)) in the end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001), the robotic controller 11001 may then apply the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12492 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the axial movement of the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 in the distal direction “DD” through the surgical staple cartridge 12334. As the cutting instrument 12332 moves distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12334, the tissue clamped therein is severed. As the sled portion 12333 is driven distally, it causes the staples within the surgical staple cartridge to be driven through the severed tissue into forming contact with the anvil 12324. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12324 has reached the end position within the surgical staple cartridge 12334 (by means of sensor(s)) in the end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001), the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491 which ultimately results in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12332 and sled portion 12333 in the proximal direction “PD” to the starting position. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12324 has reached the staring position by means of sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12312 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the primary rotary output motion to the shifter drive gear 12483 to cause the closure clutch 12410 to move into engagement with the rotary drive nut 12382. Once the closure clutch 12410 has been moved into meshing engagement with the rotary drive nut 12382, the robotic controller 11001 then applies the secondary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12491 which ultimately results in the rotation of the rotary drive nut 12382 in the second direction to cause the closure tube 12370 to move in the proximal direction “PD”. As can be seen in FIGS. 118-120, the closure tube 12370 has an opening 12345 therein that engages the tab 12327 on the anvil 12324 to cause the anvil 12324 to pivot to the open position. In alternative embodiments, a spring may also be employed to pivot the anvil 12324 to the open position when the closure tube 12370 has been returned to the starting position (FIG. 118).



FIGS. 122-126 illustrate yet another surgical tool 12500 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 12500 includes a surgical end effector 12512 that includes a “first portion” in the form of an elongated channel 12522 and a “second movable portion” in the form of a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12524, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12512. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12512 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned elongated channel 12522 and anvil 12524, a “third movable portion” in the form of a cutting instrument 12532, a sled (not shown), and a surgical staple cartridge 12534 that is removably seated in the elongated channel 12522. The cutting instrument 12532 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 12524 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12525 connected to the proximate end of the elongated channel 12522. The anvil 12524 may also include a tab 12527 at its proximate end that is configured to operably interface with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12524. When actuated, the knife 12532 and sled travel longitudinally along the elongated channel 12522, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12512. The movement of the sled along the elongated channel 12522 causes the staples of the surgical staple cartridge 12534 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12524, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12522 and the anvil 12524 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the surgical end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12534 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12534, as described above.


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


In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated channel 12522 of the surgical end effector 12512 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12508 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12600. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12508 comprises a hollow spine tube 12540 that is non-movably coupled to a tool mounting plate 12602 of the tool mounting portion 12600. As can be seen in FIGS. 123 and 124, the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 comprises a hollow tubular structure configured to be attached to the distal end 12541 of the spine tube 12540. In one embodiment, for example, the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 is welded or glued to the distal end of the spine tube 12540.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 123 and 124, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, the surgical tool 12500 further includes an axially movable actuation member in the form of a closure tube 12550 that is constrained to move axially relative to the elongated channel 12522 and the spine tube 12540. The closure tube 12550 has a proximal end 12552 that has an internal thread 12554 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a rotatably movable portion in the form of a closure drive nut 12560. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12560 has a proximal end portion 12562 that is rotatably supported relative to the elongated channel 12522 and the spine tube 12540. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12562 is threadably attached to a retention ring 12570. The retention ring 12570 is received in a groove 12529 formed between a shoulder 12527 on the proximal end 12523 of the elongated channel 12522 and the distal end 12541 of the spine tube 12540. Such arrangement serves to rotatably support the closure drive nut 12560 within the elongated channel 12522. Rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 will cause the closure tube 12550 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 123.


Extending through the spine tube 12540 and the closure drive nut 12560 is a drive member which, in at least one embodiment, comprises a knife bar 12580 that has a distal end portion 12582 that is rotatably coupled to the cutting instrument 12532 such that the knife bar 12580 may rotate relative to the cutting instrument 12582. As can be seen in FIG. 123-125, the closure drive nut 12560 has a slot 12564 therein through which the knife bar 12580 can slidably extend. Such arrangement permits the knife bar 12580 to move axially relative to the closure drive nut 12560. However, rotation of the knife bar 12580 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT will also result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560. The axial direction in which the closure tube 12550 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the knife bar 12580 and the closure drive nut 12560 are rotated. As the closure tube 12550 is driven distally, the distal end thereof will contact the anvil 12524 and cause the anvil 12524 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an opening rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12550 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 12524 to the open position by virtue of the engagement of the tab 12527 with the opening 12555 in the closure tube 12550.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12512 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 12600 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 and convert that first rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12508 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 121, a proximal end 12542 of the hollow spine tube 12540 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12603 attached to a tool mounting plate 12602 of the tool mounting portion 12600. Various embodiments of the surgical tool 12500 further include a transmission arrangement, generally depicted as 12605, that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. In various forms the transmission arrangement 12605 include a rotation gear 12544 that is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12542 of the spine tube 12540 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 12610 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12612 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the rotational bodies, driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12602 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 126. The rotation drive assembly 12610 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12614 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12544 and the rotation drive gear 12612. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven rotational body 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12612 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12612 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12508 (and the end effector 12512) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT.


Closure of the anvil 12524 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 12534 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12550 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12550 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12382. In various embodiments, the closure drive nut 12560 is rotated by applying a rotary output motion to the knife bar 12580. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 is controlled by applying rotary output motions to a rotary closure system 12620 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 as shown in FIG. 126. In at least one embodiment, the rotary closure system 12620 includes a closure drive gear 12622 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotatable body portions discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 126. The closure drive gear 12622, in at least one embodiment, is in meshing driving engagement with a closure gear train, generally depicted as 12623. The closure gear drive rain 12623 comprises a first driven closure gear 12624 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. The first closure driven gear 12624 is attached to a second closure driven gear 12626 by a drive shaft 12628. The second closure driven gear 12626 is in meshing engagement with a third closure driven gear 12630 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. Rotation of the closure drive gear 12622 in a second rotary direction will result in the rotation of the third closure driven gear 12630 in a second direction. Conversely, rotation of the closure drive gear 12483 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the third closure driven gear 12630 to rotate in a secondary direction.


As can be seen in FIG. 126, a drive shaft assembly 12640 is coupled to a proximal end of the knife bar 12580. In various embodiments, the drive shaft assembly 12640 includes a proximal portion 12642 that has a square cross-sectional shape. The proximal portion 12642 is configured to slideably engage a correspondingly shaped aperture in the third driven gear 12630. Such arrangement results in the rotation of the drive shaft assembly 12640 (and knife bar 12580) when the third driven gear 12630 is rotated. The drive shaft assembly 12640 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by a knife drive assembly 12650. One form of the knife drive assembly 12650 comprises a rotary drive gear 12652 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven rotatable body portions, discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 126. The rotary driven gear 12652 is in meshing driving engagement with a gear train, generally depicted as 12653. In at least one form, the gear train 12653 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 12654 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602. The first rotary driven gear assembly 12654 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 12656 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12602 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 12658 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 12644 of the drive shaft assembly 12640. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 12652 in a third rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 12640 and knife bar 12580 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 12652 in a tertiary rotary direction (opposite to the third rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 12640 and the knife bar 12580 to move in the proximal direction.


A method of operating the surgical tool 12500 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 12600 has been operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000, the robotic system 11000 can orient the surgical end effector 12512 in position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled. If the anvil 12524 is not already in the open position (FIG. 123), the robotic system 11000 may apply the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which results in the rotation of the knife bar 12580 in a second direction. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 in the second direction results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 in a second direction. As the closure drive nut 12560 rotates in the second direction, the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD”. As the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD”, the tab 12527 on the anvil 12524 interfaces with the opening 12555 in the closure tube 12550 and causes the anvil 12524 to pivot to the open position. In addition or in alternative embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to pivot the anvil 12354 to the open position when the closure tube 12550 has been returned to the starting position (FIG. 123). The opened surgical end effector 12512 may then be manipulated by the robotic system 11000 to position the target tissue between the open anvil 12524 and the surgical staple cartridge 12534. Thereafter, the surgeon may initiate the closure process by activating the robotic control system 11000 to apply the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which, as was described above, ultimately results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12382 in the second direction which results in the axial travel of the closure tube 12250 in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12550 moves in the distal direction, it contacts a portion of the anvil 12524 and causes the anvil 12524 to pivot to the closed position to clamp the target tissue between the anvil 12524 and the staple cartridge 12534. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 12524 has been pivoted to the closed position by corresponding sensor(s) in the end effector 12512 that are in communication therewith, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622. The robotic controller 11001 may also provide the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 12524 has been fully closed. The surgeon may then initiate the firing procedure. In alternative embodiments, the firing procedure may be automatically initiated by the robotic controller 11001.


After the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the anvil 12524 is in the closed position, the robotic controller 11001 then applies the third rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652 which results in the axial movement of the drive shaft assembly 12640 and knife bar 12580 in the distal direction “DD”. As the cutting instrument 12532 moves distally through the surgical staple cartridge 12534, the tissue clamped therein is severed. As the sled portion (not shown) is driven distally, it causes the staples within the surgical staple cartridge 12534 to be driven through the severed tissue into forming contact with the anvil 12524. Once the robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12532 has reached the end position within the surgical staple cartridge 12534 by means of sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 12512 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the second rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 applies the secondary rotary control motion to the rotary drive gear 12652 which ultimately results in the axial travel of the cutting instrument 12532 and sled portion in the proximal direction “PD” to the starting position. Once the robotic controller 1001 has determined that the cutting instrument 12524 has reached the staring position by means of sensor(s) in the end effector 12512 that are in communication with the robotic controller 11001, the robotic controller 11001 discontinues the application of the secondary rotary output motion to the rotary drive gear 12652. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 may apply the secondary rotary output motion to the closure drive gear 12622 which results in the rotation of the knife bar 12580 in a secondary direction. Rotation of the knife bar 12580 in the secondary direction results in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12560 in a secondary direction. As the closure drive nut 12560 rotates in the secondary direction, the closure tube 12550 moves in the proximal direction “PD” to the open position.



FIGS. 127-132B illustrate yet another surgical tool 12700 that may be effectively employed in connection with the robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 12700 includes a surgical end effector 12712 that includes a “first portion” in the form of an elongated channel 12722 and a “second movable portion” in on form comprising a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 12724, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 12712. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surgical end effector 12712 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned channel 12722 and anvil 12724, a “third movable portion” in the form of a cutting instrument 12732, a sled (not shown), and a surgical staple cartridge 12734 that is removably seated in the elongated channel 12722. The cutting instrument 12732 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 12724 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 12725 connected to the proximal end of the elongated channel 12722. The anvil 12724 may also include a tab 12727 at its proximal end that interfaces with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 12724. When actuated, the knife 12732 and sled to travel longitudinally along the elongated channel 12722, thereby cutting tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 12712. The movement of the sled along the elongated channel 12722 causes the staples of the surgical staple cartridge 12734 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 12724, which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. In one form, the elongated channel 12722 and the anvil 12724 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the surgical end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 12734 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 12734, as described above.


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


In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated channel 12722 of the surgical end effector 12712 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 12708 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 12900. Although not shown, the elongated shaft assembly 12708 may include an articulation joint to permit the surgical end effector 12712 to be selectively articulated about an axis that is substantially transverse to the tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 12708 comprises a hollow spine tube 12740 that is non-movably coupled to a tool mounting plate 12902 of the tool mounting portion 12900. As can be seen in FIGS. 128 and 129, the proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 comprises a hollow tubular structure that is attached to the spine tube 12740 by means of a mounting collar 12790. A cross-sectional view of the mounting collar 12790 is shown in FIG. 130. In various embodiments, the mounting collar 12790 has a proximal flanged end 12791 that is configured for attachment to the distal end of the spine tube 12740. In at least one embodiment, for example, the proximal flanged end 12791 of the mounting collar 12790 is welded or glued to the distal end of the spine tube 12740. As can be further seen in FIGS. 128 and 129, the mounting collar 12790 further has a mounting hub portion 12792 that is sized to receive the proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 thereon. The proximal end 12723 of the elongated channel 12722 is non-movably attached to the mounting hub portion 12792 by, for example, welding, adhesive, etc.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 128 and 129, the surgical tool 12700 further includes an axially movable actuation member in the form of a closure tube 12750 that is constrained to move axially relative to the elongated channel 12722. The closure tube 12750 has a proximal end 12752 that has an internal thread 12754 formed therein that is in threaded engagement with a rotatably movable portion in the form of a closure drive nut 12760. More specifically, the closure drive nut 12760 has a proximal end portion 12762 that is rotatably supported relative to the elongated channel 12722 and the spine tube 12740. For assembly purposes, the proximal end portion 12762 is threadably attached to a retention ring 12770. The retention ring 12770 is received in a groove 12729 formed between a shoulder 12727 on the proximal end 12723 of the channel 12722 and the mounting hub 12729 of the mounting collar 12790. Such arrangement serves to rotatably support the closure drive nut 12760 within the channel 12722. Rotation of the closure drive nut 12760 will cause the closure tube 12750 to move axially as represented by arrow “D” in FIG. 128.


Extending through the spine tube 12740, the mounting collar 12790, and the closure drive nut 12760 is a drive member, which in at least one embodiment, comprises a knife bar 12780 that has a distal end portion 12782 that is coupled to the cutting instrument 12732. As can be seen in FIGS. 128 and 129, the mounting collar 12790 has a passage 12793 therethrough for permitting the knife bar 12780 to slidably pass therethrough. Similarly, the closure drive nut 12760 has a slot 12764 therein through which the knife bar 12780 can slidably extend. Such arrangement permits the knife bar 12780 to move axially relative to the closure drive nut 12760.


Actuation of the anvil 12724 is controlled by a rotary driven closure shaft 12800. As can be seen in FIGS. 128 and 129, a distal end portion 12802 of the closure drive shaft 12800 extends through a passage 12794 in the mounting collar 12790 and a closure gear 12804 is attached thereto. The closure gear 12804 is configured for driving engagement with the inner surface 12761 of the closure drive nut 12760. Thus, rotation of the closure shaft 12800 will also result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12760. The axial direction in which the closure tube 12750 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the closure shaft 12800 and the closure drive nut 12760 are rotated. For example, in response to one rotary closure motion received from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12750 will be driven in the distal direction “DD”. As the closure tube 12750 is driven distally, the opening 12745 will engage the tab 12727 on the anvil 12724 and cause the anvil 12724 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an opening rotary motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure tube 12750 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 12724 to the open position. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 12724 to the open position (FIG. 128).


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 12712 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 12900 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 12708 about the tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 132, a proximal end 12742 of the hollow spine tube 12740 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 12903 and a bearing assembly 12904 that are attached to a tool mounting plate 12902 of the tool mounting portion 12900. A rotation gear 12744 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 12742 of the spine tube 12740 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 12910 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 12912 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12602 when the tool mounting portion 12600 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 132. The rotation drive assembly 12910 further comprises a rotary driven gear 12914 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 12744 and the rotation drive gear 12912. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 12912 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 12912 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 12708 (and the end effector 2712) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


Closure of the anvil 12724 relative to the staple cartridge 12734 is accomplished by axially moving the closure tube 12750 in the distal direction “DD”. Axial movement of the closure tube 12750 in the distal direction “DD” is accomplished by applying a rotary control motion to the closure drive nut 12760. In various embodiments, the closure drive nut 12760 is rotated by applying a rotary output motion to the closure drive shaft 12800. As can be seen in FIG. 132, a proximal end portion 12806 of the closure drive shaft 12800 has a driven gear 12808 thereon that is in meshing engagement with a closure drive assembly 12920. In various embodiments, the closure drive system 12920 includes a closure drive gear 12922 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotational bodies or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12462 when the tool mounting portion 12900 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 132. The closure drive gear 12922 is supported in meshing engagement with a closure gear train, generally depicted as 12923. In at least one form, the closure gear rain 12923 comprises a first driven closure gear 12924 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. The first closure driven gear 12924 is attached to a second closure driven gear 12926 by a drive shaft 12928. The second closure driven gear 12926 is in meshing engagement with a planetary gear assembly 12930. In various embodiments, the planetary gear assembly 12930 includes a driven planetary closure gear 12932 that is rotatably supported within the bearing assembly 12904 that is mounted on tool mounting plate 12902. As can be seen in FIGS. 132 and 132B, the proximal end portion 12806 of the closure drive shaft 12800 is rotatably supported within the proximal end portion 12742 of the spine tube 12740 such that the driven gear 12808 is in meshing engagement with central gear teeth 12934 formed on the planetary gear 12932. As can also be seen in FIG. 132A, two additional support gears 12936 are attached to or rotatably supported relative to the proximal end portion 12742 of the spine tube 12740 to provide bearing support thereto. Such arrangement with the planetary gear assembly 12930 serves to accommodate rotation of the spine shaft 12740 by the rotation drive assembly 12910 while permitting the closure driven gear 12808 to remain in meshing engagement with the closure drive system 12920. In addition, rotation of the closure drive gear 12922 in a first direction will ultimately result in the rotation of the closure drive shaft 12800 and closure drive nut 12760 which will ultimately result in the closure of the anvil 12724 as described above. Conversely, rotation of the closure drive gear 12922 in a second opposite direction will ultimately result in the rotation of the closure drive nut 12760 in an opposite direction which results in the opening of the anvil 12724.


As can be seen in FIG. 126, the proximal end 12784 of the knife bar 12780 has a threaded shaft portion 12786 attached thereto which is in driving engagement with a knife drive assembly 12940. In various embodiments, the threaded shaft portion 12786 is rotatably supported by a bearing 12906 attached to the tool mounting plate 12902. Such arrangement permits the threaded shaft portion 12786 to rotate and move axially relative to the tool mounting plate 12902. The knife bar 12780 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by the knife drive assembly 12940. One form of the knife drive assembly 12940 comprises a rotary drive gear 12942 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the rotatable bodies, driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 12902 when the tool mounting portion 12900 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 132. The rotary drive gear 12942 is in meshing engagement with a knife gear train, generally depicted as 12943. In various embodiments, the knife gear train 12943 comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 12944 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902. The first rotary driven gear assembly 12944 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 12946 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 12902 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 12948 that is in meshing engagement with the threaded portion 12786 of the knife bar 12780. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 12942 in one direction will result in the axial advancement of the knife bar 12780 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 12942 in an opposite direction will cause the knife bar 12780 to move in the proximal direction. Tool 12700 may otherwise be used as described above.



FIGS. 133 and 134 illustrate a surgical tool embodiment 12700′ that is substantially identical to tool 12700 that was described in detail above. However tool 12700′ includes a pressure sensor 12950 that is configured to provide feedback to the robotic controller 11001 concerning the amount of clamping pressure experienced by the anvil 12724. In various embodiments, for example, the pressure sensor may comprise a spring biased contact switch. For a continuous signal, it would use either a cantilever beam with a strain gage on it or a dome button top with a strain gage on the inside. Another version may comprise an off switch that contacts only at a known desired load. Such arrangement would include a dome on the based wherein the dome is one electrical pole and the base is the other electrical pole. Such arrangement permits the robotic controller 11001 to adjust the amount of clamping pressure being applied to the tissue within the surgical end effector 12712 by adjusting the amount of closing pressure applied to the anvil 12724. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such pressure sensor arrangement may be effectively employed with several of the surgical tool embodiments described herein as well as their equivalent structures.



FIG. 135 illustrates a portion of another surgical tool 13000 that may be effectively used in connection with a robotic system 11000. The surgical tool 13003 employs on-board motor(s) for powering various components of a surgical end effector cutting instrument. In at least one non-limiting embodiment for example, the surgical tool 13000 includes a surgical end effector in the form of an endocutter (not shown) that has an anvil (not shown) and surgical staple cartridge arrangement (not shown) of the types and constructions described above. The surgical tool 13000 also includes an elongated shaft (not shown) and anvil closure arrangement (not shown) of the types described above. Thus, this portion of the Detailed Description will not repeat the description of those components beyond that which is necessary to appreciate the unique and novel attributes of the various embodiments of surgical tool 13000.


In the depicted embodiment, the end effector includes a cutting instrument 13002 that is coupled to a knife bar 13003. As can be seen in FIG. 135, the surgical tool 13000 includes a tool mounting portion 13010 that includes a tool mounting plate 13012 that is configured to mountingly interface with the adaptor portion 11240′ which is coupled to the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described above. The tool mounting portion 13010 is configured to operably support a transmission arrangement 13013 thereon. In at least one embodiment, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to the adaptor portion 11240 described in detail above without the powered rotation bodies and disc members employed by adapter 11240. In other embodiments, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to adaptor portion 11240. Still other modifications which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the various forms of the present invention may employ one or more of the mechanical motions (i.e., rotary motion(s)) from the tool holder portion 11270 (as described hereinabove) to power/actuate the transmission arrangement 13013 while also employing one or more motors within the tool mounting portion 13010 to power one or more other components of the surgical end effector. In addition, while the end effector of the depicted embodiment comprises an endocutter, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the unique and novel attributes of the depicted embodiment may be effectively employed in connection with other types of surgical end effectors without departing from the spirit and scope of various forms of the present invention.


In various embodiments, the tool mounting plate 13012 is configured to at least house a first firing motor 13011 for supplying firing and retraction motions to the knife bar 13003 which is coupled to or otherwise operably interfaces with the cutting instrument 13002. The tool mounting plate 13012 has an array of electrical connecting pins 13014 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 104) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to the electronic control circuit 13020 of the surgical tool 13000. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


Control circuit 13020 is shown in schematic form in FIG. 135. In one form or embodiment, the control circuit 13020 includes a power supply in the form of a battery 13022 that is coupled to an on-off solenoid powered switch 13024. Control circuit 13020 further includes an on/off firing solenoid 13026 that is coupled to a double pole switch 13028 for controlling the rotational direction of the motor 13011. Thus, when the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 supplies an appropriate control signal, switch 13024 will permit battery 13022 to supply power to the double pole switch 13028. The controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 will also supply an appropriate signal to the double pole switch 13028 to supply power to the motor 13011. When it is desired to fire the surgical end effector (i.e., drive the cutting instrument 13002 distally through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector, the double pole switch 13028 will be in a first position. When it is desired to retract the cutting instrument 13002 to the starting position, the double pole switch 13028 will be moved to the second position by the controller 11001.


Various embodiments of the surgical tool 13000 also employ a gear box 13030 that is sized, in cooperation with a firing gear train 13031 that, in at least one non-limiting embodiment, comprises a firing drive gear 13032 that is in meshing engagement with a firing driven gear 13034 for generating a desired amount of driving force necessary to drive the cutting instrument 13002 through tissue and to drive and form staples in the various manners described herein. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 135, the driven gear 13034 is coupled to a screw shaft 13036 that is in threaded engagement with a screw nut arrangement 13038 that is constrained to move axially (represented by arrow “D”). The screw nut arrangement 13038 is attached to the firing bar 13003. Thus, by rotating the screw shaft 13036 in a first direction, the cutting instrument 13002 is driven in the distal direction “DD” and rotating the screw shaft in an opposite second direction, the cutting instrument 13002 may be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”.



FIG. 136 illustrates a portion of another surgical tool 13000′ that is substantially identical to tool 13000 described above, except that the driven gear 13034 is attached to a drive shaft 13040. The drive shaft 13040 is attached to a second driver gear 13042 that is in meshing engagement with a third driven gear 13044 that is in meshing engagement with a screw 13046 coupled to the firing bar 13003.



FIG. 137 illustrates another surgical tool 13200 that may be effectively used in connection with a robotic system 11000. In this embodiment, the surgical tool 13200 includes a surgical end effector 13212 that in one non-limiting form, comprises a component portion that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other end effector component portion. As will be discussed in further detail below, the surgical tool 13200 employs on-board motors for powering various components of a transmission arrangement 13305. The surgical end effector 13212 includes an elongated channel 13222 that operably supports a surgical staple cartridge 13234. The elongated channel 13222 has a proximal end 13223 that slidably extends into a hollow elongated shaft assembly 13208 that is coupled to a tool mounting portion 13300. In addition, the surgical end effector 13212 includes an anvil 13224 that is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 13222 by a pair of trunnions 13225 that are received within corresponding openings 13229 in the elongated channel 13222. A distal end portion 13209 of the shaft assembly 13208 includes an opening 13245 into which a tab 13227 on the anvil 13224 is inserted in order to open the anvil 13224 as the elongated channel 13222 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD” relative to the distal end portion 13209 of the shaft assembly 13208. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 13224 to the open position.


As indicated above, the surgical tool 13200 includes a tool mounting portion 13300 that includes a tool mounting plate 13302 that is configured to operably support the transmission arrangement 13305 and to mountingly interface with the adaptor portion 11240′ which is coupled to the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described above. In at least one embodiment, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to the adaptor portion 11240 described in detail above without the powered disc members employed by adapter 11240. In other embodiments, the adaptor portion 11240′ may be identical to adaptor portion 11240. However, in such embodiments, because the various components of the surgical end effector 13212 are all powered by motor(s) in the tool mounting portion 13300, the surgical tool 13200 will not employ or require any of the mechanical (i.e., non-electrical) actuation motions from the tool holder portion 11270 to power the surgical end effector 13200 components. Still other modifications which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the various forms of the present invention may employ one or more of the mechanical motions from the tool holder portion 11270 (as described hereinabove) to power/actuate one or more of the surgical end effector components while also employing one or more motors within the tool mounting portion to power one or more other components of the surgical end effector.


In various embodiments, the tool mounting plate 13302 is configured to support a first firing motor 13310 for supplying firing and retraction motions to the transmission arrangement 13305 to drive a knife bar 13335 that is coupled to a cutting instrument 13332 of the type described above. As can be seen in FIG. 137, the tool mounting plate 13212 has an array of electrical connecting pins 13014 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 104) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to the electronic control circuits 13320, 13340 of the surgical tool 13200. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


In one form or embodiment, the first control circuit 13320 includes a first power supply in the form of a first battery 13322 that is coupled to a first on-off solenoid powered switch 13324. The first firing control circuit 13320 further includes a first on/off firing solenoid 13326 that is coupled to a first double pole switch 13328 for controlling the rotational direction of the first firing motor 13310. Thus, when the robotic controller 11001 supplies an appropriate control signal, the first switch 13324 will permit the first battery 13322 to supply power to the first double pole switch 13328. The robotic controller 11001 will also supply an appropriate signal to the first double pole switch 13328 to supply power to the first firing motor 13310. When it is desired to fire the surgical end effector (i.e., drive the cutting instrument 13232 distally through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 13212, the first switch 13328 will be positioned in a first position by the robotic controller 11001. When it is desired to retract the cutting instrument 13232 to the starting position, the robotic controller 11001 will send the appropriate control signal to move the first switch 13328 to the second position.


Various embodiments of the surgical tool 13200 also employ a first gear box 13330 that is sized, in cooperation with a firing drive gear 13332 coupled thereto that operably interfaces with a firing gear train 13333. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the firing gear train 13333 comprises a firing driven gear 13334 that is in meshing engagement with drive gear 13332, for generating a desired amount of driving force necessary to drive the cutting instrument 13232 through tissue and to drive and form staples in the various manners described herein. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 137, the driven gear 13334 is coupled to a drive shaft 13335 that has a second driven gear 13336 coupled thereto. The second driven gear 13336 is supported in meshing engagement with a third driven gear 13337 that is in meshing engagement with a fourth driven gear 13338. The fourth driven gear 13338 is in meshing engagement with a threaded proximal portion 13339 of the knife bar 13235 that is constrained to move axially. Thus, by rotating the drive shaft 13335 in a first direction, the cutting instrument 13232 is driven in the distal direction “DD” and rotating the drive shaft 13335 in an opposite second direction, the cutting instrument 13232 may be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”.


As indicated above, the opening and closing of the anvil 13224 is controlled by axially moving the elongated channel 13222 relative to the elongated shaft assembly 13208. The axial movement of the elongated channel 13222 is controlled by a closure control system 13339. In various embodiments, the closure control system 13339 includes a closure shaft 13340 which has a hollow threaded end portion 13341 that threadably engages a threaded closure rod 13342. The threaded end portion 13341 is rotatably supported in a spine shaft 13343 that operably interfaces with the tool mounting portion 13300 and extends through a portion of the shaft assembly 13208 as shown. The closure system 13339 further comprises a closure control circuit 13350 that includes a second power supply in the form of a second battery 13352 that is coupled to a second on-off solenoid powered switch 13354. Closure control circuit 13350 further includes a second on/off firing solenoid 13356 that is coupled to a second double pole switch 13358 for controlling the rotation of a second closure motor 13360. Thus, when the robotic controller 11001 supplies an appropriate control signal, the second switch 13354 will permit the second battery 13352 to supply power to the second double pole switch 13354. The robotic controller 11001 will also supply an appropriate signal to the second double pole switch 13358 to supply power to the second motor 13360. When it is desired to close the anvil 13224, the second switch 13348 will be in a first position. When it is desired to open the anvil 13224, the second switch 13348 will be moved to a second position.


Various embodiments of tool mounting portion 13300 also employ a second gear box 13362 that is coupled to a closure drive gear 13364. The closure drive gear 13364 is in meshing engagement with a closure gear train 13363. In various non-limiting forms, the closure gear train 13363 includes a closure driven gear 13365 that is attached to a closure drive shaft 13366. Also attached to the closure drive shaft 13366 is a closure drive gear 13367 that is in meshing engagement with a closure shaft gear 13360 attached to the closure shaft 13340. FIG. 137 depicts the end effector 13212 in the open position. As indicated above, when the threaded closure rod 13342 is in the position depicted in FIG. 137, a spring (not shown) biases the anvil 13224 to the open position. When it is desired to close the anvil 13224, the robotic controller 11001 will activate the second motor 13360 to rotate the closure shaft 13340 to draw the threaded closure rod 13342 and the channel 13222 in the proximal direction ‘PD’. As the anvil 13224 contacts the distal end portion 13209 of the shaft 13208, the anvil 13224 is pivoted to the closed position.


A method of operating the surgical tool 13200 will now be described. Once the tool mounting portion 13302 has be operably coupled to the tool holder 11270 of the robotic system 11000, the robotic system 11000 can orient the end effector 13212 in position adjacent the target tissue to be cut and stapled. If the anvil 13224 is not already in the open position, the robotic controller 11001 may activate the second closure motor 13360 to drive the channel 13222 in the distal direction to the position depicted in FIG. 137. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the surgical end effector 13212 is in the open position by sensor(s) in the and effector and/or the tool mounting portion 13300, the robotic controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with a signal to inform the surgeon that the anvil 13224 may then be closed. Once the target tissue is positioned between the open anvil 13224 and the surgical staple cartridge 13234, the surgeon may then commence the closure process by activating the robotic controller 11001 to apply a closure control signal to the second closure motor 13360. The second closure motor 13360 applies a rotary motion to the closure shaft 13340 to draw the channel 13222 in the proximal direction “PD” until the anvil 13224 has been pivoted to the closed position. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 13224 has been moved to the closed position by sensor(s) in the surgical end effector 13212 and/or in the tool mounting portion 13300 that are in communication with the robotic control system, the motor 13360 may be deactivated. Thereafter, the firing process may be commenced either manually by the surgeon activating a trigger, button, etc. on the controller 11001 or the controller 11001 may automatically commence the firing process.


To commence the firing process, the robotic controller 11001 activates the firing motor 13310 to drive the firing bar 13235 and the cutting instrument 13232 in the distal direction “DD”. Once robotic controller 11001 has determined that the cutting instrument 13232 has moved to the ending position within the surgical staple cartridge 13234 by means of sensors in the surgical end effector 13212 and/or the motor drive portion 13300, the robotic controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with an indication signal. Thereafter the surgeon may manually activate the first motor 13310 to retract the cutting instrument 13232 to the starting position or the robotic controller 11001 may automatically activate the first motor 13310 to retract the cutting element 13232.


The embodiment depicted in FIG. 137 does not include an articulation joint. FIGS. 138 and 139 illustrate surgical tools 13200′ and 13200″ that have end effectors 13212′, 13212″, respectively that may be employed with an elongated shaft embodiment that has an articulation joint of the various types disclosed herein. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 138, a threaded closure shaft 13342 is coupled to the proximal end 13223 of the elongated channel 13222 by a flexible cable or other flexible member 13345. The location of an articulation joint (not shown) within the elongated shaft assembly 13208 will coincide with the flexible member 13345 to enable the flexible member 13345 to accommodate such articulation. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the flexible member 13345 is rotatably affixed to the proximal end portion 13223 of the elongated channel 13222 to enable the flexible member 13345 to rotate relative thereto to prevent the flexible member 13229 from “winding up” relative to the channel 13222. Although not shown, the cutting element may be driven in one of the above described manners by a knife bar that can also accommodate articulation of the elongated shaft assembly. FIG. 139 depicts a surgical end effector 13212″ that is substantially identical to the surgical end effector 13212 described above, except that the threaded closure rod 13342 is attached to a closure nut 13347 that is constrained to only move axially within the elongated shaft assembly 13208. The flexible member 13345 is attached to the closure nut 13347. Such arrangement also prevents the threaded closure rod 13342 from winding-up the flexible member 13345. A flexible knife bar 13235′ may be employed to facilitate articulation of the surgical end effector 13212″.


The surgical tools 13200, 13200′, and 13200″ described above may also employ anyone of the cutting instrument embodiments described herein. As described above, the anvil of each of the end effectors of these tools is closed by drawing the elongated channel into contact with the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly. Thus, once the target tissue has been located between the staple cartridge 13234 and the anvil 13224, the robotic controller 11001 can start to draw the channel 13222 inward into the shaft assembly 13208. In various embodiments, however, to prevent the end effector 13212, 13212′, 13212″ from moving the target tissue with the end effector during this closing process, the controller 11001 may simultaneously move the tool holder and ultimately the tool such to compensate for the movement of the elongated channel 13222 so that, in effect, the target tissue is clamped between the anvil and the elongated channel without being otherwise moved.



FIGS. 140-142 depict another surgical tool embodiment 13201 that is substantially identical to surgical tool 13200″ described above, except for the differences discussed below. In this embodiment, the threaded closure rod 13342′ has variable pitched grooves. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 141, the closure rod 13342′ has a distal groove section 13380 and a proximal groove section 13382. The distal and proximal groove sections 13380, 13382 are configured for engagement with a lug 13390 supported within the hollow threaded end portion 13341′. As can be seen in FIG. 141, the distal groove section 13380 has a finer pitch than the groove section 13382. Thus, such variable pitch arrangement permits the elongated channel 13222 to be drawn into the shaft 13208 at a first speed or rate by virtue of the engagement between the lug 13390 and the proximal groove segment 13382. When the lug 13390 engages the distal groove segment, the channel 13222 will be drawn into the shaft 13208 at a second speed or rate. Because the proximal groove segment 13382 is coarser than the distal groove segment 13380, the first speed will be greater than the second speed. Such arrangement serves to speed up the initial closing of the end effector for tissue manipulation and then after the tissue has been properly positioned therein, generate the amount of closure forces to properly clamp the tissue for cutting and sealing. Thus, the anvil 13234 initially closes fast with a lower force and then applies a higher closing force as the anvil closes more slowly.


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


The above-described embodiments employ a battery or batteries to power the motors used to drive the end effector components. Activation of the motors is controlled by the robotic system 11000. In alternative embodiments, the power supply may comprise alternating current “AC” that is supplied to the motors by the robotic system 11000. That is, the AC power would be supplied from the system powering the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder and adapter. In still other embodiments, a power cord or tether may be attached to the tool mounting portion 13300 to supply the requisite power from a separate source of alternating or direct current.


In use, the controller 11001 may apply an initial rotary motion to the closure shaft 13340 (FIG. 137) to draw the elongated channel 13222 axially inwardly into the elongated shaft assembly 13208 and move the anvil from a first position to an intermediate position at a first rate that corresponds with the point wherein the distal groove section 13380 transitions to the proximal groove section 13382. Further application of rotary motion to the closure shaft 13340 will cause the anvil to move from the intermediate position to the closed position relative to the surgical staple cartridge. When in the closed position, the tissue to be cut and stapled is properly clamped between the anvil and the surgical staple cartridge.



FIGS. 143-147 illustrate another surgical tool embodiment 13400 of the present invention. This embodiment includes an elongated shaft assembly 13408 that extends from a tool mounting portion 13500. The elongated shaft assembly 13408 includes a rotatable proximal closure tube segment 13410 that is rotatably journaled on a proximal spine member 13420 that is rigidly coupled to a tool mounting plate 13502 of the tool mounting portion 13500. The proximal spine member 13420 has a distal end 13422 that is coupled to an elongated channel portion 13522 of a surgical end effector 13412. For example, in at least one embodiment, the elongated channel portion 13522 has a distal end portion 13523 that “hookingly engages” the distal end 13422 of the spine member 13420. The elongated channel 13522 is configured to support a surgical staple cartridge 13534 therein. This embodiment may employ one of the various cutting instrument embodiments disclosed herein to sever tissue that is clamped in the surgical end effector 13412 and fire the staples in the staple cartridge 13534 into the severed tissue.


Surgical end effector 13412 has an anvil 13524 that is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 13522 by a pair of trunnions 13525 that are received in corresponding openings 13529 in the elongated channel 13522. The anvil 13524 is moved between the open (FIG. 143) and closed positions (FIGS. 144-146) by a distal closure tube segment 13430. A distal end portion 13432 of the distal closure tube segment 13430 includes an opening 13445 into which a tab 13527 on the anvil 13524 is inserted in order to open and close the anvil 13524 as the distal closure tube segment 13430 moves axially relative thereto. In various embodiments, the opening 13445 is shaped such that as the closure tube segment 13430 is moved in the proximal direction, the closure tube segment 13430 causes the anvil 13524 to pivot to an open position. In addition or in the alternative, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 13524 to the open position.


As can be seen in FIGS. 143-146, the distal closure tube segment 13430 includes a lug 13442 that extends from its distal end 13440 into threaded engagement with a variable pitch groove/thread 13414 formed in the distal end 13412 of the rotatable proximal closure tube segment 13410. The variable pitch groove/thread 13414 has a distal section 13416 and a proximal section 13418. The pitch of the distal groove/thread section 13416 is finer than the pitch of the proximal groove/thread section 13418. As can also be seen in FIGS. 143-146, the distal closure tube segment 13430 is constrained for axial movement relative to the spine member 13420 by an axial retainer pin 13450 that is received in an axial slot 13424 in the distal end of the spine member 13420.


As indicated above, the anvil 12524 is open and closed by rotating the proximal closure tube segment 13410. The variable pitch thread arrangement permits the distal closure tube segment 13430 to be driven in the distal direction “DD” at a first speed or rate by virtue of the engagement between the lug 13442 and the proximal groove/thread section 13418. When the lug 13442 engages the distal groove/thread section 13416, the distal closure tube segment 13430 will be driven in the distal direction at a second speed or rate. Because the proximal groove/thread section 13418 is coarser than the distal groove/thread segment 13416, the first speed will be greater than the second speed.


In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 13500 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary motion from the robotic controller 11001 and convert that first rotary motion to a primary rotary motion for rotating the rotatable proximal closure tube segment 13410 about a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 147, a proximal end 13460 of the proximal closure tube segment 13410 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 13504 attached to a tool mounting plate 13502 of the tool mounting portion 13500. A rotation gear 13462 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 13460 of the closure tube segment 13410 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 13470 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 13502. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 13472 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 13502 when the tool mounting portion 13500 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 146. The rotation drive assembly 13470 further comprises a rotary driven gear 13474 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13502 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 13462 and the rotation drive gear 13472. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic controller 11001 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 13472 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 13472 ultimately results in the rotation of the closure tube segment 13410 to open and close the anvil 13524 as described above.


As indicated above, the surgical end effector 13412 employs a cutting instrument of the type and constructions described above. FIG. 147 illustrates one form of knife drive assembly 13480 for axially advancing a knife bar 13492 that is attached to such cutting instrument. One form of the knife drive assembly 13480 comprises a rotary drive gear 13482 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 13502 when the tool drive portion 13500 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 147. The knife drive assembly 13480 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 13484 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 15200. The first rotary driven gear assembly 13484 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 13486 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13502 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 13488 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 13494 of drive shaft assembly 13490 that is coupled to the knife bar 13492. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 13482 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 13490 and knife bar 13492 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 13482 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 13490 and the knife bar 13492 to move in the proximal direction.



FIGS. 148-157 illustrate another surgical tool 13600 embodiment of the present invention that may be employed in connection with a robotic system 11000. As can be seen in FIG. 148, the tool 13600 includes an end effector in the form of a disposable loading unit 13612. Various forms of disposable loading units that may be employed in connection with tool 13600 are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0206131, entitled END EFFECTOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.


In at least one form, the disposable loading unit 13612 includes an anvil assembly 13620 that is supported for pivotal travel relative to a carrier 13630 that operably supports a staple cartridge 13640 therein. A mounting assembly 13650 is pivotally coupled to the cartridge carrier 13630 to enable the carrier 13630 to pivot about an articulation axis AA-AA relative to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. Referring to FIG. 153, mounting assembly 13650 includes upper and lower mounting portions 13652 and 13654. Each mounting portion includes a threaded bore 13656 on each side thereof dimensioned to receive threaded bolts (not shown) for securing the proximal end of carrier 13630 thereto. A pair of centrally located pivot members 13658 extends between upper and lower mounting portions via a pair of coupling members 13660 which engage a distal end of a housing portion 13662. Coupling members 13660 each include an interlocking proximal portion 13664 configured to be received in grooves 13666 formed in the proximal end of housing portion 13662 to retain mounting assembly 13650 and housing portion 13662 in a longitudinally fixed position in relation thereto.


In various forms, housing portion 13662 of disposable loading unit 13614 includes an upper housing half 13670 and a lower housing half 13672 contained within an outer casing 13674. The proximal end of housing half 13670 includes engagement nubs 13676 for releasably engaging an elongated shaft 13700 and an insertion tip 13678. Nubs 13676 form a bayonet-type coupling with the distal end of the elongated shaft 13700 which will be discussed in further detail below. Housing halves 13670, 13672 define a channel 13674 for slidably receiving axial drive assembly 13680. A second articulation link 13690 is dimensioned to be slidably positioned within a slot 13679 formed between housing halves 13670, 13672. A pair of blow out plates 13691 are positioned adjacent the distal end of housing portion 13662 adjacent the distal end of axial drive assembly 13680 to prevent outward bulging of drive assembly 13680 during articulation of carrier 13630.


In various embodiments, the second articulation link 13690 includes at least one elongated metallic plate. Preferably, two or more metallic plates are stacked to form link 13690. The proximal end of articulation link 13690 includes a hook portion 13692 configured to engage first articulation link 13710 extending through the elongated shaft 13700. The distal end of the second articulation link 13690 includes a loop 13694 dimensioned to engage a projection formed on mounting assembly 13650. The projection is laterally offset from pivot pin 13658 such that linear movement of second articulation link 13690 causes mounting assembly 13650 to pivot about pivot pins 13658 to articulate the carrier 13630.


In various forms, axial drive assembly 13680 includes an elongated drive beam 13682 including a distal working head 13684 and a proximal engagement section 13685. Drive beam 13682 may be constructed from a single sheet of material or, preferably, multiple stacked sheets. Engagement section 13685 includes a pair of engagement fingers which are dimensioned and configured to mountingly engage a pair of corresponding retention slots formed in drive member 13686. Drive member 13686 includes a proximal porthole 13687 configured to receive the distal end 13722 of control rod 12720 (See FIG. 157) when the proximal end of disposable loading unit 13614 is engaged with elongated shaft 13700 of surgical tool 13600.


Referring to FIGS. 148 and 155-157, to use the surgical tool 13600, a disposable loading unit 13612 is first secured to the distal end of elongated shaft 13700. It will be appreciated that the surgical tool 13600 may include an articulating or a non-articulating disposable loading unit. To secure the disposable loading unit 13612 to the elongated shaft 13700, the distal end 13722 of control rod 13720 is inserted into insertion tip 13678 of disposable loading unit 13612, and insertion tip 13678 is slid longitudinally into the distal end of the elongated shaft 13700 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 155 such that hook portion 13692 of second articulation link 13690 slides within a channel 13702 in the elongated shaft 13700. Nubs 13676 will each be aligned in a respective channel (not shown) in elongated shaft 13700. When hook portion 13692 engages the proximal wall 13704 of channel 13702, disposable loading unit 13612 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIGS. 154 and 157 to move hook portion 13692 of second articulation link 13690 into engagement with finger 13712 of first articulation link 13710. Nubs 13676 also form a “bayonet-type” coupling within annular channel 13703 in the elongated shaft 13700. During rotation of loading unit 13612, nubs 13676 engage cam surface 13732 (FIG. 155) of block plate 13730 to initially move plate 13730 in the direction indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 155 to lock engagement member 13734 in recess 13721 of control rod 13720 to prevent longitudinal movement of control rod 13720 during attachment of disposable loading unit 13612. During the final degree of rotation, nubs 13676 disengage from cam surface 13732 to allow blocking plate 13730 to move in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIGS. 154 and 157 from behind engagement member 13734 to once again permit longitudinal movement of control rod 13720. While the above-described attachment method reflects that the disposable loading unit 13612 is manipulated relative to the elongated shaft 13700, the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disposable loading unit 13612 may be supported in a stationary position and the robotic system 11000 may manipulate the elongated shaft portion 13700 relative to the disposable loading unit 13612 to accomplish the above-described coupling procedure.



FIG. 158 illustrates another disposable loading unit 13612′ that is attachable in a bayonet-type arrangement with the elongated shaft 13700′ that is substantially identical to shaft 13700 except for the differences discussed below. As can be seen in FIG. 158, the elongated shaft 13700′ has slots 13705 that extend for at least a portion thereof and which are configured to receive nubs 13676 therein. In various embodiments, the disposable loading unit 13612′ includes arms 13677 extending therefrom which, prior to the rotation of disposable loading unit 13612′, can be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with nubs 13676 extending from housing portion 13662. In at least one embodiment, arms 13677 and nubs 13676 can be inserted into slots 13705 in elongated shaft 13700′, for example, when disposable loading unit 13612′ is inserted into elongated shaft 13700′. When disposable loading unit 13612′ is rotated, arms 13677 can be sufficiently confined within slots 13705 such that slots 13705 can hold them in position, whereas nubs 13676 can be positioned such that they are not confined within slots 13705 and can be rotated relative to arms 13677. When rotated, the hook portion 13692 of the articulation link 13690 is engaged with the first articulation link 13710 extending through the elongated shaft 13700′.


Other methods of coupling the disposable loading units to the end of the elongated shaft may be employed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 159 and 160, disposable loading unit 13612″ can include connector portion 13613 which can be configured to be engaged with connector portion 13740 of the elongated shaft 13700″. In at least one embodiment, connector portion 13613 can include at least one projection and/or groove which can be mated with at least one projection and/or groove of connector portion 13740. In at least one such embodiment, the connector portions can include co-operating dovetail portions. In various embodiments, the connector portions can be configured to interlock with one another and prevent, or at least inhibit, distal and/or proximal movement of disposable loading unit 13612″ along axis 13741. In at least one embodiment, the distal end of the axial drive assembly 13680′ can include aperture 13681 which can be configured to receive projection 13721 extending from control rod 13720′. In various embodiments, such an arrangement can allow disposable loading unit 13612″ to be assembled to elongated shaft 13700 in a direction which is not collinear with or parallel to axis 13741. Although not illustrated, axial drive assembly 13680′ and control rod 13720 can include any other suitable arrangement of projections and apertures to operably connect them to each other. Also in this embodiment, the first articulation link 13710 which can be operably engaged with second articulation link 13690.


As can be seen in FIGS. 148 and 161, the surgical tool 13600 includes a tool mounting portion 13750. The tool mounting portion 13750 includes a tool mounting plate 13751 that is configured for attachment to the tool drive assembly 11010. The tool mounting portion operably supported a transmission arrangement 13752 thereon. In use, it may be desirable to rotate the disposable loading unit 13612 about the longitudinal tool axis defined by the elongated shaft 13700. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 13752 includes a rotational transmission assembly 13753 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft 13700 (and the disposable loading unit 13612) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 161, a proximal end 13701 of the elongated shaft 13700 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 13754 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 13751 of the tool mounting portion 13750. A rotation gear 13755 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 13701 of the elongated shaft 13700 for meshing engagement with a rotation gear assembly 13756 operably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 13757 drivingly coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 13751 when the tool mounting portion 13750 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The rotation transmission assembly 13753 further comprises a rotary driven gear 13758 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 13755 and the rotation drive gear 13757. Application of a first rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 13757 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 13757 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft 13700 (and the disposable loading unit 13612) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (primary rotary motion).


As can be seen in FIG. 161, a drive shaft assembly 13760 is coupled to a proximal end of the control rod 12720. In various embodiments, the control rod 12720 is axially advanced in the distal and proximal directions by a knife/closure drive transmission 13762. One form of the knife/closure drive assembly 13762 comprises a rotary drive gear 13763 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven rotatable body portions, discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 13751 when the tool mounting portion 13750 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The rotary driven gear 13763 is in meshing driving engagement with a gear train, generally depicted as 13764. In at least one form, the gear train 13764 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 13765 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751. The first rotary driven gear assembly 13765 is in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear assembly 13766 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751 and which is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 13767 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 13768 of the drive shaft assembly 13760. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 13763 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 13760 and control rod 12720 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 13763 in a secondary rotary direction which is opposite to the second rotary direction will cause the drive shaft assembly 13760 and the control rod 12720 to move in the proximal direction. When the control rod 12720 moves in the distal direction, it drives the drive beam 13682 and the working head 13684 thereof distally through the surgical staple cartridge 13640. As the working head 13684 is driven distally, it operably engages the anvil 13620 to pivot it to a closed position.


The cartridge carrier 13630 may be selectively articulated about articulation axis AA-AA by applying axial articulation control motions to the first and second articulation links 13710 and 13690. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 13752 further includes an articulation drive 13770 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 161, it can be seen that a proximal end portion 13772 of an articulation drive shaft 13771 configured to operably engage with the first articulation link 13710 extends through the rotation gear 13755 and is rotatably coupled to a shifter rack gear 13774 that is slidably affixed to the tool mounting plate 13751 through slots 13775. The articulation drive 13770 further comprises a shifter drive gear 13776 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 13751 when the tool mounting portion 13750 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The articulation drive assembly 13770 further comprises a shifter driven gear 13778 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 13751 in meshing engagement with the shifter drive gear 13776 and the shifter rack gear 13774. Application of a third rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the shifter drive gear 13776 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the shifter drive gear 13776 ultimately results in the axial movement of the shifter gear rack 13774 and the articulation drive shaft 13771. The direction of axial travel of the articulation drive shaft 13771 depends upon the direction in which the shifter drive gear 13776 is rotated by the robotic system 11000. Thus, rotation of the shifter drive gear 13776 in a first rotary direction will result in the axial movement of the articulation drive shaft 13771 in the proximal direction “PD” and cause the cartridge carrier 13630 to pivot in a first direction about articulation axis AA-AA. Conversely, rotation of the shifter drive gear 13776 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will result in the axial movement of the articulation drive shaft 13771 in the distal direction “DD” to thereby cause the cartridge carrier 13630 to pivot about articulation axis AA-AA in an opposite direction.



FIG. 162 illustrates yet another surgical tool 13800 embodiment of the present invention that may be employed with a robotic system 11000. As can be seen in FIG. 162, the surgical tool 13800 includes a surgical end effector 13812 in the form of an endocutter 13814 that employs various cable-driven components. Various forms of cable driven endocutters are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,537, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH UNIVERSAL ARTICULATION AND TISSUE PRE-CLAMP and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0308603, entitled CABLE DRIVEN SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED CABLE ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENTS, the disclosures of each are herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. Such endocutters 13814 may be referred to as a “disposable loading unit” because they are designed to be disposed of after a single use. However, the various unique and novel arrangements of various embodiments of the present invention may also be employed in connection with cable driven end effectors that are reusable.


As can be seen in FIG. 163, in at least one form, the endocutter 13814 includes an elongated channel 13822 that operably supports a surgical staple cartridge 13834 therein. An anvil 13824 is pivotally supported for movement relative to the surgical staple cartridge 13834. The anvil 13824 has a cam surface 13825 that is configured for interaction with a preclamping collar 13840 that is supported for axial movement relative thereto. The end effector 13814 is coupled to an elongated shaft assembly 13808 that is attached to a tool mounting portion 13900. In various embodiments, a closure cable 13850 is employed to move pre-clamping collar 13840 distally onto and over cam surface 13825 to close the anvil 13824 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 13834 and compress the tissue therebetween. Preferably, closure cable 13850 attaches to the pre-clamping collar 13840 at or near point 13841 and is fed through a passageway in anvil 13824 (or under a proximal portion of anvil 13824) and fed proximally through shaft 13808. Actuation of closure cable 13850 in the proximal direction “PD” forces pre-clamping collar 13840 distally against cam surface 13825 to close anvil 13824 relative to staple cartridge assembly 13834. A return mechanism, e.g., a spring, cable system or the like, may be employed to return pre-clamping collar 13840 to a pre-clamping orientation which re-opens the anvil 13824.


The elongated shaft assembly 13808 may be cylindrical in shape and define a channel 13811 which may be dimensioned to receive a tube adapter 13870. See FIG. 163. In various embodiments, the tube adapter 13870 may be slidingly received in friction-fit engagement with the internal channel of elongated shaft 13808. The outer surface of the tube adapter 13870 may further include at least one mechanical interface, e.g., a cutout or notch 13871, oriented to mate with a corresponding mechanical interface, e.g., a radially inwardly extending protrusion or detent (not shown), disposed on the inner periphery of internal channel 13811 to lock the tube adapter 13870 to the elongated shaft 13808. In various embodiments, the distal end of tube adapter 13870 may include a pair of opposing flanges 13872a and 13872b which define a cavity for pivotably receiving a pivot block 13873 therein. Each flange 13872a and 13872b may include an aperture 13874a and 13874b that is oriented to receive a pivot pin 13875 that extends through an aperture in pivot block 13873 to allow pivotable movement of pivot block 13873 about an axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal tool axis “LT-LT”. The channel 13822 may be formed with two upwardly extending flanges 13823a, 13823b that have apertures therein, which are dimensioned to receive a pivot pin 13827. In turn, pivot pin 13875 mounts through apertures in pivot block 13873 to permit rotation of the surgical end effector 13814 about the “Y” axis as needed during a given surgical procedure. Rotation of pivot block 13873 about pin 13875 along “Z” axis rotates the surgical end effector 13814 about the “Z” axis. See FIG. 163. Other methods of fastening the elongated channel 13822 to the pivot block 13873 may be effectively employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.


The surgical staple cartridge 13834 can be assembled and mounted within the elongated channel 13822 during the manufacturing or assembly process and sold as part of the surgical end effector 13812, or the surgical staple cartridge 13834 may be designed for selective mounting within the elongated channel 13822 as needed and sold separately, e.g., as a single use replacement, replaceable or disposable staple cartridge assembly. It is within the scope of this disclosure that the surgical end effector 13812 may be pivotally, operatively, or integrally attached, for example, to distal end 13809 of the elongated shaft assembly 13808 of a disposable surgical stapler. As is known, a used or spent disposable loading unit 13814 can be removed from the elongated shaft assembly 13808 and replaced with an unused disposable unit. The endocutter 13814 may also preferably include an actuator, preferably a dynamic clamping member 13860, a sled 13862, as well as staple pushers (not shown) and staples (not shown) once an unspent or unused cartridge 13834 is mounted in the elongated channel 13822. See FIG. 163.


In various embodiments, the dynamic clamping member 13860 is associated with, e.g., mounted on and rides on, or with or is connected to or integral with and/or rides behind sled 13862. It is envisioned that dynamic clamping member 13860 can have cam wedges or cam surfaces attached or integrally formed or be pushed by a leading distal surface thereof. In various embodiments, dynamic clamping member 13860 may include an upper portion 13863 having a transverse aperture 13864 with a pin 13865 mountable or mounted therein, a central support or upward extension 13866 and substantially T-shaped bottom flange 13867 which cooperate to slidingly retain dynamic clamping member 13860 along an ideal cutting path during longitudinal, distal movement of sled 13862. The leading cutting edge 13868, here, knife blade 13869, is dimensioned to ride within slot 13835 of staple cartridge assembly 13834 and separate tissue once stapled. As used herein, the term “knife assembly” may include the aforementioned dynamic clamping member 13860, knife 13869, and sled 13862 or other knife/beam/sled drive arrangements and cutting instrument arrangements. In addition, the various embodiments of the present invention may be employed with knife assembly/cutting instrument arrangements that may be entirely supported in the staple cartridge 13834 or partially supported in the staple cartridge 13834 and elongated channel 13822 or entirely supported within the elongated channel 13822.


In various embodiments, the dynamic clamping member 13860 may be driven in the proximal and distal directions by a cable drive assembly 13870. In one non-limiting form, the cable drive assembly comprises a pair of advance cables 13880, 13882 and a firing cable 13884. FIGS. 164 and 165 illustrate the cables 13880, 13882, 13884 in diagrammatic form. As can be seen in those Figures, a first advance cable 13880 is operably supported on a first distal cable transition support 13885 which may comprise, for example, a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. that is attached to the distal end of the elongated channel 13822 and a first proximal cable transition support 13886 which may comprise, for example, a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. that is operably supported by the elongated channel 13822. A distal end 13881 of the first advance cable 13880 is affixed to the dynamic clamping assembly 13860. The second advance cable 13882 is operably supported on a second distal cable transition support 13887 which may, for example, comprise a pulley, rod, capstan etc. that is mounted to the distal end of the elongated channel 13822 and a second proximal cable transition support 13888 which may, for example, comprise a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. mounted to the proximal end of the elongated channel 13822. The proximal end 13883 of the second advance cable 13882 may be attached to the dynamic clamping assembly 13860. Also in these embodiments, an endless firing cable 13884 is employed and journaled on a support 13889 that may comprise a pulley, rod, capstan, etc. mounted within the elongated shaft 13808. In one embodiment, the retract cable 13884 may be formed in a loop and coupled to a connector 13889′ that is fixedly attached to the first and second advance cables 13880, 13882.


Various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention include a cable drive transmission 13920 that is operably supported on a tool mounting plate 13902 of the tool mounting portion 13900. The tool mounting portion 13900 has an array of electrical connecting pins 13904 which are configured to interface with the slots 11258 (FIG. 104) in the adapter 11240′. Such arrangement permits the robotic system 11000 to provide control signals to a control circuit 13910 of the tool 13800. While the interface is described herein with reference to mechanical, electrical, and magnetic coupling elements, it should be understood that a wide variety of telemetry modalities might be used, including infrared, inductive coupling, or the like.


Control circuit 13910 is shown in schematic form in FIG. 162. In one form or embodiment, the control circuit 13910 includes a power supply in the form of a battery 13912 that is coupled to an on-off solenoid powered switch 13914. In other embodiments, however, the power supply may comprise a source of alternating current. Control circuit 13910 further includes an on/off solenoid 13916 that is coupled to a double pole switch 13918 for controlling motor rotation direction. Thus, when the robotic system 11000 supplies an appropriate control signal, switch 13914 will permit battery 13912 to supply power to the double pole switch 13918. The robotic system 11000 will also supply an appropriate signal to the double pole switch 13918 to supply power to a shifter motor 13922.


Turning to FIGS. 166-171, at least one embodiment of the cable drive transmission 13920 comprises a drive pulley 13930 that is operably mounted to a drive shaft 13932 that is attached to a driven element 11304 of the type and construction described above that is designed to interface with a corresponding drive element 11250 of the adapter 11240. See FIGS. 104 and 169. Thus, when the tool mounting portion 13900 is operably coupled to the tool holder 11270, the robot system 11000 can apply rotary motion to the drive pulley 13930 in a desired direction. A first drive member or belt 13934 drivingly engages the drive pulley 13930 and a second drive shaft 13936 that is rotatably supported on a shifter yoke 13940. The shifter yoke 13940 is operably coupled to the shifter motor 13922 such that rotation of the shaft 13923 of the shifter motor 13922 in a first direction will shift the shifter yoke in a first direction “FD” and rotation of the shifter motor shaft 13923 in a second direction will shift the shifter yoke 13940 in a second direction “SD”. Other embodiments of the present invention may employ a shifter solenoid arrangement for shifting the shifter yoke in said first and second directions.


As can be seen in FIGS. 166-169, a closure drive gear 13950 mounted to a second drive shaft 13936 and is configured to selectively mesh with a closure drive assembly, generally designated as 13951. Likewise a firing drive gear 13960 is also mounted to the second drive shaft 13936 and is configured to selectively mesh with a firing drive assembly generally designated as 13961. Rotation of the second drive shaft 13936 causes the closure drive gear 13950 and the firing drive gear 13960 to rotate. In one non-limiting embodiment, the closure drive assembly 13951 comprises a closure driven gear 13952 that is coupled to a first closure pulley 13954 that is rotatably supported on a third drive shaft 13956. The closure cable 13850 is drivingly received on the first closure pulley 13954 such that rotation of the closure driven gear 13952 will drive the closure cable 13850. Likewise, the firing drive assembly 13961 comprises a firing driven gear 13962 that is coupled to a first firing pulley 13964 that is rotatably supported on the third drive shaft 13956. The first and second driving pulleys 13954 and 13964 are independently rotatable on the third drive shaft 13956. The firing cable 13884 is drivingly received on the first firing pulley 13964 such that rotation of the firing driven gear 13962 will drive the firing cable 13884.


Also in various embodiments, the cable drive transmission 13920 further includes a braking assembly 13970. In at least one embodiment, for example, the braking assembly 13970 includes a closure brake 13972 that comprises a spring arm 13973 that is attached to a portion of the transmission housing 13971. The closure brake 13972 has a gear lug 13974 that is sized to engage the teeth of the closure driven gear 13952 as will be discussed in further detail below. The braking assembly 13970 further includes a firing brake 13976 that comprises a spring arm 13977 that is attached to another portion of the transmission housing 13971. The firing brake 13976 has a gear lug 13978 that is sized to engage the teeth of the firing driven gear 13962.


At least one embodiment of the surgical tool 13800 may be used as follows. The tool mounting portion 13900 is operably coupled to the interface 11240 of the robotic system 11000. The controller or control unit of the robotic system is operated to locate the tissue to be cut and stapled between the open anvil 13824 and the staple cartridge 13834. When in that initial position, the braking assembly 13970 has locked the closure driven gear 13952 and the firing driven gear 13962 such that they cannot rotate. That is, as shown in FIG. 167, the gear lug 13974 is in locking engagement with the closure driven gear 13952 and the gear lug 13978 is in locking engagement with the firing driven gear 13962. Once the surgical end effector 13814 has been properly located, the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 will provide a control signal to the shifter motor 13922 (or shifter solenoid) to move the shifter yoke 13940 in the first direction. As the shifter yoke 13940 is moved in the first direction, the closure drive gear 13950 moves the gear lug 13974 out of engagement with the closure driven gear 13952 as it moves into meshing engagement with the closure driven gear 13952. As can be seen in FIG. 166, when in that position, the gear lug 13978 remains in locking engagement with the firing driven gear 13962 to prevent actuation of the firing system. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 provides a first rotary actuation motion to the drive pulley 13930 through the interface between the driven element 11304 and the corresponding components of the tool holder 11240. As the drive pulley 13930 is rotated in the first direction, the closure cable 13850 is rotated to drive the preclamping collar 13840 into closing engagement with the cam surface 13825 of the anvil 13824 to move it to the closed position thereby clamping the target tissue between the anvil 13824 and the staple cartridge 13834. See FIG. 162. Once the anvil 13824 has been moved to the closed position, the robotic controller 11001 stops the application of the first rotary motion to the drive pulley 13930. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 may commence the firing process by sending another control signal to the shifter motor 13922 (or shifter solenoid) to cause the shifter yoke to move in the second direction “SD” as shown in FIG. 168. As the shifter yoke 13940 is moved in the second direction, the firing drive gear 13960 moves the gear lug 13978 out of engagement with the firing driven gear 13962 as it moves into meshing engagement with the firing driven gear 13962. As can be seen in FIG. 168, when in that position, the gear lug 13974 remains in locking engagement with the closure driven gear 13952 to prevent actuation of the closure system. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 is activated to provide the first rotary actuation motion to the drive pulley 13930 through the interface between the driven element 11304 and the corresponding components of the tool holder 11240. As the drive pulley 13930 is rotated in the first direction, the firing cable 13884 is rotated to drive the dynamic clamping member 13860 in the distal direction “DD” thereby firing the stapes and cutting the tissue clamped in the end effector 13814. Once the robotic system 11000 determines that the dynamic clamping member 13860 has reached its distal most position—either through sensors or through monitoring the amount of rotary input applied to the drive pulley 13930, the controller 11001 may then apply a second rotary motion to the drive pulley 13930 to rotate the closure cable 13850 in an opposite direction to cause the dynamic clamping member 13860 to be retracted in the proximal direction “PD”. Once the dynamic clamping member has been retracted to the starting position, the application of the second rotary motion to the drive pulley 13930 is discontinued. Thereafter, the shifter motor 13922 (or shifter solenoid) is powered to move the shifter yoke 13940 to the closure position (FIG. 166). Once the closure drive gear 13950 is in meshing engagement with the closure driven gear 13952, the robotic controller 11001 may once again apply the second rotary motion to the drive pulley 13930. Rotation of the drive pulley 13930 in the second direction causes the closure cable 13850 to retract the preclamping collar 13840 out of engagement with the cam surface 13825 of the anvil 13824 to permit the anvil 13824 to move to an open position (by a spring or other means) to release the stapled tissue from the surgical end effector 13814.



FIG. 172 illustrates a surgical tool 14000 that employs a gear driven firing bar 14092 as shown in FIGS. 173-175. This embodiment includes an elongated shaft assembly 14008 that extends from a tool mounting portion 14100. The tool mounting portion 14100 includes a tool mounting plate 14102 that operable supports a transmission arrangement 14103 thereon. The elongated shaft assembly 14008 includes a rotatable proximal closure tube 14010 that is rotatably journaled on a proximal spine member 14020 that is rigidly coupled to the tool mounting plate 14102. The proximal spine member 14020 has a distal end that is coupled to an elongated channel portion 14022 of a surgical end effector 14012. The surgical effector 14012 may be substantially similar to surgical end effector 13412 described above. In addition, the anvil 14024 of the surgical end effector 14012 may be opened and closed by a distal closure tube 14030 that operably interfaces with the proximal closure tube 14010. Distal closure tube 14030 is identical to distal closure tube 13430 described above. Similarly, proximal closure tube 14010 is identical to proximal closure tube segment 13410 described above.


Anvil 14024 is opened and closed by rotating the proximal closure tube 14010 in manner described above with respect to distal closure tube 13410. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement comprises a closure transmission, generally designated as 14011. As will be further discussed below, the closure transmission 14011 is configured to receive a corresponding first rotary motion from the robotic system 11000 and convert that first rotary motion to a primary rotary motion for rotating the rotatable proximal closure tube 14010 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be seen in FIG. 175, a proximal end 14060 of the proximal closure tube 14010 is rotatably supported within a cradle arrangement 14104 that is attached to a tool mounting plate 14102 of the tool mounting portion 14100. A rotation gear 14062 is formed on or attached to the proximal end 14060 of the closure tube segment 14010 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 14070 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 14102. In at least one embodiment, a rotation drive gear 14072 is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 14102 when the tool mounting portion 14100 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 175. The rotation drive assembly 14070 further comprises a rotary driven gear 14074 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 14102 in meshing engagement with the rotation gear 14062 and the rotation drive gear 14072. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 14072 by virtue of being operably coupled thereto. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 14072 ultimately results in the rotation of the closure tube segment 14010 to open and close the anvil 14024 as described above.


As indicated above, the end effector 14012 employs a cutting element 13860 as shown in FIGS. 173 and 174. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the transmission arrangement 14103 further comprises a knife drive transmission that includes a knife drive assembly 14080. FIG. 175 illustrates one form of knife drive assembly 14080 for axially advancing the knife bar 14092 that is attached to such cutting element using cables as described above with respect to surgical tool 13800. In particular, the knife bar 14092 replaces the firing cable 13884 employed in an embodiment of surgical tool 13800. One form of the knife drive assembly 14080 comprises a rotary drive gear 14082 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 14102 when the tool mounting portion 14100 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. See FIGS. 105 and 175. The knife drive assembly 14080 further comprises a first rotary driven gear assembly 14084 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 14102. The first rotary driven gear assembly 14084 is in meshing engagement with a third rotary driven gear assembly 14086 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 14102 and which is in meshing engagement with a fourth rotary driven gear assembly 14088 that is in meshing engagement with a threaded portion 14094 of drive shaft assembly 14090 that is coupled to the knife bar 14092. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 14082 in a second rotary direction will result in the axial advancement of the drive shaft assembly 14090 and knife bar 14092 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 14082 in a secondary rotary direction (opposite to the second rotary direction) will cause the drive shaft assembly 14090 and the knife bar 14092 to move in the proximal direction. Movement of the firing bar 14092 in the proximal direction “PD” will drive the cutting element 31860 in the distal direction “DD”. Conversely, movement of the firing bar 41092 in the distal direction “DD” will result in the movement of the cutting element 13860 in the proximal direction “PD”.



FIGS. 176-182 illustrate yet another surgical tool 15000 that may be effectively employed in connection with a robotic system 11000. In various forms, the surgical tool 15000 includes a surgical end effector 15012 in the form of a surgical stapling instrument that includes an elongated channel 15020 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 15070, which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 15012. As can be seen in FIG. 178, the elongated channel 15020 may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and be fabricated from, for example, titanium, 203 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 416 stainless steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 17-7 stainless steel, 6061 or 7075 aluminum, chromium steel, ceramic, etc. A substantially U-shaped metal channel pan 15022 may be supported in the bottom of the elongated channel 15020 as shown.


Various embodiments include an actuation member in the form of a sled assembly 15030 that is operably supported within the surgical end effector 15012 and axially movable therein between a starting position and an ending position in response to control motions applied thereto. In some forms, the metal channel pan 15022 has a centrally-disposed slot 15024 therein to movably accommodate a base portion 15032 of the sled assembly 15030. The base portion 15032 includes a foot portion 15034 that is sized to be slidably received in a slot 15021 in the elongated channel 15020. See FIG. 178. As can be seen in FIGS. 177, 178, 181, and 182, the base portion 15032 of sled assembly 15030 includes an axially extending threaded bore 15036 that is configured to be threadedly received on a threaded drive shaft 15130 as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the sled assembly 15030 includes an upstanding support portion 15038 that supports a tissue cutting blade or tissue cutting instrument 15040. The upstanding support portion 15038 terminates in a top portion 15042 that has a pair of laterally extending retaining fins 15044 protruding therefrom. As shown in FIG. 178, the fins 15044 are positioned to be received within corresponding slots 15072 in anvil 15070. The fins 15044 and the foot 15034 serve to retain the anvil 15070 in a desired spaced closed position as the sled assembly 15030 is driven distally through the tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 15014. As can also be seen in FIGS. 180 and 182, the sled assembly 15030 further includes a reciprocatably or sequentially activatable drive assembly 15050 for driving staple pushers toward the closed anvil 15070.


More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 178 and 179, the elongated channel 15020 is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 15080 therein. In at least one form, the surgical staple cartridge 15080 comprises a body portion 15082 that may be fabricated from, for example, Vectra, Nylon (6/6 or 6/12) and include a centrally disposed slot 15084 for accommodating the upstanding support portion 15038 of the sled assembly 15030. See FIG. 178. These materials could also be filled with glass, carbon, or mineral fill of 10%-40%. The surgical staple cartridge 15080 further includes a plurality of cavities 15086 for movably supporting lines or rows of staple-supporting pushers 15088 therein. The cavities 15086 may be arranged in spaced longitudinally extending lines or rows 15090, 15092, 15094, 15096. For example, the rows 15090 may be referred to herein as first outboard rows. The rows 15092 may be referred to herein as first inboard rows. The rows 15094 may be referred to as second inboard rows and the rows 15096 may be referred to as second outboard rows. The first inboard row 15090 and the first outboard row 15092 are located on a first lateral side of the longitudinal slot 15084 and the second inboard row 15094 and the second outboard row 15096 are located on a second lateral side of the longitudinal slot 15084. The first staple pushers 15088 in the first inboard row 15092 are staggered in relationship to the first staple pushers 15088 in the first outboard row 15090. Similarly, the second staple pushers 15088 in the second outboard row 15096 are staggered in relationship to the second pushers 15088 in the second inboard row 15094. Each pusher 15088 operably supports a surgical staple 15098 thereon.


In various embodiments, the sequentially-activatable or reciprocatably-activatable drive assembly 15050 includes a pair of outboard drivers 15052 and a pair of inboard drivers 15054 that are each attached to a common shaft 15056 that is rotatably mounted within the base 15032 of the sled assembly 15030. The outboard drivers 15052 are oriented to sequentially or reciprocatingly engage a corresponding plurality of outboard activation cavities 15026 provided in the channel pan 15022. Likewise, the inboard drivers 15054 are oriented to sequentially or reciprocatingly engage a corresponding plurality of inboard activation cavities 15028 provided in the channel pan 15022. The inboard activation cavities 15028 are arranged in a staggered relationship relative to the adjacent outboard activation cavities 15026. See FIG. 179. As can also be seen in FIGS. 179 and 181, in at least one embodiment, the sled assembly 15030 further includes distal wedge segments 15060 and intermediate wedge segments 15062 located on each side of the bore 15036 to engage the pushers 15088 as the sled assembly 15030 is driven distally in the distal direction “DD”. As indicated above, the sled assembly 15030 is threadedly received on a threaded portion 15132 of a drive shaft 15130 that is rotatably supported within the end effector 15012. In various embodiments, for example, the drive shaft 15130 has a distal end 15134 that is supported in a distal bearing 15136 mounted in the surgical end effector 15012. See FIGS. 178 and 179.


In various embodiments, the surgical end effector 15012 is coupled to a tool mounting portion 15200 by an elongated shaft assembly 15108. In at least one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 15200 operably supports a transmission arrangement generally designated as 15204 that is configured to receive rotary output motions from the robotic system. The elongated shaft assembly 15108 includes an outer closure tube 15110 that is rotatable and axially movable on a spine member 15120 that is rigidly coupled to a tool mounting plate 15201 of the tool mounting portion 15200. The spine member 15120 also has a distal end 15122 that is coupled to the elongated channel portion 15020 of the surgical end effector 15012.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 15012 about a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT defined by the elongated shaft assembly 15008. In various embodiments, the outer closure tube 15110 has a proximal end 15112 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 15201 of the tool drive portion 15200 by a forward support cradle 15203. The proximal end 15112 of the outer closure tube 15110 is configured to operably interface with a rotation transmission portion 15206 of the transmission arrangement 15204. In various embodiments, the proximal end 15112 of the outer closure tube 15110 is also supported on a closure sled 15140 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 15201. A closure tube gear segment 15114 is formed on the proximal end 15112 of the outer closure tube 15110 for meshing engagement with a rotation drive assembly 15150 of the rotation transmission 15206. As can be seen in FIG. 176, the rotation drive assembly 15150, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 15152 that is coupled to a corresponding first one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 15201 when the tool drive portion 15200 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The rotation drive assembly 15150 further comprises a rotary driven gear 15154 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 15201 in meshing engagement with the closure tube gear segment 15114 and the rotation drive gear 15152. Application of a first rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 15152. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 15152 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 15108 (and the end effector 15012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT (represented by arrow “R” in FIG. 176).


Closure of the anvil 15070 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 15080 is accomplished by axially moving the outer closure tube 15110 in the distal direction “DD”. Such axial movement of the outer closure tube 15110 may be accomplished by a closure transmission portion 15144 of the transmission arrangement 15204. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end 15112 of the outer closure tube 15110 is supported by the closure sled 15140 which enables the proximal end 15112 to rotate relative thereto, yet travel axially with the closure sled 15140. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 176, the closure sled 15140 has an upstanding tab 15141 that extends into a radial groove 15115 in the proximal end portion 15112 of the outer closure tube 15110. In addition, as was described above, the closure sled 15140 is slidably mounted to the tool mounting plate 15201. In various embodiments, the closure sled 15140 has an upstanding portion 15142 that has a closure rack gear 15143 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 15143 is configured for driving engagement with the closure transmission 15144.


In various forms, the closure transmission 15144 includes a closure spur gear 15145 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 15201. Thus, application of a second rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 15145 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool mounting portion 15200. The closure transmission 15144 further includes a driven closure gear set 15146 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 15145 and the closure rack gear 15143. Thus, application of a second rotary control motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool holder 11270 and the adapter 11240 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 15145 and ultimately drive the closure sled 15140 and the outer closure tube 15110 axially. The axial direction in which the closure tube 15110 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the second driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary closure motion received from the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 15140 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately the outer closure tube 15110 will be driven in the distal direction as well. The outer closure tube 15110 has an opening 15117 in the distal end 15116 that is configured for engagement with a tab 15071 on the anvil 15070 in the manners described above. As the outer closure tube 15110 is driven distally, the proximal end 15116 of the closure tube 15110 will contact the anvil 15070 and pivot it closed. Upon application of an “opening” rotary motion from the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 15140 and outer closure tube 15110 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” and pivot the anvil 15070 to the open position in the manners described above.


In at least one embodiment, the drive shaft 15130 has a proximal end 15137 that has a proximal shaft gear 15138 attached thereto. The proximal shaft gear 15138 is supported in meshing engagement with a distal drive gear 15162 attached to a rotary drive bar 15160 that is rotatably supported with spine member 15120. Rotation of the rotary drive bar 15160 and ultimately rotary drive shaft 15130 is controlled by a rotary knife transmission 15207 which comprises a portion of the transmission arrangement 15204 supported on the tool mounting plate 15210. In various embodiments, the rotary knife transmission 15207 comprises a rotary knife drive system 15170 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 15201. In various embodiments, the knife drive system 15170 includes a rotary drive gear 15172 that is coupled to a corresponding third one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side of the tool mounting plate 15201 when the tool drive portion 15200 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. The knife drive system 15170 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 15174 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 15201 in meshing engagement with a second rotary driven gear 15176 and the rotary drive gear 15172. The second rotary driven gear 15176 is coupled to a proximal end portion 15164 of the rotary drive bar 15160.


Rotation of the rotary drive gear 15172 in a first rotary direction will result in the rotation of the rotary drive bar 15160 and rotary drive shaft 15130 in a first direction. Conversely, rotation of the rotary drive gear 15172 in a second rotary direction (opposite to the first rotary direction) will cause the rotary drive bar 15160 and rotary drive shaft 15130 to rotate in a second direction.


One method of operating the surgical tool 15000 will now be described. The tool drive 15200 is operably coupled to the interface 11240 of the robotic system 11000. The controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 is operated to locate the tissue to be cut and stapled between the open anvil 15070 and the surgical staple cartridge 15080. Once the surgical end effector 15012 has been positioned by the robot system 11000 such that the target tissue is located between the anvil 15070 and the surgical staple cartridge 15080, the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 may be activated to apply the second rotary output motion to the second driven element 11304 coupled to the closure spur gear 15145 to drive the closure sled 15140 and the outer closure tube 15110 axially in the distal direction to pivot the anvil 15070 closed in the manner described above. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the anvil 15070 has been closed by, for example, sensors in the surgical end effector 15012 and/or the tool drive portion 15200, the robotic controller 11001 system may provide the surgeon with an indication that signifies the closure of the anvil. Such indication may be, for example, in the form of a light and/or audible sound, tactile feedback on the control members, etc. Then the surgeon may initiate the firing process. In alternative embodiments, however, the robotic controller 11001 may automatically commence the firing process.


To commence the firing process, the robotic controller applies a third rotary output motion to the third driven disc or element 11304 coupled to the rotary drive gear 15172. Rotation of the rotary drive gear 15172 results in the rotation of the rotary drive bar 15160 and rotary drive shaft 15130 in the manner described above. Firing and formation of the surgical staples 15098 can be best understood from reference to FIGS. 177, 179, and 180. As the sled assembly 15030 is driven in the distal direction “DD” through the surgical staple cartridge 15080, the distal wedge segments 15060 first contact the staple pushers 15088 and start to move them toward the closed anvil 15070. As the sled assembly 15030 continues to move distally, the outboard drivers 15052 will drop into the corresponding activation cavity 15026 in the channel pan 15022. The opposite end of each outboard driver 15052 will then contact the corresponding outboard pusher 15088 that has moved up the distal and intermediate wedge segments 15060, 15062. Further distal movement of the sled assembly 15030 causes the outboard drivers 15052 to rotate and drive the corresponding pushers 15088 toward the anvil 15070 to cause the staples 15098 supported thereon to be formed as they are driven into the anvil 15070. It will be understood that as the sled assembly 15030 moves distally, the knife blade 15040 cuts through the tissue that is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. Because the inboard drivers 15054 and outboard drivers 15052 are attached to the same shaft 15056 and the inboard drivers 15054 are radially offset from the outboard drivers 15052 on the shaft 15056, as the outboard drivers 15052 are driving their corresponding pushers 15088 toward the anvil 15070, the inboard drivers 15054 drop into their next corresponding activation cavity 15028 to cause them to rotatably or reciprocatingly drive the corresponding inboard pushers 15088 towards the closed anvil 15070 in the same manner. Thus, the laterally corresponding outboard staples 15098 on each side of the centrally disposed slot 15084 are simultaneously formed together and the laterally corresponding inboard staples 15098 on each side of the slot 15084 are simultaneously formed together as the sled assembly 15030 is driven distally. Once the robotic controller 11001 determines that the sled assembly 15030 has reached its distal most position—either through sensors or through monitoring the amount of rotary input applied to the drive shaft 15130 and/or the rotary drive bar 15160, the controller 11001 may then apply a third rotary output motion to the drive shaft 15130 to rotate the drive shaft 15130 in an opposite direction to retract the sled assembly 15030 back to its starting position. Once the sled assembly 15030 has been retracted to the starting position (as signaled by sensors in the end effector 15012 and/or the tool drive portion 15200), the application of the second rotary motion to the drive shaft 15130 is discontinued. Thereafter, the surgeon may manually activate the anvil opening process or it may be automatically commenced by the robotic controller 11001. To open the anvil 15070, the second rotary output motion is applied to the closure spur gear 15145 to drive the closure sled 15140 and the outer closure tube 15110 axially in the proximal direction. As the closure tube 15110 moves proximally, the opening 15117 in the distal end 15116 of the closure tube 15110 contacts the tab 15071 on the anvil 15070 to pivot the anvil 15070 to the open position. A spring may also be employed to bias the anvil 15070 to the open position when the closure tube 15116 has been returned to the starting position. Again, sensors in the surgical end effector 15012 and/or the tool mounting portion 15200 may provide the robotic controller 11001 with a signal indicating that the anvil 15070 is now open. Thereafter, the surgical end effector 15012 may be withdrawn from the surgical site.



FIGS. 183-188 diagrammatically depict the sequential firing of staples in a surgical tool assembly 15000′ that is substantially similar to the surgical tool assembly 15000 described above. In this embodiment, the inboard and outboard drivers 15052′, 15054′ have a cam-like shape with a cam surface 15053 and an actuator protrusion 15055 as shown in FIGS. 183-189. The drivers 15052′, 15054′ are journaled on the same shaft 15056′ that is rotatably supported by the sled assembly 15030′. In this embodiment, the sled assembly 15030′ has distal wedge segments 15060′ for engaging the pushers 15088. FIG. 183 illustrates an initial position of two inboard or outboard drivers 15052′, 15054′ as the sled assembly 15030′ is driven in the distal direction “DD”. As can be seen in that Figure, the pusher 15088a has advanced up the wedge segment 15060′ and has contacted the driver 15052′, 15054′. Further travel of the sled assembly 15030′ in the distal direction causes the driver 15052′, 15054′ to pivot in the “P” direction (FIG. 184) until the actuator portion 15055 contacts the end wall 15029a of the activation cavity 15026, 15028 as shown in FIG. 185. Continued advancement of the sled assembly 15030′ in the distal direction “DD” causes the driver 15052′, 15054′ to rotate in the “D” direction as shown in FIG. 186. As the driver 15052′, 15054′ rotates, the pusher 15088a rides up the cam surface 15053 to the final vertical position shown in FIG. 187. When the pusher 15088a reaches the final vertical position shown in FIGS. 187 and 188, the staple (not shown) supported thereon has been driven into the staple forming surface of the anvil to form the staple.



FIGS. 190-195 illustrate a surgical end effector 15312 that may be employed for example, in connection with the tool mounting portion 11300 and shaft 12008 described in detail above. In various forms, the surgical end effector 15312 includes an elongated channel 15322 that is constructed as described above for supporting a surgical staple cartridge 15330 therein. The surgical staple cartridge 15330 comprises a body portion 15332 that includes a centrally disposed slot 15334 for accommodating an upstanding support portion 15386 of a sled assembly 15380. See FIGS. 190-192. The surgical staple cartridge body portion 15332 further includes a plurality of cavities 15336 for movably supporting staple-supporting pushers 15350 therein. The cavities 15336 may be arranged in spaced longitudinally extending rows 15340, 15342, 15344, 15346. The rows 15340, 15342 are located on one lateral side of the longitudinal slot 15334 and the rows 15344, 15346 are located on the other side of longitudinal slot 15334. In at least one embodiment, the pushers 15350 are configured to support two surgical staples 15352 thereon. In particular, each pusher 15350 located on one side of the elongated slot 15334 supports one staple 15352 in row 15340 and one staple 15352 in row 15342 in a staggered orientation. Likewise, each pusher 15350 located on the other side of the elongated slot 15334 supports one surgical staple 15352 in row 15344 and another surgical staple 15352 in row 15346 in a staggered orientation. Thus, every pusher 15350 supports two surgical staples 15352.


As can be further seen in FIGS. 190, 191, the surgical staple cartridge 15330 includes a plurality of rotary drivers 15360. More particularly, the rotary drivers 15360 on one side of the elongated slot 15334 are arranged in a single line 15370 and correspond to the pushers 15350 in lines 15340, 15342. In addition, the rotary drivers 15360 on the other side of the elongated slot 15334 are arranged in a single line 15372 and correspond to the pushers 15350 in lines 15344, 15346. As can be seen in FIG. 190, each rotary driver 15360 is rotatably supported within the staple cartridge body 15332. More particularly, each rotary driver 15360 is rotatably received on a corresponding driver shaft 15362. Each driver 15360 has an arcuate ramp portion 15364 formed thereon that is configured to engage an arcuate lower surface 15354 formed on each pusher 15350. See FIG. 195. In addition, each driver 15360 has a lower support portion 15366 extend therefrom to slidably support the pusher 15360 on the channel 15322. Each driver 15360 has a downwardly extending actuation rod 15368 that is configured for engagement with a sled assembly 15380.


As can be seen in FIG. 192, in at least one embodiment, the sled assembly 15380 includes a base portion 15382 that has a foot portion 15384 that is sized to be slidably received in a slot 15333 in the channel 15322. See FIG. 190. The sled assembly 15380 includes an upstanding support portion 15386 that supports a tissue cutting blade or tissue cutting instrument 15388. The upstanding support portion 15386 terminates in a top portion 15390 that has a pair of laterally extending retaining fins 15392 protruding therefrom. The fins 15392 are positioned to be received within corresponding slots (not shown) in the anvil (not shown). As with the above-described embodiments, the fins 15392 and the foot portion 15384 serve to retain the anvil (not shown) in a desired spaced closed position as the sled assembly 15380 is driven distally through the tissue clamped within the surgical end effector 15312. The upstanding support portion 15386 is configured for attachment to a knife bar 12200 (FIG. 111). The sled assembly 15380 further has a horizontally-extending actuator plate 15394 that is shaped for actuating engagement with each of the actuation rods 15368 on the pushers 15360.


Operation of the surgical end effector 15312 will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 190 and 191. As the sled assembly 15380 is driven in the distal direction “DD” through the staple cartridge 15330, the actuator plate 15394 sequentially contacts the actuation rods 15368 on the pushers 15360. As the sled assembly 15380 continues to move distally, the actuator plate 15394 sequentially contacts the actuator rods 15368 of the drivers 15360 on each side of the elongated slot 15334. Such action causes the drivers 15360 to rotate from a first unactuated position to an actuated portion wherein the pushers 15350 are driven towards the closed anvil. As the pushers 15350 are driven toward the anvil, the surgical staples 15352 thereon are driven into forming contact with the underside of the anvil. Once the robotic system 11000 determines that the sled assembly 15080 has reached its distal most position through sensors or other means, the control system of the robotic system 11000 may then retract the knife bar and sled assembly 15380 back to the starting position. Thereafter, the robotic control system may then activate the procedure for returning the anvil to the open position to release the stapled tissue.



FIGS. 196-200 depict one form of an automated reloading system embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 15500. In one form, the automated reloading system 15500 is configured to replace a “spent” surgical end effector component in a manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic surgical system with a “new” surgical end effector component. As used herein, the term “surgical end effector component” may comprise, for example, a surgical staple cartridge, a disposable loading unit or other end effector components that, when used, are spent and must be replaced with a new component. Furthermore, the term “spent” means that the end effector component has been activated and is no longer useable for its intended purpose in its present state. For example, in the context of a surgical staple cartridge or disposable loading unit, the term “spent” means that at least some of the unformed staples that were previously supported therein have been “fired” therefrom. As used herein, the term “new” surgical end effector component refers to an end effector component that is in condition for its intended use. In the context of a surgical staple cartridge or disposable loading unit, for example, the term “new” refers to such a component that has unformed staples therein and which is otherwise ready for use.


In various embodiments, the automated reloading system 15500 includes a base portion 15502 that may be strategically located within a work envelope 11109 of a robotic arm cart 11100 (FIG. 97) of a robotic system 11000. As used herein, the term “manipulatable surgical tool portion” collectively refers to a surgical tool of the various types disclosed herein and other forms of surgical robotically-actuated tools that are operably attached to, for example, a robotic arm cart 11100 or similar device that is configured to automatically manipulate and actuate the surgical tool. The term “work envelope” as used herein refers to the range of movement of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of the robotic system. FIG. 97 generally depicts an area that may comprise a work envelope of the robotic arm cart 11100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shape and size of the work envelope depicted therein is merely illustrative. The ultimate size, shape and location of a work envelope will ultimately depend upon the construction, range of travel limitations, and location of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. Thus, the term “work envelope” as used herein is intended to cover a variety of different sizes and shapes of work envelopes and should not be limited to the specific size and shape of the sample work envelope depicted in FIG. 97.


As can be seen in FIG. 196, the base portion 15502 includes a new component support section or arrangement 15510 that is configured to operably support at least one new surgical end effector component in a “loading orientation”. As used herein, the term “loading orientation” means that the new end effector component is supported in such away so as to permit the corresponding component support portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion to be brought into loading engagement with (i.e., operably seated or operably attached to) the new end effector component (or the new end effector component to be brought into loading engagement with the corresponding component support portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion) without human intervention beyond that which may be necessary to actuate the robotic system. As will be further appreciated as the present Detailed Description proceeds, in at least one embodiment, the preparation nurse will load the new component support section before the surgery with the appropriate length and color cartridges (some surgical staple cartridges may support certain sizes of staples the size of which may be indicated by the color of the cartridge body) required for completing the surgical procedure. However, no direct human interaction is necessary during the surgery to reload the robotic endocutter. In one form, the surgical end effector component comprises a staple cartridge 12034 that is configured to be operably seated within a component support portion (elongated channel) of any of the various other end effector arrangements described above. For explanation purposes, new (unused) cartridges will be designated as “12034a” and spent cartridges will be designated as “12034b”. The Figures depict cartridges 12034a, 12034b designed for use with a surgical end effector 12012 that includes a channel 12022 and an anvil 12024, the construction and operation of which were discussed in detail above. Cartridges 12034a, 12034b are identical to cartridges 12034 described above. In various embodiments, the cartridges 12034a, 12034b are configured to be snappingly retained (i.e., loading engagement) within the channel 12022 of a surgical end effector 12012. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the unique and novel features of the automated cartridge reloading system 15500 may be effectively employed in connection with the automated removal and installation of other cartridge arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.


In the depicted embodiment, the term “loading orientation” means that the distal tip portion 12035a of the a new surgical staple cartridge 12034a is inserted into a corresponding support cavity 15512 in the new cartridge support section 15510 such that the proximal end portion 12037a of the new surgical staple cartridge 12034a is located in a convenient orientation for enabling the arm cart 11100 to manipulate the surgical end effector 12012 into a position wherein the new cartridge 12034a may be automatically loaded into the channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. In various embodiments, the base 15502 includes at least one sensor 15504 which communicates with the control system 11003 of the robotic controller 11001 to provide the control system 11003 with the location of the base 15502 and/or the reload length and color doe each staged or new cartridge 12034a.


As can also be seen in the Figures, the base 15502 further includes a collection receptacle 15520 that is configured to collect spent cartridges 12034b that have been removed or disengaged from the surgical end effector 12012 that is operably attached to the robotic system 11000. In addition, in one form, the automated reloading system 15500 includes an extraction system 15530 for automatically removing the spent end effector component from the corresponding support portion of the end effector or manipulatable surgical tool portion without specific human intervention beyond that which may be necessary to activate the robotic system. In various embodiments, the extraction system 15530 includes an extraction hook member 15532. In one form, for example, the extraction hook member 15532 is rigidly supported on the base portion 15502. In one embodiment, the extraction hook member has at least one hook 5534 formed thereon that is configured to hookingly engage the distal end 12035 of a spent cartridge 12034b when it is supported in the elongated channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. In various forms, the extraction hook member 15532 is conveniently located within a portion of the collection receptacle 15520 such that when the spent end effector component (cartridge 12034b) is brought into extractive engagement with the extraction hook member 15532, the spent end effector component (cartridge 12034b) is dislodged from the corresponding component support portion (elongated channel 12022), and falls into the collection receptacle 15020. Thus, to use this embodiment, the manipulatable surgical tool portion manipulates the end effector attached thereto to bring the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b therein into hooking engagement with the hook 15534 and then moves the end effector in such a way to dislodge the spent cartridge 12034b from the elongated channel 12022.


In other arrangements, the extraction hook member 15532 comprises a rotatable wheel configuration that has a pair of diametrically-opposed hooks 15334 protruding therefrom. See FIGS. 196 and 199. The extraction hook member 15532 is rotatably supported within the collection receptacle 15520 and is coupled to an extraction motor 15540 that is controlled by the controller 11001 of the robotic system. This form of the automated reloading system 15500 may be used as follows. FIG. 198 illustrates the introduction of the surgical end effector 12012 that is operably attached to the manipulatable surgical tool portion 11200. As can be seen in that Figure, the arm cart 11100 of the robotic system 11000 locates the surgical end effector 12012 in the shown position wherein the hook end 15534 of the extraction member 15532 hookingly engages the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b in the surgical end effector 12012. The anvil 12024 of the surgical end effector 12012 is in the open position. After the distal end 12035 of the spent cartridge 12034b is engaged with the hook end 15532, the extraction motor 15540 is actuated to rotate the extraction wheel 15532 to disengage the spent cartridge 12034b from the channel 12022. To assist with the disengagement of the spent cartridge 12034b from the channel 12022 (or if the extraction member 15530 is stationary), the robotic system 11000 may move the surgical end effector 12012 in an upward direction (arrow “U” in FIG. 199). As the spent cartridge 12034b is dislodged from the channel 12022, the spent cartridge 12034b falls into the collection receptacle 15520. Once the spent cartridge 12034b has been removed from the surgical end effector 12012, the robotic system 11000 moves the surgical end effector 12012 to the position shown in FIG. 200.


In various embodiments, a sensor arrangement 15533 is located adjacent to the extraction member 15532 that is in communication with the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000. The sensor arrangement 15533 may comprise a sensor that is configured to sense the presence of the surgical end effector 12012 and, more particularly the tip 12035b of the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b thereof as the distal tip portion 12035b is brought into engagement with the extraction member 15532. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 15533 may comprise, for example, a light curtain arrangement. However, other forms of proximity sensors may be employed. In such arrangement, when the surgical end effector 12012 with the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b is brought into extractive engagement with the extraction member 15532, the sensor senses the distal tip 12035b of the surgical staple cartridge 12034b (e.g., the light curtain is broken). When the extraction member 15532 spins and pops the surgical staple cartridge 12034b loose and it falls into the collection receptacle 15520, the light curtain is again unbroken. Because the surgical end effector 12012 was not moved during this procedure, the robotic controller 11001 is assured that the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b has been removed therefrom. Other sensor arrangements may also be successfully employed to provide the robotic controller 11001 with an indication that the spent surgical staple cartridge 12034b has been removed from the surgical end effector 12012.


As can be seen in FIG. 200, the surgical end effector 12012 is positioned to grasp a new surgical staple cartridge 12034a between the channel 12022 and the anvil 12024. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 197 and 200, each cavity 11512 has a corresponding upstanding pressure pad 15514 associated with it. The surgical end effector 12012 is located such that the pressure pad 15514 is located between the new cartridge 12034a and the anvil 12024. Once in that position, the robotic system 11000 closes the anvil 12024 onto the pressure pad 15514 which serves to push the new cartridge 12034a into snapping engagement with the channel 12022 of the surgical end effector 12012. Once the new cartridge 12034a has been snapped into position within the elongated channel 12022, the robotic system 11000 then withdraws the surgical end effector 12012 from the automated cartridge reloading system 15500 for use in connection with performing another surgical procedure.



FIGS. 201-205 depict another automated reloading system 15600 that may be used to remove a spent disposable loading unit 13612 from a manipulatable surgical tool arrangement 13600 (FIGS. 148-161) that is operably attached to an arm cart 11100 or other portion of a robotic system 11000 and reload a new disposable loading unit 13612 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 201 and 202, one form of the automated reloading system 15600 includes a housing 15610 that has a movable support assembly in the form of a rotary carrousel top plate 15620 supported thereon which cooperates with the housing 15610 to form a hollow enclosed area 15612. The automated reloading system 15600 is configured to be operably supported within the work envelop of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic system as was described above. In various embodiments, the rotary carrousel plate 15620 has a plurality of holes 15622 for supporting a plurality of orientation tubes 15660 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 202 and 203, the rotary carrousel plate 15620 is affixed to a spindle shaft 15624. The spindle shaft 15624 is centrally disposed within the enclosed area 15612 and has a spindle gear 15626 attached thereto. The spindle gear 15626 is in meshing engagement with a carrousel drive gear 15628 that is coupled to a carrousel drive motor 15630 that is in operative communication with the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000.


Various embodiments of the automated reloading system 15600 may also include a carrousel locking assembly, generally designated as 15640. In various forms, the carrousel locking assembly 15640 includes a cam disc 15642 that is affixed to the spindle shaft 15624. The spindle gear 15626 may be attached to the underside of the cam disc 15642 and the cam disc 15642 may be keyed onto the spindle shaft 15624. In alternative arrangements, the spindle gear 15626 and the cam disc 15642 may be independently non-rotatably affixed to the spindle shaft 15624. As can be seen in FIGS. 202 and 203, a plurality of notches 15644 are spaced around the perimeter of the cam disc 15642. A locking arm 15648 is pivotally mounted within the housing 15610 and is biased into engagement with the perimeter of the cam disc 15642 by a locking spring 15649. As can be seen in FIG. 201, the outer perimeter of the cam disc 15642 is rounded to facilitate rotation of the cam disc 15642 relative to the locking arm 15648. The edges of each notch 15644 are also rounded such that when the cam disc 15642 is rotated, the locking arm 15648 is cammed out of engagement with the notches 15644 by the perimeter of the cam disc 15642.


Various forms of the automated reloading system 15600 are configured to support a portable/replaceable tray assembly 15650 that is configured to support a plurality of disposable loading units 13612 in individual orientation tubes 15660. More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 202 and 203, the replaceable tray assembly 15650 comprises a tray 15652 that has a centrally-disposed locator spindle 15654 protruding from the underside thereof. The locator spindle 15654 is sized to be received within a hollow end 15625 of spindle shaft 15624. The tray 15652 has a plurality of holes 15656 therein that are configured to support an orientation tube 15660 therein. Each orientation tube 15660 is oriented within a corresponding hole 15656 in the replaceable tray assembly 15650 in a desired orientation by a locating fin 15666 on the orientation tube 15660 that is designed to be received within a corresponding locating slot 15658 in the tray assembly 15650. In at least one embodiment, the locating fin 15666 has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is sized to fit within a V-shaped locating slot 15658. Such arrangement serves to orient the orientation tube 15660 in a desired starting position while enabling it to rotate within the hole 15656 when a rotary motion is applied thereto. That is, when a rotary motion is applied to the orientation tube 15660 the V-shaped locating fin 15666 will pop out of its corresponding locating slot enabling the tube 15660 to rotate relative to the tray 15652 as will be discussed in further detail below. As can also be seen in FIGS. 201-203, the replaceable tray 15652 may be provided with one or more handle portions 15653 to facilitate transport of the tray assembly 15652 when loaded with orientation tubes 15660.


As can be seen in FIG. 205, each orientation tube 15660 comprises a body portion 15662 that has a flanged open end 15664. The body portion 15662 defines a cavity 15668 that is sized to receive a portion of a disposable loading unit 13612 therein. To properly orient the disposable loading unit 13612 within the orientation tube 15660, the cavity 15668 has a flat locating surface 15670 formed therein. As can be seen in FIG. 205, the flat locating surface 15670 is configured to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit into the cavity 15668 in a desired or predetermined non-rotatable orientation. In addition, the end 15669 of the cavity 15668 may include a foam or cushion material 15672 that is designed to cushion the distal end of the disposable loading unit 13612 within the cavity 15668. Also, the length of the locating surface may cooperate with a sliding support member 13689 of the axial drive assembly 13680 of the disposable loading unit 13612 to further locate the disposable loading unit 13612 at a desired position within the orientation tube 15660.


The orientation tubes 15660 may be fabricated from Nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, liquid crystal polymer, 6061 or 7075 aluminum, titanium, 300 or 400 series stainless steel, coated or painted steel, plated steel, etc. and, when loaded in the replaceable tray 15662 and the locator spindle 15654 is inserted into the hollow end 15625 of spindle shaft 15624, the orientation tubes 15660 extend through corresponding holes 15662 in the carrousel top plate 15620. Each replaceable tray 15662 is equipped with a location sensor 15663 that communicates with the control system 11003 of the controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000. The sensor 15663 serves to identify the location of the reload system, and the number, length, color and fired status of each reload housed in the tray. In addition, an optical sensor or sensors 15665 that communicate with the robotic controller 11001 may be employed to sense the type/size/length of disposable loading units that are loaded within the tray 15662.


Various embodiments of the automated reloading system 15600 further include a drive assembly 15680 for applying a rotary motion to the orientation tube 15660 holding the disposable loading unit 13612 to be attached to the shaft 13700 of the surgical tool 13600 (collectively the “manipulatable surgical tool portion”) that is operably coupled to the robotic system. The drive assembly 15680 includes a support yoke 15682 that is attached to the locking arm 15648. Thus, the support yoke 15682 pivots with the locking arm 15648. The support yoke 15682 rotatably supports a tube idler wheel 15684 and a tube drive wheel 15686 that is driven by a tube motor 15688 attached thereto. Tube motor 15688 communicates with the control system 11003 and is controlled thereby. The tube idler wheel 15684 and tube drive wheel 15686 are fabricated from, for example, natural rubber, sanoprene, isoplast, etc. such that the outer surfaces thereof create sufficient amount of friction to result in the rotation of an orientation tube 15660 in contact therewith upon activation of the tube motor 15688. The idler wheel 15684 and tube drive wheel 15686 are oriented relative to each other to create a cradle area 15687 therebetween for receiving an orientation tube 15060 in driving engagement therein.


In use, one or more of the orientation tubes 15660 loaded in the automated reloading system 15600 are left empty, while the other orientation tubes 15660 may operably support a corresponding new disposable loading unit 13612 therein. As will be discussed in further detail below, the empty orientation tubes 15660 are employed to receive a spent disposable loading unit 13612 therein.


The automated reloading system 15600 may be employed as follows after the system 15600 is located within the work envelope of the manipulatable surgical tool portion of a robotic system. If the manipulatable surgical tool portion has a spent disposable loading unit 13612 operably coupled thereto, one of the orientation tubes 15660 that are supported on the replaceable tray 15662 is left empty to receive the spent disposable loading unit 13612 therein. If, however, the manipulatable surgical tool portion does not have a disposable loading unit 13612 operably coupled thereto, each of the orientation tubes 15660 may be provided with a properly oriented new disposable loading unit 13612.


As described hereinabove, the disposable loading unit 13612 employs a rotary “bayonet-type” coupling arrangement for operably coupling the disposable loading unit 13612 to a corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. That is, to attach a disposable loading unit 13612 to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion (13700—see FIG. 154,155), a rotary installation motion must be applied to the disposable loading unit 13612 and/or the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion when those components have been moved into loading engagement with each other. Such installation motions are collectively referred to herein as “loading motions”. Likewise, to decouple a spent disposable loading unit 13612 from the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool, a rotary decoupling motion must be applied to the spent disposable loading unit 13612 and/or the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion while simultaneously moving the spent disposable loading unit and the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool away from each other. Such decoupling motions are collectively referred to herein as “extraction motions”.


To commence the loading process, the robotic system 11000 is activated to manipulate the manipulatable surgical tool portion and/or the automated reloading system 15600 to bring the manipulatable surgical tool portion into loading engagement with the new disposable loading unit 13612 that is supported in the orientation tube 15660 that is in driving engagement with the drive assembly 15680. Once the robotic controller 11001 (FIG. 96) of the robotic control system 11000 has located the manipulatable surgical tool portion in loading engagement with the new disposable loading unit 13612, the robotic controller 11001 activates the drive assembly 15680 to apply a rotary loading motion to the orientation tube 15660 in which the new disposable loading unit 13612 is supported and/or applies another rotary loading motion to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. Upon application of such rotary loading motions(s), the robotic controller 11001 also causes the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion to be moved towards the new disposable loading unit 13612 into loading engagement therewith. Once the disposable loading unit 13612 is in loading engagement with the corresponding portion of the manipulatable tool portion, the loading motions are discontinued and the manipulatable surgical tool portion may be moved away from the automated reloading system 15600 carrying with it the new disposable loading unit 13612 that has been operably coupled thereto.


To decouple a spent disposable loading unit 13612 from a corresponding manipulatable surgical tool portion, the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system manipulates the manipulatable surgical tool portion so as to insert the distal end of the spent disposable loading unit 13612 into the empty orientation tube 15660 that remains in driving engagement with the drive assembly 15680. Thereafter, the robotic controller 11001 activates the drive assembly 15680 to apply a rotary extraction motion to the orientation tube 15660 in which the spent disposable loading unit 13612 is supported and/or applies a rotary extraction motion to the corresponding portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. The robotic controller 11001 also causes the manipulatable surgical tool portion to withdraw away from the spent rotary disposable loading unit 13612. Thereafter the rotary extraction motion(s) are discontinued.


After the spent disposable loading unit 13612 has been removed from the manipulatable surgical tool portion, the robotic controller 11001 may activate the carrousel drive motor 15630 to index the carrousel top plate 15620 to bring another orientation tube 15660 that supports a new disposable loading unit 13612 therein into driving engagement with the drive assembly 15680. Thereafter, the loading process may be repeated to attach the new disposable loading unit 13612 therein to the portion of the manipulatable surgical tool portion. The robotic controller 11001 may record the number of disposable loading units that have been used from a particular replaceable tray 15652. Once the controller 11001 determines that all of the new disposable loading units 13612 have been used from that tray, the controller 11001 may provide the surgeon with a signal (visual and/or audible) indicating that the tray 15652 supporting all of the spent disposable loading units 13612 must be replaced with a new tray 15652 containing new disposable loading units 13612.



FIGS. 206-211 depict another non-limiting embodiment of a surgical tool 16000 of the present invention that is well-adapted for use with a robotic system 11000 that has a tool drive assembly 11010 (FIG. 101) that is operatively coupled to a master controller 11001 that is operable by inputs from an operator (i.e., a surgeon). As can be seen in FIG. 206, the surgical tool 16000 includes a surgical end effector 16012 that comprises an endocutter. In at least one form, the surgical tool 16000 generally includes an elongated shaft assembly 16008 that has a proximal closure tube 16040 and a distal closure tube 16042 that are coupled together by an articulation joint 16100. The surgical tool 16000 is operably coupled to the manipulator by a tool mounting portion, generally designated as 16200. The surgical tool 16000 further includes an interface 16030 which may mechanically and electrically couple the tool mounting portion 16200 to the manipulator in the various manners described in detail above.


In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool 16000 includes a surgical end effector 16012 that comprises, among other things, at least one component 16024 that is selectively movable between first and second positions relative to at least one other component 16022 in response to various control motions applied to component 16024 as will be discussed in further detail below to perform a surgical procedure. In various embodiments, component 16022 comprises an elongated channel 16022 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 16034 therein and component 16024 comprises a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 16024. Various embodiments of the surgical end effector 16012 are configured to maintain the anvil 16024 and elongated channel 16022 at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 16012. Unless otherwise stated, the end effector 16012 is similar to the surgical end effector 12012 described above and includes a cutting instrument (not shown) and a sled (not shown). The anvil 16024 may include a tab 16027 at its proximal end that interacts with a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to facilitate the opening of the anvil 16024. The elongated channel 16022 and the anvil 16024 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of an antenna that communicates with sensor(s) in the end effector, as described above. The surgical staple cartridge 16034 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the surgical staple cartridge 16034, as was also described above.


As can be seen in FIG. 206, the surgical end effector 16012 is attached to the tool mounting portion 16200 by the elongated shaft assembly 16008 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft assembly 16008 includes an articulation joint generally designated as 16100 that enables the surgical end effector 16012 to be selectively articulated about a first tool articulation axis AA1-AA1 that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal tool axis LT-LT and a second tool articulation axis AA2-AA2 that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT as well as the first articulation axis AA1-AA1. See FIG. 207. In various embodiments, the elongated shaft assembly 16008 includes a closure tube assembly 16009 that comprises a proximal closure tube 16040 and a distal closure tube 16042 that are pivotably linked by a pivot links 16044 and 16046. The closure tube assembly 16009 is movably supported on a spine assembly generally designated as 16102.


As can be seen in FIG. 208, the proximal closure tube 16040 is pivotally linked to an intermediate closure tube joint 16043 by an upper pivot link 16044U and a lower pivot link 16044L such that the intermediate closure tube joint 16043 is pivotable relative to the proximal closure tube 16040 about a first closure axis CA1-CA1 and a second closure axis CA2-CA2. In various embodiments, the first closure axis CA1-CA1 is substantially parallel to the second closure axis CA2-CA2 and both closure axes CA1-CA1, CA2-CA2 are substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. As can be further seen in FIG. 208, the intermediate closure tube joint 16043 is pivotally linked to the distal closure tube 16042 by a left pivot link 16046L and a right pivot link 16046R such that the intermediate closure tube joint 16043 is pivotable relative to the distal closure tube 16042 about a third closure axis CA3-CA3 and a fourth closure axis CA4-CA4. In various embodiments, the third closure axis CA3-CA3 is substantially parallel to the fourth closure axis CA4-CA4 and both closure axes CA3-CA3, CA4-CA4 are substantially transverse to the first and second closure axes CA1-CA1, CA2-CA2 as well as to longitudinal tool axis LT-LT.


The closure tube assembly 16009 is configured to axially slide on the spine assembly 16102 in response to actuation motions applied thereto. The distal closure tube 16042 includes an opening 16045 which interfaces with the tab 16027 on the anvil 16024 to facilitate opening of the anvil 16024 as the distal closure tube 16042 is moved axially in the proximal direction “PD”. The closure tubes 16040, 16042 may be made of electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna, as described above. Components of the spine assembly 16102 may be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic).


As indicated above, the surgical tool 16000 includes a tool mounting portion 16200 that is configured for operable attachment to the tool mounting assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 in the various manners described in detail above. As can be seen in FIG. 210, the tool mounting portion 16200 comprises a tool mounting plate 16202 that operably supports a transmission arrangement 16204 thereon. In various embodiments, the transmission arrangement 16204 includes an articulation transmission 16142 that comprises a portion of an articulation system 16140 for articulating the surgical end effector 16012 about a first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 and a second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2. The first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 is substantially transverse to the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2 and both of the first and second tool articulation axes are substantially transverse to the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. See FIG. 207.


To facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector 16012 about the first and second tool articulation axes TA1-TA1, TA2-TA2, the spine assembly 16102 comprises a proximal spine portion 16110 that is pivotally coupled to a distal spine portion 16120 by pivot pins 16122 for selective pivotal travel about TA1-TA1. Similarly, the distal spine portion 16120 is pivotally attached to the elongated channel 16022 of the surgical end effector 16012 by pivot pins 16124 to enable the surgical end effector 16012 to selectively pivot about the second tool axis TA2-TA2 relative to the distal spine portion 16120.


In various embodiments, the articulation system 16140 further includes a plurality of articulation elements that operably interface with the surgical end effector 16012 and an articulation control arrangement 16160 that is operably supported in the tool mounting member 16200 as will described in further detail below. In at least one embodiment, the articulation elements comprise a first pair of first articulation cables 16144 and 16146. The first articulation cables are located on a first or right side of the longitudinal tool axis. Thus, the first articulation cables are referred to herein as a right upper cable 16144 and a right lower cable 16146. The right upper cable 16144 and the right lower cable 16146 extend through corresponding passages 16147, 16148, respectively along the right side of the proximal spine portion 16110. See FIG. 211. The articulation system 16140 further includes a second pair of second articulation cables 16150, 16152. The second articulation cables are located on a second or left side of the longitudinal tool axis. Thus, the second articulation cables are referred to herein as a left upper articulation cable 16150 and a left articulation cable 16152. The left upper articulation cable 16150 and the left lower articulation cable 16152 extend through passages 16153, 16154, respectively in the proximal spine portion 16110.


As can be seen in FIG. 207, the right upper cable 16144 extends around an upper pivot joint 16123 and is attached to a left upper side of the elongated channel 16022 at a left pivot joint 16125. The right lower cable 16146 extends around a lower pivot joint 16126 and is attached to a left lower side of the elongated channel 16022 at left pivot joint 16125. The left upper cable 16150 extends around the upper pivot joint 16123 and is attached to a right upper side of the elongated channel 16022 at a right pivot joint 16127. The left lower cable 16152 extends around the lower pivot joint 16126 and is attached to a right lower side of the elongated channel 16022 at right pivot joint 16127. Thus, to pivot the surgical end effector 16012 about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1 to the left (arrow “L”), the right upper cable 16144 and the right lower cable 16146 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 16012 to the right (arrow “R”) about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the left upper cable 16150 and the left lower cable 16152 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 16012 about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, in an upward direction (arrow “U”), the right upper cable 16144 and the left upper cable 16150 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the surgical end effector 16012 in the downward direction (arrow “DW”) about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the right lower cable 16146 and the left lower cable 16152 must be pulled in the proximal direction “PD”.


The proximal ends of the articulation cables 16144, 16146, 16150, 16152 are coupled to the articulation control arrangement 16160 which comprises a ball joint assembly that is a part of the articulation transmission 16142. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 211, the ball joint assembly 16160 includes a ball-shaped member 16162 that is formed on a proximal portion of the proximal spine 16110. Movably supported on the ball-shaped member 16162 is an articulation control ring 16164. As can be further seen in FIG. 211, the proximal ends of the articulation cables 16144, 16146, 16150, 16152 are coupled to the articulation control ring 16164 by corresponding ball joint arrangements 16166. The articulation control ring 16164 is controlled by an articulation drive assembly 16170. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 211, the proximal ends of the first articulation cables 16144, 16146 are attached to the articulation control ring 16164 at corresponding spaced first points 16149, 16151 that are located on plane 16159. Likewise, the proximal ends of the second articulation cables 16150, 16152 are attached to the articulation control ring 16164 at corresponding spaced second points 16153, 16155 that are also located along plane 16159. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such cable attachment configuration on the articulation control ring 16164 facilitates the desired range of articulation motions as the articulation control ring 16164 is manipulated by the articulation drive assembly 16170.


In various forms, the articulation drive assembly 16170 comprises a horizontal articulation assembly generally designated as 16171. In at least one form, the horizontal articulation assembly 16171 comprises a horizontal push cable 16172 that is attached to a horizontal gear arrangement 16180. The articulation drive assembly 16170 further comprises a vertically articulation assembly generally designated as 16173. In at least one form, the vertical articulation assembly 16173 comprises a vertical push cable 16174 that is attached to a vertical gear arrangement 16190. As can be seen in FIGS. 210 and 211, the horizontal push cable 16172 extends through a support plate 16167 that is attached to the proximal spine portion 16110. The distal end of the horizontal push cable 16174 is attached to the articulation control ring 16164 by a corresponding ball/pivot joint 16168. The vertical push cable 16174 extends through the support plate 16167 and the distal end thereof is attached to the articulation control ring 16164 by a corresponding ball/pivot joint 16169.


The horizontal gear arrangement 16180 includes a horizontal driven gear 16182 that is pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft 16181 that is attached to a proximal portion of the proximal spine portion 16110. The proximal end of the horizontal push cable 16172 is pivotally attached to the horizontal driven gear 16182 such that, as the horizontal driven gear 16172 is rotated about horizontal pivot axis HA, the horizontal push cable 16172 applies a first pivot motion to the articulation control ring 16164. Likewise, the vertical gear arrangement 16190 includes a vertical driven gear 16192 that is pivotally supported on a vertical shaft 16191 attached to the proximal portion of the proximal spine portion 16110 for pivotal travel about a vertical pivot axis VA. The proximal end of the vertical push cable 16174 is pivotally attached to the vertical driven gear 16192 such that as the vertical driven gear 16192 is rotated about vertical pivot axis VA, the vertical push cable 16174 applies a second pivot motion to the articulation control ring 16164.


The horizontal driven gear 16182 and the vertical driven gear 16192 are driven by an articulation gear train 16300 that operably interfaces with an articulation shifter assembly 16320. In at least one form, the articulation shifter assembly comprises an articulation drive gear 16322 that is coupled to a corresponding one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 16202. See FIG. 210. Thus, application of a rotary input motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the articulation drive gear 16322 when the interface 11230 is coupled to the tool holder 11270. An articulation driven gear 16324 is attached to a splined shifter shaft 16330 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202. The articulation driven gear 16324 is in meshing engagement with the articulation drive gear 16322 as shown. Thus, rotation of the articulation drive gear 16322 will result in the rotation of the shaft 16330. In various forms, a shifter driven gear assembly 16340 is movably supported on the splined portion 16332 of the shifter shaft 16330.


In various embodiments, the shifter driven gear assembly 16340 includes a driven shifter gear 16342 that is attached to a shifter plate 16344. The shifter plate 16344 operably interfaces with a shifter solenoid assembly 16350. The shifter solenoid assembly 16350 is coupled to corresponding pins 16352 by conductors 16352. See FIG. 210. Pins 16352 are oriented to electrically communicate with slots 11258 (FIG. 104) on the tool side 11244 of the adaptor 11240. Such arrangement serves to electrically couple the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to the robotic controller 11001. Thus, activation of the shifter solenoid 16350 will shift the shifter driven gear assembly 16340 on the splined portion 16332 of the shifter shaft 16330 as represented by arrow “S” in FIGS. 210 and 211. Various embodiments of the articulation gear train 16300 further include a horizontal gear assembly 16360 that includes a first horizontal drive gear 16362 that is mounted on a shaft 16361 that is rotatably attached to the tool mounting plate 16202. The first horizontal drive gear 16362 is supported in meshing engagement with a second horizontal drive gear 16364. As can be seen in FIG. 211, the horizontal driven gear 16182 is in meshing engagement with the distal face portion 16365 of the second horizontal driven gear 16364.


Various embodiments of the articulation gear train 16300 further include a vertical gear assembly 16370 that includes a first vertical drive gear 16372 that is mounted on a shaft 16371 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202. The first vertical drive gear 16372 is supported in meshing engagement with a second vertical drive gear 16374 that is concentrically supported with the second horizontal drive gear 16364. The second vertical drive gear 16374 is rotatably supported on the proximal spine portion 16110 for travel therearound. The second horizontal drive gear 16364 is rotatably supported on a portion of said second vertical drive gear 16374 for independent rotatable travel thereon. As can be seen in FIG. 211, the vertical driven gear 16192 is in meshing engagement with the distal face portion 16375 of the second vertical driven gear 16374.


In various forms, the first horizontal drive gear 16362 has a first diameter and the first vertical drive gear 16372 has a second diameter. As can be seen in FIGS. 210 and 211, the shaft 16361 is not on a common axis with shaft 16371. That is, the first horizontal driven gear 16362 and the first vertical driven gear 16372 do not rotate about a common axis. Thus, when the shifter gear 16342 is positioned in a center “locking” position such that the shifter gear 16342 is in meshing engagement with both the first horizontal driven gear 16362 and the first vertical drive gear 16372, the components of the articulation system 16140 are locked in position. Thus, the shiftable shifter gear 16342 and the arrangement of first horizontal and vertical drive gears 16362, 16372 as well as the articulation shifter assembly 16320 collectively may be referred to as an articulation locking system, generally designated as 16380.


In use, the robotic controller 11001 of the robotic system 11000 may control the articulation system 16140 as follows. To articulate the end effector 16012 to the left about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to bring the shifter gear 16342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 16362. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes a first rotary output motion to be applied to the articulation drive gear 16322 to drive the shifter gear in a first direction to ultimately drive the horizontal driven gear 16182 in another first direction. The horizontal driven gear 16182 is driven to pivot the articulation ring 16164 on the ball-shaped portion 16162 to thereby pull right upper cable 16144 and the right lower cable 16146 in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the end effector 16012 to the right about the first tool articulation axis TA1-TA1, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to bring the shifter gear 16342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 16362. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion in an opposite direction to be applied to the articulation drive gear 16322 to drive the shifter gear 16342 in a second direction to ultimately drive the horizontal driven gear 16182 in another second direction. Such actions result in the articulation control ring 16164 moving in such a manner as to pull the left upper cable 16150 and the left lower cable 16152 in the proximal direction “PD”. In various embodiments the gear ratios and frictional forces generated between the gears of the vertical gear assembly 16370 serve to prevent rotation of the vertical driven gear 16192 as the horizontal gear assembly 16360 is actuated.


To articulate the end effector 16012 in the upper direction about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to bring the shifter gear 16342 into meshing engagement with the first vertical drive gear 16372. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion to be applied to the articulation drive gear 16322 to drive the shifter gear 16342 in a first direction to ultimately drive the vertical driven gear 16192 in another first direction. The vertical driven gear 16192 is driven to pivot the articulation ring 16164 on the ball-shaped portion 16162 of the proximal spine portion 16110 to thereby pull right upper cable 16144 and the left upper cable 16150 in the proximal direction “PD”. To articulate the end effector 16012 in the downward direction about the second tool articulation axis TA2-TA2, the robotic controller 11001 activates the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to bring the shifter gear 16342 into meshing engagement with the first vertical drive gear 16372. Thereafter, the controller 11001 causes the first rotary output motion to be applied in an opposite direction to the articulation drive gear 16322 to drive the shifter gear 16342 in a second direction to ultimately drive the vertical driven gear 16192 in another second direction. Such actions thereby cause the articulation control ring 16164 to pull the right lower cable 16146 and the left lower cable 16152 in the proximal direction “PD”. In various embodiments, the gear ratios and frictional forces generated between the gears of the horizontal gear assembly 16360 serve to prevent rotation of the horizontal driven gear 16182 as the vertical gear assembly 16370 is actuated.


In various embodiments, a variety of sensors may communicate with the robotic controller 11001 to determine the articulated position of the end effector 16012. Such sensors may interface with, for example, the articulation joint 16100 or be located within the tool mounting portion 16200. For example, sensors may be employed to detect the position of the articulation control ring 16164 on the ball-shaped portion 16162 of the proximal spine portion 16110. Such feedback from the sensors to the controller 11001 permits the controller 11001 to adjust the amount of rotation and the direction of the rotary output to the articulation drive gear 16322. Further, as indicated above, when the shifter drive gear 16342 is centrally positioned in meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 16362 and the first vertical drive gear 16372, the end effector 16012 is locked in the articulated position. Thus, after the desired amount of articulation has been attained, the controller 11001 may activate the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 to bring the shifter gear 16342 into meshing engagement with the first horizontal drive gear 16362 and the first vertical drive gear 16372. In alternative embodiments, the shifter solenoid assembly 16350 may be spring activated to the central locked position.


In use, it may be desirable to rotate the surgical end effector 16012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In at least one embodiment, the transmission arrangement 16204 on the tool mounting portion includes a rotational transmission assembly 16400 that is configured to receive a corresponding rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 and convert that rotary output motion to a rotary control motion for rotating the elongated shaft assembly 16008 (and surgical end effector 16012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. In various embodiments, for example, a proximal end portion 16041 of the proximal closure tube 16040 is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202 of the tool mounting portion 16200 by a forward support cradle 16205 and a closure sled 16510 that is also movably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202. In at least one form, the rotational transmission assembly 16400 includes a tube gear segment 16402 that is formed on (or attached to) the proximal end 16041 of the proximal closure tube 16040 for operable engagement by a rotational gear assembly 16410 that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202. As can be seen in FIG. 210, the rotational gear assembly 16410, in at least one embodiment, comprises a rotation drive gear 16412 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 16202 when the tool mounting portion 16200 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. See FIG. 105. The rotational gear assembly 16410 further comprises a first rotary driven gear 16414 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202 in meshing engagement with the rotation drive gear 16412. The first rotary driven gear 16414 is attached to a drive shaft 16416 that is rotatably supported on the tool mounting plate 16202. A second rotary driven gear 16418 is attached to the drive shaft 16416 and is in meshing engagement with tube gear segment 16402 on the proximal closure tube 16040. Application of a second rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding driven element 11304 will thereby cause rotation of the rotation drive gear 16412. Rotation of the rotation drive gear 16412 ultimately results in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 16008 (and the surgical end effector 16012) about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 16008 and surgical end effector 16012 about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT in a first direction and an application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the rotation of the elongated shaft assembly 16008 and surgical end effector 16012 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.


In at least one embodiment, the closure of the anvil 12024 relative to the staple cartridge 12034 is accomplished by axially moving a closure portion of the elongated shaft assembly 12008 in the distal direction “DD” on the spine assembly 12049. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the proximal end portion 16041 of the proximal closure tube 16040 is supported by the closure sled 16510 which comprises a portion of a closure transmission, generally depicted as 16512. As can be seen in FIG. 210, the proximal end portion 16041 of the proximal closure tube portion 16040 has a collar 6048 formed thereon. The closure sled 16510 is coupled to the collar 16048 by a yoke 16514 that engages an annular groove 16049 in the collar 16048. Such arrangement serves to enable the collar 16048 to rotate about the longitudinal tool axis LT-LT while still being coupled to the closure transmission 16512. In various embodiments, the closure sled 16510 has an upstanding portion 16516 that has a closure rack gear 16518 formed thereon. The closure rack gear 16518 is configured for driving engagement with a closure gear assembly 16520. See FIG. 210.


In various forms, the closure gear assembly 16520 includes a closure spur gear 16522 that is coupled to a corresponding second one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 16202. See FIG. 210. Thus, application of a third rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 16522 when the tool mounting portion 16202 is coupled to the tool drive assembly 11010. The closure gear assembly 16520 further includes a closure reduction gear set 16524 that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear 16522 and the closure rack gear 12106. Thus, application of a third rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000 to the corresponding second driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the closure spur gear 16522 and the closure transmission 16512 and ultimately drive the closure sled 16510 and the proximal closure tube 16040 axially on the proximal spine portion 16110. The axial direction in which the proximal closure tube 16040 moves ultimately depends upon the direction in which the third driven element 11304 is rotated. For example, in response to one rotary output motion received from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 16510 will be driven in the distal direction “DD” and ultimately drive the proximal closure tube 16040 in the distal direction “DD”. As the proximal closure tube 16040 is driven distally, the distal closure tube 16042 is also driven distally by virtue of it connection with the proximal closure tube 16040. As the distal closure tube 16042 is driven distally, the end of the closure tube 16042 will engage a portion of the anvil 16024 and cause the anvil 16024 to pivot to a closed position. Upon application of an “opening” out put motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 of the robotic system 11000, the closure sled 16510 and the proximal closure tube 16040 will be driven in the proximal direction “PD” on the proximal spine portion 16110. As the proximal closure tube 16040 is driven in the proximal direction “PD”, the distal closure tube 16042 will also be driven in the proximal direction “PD”. As the distal closure tube 16042 is driven in the proximal direction “PD”, the opening 16045 therein interacts with the tab 16027 on the anvil 16024 to facilitate the opening thereof. In various embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be employed to bias the anvil 16024 to the open position when the distal closure tube 16042 has been moved to its starting position. In various embodiments, the various gears of the closure gear assembly 16520 are sized to generate the necessary closure forces needed to satisfactorily close the anvil 16024 onto the tissue to be cut and stapled by the surgical end effector 16012. For example, the gears of the closure transmission 16520 may be sized to generate approximately 70-120 pounds of closure forces.


In various embodiments, the cutting instrument is driven through the surgical end effector 16012 by a knife bar 16530. See FIG. 210. In at least one form, the knife bar 16530 is fabricated with a joint arrangement (not shown) and/or is fabricated from material that can accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 16102 about the first and second tool articulation axes while remaining sufficiently rigid so as to push the cutting instrument through tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 16012. The knife bar 16530 extends through a hollow passage 16532 in the proximal spine portion 16110.


In various embodiments, a proximal end 16534 of the knife bar 16530 is rotatably affixed to a knife rack gear 16540 such that the knife bar 16530 is free to rotate relative to the knife rack gear 16540. The distal end of the knife bar 16530 is attached to the cutting instrument in the various manners described above. As can be seen in FIG. 210, the knife rack gear 16540 is slidably supported within a rack housing 16542 that is attached to the tool mounting plate 16202 such that the knife rack gear 16540 is retained in meshing engagement with a knife drive transmission portion 16550 of the transmission arrangement 16204. In various embodiments, the knife drive transmission portion 16550 comprises a knife gear assembly 16560. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 210, in at least one embodiment, the knife gear assembly 16560 includes a knife spur gear 16562 that is coupled to a corresponding fourth one of the driven discs or elements 11304 on the adapter side 11307 of the tool mounting plate 16202. See FIG. 105. Thus, application of another rotary output motion from the robotic system 11000 through the tool drive assembly 11010 to the corresponding fourth driven element 11304 will cause rotation of the knife spur gear 16562. The knife gear assembly 16560 further includes a knife gear reduction set 16564 that includes a first knife driven gear 16566 and a second knife drive gear 16568. The knife gear reduction set 16564 is rotatably mounted to the tool mounting plate 16202 such that the first knife driven gear 16566 is in meshing engagement with the knife spur gear 16562. Likewise, the second knife drive gear 16568 is in meshing engagement with a third knife drive gear assembly 16570. As shown in FIG. 210, the second knife driven gear 16568 is in meshing engagement with a fourth knife driven gear 16572 of the third knife drive gear assembly 16570. The fourth knife driven gear 16572 is in meshing engagement with a fifth knife driven gear assembly 16574 that is in meshing engagement with the knife rack gear 16540. In various embodiments, the gears of the knife gear assembly 16560 are sized to generate the forces needed to drive the cutting instrument through the tissue clamped in the surgical end effector 16012 and actuate the staples therein. For example, the gears of the knife gear assembly 16560 may be sized to generate approximately 40 to 100 pounds of driving force. It will be appreciated that the application of a rotary output motion from the tool drive assembly 11010 in one direction will result in the axial movement of the cutting instrument in a distal direction and application of the rotary output motion in an opposite direction will result in the axial travel of the cutting instrument in a proximal direction.


As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the surgical tool 16000 represents a vast improvement over prior robotic tool arrangements. The unique and novel transmission arrangement employed by the surgical tool 16000 enables the tool to be operably coupled to a tool holder portion 11010 of a robotic system that only has four rotary output bodies, yet obtain the rotary output motions therefrom to: (i) articulate the end effector about two different articulation axes that are substantially transverse to each other as well as the longitudinal tool axis; (ii) rotate the end effector 16012 about the longitudinal tool axis; (iii) close the anvil 16024 relative to the surgical staple cartridge 16034 to varying degrees to enable the end effector 16012 to be used to manipulate tissue and then clamp it into position for cutting and stapling; and (iv) firing the cutting instrument to cut through the tissue clamped within the end effector 16012. The unique and novel shifter arrangements of various embodiments of the present invention described above enable two different articulation actions to be powered from a single rotatable body portion of the robotic system.


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



FIG. 211 depicts use of various aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention in connection with a surgical tool 17000 that has an ultrasonically powered end effector 17012. The end effector 17012 is operably attached to a tool mounting portion 17100 by an elongated shaft assembly 17008. The tool mounting portion 17100 may be substantially similar to the various tool mounting portions described hereinabove. In one embodiment, the end effector 17012 includes an ultrasonically powered jaw portion 17014 that is powered by alternating current or direct current in a known manner. Such ultrasonically-powered devices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled ROBOTIC SURGICAL TOOL WITH ULTRASOUND CAUTERIZING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate power cord 17020 is shown. It will be understood, however, that the power may be supplied thereto from the robotic controller 1001 through the tool mounting portion 17100. The surgical end effector 17012 further includes a movable jaw 17016 that may be used to clamp tissue onto the ultrasonic jaw portion 17014. The movable jaw portion 17016 may be selectively actuated by the robotic controller 11001 through the tool mounting portion 17100 in anyone of the various manners herein described.



FIG. 213 illustrates use of various aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention in connection with a surgical tool 18000 that has an end effector 18012 that comprises a linear stapling device. The end effector 18012 is operably attached to a tool mounting portion 18100 by an elongated shaft assembly 13700 of the type and construction describe above. However, the end effector 18012 may be attached to the tool mounting portion 18100 by a variety of other elongated shaft assemblies described herein. In one embodiment, the tool mounting portion 18100 may be substantially similar to tool mounting portion 13750. However, various other tool mounting portions and their respective transmission arrangements describe in detail herein may also be employed. Such linear stapling head portions are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,781, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH STAPLE DRIVER THAT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE WIRE DIAMETER STAPLES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.


Various sensor embodiments described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0062212, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,167,185, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be employed with many of the surgical tool embodiments disclosed herein. As was indicated above, the master controller 11001 generally includes master controllers (generally represented by 11003) which are grasped by the surgeon and manipulated in space while the surgeon views the procedure via a stereo display 11002. See FIG. 96. The master controllers 11001 are manual input devices which preferably move with multiple degrees of freedom, and which often further have an actuatable handle for actuating the surgical tools. Some of the surgical tool embodiments disclosed herein employ a motor or motors in their tool drive portion to supply various control motions to the tool's end effector. Such embodiments may also obtain additional control motion(s) from the motor arrangement employed in the robotic system components. Other embodiments disclosed herein obtain all of the control motions from motor arrangements within the robotic system.


Such motor powered arrangements may employ various sensor arrangements that are disclosed in the published US patent application cited above to provide the surgeon with a variety of forms of feedback without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, those master controller arrangements 11003 that employ a manually actuatable firing trigger can employ run motor sensor(s) to provide the surgeon with feedback relating to the amount of force applied to or being experienced by the cutting member. The run motor sensor(s) may be configured for communication with the firing trigger portion to detect when the firing trigger portion has been actuated to commence the cutting/stapling operation by the end effector. The run motor sensor may be a proportional sensor such as, for example, a rheostat or variable resistor. When the firing trigger is drawn in, the sensor detects the movement, and sends an electrical signal indicative of the voltage (or power) to be supplied to the corresponding motor. When the sensor is a variable resistor or the like, the rotation of the motor may be generally proportional to the amount of movement of the firing trigger. That is, if the operator only draws or closes the firing trigger in a small amount, the rotation of the motor is relatively low. When the firing trigger is fully drawn in (or in the fully closed position), the rotation of the motor is at its maximum. In other words, the harder the surgeon pulls on the firing trigger, the more voltage is applied to the motor causing greater rates of rotation. Other arrangements may provide the surgeon with a feed back meter 11005 that may be viewed through the display 1002 and provide the surgeon with a visual indication of the amount of force being applied to the cutting instrument or dynamic clamping member. Other sensor arrangements may be employed to provide the master controller 11001 with an indication as to whether a staple cartridge has been loaded into the end effector, whether the anvil has been moved to a closed position prior to firing, etc.


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


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


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


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

Claims
  • 1. A surgical fastener cartridge, comprising: a cartridge body;a slot in said cartridge body configured to receive a cutting member, wherein said slot divides said cartridge body into a first cartridge body portion and a second cartridge body portion;a first row of first fastener drivers in each said first and second cartridge body portion, wherein each said first fastener driver comprises a first driver height and operably supports one surgical staple thereon;a second row of second fastener drivers in each said first and second cartridge body portion, wherein each said second row of fastener drivers is adjacent said slot, wherein each said second fastener driver comprises a second driver height, wherein said second driver height is equal to said first driver height, and wherein each said second fastener driver operably supports two said surgical staples thereon; anda sled assembly, comprising: a central member configured to operably interface with the cutting member when said sled assembly is in a proximal-most starting position; anda pair of first and second camming members on each lateral side of said central member, wherein each said first camming member comprises a first cam height and wherein each said second camming member comprises a second cam height that differs from said first cam height, and wherein each said first camming member comprises a first cam distal end, wherein each said second camming member comprises a second cam distal end, and wherein each said first cam distal end is distal to each said second cam distal end.
  • 2. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge pan attached to said cartridge body to define a planar pan surface for slidably supporting said sled assembly thereon.
  • 3. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, wherein said second fasteners on each said second fastener driver are longitudinally and laterally offset from each other.
  • 4. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, wherein each said first row of first fastener drivers is longitudinally offset from each said second row of second fastener drivers.
  • 5. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, wherein a proximal-most said first fastener driver in each said first row of first fastener drivers is distal to a proximal-most said second fastener driver in each said second row of second fastener drivers.
  • 6. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, wherein said cartridge body comprises a non-planar cartridge deck surface.
  • 7. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 1, wherein said central member comprises a proximal facing ledge configured to operably engage the cutting member when said sled assembly is in said proximal-most starting position.
  • 8. A surgical fastener cartridge, comprising: a cartridge body;a slot in said cartridge body configured to receive a cutting member, wherein said slot divides said cartridge body into a first cartridge body portion and a second cartridge body portion, and wherein each said first cartridge body portion and said second cartridge body portion comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion;a first row of first fastener drivers movably supported in said first cartridge body portion and extending between said proximal portion and said distal portion thereof, wherein each said first fastener driver operably supports a corresponding first fastener thereon;a first row of second fastener drivers movably supported in said first cartridge body portion and extending between said proximal portion and said distal portion thereof between said first row of first fastener drivers and said slot, wherein each said second fastener driver in said first row of second fastener drivers operably supports two second fasteners thereon;a second row of said first fastener drivers movably supported in said second cartridge body portion and extending between said proximal portion and said distal portion thereof, wherein each said first fastener driver in said second row of said first fastener drivers operably supports a corresponding said first fastener thereon;a second row of second fastener drivers movably supported in said second cartridge body portion and extending between said proximal portion and said distal portion thereof between said second row of said first fastener drivers and said slot, wherein each said second fastener driver in said second row of said second fastener drivers operably supports two said second fasteners thereon;a camming member configured to move between said proximal portions and said distal portions of said first and second cartridge body portions, and wherein said camming member comprises: a central cam body configured to operably interface with the cutting member and move within said slot between said proximal portions and said distal portions of said first and second cartridge body portions;a first cam wedge corresponding to said first row of said first fastener drivers, wherein said first cam wedge is positioned on one lateral side of said central cam body, wherein said first cam wedge comprises a first wedge bottom surface and a first wedge top surface, wherein a first cam height is defined between said first wedge bottom surface and said first wedge top surface;a second cam wedge corresponding to said first row of said second fastener drivers, wherein said second cam wedge is positioned on said one lateral side of said central cam body between said first cam wedge and said central cam body, wherein said second cam wedge comprises a second wedge bottom surface and a second wedge top surface, wherein a second cam height is defined between said second wedge bottom surface and said second wedge top surface, and wherein said second cam height differs from said first cam height;a third cam wedge corresponding to said second row of said first fastener drivers, wherein said third cam wedge is positioned on another lateral side of said central cam body, wherein said third cam wedge comprises a third wedge bottom surface and a third wedge top surface, and wherein a third cam height is defined between said third wedge bottom surface and said third wedge top surface; anda fourth cam wedge corresponding to said second row of said second fastener drivers, wherein said fourth cam wedge is positioned on said another lateral side of said central cam body between said third cam wedge and said central cam body, wherein said fourth cam wedge comprises a fourth wedge bottom surface and a fourth wedge top surface, wherein a fourth cam height is defined between said fourth wedge bottom surface and said fourth wedge top surface, and wherein said fourth cam height differs from said third cam height.
  • 9. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said first cam height is less than said second cam height, and wherein said fourth cam height is less than said third cam height.
  • 10. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 9, wherein said first cam height is equal to said fourth cam height and said second cam height is equal to said third cam height.
  • 11. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said first cam wedge comprises a first wedge length, wherein said second cam wedge comprises a second wedge length, wherein said second wedge length differs from said first wedge length, wherein said third cam wedge comprises a third wedge length, and wherein said fourth cam wedge comprises a fourth wedge length that differs from said third wedge length.
  • 12. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said first cam wedge comprises a first cam wedge distal end, wherein said second cam wedge comprises a second cam wedge distal end, wherein said first cam wedge distal end is distal to said second cam wedge distal end, wherein said third cam wedge comprises a third cam wedge distal end, and wherein said fourth cam wedge comprises a fourth cam wedge distal end, and wherein said fourth cam wedge distal end is distal to said third cam wedge distal end.
  • 13. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, further comprising a cartridge pan attached to said cartridge body to define a planar pan surface for slidably supporting said camming member thereon.
  • 14. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein each said first fastener driver comprises: a first driver base; anda first fastener cradle in said first driver base, wherein said first fastener cradle is configured to support a first crown of a corresponding first staple therein a first crown distance from a bottom surface of said cartridge body, and wherein each said second fastener driver comprises:a second driver base; anda pair of second fastener cradles in said second driver base, wherein each said second fastener cradle is configured to support a second crown of a corresponding second staple therein a second crown distance from said bottom surface of said cartridge body, wherein said second crown distance differs from said first crown distance.
  • 15. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said second fasteners on each said second fastener drivers are longitudinally and laterally offset from each other.
  • 16. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said first row of said first fastener drivers is longitudinally offset from said first row of said second fastener drivers, and wherein said second row of said first fastener drivers is longitudinally offset from said second row of said second fastener drivers.
  • 17. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 16, wherein a proximal-most said first fastener driver in said first row of said first fastener drivers is distal to a proximal-most said second fastener driver in said first row of said second fastener drivers, and wherein a proximal-most said first fastener driver in said second row of said first fastener drivers is distal to a proximal-most said second fastener driver in said second row of said second fastener drivers.
  • 18. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said cartridge body comprises a non-planar cartridge deck surface.
  • 19. The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 8, wherein said central cam body comprises a proximal facing ledge configured to operably engage the cutting member when said camming member is in a proximal-most starting position.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/457,315, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS, filed Mar. 13, 2017, which issued on Aug. 4, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,729,436, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/206,713, entitled STAPLING ASSEMBLY FOR FORMING DIFFERENT FORMED STAPLE HEIGHTS, filed Mar. 12, 2014, which issued on Mar. 14, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,592,052, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,278, filed on May 27, 2011, entitled ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS, which issued on Jan. 19, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,891, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/711,979, filed Feb. 28, 2007, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES THAT PRODUCE FORMED STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT LENGTHS, which issued on Nov. 27, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,070, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/216,562, filed Aug. 31, 2005, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERING FORMED STAPLE HEIGHTS, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The present application is also related to the following, U.S. patent applications, which are incorporated herein by reference: (1) SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH STAPLE DRIVER THAT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE WIRE DIAMETER STAPLES, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/711,977, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,781;(2) SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH ANVIL HAVING STAPLE FORMING POCKETS OF VARYING DEPTH, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/714,049, now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0194082;(3) SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE STACKED ACTUATOR WEDGE CAMS FOR DRIVING STAPLE DRIVERS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/712,315, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,979;(4) SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH STAPLE DRIVERS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHT, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/711,975, now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0194079; and(5) STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERING FORMED STAPLE HEIGHTS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/695,359, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,923.

US Referenced Citations (7184)
Number Name Date Kind
66052 Smith Jun 1867 A
662587 Blake Nov 1900 A
670748 Weddeler Mar 1901 A
719487 Minor Feb 1903 A
804229 Hutchinson Nov 1905 A
951393 Hahn Mar 1910 A
1075556 Fenoughty Oct 1913 A
1188721 Bittner Jun 1916 A
1306107 Elliott Jun 1919 A
1314601 McCaskey Sep 1919 A
1677337 Grove Jul 1928 A
1794907 Kelly Mar 1931 A
1849427 Hook Mar 1932 A
1944116 Stratman Jan 1934 A
1954048 Jeffrey et al. Apr 1934 A
2028635 Wappler Jan 1936 A
2037727 La Chapelle Apr 1936 A
2132295 Hawkins Oct 1938 A
2161632 Nattenheimer Jun 1939 A
D120434 Gold May 1940 S
2211117 Hess Aug 1940 A
2214870 West Sep 1940 A
2224882 Peck Dec 1940 A
2318379 Davis et al. May 1943 A
2329440 La Place Sep 1943 A
2377581 Shaffrey Jun 1945 A
2406389 Lee Aug 1946 A
2441096 Happe May 1948 A
2448741 Scott et al. Sep 1948 A
2450527 Smith Oct 1948 A
2491872 Neuman Dec 1949 A
2507872 Unsinger May 1950 A
2526902 Rublee Oct 1950 A
2527256 Jackson Oct 1950 A
2578686 Fish Dec 1951 A
2638901 Sugarbaker May 1953 A
2674149 Benson Apr 1954 A
2701489 Osborn Feb 1955 A
2711461 Happe Jun 1955 A
2724289 Wight Nov 1955 A
2742955 Dominguez Apr 1956 A
2804848 O'Farrell et al. Sep 1957 A
2808482 Zanichkowsky et al. Oct 1957 A
2853074 Olson Sep 1958 A
2856192 Schuster Oct 1958 A
2887004 Stewart May 1959 A
2957353 Lewis Oct 1960 A
2959974 Emrick Nov 1960 A
3026744 Rouse Mar 1962 A
3032769 Palmer May 1962 A
3060972 Sheldon Oct 1962 A
3075062 Iaccarino Jan 1963 A
3078465 Bobrov Feb 1963 A
3079606 Bobrov et al. Mar 1963 A
3080564 Strekopitov et al. Mar 1963 A
3166072 Sullivan, Jr. Jan 1965 A
3180236 Beckett Apr 1965 A
3196869 Scholl Jul 1965 A
3204731 Bent et al. Sep 1965 A
3266494 Brownrigg et al. Aug 1966 A
3269630 Fleischer Aug 1966 A
3269631 Takaro Aug 1966 A
3275211 Hirsch et al. Sep 1966 A
3317103 Cullen et al. May 1967 A
3317105 Astafjev et al. May 1967 A
3357296 Lefever Dec 1967 A
3359978 Smith, Jr. Dec 1967 A
3377893 Shorb Apr 1968 A
3480193 Ralston Nov 1969 A
3490675 Green et al. Jan 1970 A
3494533 Green et al. Feb 1970 A
3499591 Green Mar 1970 A
3503396 Pierie et al. Mar 1970 A
3509629 Kidokoro May 1970 A
3551987 Wilkinson Jan 1971 A
3568675 Harvey Mar 1971 A
3572159 Tschanz Mar 1971 A
3583393 Takahashi Jun 1971 A
3589589 Akopov Jun 1971 A
3598943 Barrett Aug 1971 A
3608549 Merrill Sep 1971 A
3618842 Bryan Nov 1971 A
3638652 Kelley Feb 1972 A
3640317 Panfili Feb 1972 A
3643851 Green et al. Feb 1972 A
3650453 Smith, Jr. Mar 1972 A
3661339 Shimizu May 1972 A
3661666 Foster et al. May 1972 A
3662939 Bryan May 1972 A
3688966 Perkins et al. Sep 1972 A
3695646 Mommsen Oct 1972 A
3709221 Riely Jan 1973 A
3717294 Green Feb 1973 A
3724237 Wood Apr 1973 A
3726755 Shannon Apr 1973 A
3727904 Gabbey Apr 1973 A
3734207 Fishbein May 1973 A
3740994 De Carlo, Jr. Jun 1973 A
3744495 Johnson Jul 1973 A
3746002 Haller Jul 1973 A
3747603 Adler Jul 1973 A
3747692 Davidson Jul 1973 A
3751902 Kingsbury et al. Aug 1973 A
3752161 Bent Aug 1973 A
3799151 Fukaumi et al. Mar 1974 A
3808452 Hutchinson Apr 1974 A
3815476 Green et al. Jun 1974 A
3819100 Noiles et al. Jun 1974 A
3821919 Knohl Jul 1974 A
3826978 Kelly Jul 1974 A
3836171 Hayashi et al. Sep 1974 A
3837555 Green Sep 1974 A
3841474 Maier Oct 1974 A
3851196 Hinds Nov 1974 A
3863639 Kleaveland Feb 1975 A
3863940 Cummings Feb 1975 A
3883624 McKenzie et al. May 1975 A
3885491 Curtis May 1975 A
3887393 La Rue, Jr. Jun 1975 A
3892228 Mitsui Jul 1975 A
3894174 Cartun Jul 1975 A
3902247 Fleer et al. Sep 1975 A
3940844 Colby et al. Mar 1976 A
3944163 Hayashi et al. Mar 1976 A
3950686 Randall Apr 1976 A
3952747 Kimmell, Jr. Apr 1976 A
3955581 Spasiano et al. May 1976 A
3959879 Sellers Jun 1976 A
RE28932 Noiles et al. Aug 1976 E
3972734 King Aug 1976 A
3973179 Weber et al. Aug 1976 A
3981051 Brumlik Sep 1976 A
3999110 Ramstrom et al. Dec 1976 A
4025216 Hives May 1977 A
4027746 Kine Jun 1977 A
4034143 Sweet Jul 1977 A
4038987 Komiya Aug 1977 A
4054108 Gill Oct 1977 A
4060089 Noiles Nov 1977 A
4066133 Voss Jan 1978 A
4085337 Moeller Apr 1978 A
4100820 Evett Jul 1978 A
4106446 Yamada et al. Aug 1978 A
4106620 Brimmer et al. Aug 1978 A
4108211 Tanaka Aug 1978 A
4111206 Vishnevsky et al. Sep 1978 A
4127227 Green Nov 1978 A
4129059 Van Eck Dec 1978 A
4132146 Uhlig Jan 1979 A
4135517 Reale Jan 1979 A
4154122 Severin May 1979 A
4160857 Nardella et al. Jul 1979 A
4169990 Lerdman Oct 1979 A
4180285 Reneau Dec 1979 A
4185701 Boys Jan 1980 A
4190042 Sinnreich Feb 1980 A
4198734 Brumlik Apr 1980 A
4198982 Fortner et al. Apr 1980 A
4207898 Becht Jun 1980 A
4213562 Garrett et al. Jul 1980 A
4226242 Jarvik Oct 1980 A
4239431 Davini Dec 1980 A
4241861 Fleischer Dec 1980 A
4244372 Kapitanov et al. Jan 1981 A
4250436 Weissman Feb 1981 A
4261244 Becht et al. Apr 1981 A
4272002 Moshofsky Jun 1981 A
4272662 Simpson Jun 1981 A
4274304 Curtiss Jun 1981 A
4274398 Scott, Jr. Jun 1981 A
4275813 Noiles Jun 1981 A
4278091 Borzone Jul 1981 A
4282573 Imai et al. Aug 1981 A
4289131 Mueller Sep 1981 A
4289133 Rothfuss Sep 1981 A
4290542 Fedotov et al. Sep 1981 A
D261356 Robinson Oct 1981 S
4293604 Campbell Oct 1981 A
4296654 Mercer Oct 1981 A
4296881 Lee Oct 1981 A
4304236 Conta et al. Dec 1981 A
4305539 Korolkov et al. Dec 1981 A
4312363 Rothfuss et al. Jan 1982 A
4312685 Riedl Jan 1982 A
4317451 Cerwin et al. Mar 1982 A
4319576 Rothfuss Mar 1982 A
4321002 Froehlich Mar 1982 A
4321746 Grinage Mar 1982 A
4328839 Lyons et al. May 1982 A
4331277 Green May 1982 A
4340331 Savino Jul 1982 A
4347450 Colligan Aug 1982 A
4348603 Huber Sep 1982 A
4349028 Green Sep 1982 A
4350151 Scott Sep 1982 A
4353371 Cosman Oct 1982 A
4357940 Muller Nov 1982 A
4361057 Kochera Nov 1982 A
4366544 Shima et al. Dec 1982 A
4369013 Abildgaard et al. Jan 1983 A
4373147 Carlson, Jr. Feb 1983 A
4376380 Burgess Mar 1983 A
4379457 Gravener et al. Apr 1983 A
4380312 Landrus Apr 1983 A
4382326 Rabuse May 1983 A
4383634 Green May 1983 A
4389963 Pearson Jun 1983 A
4393728 Larson et al. Jul 1983 A
4394613 Cole Jul 1983 A
4396139 Hall et al. Aug 1983 A
4397311 Kanshin et al. Aug 1983 A
4402445 Green Sep 1983 A
4406621 Bailey Sep 1983 A
4408692 Sigel et al. Oct 1983 A
4409057 Molenda et al. Oct 1983 A
4415112 Green Nov 1983 A
4416276 Newton et al. Nov 1983 A
4417890 Dennehey et al. Nov 1983 A
4421264 Arter et al. Dec 1983 A
4423456 Zaidenweber Dec 1983 A
4425915 Ivanov Jan 1984 A
4428376 Mericle Jan 1984 A
4429695 Green Feb 1984 A
4430997 DiGiovanni et al. Feb 1984 A
4434796 Karapetian et al. Mar 1984 A
4438659 Desplats Mar 1984 A
4442964 Becht Apr 1984 A
4448194 DiGiovanni et al. May 1984 A
4451743 Suzuki et al. May 1984 A
4452376 Klieman et al. Jun 1984 A
4454887 Kruger Jun 1984 A
4459519 Erdman Jul 1984 A
4461305 Cibley Jul 1984 A
4467805 Fukuda Aug 1984 A
4468597 Baumard et al. Aug 1984 A
4469481 Kobayashi Sep 1984 A
4470414 Imagawa et al. Sep 1984 A
4471780 Menges et al. Sep 1984 A
4471781 Di Giovanni et al. Sep 1984 A
4473077 Noiles et al. Sep 1984 A
4475679 Fleury, Jr. Oct 1984 A
4478220 Di Giovanni et al. Oct 1984 A
4480641 Failla et al. Nov 1984 A
4481458 Lane Nov 1984 A
4483562 Schoolman Nov 1984 A
4485816 Krumme Dec 1984 A
4485817 Swiggett Dec 1984 A
4486928 Tucker et al. Dec 1984 A
4488523 Shichman Dec 1984 A
4489875 Crawford et al. Dec 1984 A
4493983 Taggert Jan 1985 A
4494057 Hotta Jan 1985 A
4499895 Takayama Feb 1985 A
4500024 DiGiovanni et al. Feb 1985 A
D278081 Green Mar 1985 S
4503842 Takayama Mar 1985 A
4505272 Utyamyshev et al. Mar 1985 A
4505273 Braun et al. Mar 1985 A
4505414 Filipi Mar 1985 A
4506671 Green Mar 1985 A
4512038 Alexander et al. Apr 1985 A
4520817 Green Jun 1985 A
4522327 Korthoff et al. Jun 1985 A
4526174 Froehlich Jul 1985 A
4527724 Chow et al. Jul 1985 A
4530357 Pawloski et al. Jul 1985 A
4530453 Green Jul 1985 A
4531522 Bedi et al. Jul 1985 A
4532927 Miksza, Jr. Aug 1985 A
4540202 Amphoux et al. Sep 1985 A
4548202 Duncan Oct 1985 A
4556058 Green Dec 1985 A
4560915 Soultanian Dec 1985 A
4565109 Tsay Jan 1986 A
4565189 Mabuchi Jan 1986 A
4566620 Green et al. Jan 1986 A
4569346 Poirier Feb 1986 A
4569469 Mongeon et al. Feb 1986 A
4571213 Ishimoto Feb 1986 A
4573468 Conta et al. Mar 1986 A
4573469 Golden et al. Mar 1986 A
4573622 Green et al. Mar 1986 A
4576165 Green et al. Mar 1986 A
4576167 Noiles Mar 1986 A
4580712 Green Apr 1986 A
4585153 Failla et al. Apr 1986 A
4586501 Claracq May 1986 A
4586502 Bedi et al. May 1986 A
4589416 Green May 1986 A
4589582 Bilotti May 1986 A
4589870 Citrin et al. May 1986 A
4591085 Di Giovanni May 1986 A
RE32214 Schramm Jul 1986 E
4597753 Turley Jul 1986 A
4600037 Hatten Jul 1986 A
4604786 Howie, Jr. Aug 1986 A
4605001 Rothfuss et al. Aug 1986 A
4605004 Di Giovanni et al. Aug 1986 A
4606343 Conta et al. Aug 1986 A
4607636 Kula et al. Aug 1986 A
4607638 Crainich Aug 1986 A
4608980 Aihara Sep 1986 A
4608981 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4610250 Green Sep 1986 A
4610383 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4612933 Brinkerhoff et al. Sep 1986 A
D286180 Korthoff Oct 1986 S
D286442 Korthoff et al. Oct 1986 S
4617893 Donner et al. Oct 1986 A
4617914 Ueda Oct 1986 A
4619262 Taylor Oct 1986 A
4619391 Sharkany et al. Oct 1986 A
4624401 Gassner et al. Nov 1986 A
D287278 Spreckelmeier Dec 1986 S
4628459 Shinohara et al. Dec 1986 A
4628636 Folger Dec 1986 A
4629107 Fedotov et al. Dec 1986 A
4632290 Green et al. Dec 1986 A
4633861 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4633874 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4634419 Kreizman et al. Jan 1987 A
4635638 Weintraub et al. Jan 1987 A
4641076 Linden Feb 1987 A
4642618 Johnson et al. Feb 1987 A
4642738 Meller Feb 1987 A
4643173 Bell et al. Feb 1987 A
4643731 Eckenhoff Feb 1987 A
4646722 Silverstein et al. Mar 1987 A
4646745 Noiles Mar 1987 A
4651734 Doss et al. Mar 1987 A
4652820 Maresca Mar 1987 A
4654028 Suma Mar 1987 A
4655222 Florez et al. Apr 1987 A
4662555 Thornton May 1987 A
4663874 Sano et al. May 1987 A
4664305 Blake, III et al. May 1987 A
4665916 Green May 1987 A
4667674 Korthoff et al. May 1987 A
4669647 Storace Jun 1987 A
4671278 Chin Jun 1987 A
4671280 Dorband et al. Jun 1987 A
4671445 Barker et al. Jun 1987 A
4672964 Dee et al. Jun 1987 A
4675944 Wells Jun 1987 A
4676245 Fukuda Jun 1987 A
4679460 Yoshigai Jul 1987 A
4679719 Kramer Jul 1987 A
4684051 Akopov et al. Aug 1987 A
4688555 Wardle Aug 1987 A
4691703 Auth et al. Sep 1987 A
4693248 Failla Sep 1987 A
4698579 Richter et al. Oct 1987 A
4700703 Resnick et al. Oct 1987 A
4705038 Sjostrom et al. Nov 1987 A
4708141 Inoue et al. Nov 1987 A
4709120 Pearson Nov 1987 A
4715520 Roehr, Jr. et al. Dec 1987 A
4719917 Barrows et al. Jan 1988 A
4721099 Chikama Jan 1988 A
4722340 Takayama et al. Feb 1988 A
4724840 McVay et al. Feb 1988 A
4727308 Huljak et al. Feb 1988 A
4728020 Green et al. Mar 1988 A
4728876 Mongeon et al. Mar 1988 A
4729260 Dudden Mar 1988 A
4730726 Holzwarth Mar 1988 A
4741336 Failla et al. May 1988 A
4743214 Tai-Cheng May 1988 A
4744363 Hasson May 1988 A
4747820 Hornlein et al. May 1988 A
4750902 Wuchinich et al. Jun 1988 A
4752024 Green et al. Jun 1988 A
4754909 Barker et al. Jul 1988 A
4755070 Cerutti Jul 1988 A
4761326 Barnes et al. Aug 1988 A
4763669 Jaeger Aug 1988 A
4767044 Green Aug 1988 A
D297764 Hunt et al. Sep 1988 S
4773420 Green Sep 1988 A
4777780 Holzwarth Oct 1988 A
4781186 Simpson et al. Nov 1988 A
4784137 Kulik et al. Nov 1988 A
4787387 Burbank, III et al. Nov 1988 A
4788485 Kawagishi et al. Nov 1988 A
D298967 Hunt Dec 1988 S
4790225 Moody et al. Dec 1988 A
4790314 Weaver Dec 1988 A
4805617 Bedi et al. Feb 1989 A
4805823 Rothfuss Feb 1989 A
4807628 Peters et al. Feb 1989 A
4809695 Gwathmey et al. Mar 1989 A
4815460 Porat et al. Mar 1989 A
4817643 Olson Apr 1989 A
4817847 Redtenbacher et al. Apr 1989 A
4819853 Green Apr 1989 A
4821939 Green Apr 1989 A
4827552 Bojar et al. May 1989 A
4827911 Broadwin et al. May 1989 A
4828542 Hermann May 1989 A
4828944 Yabe et al. May 1989 A
4830855 Stewart May 1989 A
4832158 Farrar et al. May 1989 A
4833937 Nagano May 1989 A
4834096 Oh et al. May 1989 A
4834720 Blinkhorn May 1989 A
4838859 Strassmann Jun 1989 A
4844068 Arata et al. Jul 1989 A
4848637 Pruitt Jul 1989 A
4856078 Konopka Aug 1989 A
4860644 Kohl et al. Aug 1989 A
4862891 Smith Sep 1989 A
4863423 Wallace Sep 1989 A
4865030 Polyak Sep 1989 A
4868530 Ahs Sep 1989 A
4869414 Green et al. Sep 1989 A
4869415 Fox Sep 1989 A
4873977 Avant et al. Oct 1989 A
4875486 Rapoport et al. Oct 1989 A
4880015 Nierman Nov 1989 A
4890613 Golden et al. Jan 1990 A
4892244 Fox et al. Jan 1990 A
4893622 Green et al. Jan 1990 A
4894051 Shiber Jan 1990 A
4896584 Stoll et al. Jan 1990 A
4896678 Ogawa Jan 1990 A
4900303 Lemelson Feb 1990 A
4903697 Resnick et al. Feb 1990 A
4909789 Taguchi et al. Mar 1990 A
4915100 Green Apr 1990 A
4919679 Averill et al. Apr 1990 A
4921479 Grayzel May 1990 A
4925082 Kim May 1990 A
4928699 Sasai May 1990 A
4930503 Pruitt Jun 1990 A
4930674 Barak Jun 1990 A
4931047 Broadwin et al. Jun 1990 A
4931737 Hishiki Jun 1990 A
4932960 Green et al. Jun 1990 A
4933800 Yang Jun 1990 A
4933843 Scheller et al. Jun 1990 A
D309350 Sutherland et al. Jul 1990 S
4938408 Bedi et al. Jul 1990 A
4941623 Pruitt Jul 1990 A
4943182 Hoblingre Jul 1990 A
4944443 Oddsen et al. Jul 1990 A
4946067 Kelsall Aug 1990 A
4948327 Crupi, Jr. Aug 1990 A
4949707 LeVahn et al. Aug 1990 A
4951860 Peters et al. Aug 1990 A
4951861 Schulze et al. Aug 1990 A
4954960 Lo et al. Sep 1990 A
4955959 Tompkins et al. Sep 1990 A
4957212 Duck et al. Sep 1990 A
4962681 Yang Oct 1990 A
4962877 Hervas Oct 1990 A
4964559 Deniega et al. Oct 1990 A
4964863 Kanshin et al. Oct 1990 A
4965709 Ngo Oct 1990 A
4970656 Lo et al. Nov 1990 A
4973274 Hirukawa Nov 1990 A
4973302 Armour et al. Nov 1990 A
4976173 Yang Dec 1990 A
4978049 Green Dec 1990 A
4978333 Broadwin et al. Dec 1990 A
4979952 Kubota et al. Dec 1990 A
4984564 Yuen Jan 1991 A
4986808 Broadwin et al. Jan 1991 A
4987049 Komamura et al. Jan 1991 A
4988334 Hornlein et al. Jan 1991 A
4995877 Ams et al. Feb 1991 A
4995959 Metzner Feb 1991 A
4996975 Nakamura Mar 1991 A
5001649 Lo et al. Mar 1991 A
5002543 Bradshaw et al. Mar 1991 A
5002553 Shiber Mar 1991 A
5005754 Van Overloop Apr 1991 A
5009661 Michelson Apr 1991 A
5012411 Policastro et al. Apr 1991 A
5014898 Heidrich May 1991 A
5014899 Presty et al. May 1991 A
5015227 Broadwin et al. May 1991 A
5018515 Gilman May 1991 A
5018657 Pedlick et al. May 1991 A
5024652 Dumenek et al. Jun 1991 A
5024671 Tu et al. Jun 1991 A
5025559 McCullough Jun 1991 A
5027834 Pruitt Jul 1991 A
5030226 Green et al. Jul 1991 A
5031814 Tompkins et al. Jul 1991 A
5033552 Hu Jul 1991 A
5035040 Kerrigan et al. Jul 1991 A
5037018 Matsuda et al. Aug 1991 A
5038109 Goble et al. Aug 1991 A
5038247 Kelley et al. Aug 1991 A
5040715 Green et al. Aug 1991 A
5042707 Taheri Aug 1991 A
5056953 Marot et al. Oct 1991 A
5060658 Dejter, Jr. et al. Oct 1991 A
5061269 Muller Oct 1991 A
5062491 Takeshima et al. Nov 1991 A
5062563 Green et al. Nov 1991 A
5065929 Schulze et al. Nov 1991 A
5071052 Rodak et al. Dec 1991 A
5071430 de Salis et al. Dec 1991 A
5074454 Peters Dec 1991 A
5077506 Krause Dec 1991 A
5079006 Urquhart Jan 1992 A
5080556 Carreno Jan 1992 A
5083695 Foslien et al. Jan 1992 A
5084057 Green et al. Jan 1992 A
5088979 Filipi et al. Feb 1992 A
5088997 Delahuerga et al. Feb 1992 A
5089606 Cole et al. Feb 1992 A
5094247 Hernandez et al. Mar 1992 A
5098004 Kerrigan Mar 1992 A
5098360 Hirota Mar 1992 A
5100042 Gravener et al. Mar 1992 A
5100420 Green et al. Mar 1992 A
5104025 Main et al. Apr 1992 A
5104397 Vasconcelos et al. Apr 1992 A
5104400 Berguer et al. Apr 1992 A
5106008 Tompkins et al. Apr 1992 A
5108368 Hammerslag et al. Apr 1992 A
5109722 Hufnagle et al. May 1992 A
5111987 Moeinzadeh et al. May 1992 A
5116349 Aranyi May 1992 A
D327323 Hunt Jun 1992 S
5119009 McCaleb et al. Jun 1992 A
5122156 Granger et al. Jun 1992 A
5124990 Williamson Jun 1992 A
5129570 Schulze et al. Jul 1992 A
5137198 Nobis et al. Aug 1992 A
5139513 Segato Aug 1992 A
5141144 Foslien et al. Aug 1992 A
5142932 Moya et al. Sep 1992 A
5151102 Kamiyama et al. Sep 1992 A
5155941 Takahashi et al. Oct 1992 A
5156315 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5156609 Nakao et al. Oct 1992 A
5156614 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5158222 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5158567 Green Oct 1992 A
D330699 Gill Nov 1992 S
5163598 Peters et al. Nov 1992 A
5168605 Bartlett Dec 1992 A
5170925 Madden et al. Dec 1992 A
5171247 Hughett et al. Dec 1992 A
5171249 Stefanchik et al. Dec 1992 A
5171253 Klieman Dec 1992 A
5173053 Swanson et al. Dec 1992 A
5173133 Morin et al. Dec 1992 A
5176677 Wuchinich Jan 1993 A
5176688 Narayan et al. Jan 1993 A
5181514 Solomon et al. Jan 1993 A
5187422 Izenbaard et al. Feb 1993 A
5188102 Idemoto et al. Feb 1993 A
5188111 Yates et al. Feb 1993 A
5190517 Zieve et al. Mar 1993 A
5190544 Chapman et al. Mar 1993 A
5190560 Woods et al. Mar 1993 A
5190657 Heagle et al. Mar 1993 A
5192288 Thompson et al. Mar 1993 A
5193731 Aranyi Mar 1993 A
5195505 Josefsen Mar 1993 A
5195968 Lundquist et al. Mar 1993 A
5197648 Gingold Mar 1993 A
5197649 Bessler et al. Mar 1993 A
5197966 Sommerkamp Mar 1993 A
5197970 Green et al. Mar 1993 A
5200280 Karasa Apr 1993 A
5201750 Hocherl et al. Apr 1993 A
5205459 Brinkerhoff et al. Apr 1993 A
5207672 Roth et al. May 1993 A
5207697 Carusillo et al. May 1993 A
5209747 Knoepfler May 1993 A
5209756 Seedhom et al. May 1993 A
5211649 Kohler et al. May 1993 A
5211655 Hasson May 1993 A
5217457 Delahuerga et al. Jun 1993 A
5217478 Rexroth Jun 1993 A
5219111 Bilotti et al. Jun 1993 A
5220269 Chen et al. Jun 1993 A
5221036 Takase Jun 1993 A
5221281 Klicek Jun 1993 A
5222945 Basnight Jun 1993 A
5222963 Brinkerhoff et al. Jun 1993 A
5222975 Crainich Jun 1993 A
5222976 Yoon Jun 1993 A
5223675 Taft Jun 1993 A
D338729 Sprecklemeier et al. Aug 1993 S
5234447 Kaster et al. Aug 1993 A
5236269 Handy Aug 1993 A
5236424 Imran Aug 1993 A
5236440 Hlavacek Aug 1993 A
5239981 Anapliotis Aug 1993 A
5240163 Stein et al. Aug 1993 A
5242456 Nash et al. Sep 1993 A
5242457 Akopov et al. Sep 1993 A
5244462 Delahuerga et al. Sep 1993 A
5246156 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1993 A
5246443 Mai Sep 1993 A
5253793 Green et al. Oct 1993 A
5258007 Spetzler et al. Nov 1993 A
5258008 Wilk Nov 1993 A
5258009 Conners Nov 1993 A
5258010 Green et al. Nov 1993 A
5258012 Luscombe et al. Nov 1993 A
5259366 Reydel et al. Nov 1993 A
5259835 Clark et al. Nov 1993 A
5260637 Pizzi Nov 1993 A
5261135 Mitchell Nov 1993 A
5261877 Fine et al. Nov 1993 A
5261922 Hood Nov 1993 A
5263629 Trumbull et al. Nov 1993 A
5263937 Shipp Nov 1993 A
5263973 Cook Nov 1993 A
5264218 Rogozinski Nov 1993 A
5268622 Philipp Dec 1993 A
5271543 Grant et al. Dec 1993 A
5271544 Fox et al. Dec 1993 A
RE34519 Fox et al. Jan 1994 E
5275322 Brinkerhoff et al. Jan 1994 A
5275323 Schulze et al. Jan 1994 A
5275608 Forman et al. Jan 1994 A
5279416 Malec et al. Jan 1994 A
5281216 Klicek Jan 1994 A
5281400 Berry, Jr. Jan 1994 A
5282806 Haber et al. Feb 1994 A
5282826 Quadri Feb 1994 A
5282829 Hermes Feb 1994 A
5284128 Hart Feb 1994 A
5285381 Iskarous et al. Feb 1994 A
5285945 Brinkerhoff et al. Feb 1994 A
5286253 Fucci Feb 1994 A
5289963 McGarry et al. Mar 1994 A
5290271 Jernberg Mar 1994 A
5290310 Makower et al. Mar 1994 A
5291133 Gokhale et al. Mar 1994 A
5292053 Bilotti et al. Mar 1994 A
5293024 Sugahara et al. Mar 1994 A
5297714 Kramer Mar 1994 A
5303606 Kokinda Apr 1994 A
5304204 Bregen Apr 1994 A
D347474 Olson May 1994 S
5307976 Olson et al. May 1994 A
5308576 Green et al. May 1994 A
5309387 Mori et al. May 1994 A
5309927 Welch May 1994 A
5312023 Green et al. May 1994 A
5312024 Grant et al. May 1994 A
5312329 Beaty et al. May 1994 A
5313935 Kortenbach et al. May 1994 A
5313967 Lieber et al. May 1994 A
5314424 Nicholas May 1994 A
5314445 Heidmueller nee Degwitz et al. May 1994 A
5314466 Stern et al. May 1994 A
5318221 Green et al. Jun 1994 A
5320627 Sorensen et al. Jun 1994 A
D348930 Olson Jul 1994 S
5326013 Green et al. Jul 1994 A
5329923 Lundquist Jul 1994 A
5330486 Wilk Jul 1994 A
5330487 Thornton et al. Jul 1994 A
5330502 Hassler et al. Jul 1994 A
5331971 Bales et al. Jul 1994 A
5332142 Robinson et al. Jul 1994 A
5333422 Warren et al. Aug 1994 A
5333772 Rothfuss et al. Aug 1994 A
5333773 Main et al. Aug 1994 A
5334183 Wuchinich Aug 1994 A
5336130 Ray Aug 1994 A
5336229 Noda Aug 1994 A
5336232 Green et al. Aug 1994 A
5338317 Hasson et al. Aug 1994 A
5339799 Kami et al. Aug 1994 A
5341724 Vatel Aug 1994 A
5341807 Nardella Aug 1994 A
5341810 Dardel Aug 1994 A
5342380 Hood Aug 1994 A
5342381 Tidemand Aug 1994 A
5342385 Norelli et al. Aug 1994 A
5342395 Jarrett et al. Aug 1994 A
5342396 Cook Aug 1994 A
5343382 Hale et al. Aug 1994 A
5343391 Mushabac Aug 1994 A
5344059 Green et al. Sep 1994 A
5344060 Gravener et al. Sep 1994 A
5344454 Clarke et al. Sep 1994 A
5346504 Ortiz et al. Sep 1994 A
5348259 Blanco et al. Sep 1994 A
5350104 Main et al. Sep 1994 A
5350355 Sklar Sep 1994 A
5350388 Epstein Sep 1994 A
5350391 Iacovelli Sep 1994 A
5350400 Esposito et al. Sep 1994 A
5352229 Goble et al. Oct 1994 A
5352235 Koros et al. Oct 1994 A
5352238 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5353798 Sieben Oct 1994 A
5354250 Christensen Oct 1994 A
5354303 Spaeth et al. Oct 1994 A
5356006 Alpern et al. Oct 1994 A
5356064 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5358506 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5358510 Luscombe et al. Oct 1994 A
5359231 Flowers et al. Oct 1994 A
D352780 Glaeser et al. Nov 1994 S
5359993 Slater et al. Nov 1994 A
5360305 Kerrigan Nov 1994 A
5360428 Hutchinson, Jr. Nov 1994 A
5361902 Abidin et al. Nov 1994 A
5364001 Bryan Nov 1994 A
5364002 Green et al. Nov 1994 A
5364003 Williamson, IV Nov 1994 A
5366133 Geiste Nov 1994 A
5366134 Green et al. Nov 1994 A
5366479 McGarry et al. Nov 1994 A
5368015 Wilk Nov 1994 A
5368592 Stern et al. Nov 1994 A
5369565 Chen et al. Nov 1994 A
5370645 Klicek et al. Dec 1994 A
5372124 Takayama et al. Dec 1994 A
5372596 Klicek et al. Dec 1994 A
5372602 Burke Dec 1994 A
5374277 Hassler Dec 1994 A
5375588 Yoon Dec 1994 A
5376095 Ortiz Dec 1994 A
5379933 Green et al. Jan 1995 A
5381649 Webb Jan 1995 A
5381782 DeLaRama et al. Jan 1995 A
5381943 Allen et al. Jan 1995 A
5382247 Cimino et al. Jan 1995 A
5383460 Jang et al. Jan 1995 A
5383874 Jackson et al. Jan 1995 A
5383880 Hooven Jan 1995 A
5383881 Green et al. Jan 1995 A
5383882 Buess et al. Jan 1995 A
5383888 Zvenyatsky et al. Jan 1995 A
5383895 Holmes et al. Jan 1995 A
5388568 van der Heide Feb 1995 A
5389098 Tsuruta et al. Feb 1995 A
5389102 Green et al. Feb 1995 A
5389104 Hahnen et al. Feb 1995 A
5391180 Tovey et al. Feb 1995 A
5392979 Green et al. Feb 1995 A
5395030 Kuramoto et al. Mar 1995 A
5395033 Byrne et al. Mar 1995 A
5395034 Allen et al. Mar 1995 A
5395312 Desai Mar 1995 A
5395384 Duthoit et al. Mar 1995 A
5397046 Savage et al. Mar 1995 A
5397324 Carroll et al. Mar 1995 A
5400267 Denen et al. Mar 1995 A
5403276 Schechter et al. Apr 1995 A
5403312 Yates et al. Apr 1995 A
5404106 Matsuda Apr 1995 A
5404870 Brinkerhoff et al. Apr 1995 A
5404960 Wada et al. Apr 1995 A
5405072 Zlock et al. Apr 1995 A
5405073 Porter Apr 1995 A
5405344 Williamson et al. Apr 1995 A
5405360 Tovey Apr 1995 A
5407293 Crainich Apr 1995 A
5408409 Glassman et al. Apr 1995 A
5409498 Braddock et al. Apr 1995 A
5409703 McAnalley et al. Apr 1995 A
D357981 Green et al. May 1995 S
5411481 Allen et al. May 1995 A
5411508 Bessler et al. May 1995 A
5413107 Oakley et al. May 1995 A
5413267 Solyntjes et al. May 1995 A
5413268 Green et al. May 1995 A
5413272 Green et al. May 1995 A
5413573 Koivukangas May 1995 A
5415334 Williamson et al. May 1995 A
5415335 Knodell, Jr. May 1995 A
5417203 Tovey et al. May 1995 A
5417361 Williamson, IV May 1995 A
5419766 Chang et al. May 1995 A
5421829 Olichney et al. Jun 1995 A
5422567 Matsunaga Jun 1995 A
5423471 Mastri et al. Jun 1995 A
5423809 Klicek Jun 1995 A
5423835 Green et al. Jun 1995 A
5425355 Kulick Jun 1995 A
5425745 Green et al. Jun 1995 A
5427298 Tegtmeier Jun 1995 A
5431322 Green et al. Jul 1995 A
5431323 Smith et al. Jul 1995 A
5431654 Nic Jul 1995 A
5431668 Burbank, III et al. Jul 1995 A
5433721 Hooven et al. Jul 1995 A
5437681 Meade et al. Aug 1995 A
5438302 Goble Aug 1995 A
5438997 Sieben et al. Aug 1995 A
5439155 Viola Aug 1995 A
5439156 Grant et al. Aug 1995 A
5439479 Shichman et al. Aug 1995 A
5441191 Linden Aug 1995 A
5441193 Gravener Aug 1995 A
5441483 Avitall Aug 1995 A
5441494 Ortiz Aug 1995 A
5441499 Fritzsch Aug 1995 A
5443197 Malis et al. Aug 1995 A
5443198 Viola et al. Aug 1995 A
5443463 Stern et al. Aug 1995 A
5444113 Sinclair et al. Aug 1995 A
5445155 Sieben Aug 1995 A
5445304 Plyley et al. Aug 1995 A
5445604 Lang Aug 1995 A
5445644 Pietrafitta et al. Aug 1995 A
5446646 Miyazaki Aug 1995 A
5447265 Vidal et al. Sep 1995 A
5447417 Kuhl et al. Sep 1995 A
5447513 Davison et al. Sep 1995 A
5449355 Rhum et al. Sep 1995 A
5449365 Green et al. Sep 1995 A
5449370 Vaitekunas Sep 1995 A
5452836 Huitema et al. Sep 1995 A
5452837 Williamson, IV et al. Sep 1995 A
5454378 Palmer et al. Oct 1995 A
5454822 Schob et al. Oct 1995 A
5454827 Aust et al. Oct 1995 A
5456401 Green et al. Oct 1995 A
5456917 Wise et al. Oct 1995 A
5458279 Plyley Oct 1995 A
5458579 Chodorow et al. Oct 1995 A
5462215 Viola et al. Oct 1995 A
5464013 Lemelson Nov 1995 A
5464144 Guy et al. Nov 1995 A
5464300 Crainich Nov 1995 A
5465819 Weilant et al. Nov 1995 A
5465894 Clark et al. Nov 1995 A
5465895 Knodel et al. Nov 1995 A
5465896 Allen et al. Nov 1995 A
5466020 Page et al. Nov 1995 A
5467911 Tsuruta et al. Nov 1995 A
5468253 Bezwada et al. Nov 1995 A
5470006 Rodak Nov 1995 A
5470007 Plyley et al. Nov 1995 A
5470008 Rodak Nov 1995 A
5470009 Rodak Nov 1995 A
5470010 Rothfuss et al. Nov 1995 A
5471129 Mann Nov 1995 A
5472132 Savage et al. Dec 1995 A
5472442 Klicek Dec 1995 A
5473204 Temple Dec 1995 A
5474057 Makower et al. Dec 1995 A
5474223 Viola et al. Dec 1995 A
5474566 Alesi et al. Dec 1995 A
5474570 Kockerling et al. Dec 1995 A
5474738 Nichols et al. Dec 1995 A
5476206 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5476479 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5476481 Schondorf Dec 1995 A
5478003 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5478354 Tovey et al. Dec 1995 A
5480089 Blewett Jan 1996 A
5480409 Riza Jan 1996 A
5482197 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5483952 Aranyi Jan 1996 A
5484095 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5484398 Stoddard Jan 1996 A
5484451 Akopov et al. Jan 1996 A
5485947 Olson et al. Jan 1996 A
5485952 Fontayne Jan 1996 A
5487499 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1996 A
5487500 Knodel et al. Jan 1996 A
5489058 Plyley et al. Feb 1996 A
5489256 Adair Feb 1996 A
5489290 Furnish Feb 1996 A
5490819 Nicholas et al. Feb 1996 A
5492671 Krafft Feb 1996 A
5496312 Klicek Mar 1996 A
5496317 Goble et al. Mar 1996 A
5497933 DeFonzo et al. Mar 1996 A
5498164 Ward et al. Mar 1996 A
5498838 Furman Mar 1996 A
5501654 Failla et al. Mar 1996 A
5503320 Webster et al. Apr 1996 A
5503635 Sauer et al. Apr 1996 A
5503638 Cooper et al. Apr 1996 A
5505363 Green et al. Apr 1996 A
5507425 Ziglioli Apr 1996 A
5507426 Young et al. Apr 1996 A
5507773 Huitema et al. Apr 1996 A
5509596 Green et al. Apr 1996 A
5509916 Taylor Apr 1996 A
5509918 Romano Apr 1996 A
5511564 Wilk Apr 1996 A
5514129 Smith May 1996 A
5514149 Green et al. May 1996 A
5514157 Nicholas et al. May 1996 A
5518163 Hooven May 1996 A
5518164 Hooven May 1996 A
5520609 Moll et al. May 1996 A
5520634 Fox et al. May 1996 A
5520678 Heckele et al. May 1996 A
5520700 Beyar et al. May 1996 A
5522817 Sander et al. Jun 1996 A
5522831 Sleister et al. Jun 1996 A
5527264 Moll et al. Jun 1996 A
5527320 Carruthers et al. Jun 1996 A
5529235 Boiarski et al. Jun 1996 A
D372086 Grasso et al. Jul 1996 S
5531305 Roberts et al. Jul 1996 A
5531744 Nardella et al. Jul 1996 A
5531856 Moll et al. Jul 1996 A
5533521 Granger Jul 1996 A
5533581 Barth et al. Jul 1996 A
5533661 Main et al. Jul 1996 A
5535934 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5535935 Vidal et al. Jul 1996 A
5535937 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5540375 Bolanos et al. Jul 1996 A
5540705 Meade et al. Jul 1996 A
5541376 Ladtkow et al. Jul 1996 A
5541489 Dunstan Jul 1996 A
5542594 McKean et al. Aug 1996 A
5542945 Fritzsch Aug 1996 A
5542949 Yoon Aug 1996 A
5543119 Sutter et al. Aug 1996 A
5543695 Culp et al. Aug 1996 A
5544802 Crainich Aug 1996 A
5547117 Hamblin et al. Aug 1996 A
5549583 Sanford et al. Aug 1996 A
5549621 Bessler et al. Aug 1996 A
5549627 Kieturakis Aug 1996 A
5549628 Cooper et al. Aug 1996 A
5549637 Crainich Aug 1996 A
5551622 Yoon Sep 1996 A
5553624 Francese et al. Sep 1996 A
5553675 Pitzen et al. Sep 1996 A
5553765 Knodel et al. Sep 1996 A
5554148 Aebischer et al. Sep 1996 A
5554169 Green et al. Sep 1996 A
5556020 Hou Sep 1996 A
5556416 Clark et al. Sep 1996 A
5558533 Hashizawa et al. Sep 1996 A
5558665 Kieturakis Sep 1996 A
5558671 Yates Sep 1996 A
5560530 Bolanos et al. Oct 1996 A
5560532 DeFonzo et al. Oct 1996 A
5561881 Klinger et al. Oct 1996 A
5562239 Boiarski et al. Oct 1996 A
5562241 Knodel et al. Oct 1996 A
5562682 Oberlin et al. Oct 1996 A
5562690 Green et al. Oct 1996 A
5562701 Huitema et al. Oct 1996 A
5562702 Huitema et al. Oct 1996 A
5563481 Krause Oct 1996 A
5564615 Bishop et al. Oct 1996 A
5569161 Ebling et al. Oct 1996 A
5569270 Weng Oct 1996 A
5569284 Young et al. Oct 1996 A
5571090 Sherts Nov 1996 A
5571100 Goble et al. Nov 1996 A
5571116 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5571285 Chow et al. Nov 1996 A
5571488 Beerstecher et al. Nov 1996 A
5573169 Green et al. Nov 1996 A
5573543 Akopov et al. Nov 1996 A
5574431 McKeown et al. Nov 1996 A
5575054 Klinzing et al. Nov 1996 A
5575789 Bell et al. Nov 1996 A
5575799 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5575803 Cooper et al. Nov 1996 A
5575805 Li Nov 1996 A
5577654 Bishop Nov 1996 A
5578052 Koros et al. Nov 1996 A
5579978 Green et al. Dec 1996 A
5580067 Hamblin et al. Dec 1996 A
5582611 Tsuruta et al. Dec 1996 A
5582617 Klieman et al. Dec 1996 A
5582907 Pall Dec 1996 A
5583114 Barrows et al. Dec 1996 A
5584425 Savage et al. Dec 1996 A
5586711 Plyley et al. Dec 1996 A
5588579 Schnut et al. Dec 1996 A
5588580 Paul et al. Dec 1996 A
5588581 Conlon et al. Dec 1996 A
5591170 Spievack et al. Jan 1997 A
5591187 Dekel Jan 1997 A
5597107 Knodel et al. Jan 1997 A
5599151 Daum et al. Feb 1997 A
5599279 Slotman et al. Feb 1997 A
5599344 Paterson Feb 1997 A
5599350 Schulze et al. Feb 1997 A
5599852 Scopelianos et al. Feb 1997 A
5601224 Bishop et al. Feb 1997 A
5601573 Fogelberg et al. Feb 1997 A
5601604 Vincent Feb 1997 A
5602449 Krause et al. Feb 1997 A
5603443 Clark et al. Feb 1997 A
5605272 Witt et al. Feb 1997 A
5605273 Hamblin et al. Feb 1997 A
5607094 Clark et al. Mar 1997 A
5607095 Smith et al. Mar 1997 A
5607433 Polla et al. Mar 1997 A
5607436 Pratt et al. Mar 1997 A
5607450 Zvenyatsky et al. Mar 1997 A
5607474 Athanasiou et al. Mar 1997 A
5609285 Grant et al. Mar 1997 A
5609601 Kolesa et al. Mar 1997 A
5611709 McAnulty Mar 1997 A
5613499 Palmer et al. Mar 1997 A
5613937 Garrison et al. Mar 1997 A
5613966 Makower et al. Mar 1997 A
5614887 Buchbinder Mar 1997 A
5615820 Viola Apr 1997 A
5618294 Aust et al. Apr 1997 A
5618303 Marlow et al. Apr 1997 A
5618307 Donlon et al. Apr 1997 A
5619992 Guthrie et al. Apr 1997 A
5620289 Curry Apr 1997 A
5620326 Younker Apr 1997 A
5620452 Yoon Apr 1997 A
5624398 Smith et al. Apr 1997 A
5624452 Yates Apr 1997 A
5626587 Bishop et al. May 1997 A
5626595 Sklar et al. May 1997 A
5626979 Mitsui et al. May 1997 A
5628446 Geiste et al. May 1997 A
5628743 Cimino May 1997 A
5628745 Bek May 1997 A
5630539 Plyley et al. May 1997 A
5630540 Blewett May 1997 A
5630541 Williamson, IV et al. May 1997 A
5630782 Adair May 1997 A
5631973 Green May 1997 A
5632432 Schulze et al. May 1997 A
5632433 Grant et al. May 1997 A
5633374 Humphrey et al. May 1997 A
5634584 Okorocha et al. Jun 1997 A
5636779 Palmer Jun 1997 A
5636780 Green et al. Jun 1997 A
5638582 Klatt et al. Jun 1997 A
5639008 Gallagher et al. Jun 1997 A
D381077 Hunt Jul 1997 S
5643291 Pier et al. Jul 1997 A
5643293 Kogasaka et al. Jul 1997 A
5643294 Tovey et al. Jul 1997 A
5643319 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5645209 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5647526 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5647869 Goble et al. Jul 1997 A
5649937 Bito et al. Jul 1997 A
5649956 Jensen et al. Jul 1997 A
5651491 Heaton et al. Jul 1997 A
5651762 Bridges Jul 1997 A
5651821 Uchida Jul 1997 A
5653373 Green et al. Aug 1997 A
5653374 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5653677 Okada et al. Aug 1997 A
5653721 Knodel et al. Aug 1997 A
5653748 Strecker Aug 1997 A
5655698 Yoon Aug 1997 A
5657417 Di Troia Aug 1997 A
5657429 Wang et al. Aug 1997 A
5657921 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5658238 Suzuki et al. Aug 1997 A
5658281 Heard Aug 1997 A
5658298 Vincent et al. Aug 1997 A
5658300 Bito et al. Aug 1997 A
5658307 Exconde Aug 1997 A
5662258 Knodel et al. Sep 1997 A
5662260 Yoon Sep 1997 A
5662662 Bishop et al. Sep 1997 A
5662667 Knodel Sep 1997 A
5665085 Nardella Sep 1997 A
5667517 Hooven Sep 1997 A
5667526 Levin Sep 1997 A
5667527 Cook Sep 1997 A
5667864 Landoll Sep 1997 A
5669544 Schulze et al. Sep 1997 A
5669904 Platt, Jr. et al. Sep 1997 A
5669907 Platt, Jr. et al. Sep 1997 A
5669918 Balazs et al. Sep 1997 A
5672945 Krause Sep 1997 A
5673840 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673841 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673842 Bittner et al. Oct 1997 A
5674184 Hassler, Jr. Oct 1997 A
5674286 D'Alessio et al. Oct 1997 A
5678748 Plyley et al. Oct 1997 A
5680981 Mililli et al. Oct 1997 A
5680982 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5680983 Plyley et al. Oct 1997 A
5681341 Lunsford et al. Oct 1997 A
5683349 Makower et al. Nov 1997 A
5685474 Seeber Nov 1997 A
5686090 Schilder et al. Nov 1997 A
5688270 Yates et al. Nov 1997 A
5690269 Bolanos et al. Nov 1997 A
5690675 Sawyer et al. Nov 1997 A
5692668 Schulze et al. Dec 1997 A
5693020 Rauh Dec 1997 A
5693042 Boiarski et al. Dec 1997 A
5693051 Schulze et al. Dec 1997 A
5695494 Becker Dec 1997 A
5695502 Pier et al. Dec 1997 A
5695504 Gifford, III et al. Dec 1997 A
5695524 Kelley et al. Dec 1997 A
5697542 Knodel et al. Dec 1997 A
5697543 Burdorff Dec 1997 A
5697909 Eggers et al. Dec 1997 A
5697943 Sauer et al. Dec 1997 A
5700270 Peyser et al. Dec 1997 A
5700276 Benecke Dec 1997 A
5702387 Arts et al. Dec 1997 A
5702408 Wales et al. Dec 1997 A
5702409 Rayburn et al. Dec 1997 A
5704087 Strub Jan 1998 A
5704534 Huitema et al. Jan 1998 A
5706997 Green et al. Jan 1998 A
5706998 Plyley et al. Jan 1998 A
5707392 Kortenbach Jan 1998 A
5709334 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1998 A
5709335 Heck Jan 1998 A
5709680 Yates et al. Jan 1998 A
5709706 Kienzle et al. Jan 1998 A
5711472 Bryan Jan 1998 A
5711960 Shikinami Jan 1998 A
5712460 Carr et al. Jan 1998 A
5713128 Schrenk et al. Feb 1998 A
5713505 Huitema Feb 1998 A
5713895 Lontine et al. Feb 1998 A
5713896 Nardella Feb 1998 A
5713920 Bezwada et al. Feb 1998 A
5715604 Lanzoni Feb 1998 A
5715836 Kliegis et al. Feb 1998 A
5715987 Kelley et al. Feb 1998 A
5715988 Palmer Feb 1998 A
5716352 Viola et al. Feb 1998 A
5716366 Yates Feb 1998 A
5718359 Palmer et al. Feb 1998 A
5718360 Green et al. Feb 1998 A
5718548 Cotellessa Feb 1998 A
5718714 Livneh Feb 1998 A
5720744 Eggleston et al. Feb 1998 A
D393067 Geary et al. Mar 1998 S
5724025 Tavori Mar 1998 A
5725536 Oberlin et al. Mar 1998 A
5725554 Simon et al. Mar 1998 A
5728110 Vidal et al. Mar 1998 A
5728113 Sherts Mar 1998 A
5728121 Bimbo et al. Mar 1998 A
5730758 Allgeyer Mar 1998 A
5732821 Stone et al. Mar 1998 A
5732871 Clark et al. Mar 1998 A
5732872 Bolduc et al. Mar 1998 A
5733308 Daugherty et al. Mar 1998 A
5735445 Vidal et al. Apr 1998 A
5735848 Yates et al. Apr 1998 A
5735874 Measamer et al. Apr 1998 A
5736271 Cisar et al. Apr 1998 A
5738474 Blewett Apr 1998 A
5738629 Moll et al. Apr 1998 A
5738648 Lands et al. Apr 1998 A
5741271 Nakao et al. Apr 1998 A
5743456 Jones et al. Apr 1998 A
5747953 Philipp May 1998 A
5749889 Bacich et al. May 1998 A
5749893 Vidal et al. May 1998 A
5749896 Cook May 1998 A
5749968 Melanson et al. May 1998 A
5752644 Bolanos et al. May 1998 A
5752965 Francis et al. May 1998 A
5752970 Yoon May 1998 A
5752973 Kieturakis May 1998 A
5755717 Yates et al. May 1998 A
5755726 Pratt et al. May 1998 A
5758814 Gallagher et al. Jun 1998 A
5762255 Chrisman et al. Jun 1998 A
5762256 Mastri et al. Jun 1998 A
5765565 Adair Jun 1998 A
5766188 Igaki Jun 1998 A
5766205 Zvenyatsky et al. Jun 1998 A
5769303 Knodel et al. Jun 1998 A
5769748 Eyerly et al. Jun 1998 A
5769791 Benaron et al. Jun 1998 A
5769892 Kingwell Jun 1998 A
5772099 Gravener Jun 1998 A
5772379 Evensen Jun 1998 A
5772578 Heimberger et al. Jun 1998 A
5772659 Becker et al. Jun 1998 A
5773991 Chen Jun 1998 A
5776130 Buysse et al. Jul 1998 A
5778939 Hok-Yin Jul 1998 A
5779130 Alesi et al. Jul 1998 A
5779131 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5779132 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5782396 Mastri et al. Jul 1998 A
5782397 Koukline Jul 1998 A
5782748 Palmer et al. Jul 1998 A
5782749 Riza Jul 1998 A
5782859 Nicholas et al. Jul 1998 A
5784934 Izumisawa Jul 1998 A
5785232 Vidal et al. Jul 1998 A
5785647 Tompkins et al. Jul 1998 A
5787897 Kieturakis Aug 1998 A
5791231 Cohn et al. Aug 1998 A
5792135 Madhani et al. Aug 1998 A
5792162 Jolly et al. Aug 1998 A
5792165 Klieman et al. Aug 1998 A
5792573 Pitzen et al. Aug 1998 A
5794834 Hamblin et al. Aug 1998 A
5796188 Bays Aug 1998 A
5797536 Smith et al. Aug 1998 A
5797537 Oberlin et al. Aug 1998 A
5797538 Heaton et al. Aug 1998 A
5797637 Ervin Aug 1998 A
5797900 Madhani et al. Aug 1998 A
5797906 Rhum et al. Aug 1998 A
5797927 Yoon Aug 1998 A
5797941 Schulze et al. Aug 1998 A
5797959 Castro et al. Aug 1998 A
5799857 Robertson et al. Sep 1998 A
5800379 Edwards Sep 1998 A
5800423 Jensen Sep 1998 A
5804726 Geib et al. Sep 1998 A
5804936 Brodsky et al. Sep 1998 A
5806676 Wasgien Sep 1998 A
5807241 Heimberger Sep 1998 A
5807376 Viola et al. Sep 1998 A
5807378 Jensen et al. Sep 1998 A
5807393 Williamson, IV et al. Sep 1998 A
5809441 McKee Sep 1998 A
5810721 Mueller et al. Sep 1998 A
5810811 Yates et al. Sep 1998 A
5810846 Virnich et al. Sep 1998 A
5810855 Rayburn et al. Sep 1998 A
5812188 Adair Sep 1998 A
5813813 Daum et al. Sep 1998 A
5814055 Knodel et al. Sep 1998 A
5814057 Oi et al. Sep 1998 A
5816471 Plyley et al. Oct 1998 A
5817084 Jensen Oct 1998 A
5817091 Nardella et al. Oct 1998 A
5817093 Williamson, IV et al. Oct 1998 A
5817109 McGarry et al. Oct 1998 A
5817119 Klieman et al. Oct 1998 A
5820009 Melling et al. Oct 1998 A
5823066 Huitema et al. Oct 1998 A
5824333 Scopelianos et al. Oct 1998 A
5826776 Schulze et al. Oct 1998 A
5827271 Buysse et al. Oct 1998 A
5827298 Hart et al. Oct 1998 A
5827323 Klieman et al. Oct 1998 A
5829662 Allen et al. Nov 1998 A
5830598 Patterson Nov 1998 A
5833690 Yates et al. Nov 1998 A
5833695 Yoon Nov 1998 A
5833696 Whitfield et al. Nov 1998 A
5836503 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 1998 A
5836960 Kolesa et al. Nov 1998 A
5839369 Chatterjee et al. Nov 1998 A
5839639 Sauer et al. Nov 1998 A
5841284 Takahashi Nov 1998 A
5843021 Edwards et al. Dec 1998 A
5843096 Igaki et al. Dec 1998 A
5843097 Mayenberger et al. Dec 1998 A
5843122 Riza Dec 1998 A
5843132 Ilvento Dec 1998 A
5843169 Taheri Dec 1998 A
5846254 Schulze et al. Dec 1998 A
5847566 Marritt et al. Dec 1998 A
5849011 Jones et al. Dec 1998 A
5849020 Long et al. Dec 1998 A
5849023 Mericle Dec 1998 A
5851179 Ritson et al. Dec 1998 A
5851212 Zirps et al. Dec 1998 A
5853366 Dowlatshahi Dec 1998 A
5855311 Hamblin et al. Jan 1999 A
5855583 Wang et al. Jan 1999 A
5860581 Robertson et al. Jan 1999 A
5860975 Goble et al. Jan 1999 A
5865361 Milliman et al. Feb 1999 A
5865638 Trafton Feb 1999 A
5868361 Rinderer Feb 1999 A
5868760 McGuckin, Jr. Feb 1999 A
5868790 Vincent et al. Feb 1999 A
5871135 Williamson, IV et al. Feb 1999 A
5873885 Weidenbenner Feb 1999 A
5876401 Schulze et al. Mar 1999 A
5878193 Wang et al. Mar 1999 A
5878607 Nunes et al. Mar 1999 A
5878937 Green et al. Mar 1999 A
5878938 Bittner et al. Mar 1999 A
5881777 Bassi et al. Mar 1999 A
5891094 Masterson et al. Apr 1999 A
5891160 Williamson, IV et al. Apr 1999 A
5891558 Bell et al. Apr 1999 A
5893506 Powell Apr 1999 A
5893835 Witt et al. Apr 1999 A
5893878 Pierce Apr 1999 A
5894979 Powell Apr 1999 A
5897552 Edwards et al. Apr 1999 A
5897562 Bolanos et al. Apr 1999 A
5899824 Kurtz et al. May 1999 A
5899914 Zirps et al. May 1999 A
5901895 Heaton et al. May 1999 A
5902312 Frater et al. May 1999 A
5903117 Gregory May 1999 A
5904647 Ouchi May 1999 A
5904693 Dicesare et al. May 1999 A
5904702 Ek et al. May 1999 A
5906577 Beane et al. May 1999 A
5906625 Bito et al. May 1999 A
5907211 Hall et al. May 1999 A
5908402 Blythe Jun 1999 A
5908427 McKean et al. Jun 1999 A
5909062 Krietzman Jun 1999 A
5911353 Bolanos et al. Jun 1999 A
5915616 Viola et al. Jun 1999 A
5916225 Kugel Jun 1999 A
5918791 Sorrentino et al. Jul 1999 A
5919198 Graves, Jr. et al. Jul 1999 A
5921956 Grinberg et al. Jul 1999 A
5924864 Loge et al. Jul 1999 A
5928137 Green Jul 1999 A
5928256 Riza Jul 1999 A
5931847 Bittner et al. Aug 1999 A
5931853 McEwen et al. Aug 1999 A
5937951 Izuchukwu et al. Aug 1999 A
5938667 Peyser et al. Aug 1999 A
5941442 Geiste et al. Aug 1999 A
5941890 Voegele et al. Aug 1999 A
5944172 Hannula Aug 1999 A
5944715 Goble et al. Aug 1999 A
5946978 Yamashita Sep 1999 A
5947984 Whipple Sep 1999 A
5947996 Logeman Sep 1999 A
5948030 Miller et al. Sep 1999 A
5948429 Bell et al. Sep 1999 A
5951301 Younker Sep 1999 A
5951516 Bunyan Sep 1999 A
5951552 Long et al. Sep 1999 A
5951574 Stefanchik et al. Sep 1999 A
5951575 Bolduc et al. Sep 1999 A
5951581 Saadat et al. Sep 1999 A
5954259 Viola et al. Sep 1999 A
5957831 Adair Sep 1999 A
5964394 Robertson Oct 1999 A
5964774 McKean et al. Oct 1999 A
5966126 Szabo Oct 1999 A
5971916 Koren Oct 1999 A
5973221 Collyer et al. Oct 1999 A
D416089 Barton et al. Nov 1999 S
5976122 Madhani et al. Nov 1999 A
5977746 Hershberger et al. Nov 1999 A
5980248 Kusakabe et al. Nov 1999 A
5984949 Levin Nov 1999 A
5988479 Palmer Nov 1999 A
5990379 Gregory Nov 1999 A
5993466 Yoon Nov 1999 A
5997528 Bisch et al. Dec 1999 A
5997552 Person et al. Dec 1999 A
6001108 Wang et al. Dec 1999 A
6003517 Sheffield et al. Dec 1999 A
6004319 Goble et al. Dec 1999 A
6004335 Vaitekunas et al. Dec 1999 A
6007521 Bidwell et al. Dec 1999 A
6010054 Johnson Jan 2000 A
6010513 Tormala et al. Jan 2000 A
6010520 Pattison Jan 2000 A
6012494 Balazs Jan 2000 A
6013076 Goble et al. Jan 2000 A
6013991 Philipp Jan 2000 A
6015406 Goble et al. Jan 2000 A
6015417 Reynolds, Jr. Jan 2000 A
6017322 Snoke et al. Jan 2000 A
6017354 Culp et al. Jan 2000 A
6017356 Frederick et al. Jan 2000 A
6018227 Kumar et al. Jan 2000 A
6019745 Gray Feb 2000 A
6019780 Lombardo et al. Feb 2000 A
6022352 Vandewalle Feb 2000 A
6023641 Thompson Feb 2000 A
6024708 Bales et al. Feb 2000 A
6024741 Williamson, IV et al. Feb 2000 A
6024748 Manzo et al. Feb 2000 A
6024750 Mastri et al. Feb 2000 A
6024764 Schroeppel Feb 2000 A
6027501 Goble et al. Feb 2000 A
6030384 Nezhat Feb 2000 A
6032849 Mastri et al. Mar 2000 A
6033105 Barker et al. Mar 2000 A
6033378 Lundquist et al. Mar 2000 A
6033399 Gines Mar 2000 A
6033427 Lee Mar 2000 A
6036641 Taylor et al. Mar 2000 A
6036667 Manna et al. Mar 2000 A
6037724 Buss et al. Mar 2000 A
6037927 Rosenberg Mar 2000 A
6039126 Hsieh Mar 2000 A
6039733 Buysse et al. Mar 2000 A
6039734 Goble Mar 2000 A
6042601 Smith Mar 2000 A
6042607 Williamson, IV et al. Mar 2000 A
6043626 Snyder et al. Mar 2000 A
6045560 McKean et al. Apr 2000 A
6047861 Vidal et al. Apr 2000 A
6049145 Austin et al. Apr 2000 A
6050172 Corves et al. Apr 2000 A
6050472 Shibata Apr 2000 A
6050989 Fox et al. Apr 2000 A
6050990 Tankovich et al. Apr 2000 A
6050996 Schmaltz et al. Apr 2000 A
6053390 Green et al. Apr 2000 A
6053899 Slanda et al. Apr 2000 A
6053922 Krause et al. Apr 2000 A
6054142 Li et al. Apr 2000 A
6055062 Dina et al. Apr 2000 A
RE36720 Green et al. May 2000 E
6056735 Okada et al. May 2000 A
6056746 Goble et al. May 2000 A
6059806 Hoegerle May 2000 A
6062360 Shields May 2000 A
6063020 Jones et al. May 2000 A
6063025 Bridges et al. May 2000 A
6063050 Manna et al. May 2000 A
6063095 Wang et al. May 2000 A
6063097 Oi et al. May 2000 A
6063098 Houser et al. May 2000 A
6065679 Levie et al. May 2000 A
6065919 Peck May 2000 A
6066132 Chen et al. May 2000 A
6066151 Miyawaki et al. May 2000 A
6068627 Orszulak et al. May 2000 A
6071233 Ishikawa et al. Jun 2000 A
6072299 Kurle et al. Jun 2000 A
6074386 Goble et al. Jun 2000 A
6074401 Gardiner et al. Jun 2000 A
6075441 Maloney Jun 2000 A
6077280 Fossum Jun 2000 A
6077286 Cuschieri et al. Jun 2000 A
6077290 Marini Jun 2000 A
6079606 Milliman et al. Jun 2000 A
6080181 Jensen et al. Jun 2000 A
6082577 Coates et al. Jul 2000 A
6083191 Rose Jul 2000 A
6083223 Baker Jul 2000 A
6083234 Nicholas et al. Jul 2000 A
6083242 Cook Jul 2000 A
6086544 Hibner et al. Jul 2000 A
6086600 Kortenbach Jul 2000 A
6090106 Goble et al. Jul 2000 A
6090123 Culp et al. Jul 2000 A
6093186 Goble Jul 2000 A
D429252 Haitani et al. Aug 2000 S
6099537 Sugai et al. Aug 2000 A
6099551 Gabbay Aug 2000 A
6102271 Longo et al. Aug 2000 A
6102926 Tartaglia et al. Aug 2000 A
6104162 Sainsbury et al. Aug 2000 A
6104304 Clark et al. Aug 2000 A
6106511 Jensen Aug 2000 A
6109500 Alli et al. Aug 2000 A
6110187 Donlon Aug 2000 A
6113618 Nic Sep 2000 A
6117148 Ravo et al. Sep 2000 A
6117158 Measamer et al. Sep 2000 A
6119913 Adams et al. Sep 2000 A
6120433 Mizuno et al. Sep 2000 A
6120462 Hibner et al. Sep 2000 A
6123241 Walter et al. Sep 2000 A
6123701 Nezhat Sep 2000 A
H1904 Yates et al. Oct 2000 H
6126058 Adams et al. Oct 2000 A
6126359 Dittrich et al. Oct 2000 A
6126670 Walker et al. Oct 2000 A
6131789 Schulze et al. Oct 2000 A
6131790 Piraka Oct 2000 A
6132368 Cooper Oct 2000 A
6134962 Sugitani Oct 2000 A
6139546 Koenig et al. Oct 2000 A
6142149 Steen Nov 2000 A
6142933 Longo et al. Nov 2000 A
6147135 Yuan et al. Nov 2000 A
6149660 Laufer et al. Nov 2000 A
6151323 O'Connell et al. Nov 2000 A
6152935 Kammerer et al. Nov 2000 A
6155473 Tompkins et al. Dec 2000 A
6156056 Kearns et al. Dec 2000 A
6157169 Lee Dec 2000 A
6159146 El Gazayerli Dec 2000 A
6159200 Verdura et al. Dec 2000 A
6159224 Yoon Dec 2000 A
6162208 Hipps Dec 2000 A
6162220 Nezhat Dec 2000 A
6162537 Martin et al. Dec 2000 A
6165175 Wampler et al. Dec 2000 A
6165184 Verdura et al. Dec 2000 A
6165188 Saadat et al. Dec 2000 A
6167185 Smiley et al. Dec 2000 A
6168605 Measamer et al. Jan 2001 B1
6171305 Sherman Jan 2001 B1
6171316 Kovac et al. Jan 2001 B1
6171330 Benchetrit Jan 2001 B1
6173074 Russo Jan 2001 B1
6174308 Goble et al. Jan 2001 B1
6174309 Wrublewski et al. Jan 2001 B1
6174318 Bates et al. Jan 2001 B1
6175290 Forsythe et al. Jan 2001 B1
6179195 Adams et al. Jan 2001 B1
6179776 Adams et al. Jan 2001 B1
6181105 Cutolo et al. Jan 2001 B1
6182673 Kindermann et al. Feb 2001 B1
6185356 Parker et al. Feb 2001 B1
6186142 Schmidt et al. Feb 2001 B1
6186957 Milam Feb 2001 B1
6187003 Buysse et al. Feb 2001 B1
6190386 Rydell Feb 2001 B1
6193129 Bittner et al. Feb 2001 B1
6197042 Ginn et al. Mar 2001 B1
6200311 Danek et al. Mar 2001 B1
6200330 Benderev et al. Mar 2001 B1
6202914 Geiste et al. Mar 2001 B1
6206894 Thompson et al. Mar 2001 B1
6206897 Jamiolkowski et al. Mar 2001 B1
6206903 Ramans Mar 2001 B1
6206904 Ouchi Mar 2001 B1
6209414 Uneme Apr 2001 B1
6210403 Klicek Apr 2001 B1
6211626 Lys et al. Apr 2001 B1
6213999 Platt, Jr. et al. Apr 2001 B1
6214028 Yoon et al. Apr 2001 B1
6220368 Ark et al. Apr 2001 B1
6221007 Green Apr 2001 B1
6221023 Matsuba et al. Apr 2001 B1
6223100 Green Apr 2001 B1
6223835 Habedank et al. May 2001 B1
6224617 Saadat et al. May 2001 B1
6228080 Gines May 2001 B1
6228081 Goble May 2001 B1
6228083 Lands et al. May 2001 B1
6228084 Kirwan, Jr. May 2001 B1
6228089 Wahrburg May 2001 B1
6228098 Kayan et al. May 2001 B1
6231565 Tovey et al. May 2001 B1
6234178 Goble et al. May 2001 B1
6237604 Burnside et al. May 2001 B1
6238384 Peer May 2001 B1
6241139 Milliman et al. Jun 2001 B1
6241140 Adams et al. Jun 2001 B1
6241723 Heim et al. Jun 2001 B1
6245084 Mark et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248116 Chevillon et al. Jun 2001 B1
6248117 Blatter Jun 2001 B1
6249076 Madden et al. Jun 2001 B1
6249105 Andrews et al. Jun 2001 B1
6250532 Green et al. Jun 2001 B1
6251485 Harris et al. Jun 2001 B1
D445745 Norman Jul 2001 S
6254534 Butler et al. Jul 2001 B1
6254619 Garabet et al. Jul 2001 B1
6254642 Taylor Jul 2001 B1
6258107 Balazs et al. Jul 2001 B1
6261246 Pantages et al. Jul 2001 B1
6261286 Goble et al. Jul 2001 B1
6261679 Chen et al. Jul 2001 B1
6264086 McGuckin, Jr. Jul 2001 B1
6264087 Whitman Jul 2001 B1
6264617 Bales et al. Jul 2001 B1
6269997 Balazs et al. Aug 2001 B1
6270508 Klieman et al. Aug 2001 B1
6270916 Sink et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273252 Mitchell Aug 2001 B1
6273876 Klima et al. Aug 2001 B1
6273897 Dalessandro et al. Aug 2001 B1
6277114 Bullivant et al. Aug 2001 B1
6280407 Manna et al. Aug 2001 B1
6283981 Beaupre Sep 2001 B1
6293927 McGuckin, Jr. Sep 2001 B1
6293942 Goble et al. Sep 2001 B1
6296640 Wampler et al. Oct 2001 B1
6302311 Adams et al. Oct 2001 B1
6302743 Chiu et al. Oct 2001 B1
6305891 Burlingame Oct 2001 B1
6306134 Goble et al. Oct 2001 B1
6306149 Meade Oct 2001 B1
6306424 Vyakarnam et al. Oct 2001 B1
6309397 Julian et al. Oct 2001 B1
6309400 Beaupre Oct 2001 B2
6309403 Minor et al. Oct 2001 B1
6312435 Wallace et al. Nov 2001 B1
6315184 Whitman Nov 2001 B1
6317616 Glossop Nov 2001 B1
6319510 Yates Nov 2001 B1
6320123 Reimers Nov 2001 B1
6322494 Bullivant et al. Nov 2001 B1
6324339 Hudson et al. Nov 2001 B1
6325799 Goble Dec 2001 B1
6325805 Ogilvie et al. Dec 2001 B1
6325810 Hamilton et al. Dec 2001 B1
6328498 Mersch Dec 2001 B1
6330965 Milliman et al. Dec 2001 B1
6331181 Tierney et al. Dec 2001 B1
6331761 Kumar et al. Dec 2001 B1
6333029 Vyakarnam et al. Dec 2001 B1
6334860 Dorn Jan 2002 B1
6334861 Chandler et al. Jan 2002 B1
6336926 Goble Jan 2002 B1
6338737 Toledano Jan 2002 B1
6343731 Adams et al. Feb 2002 B1
6346077 Taylor et al. Feb 2002 B1
6348061 Whitman Feb 2002 B1
6349868 Mattingly et al. Feb 2002 B1
D454951 Bon Mar 2002 S
6352503 Matsui et al. Mar 2002 B1
6352532 Kramer et al. Mar 2002 B1
6355699 Vyakarnam et al. Mar 2002 B1
6356072 Chass Mar 2002 B1
6358224 Tims et al. Mar 2002 B1
6358263 Mark et al. Mar 2002 B2
6358459 Ziegler et al. Mar 2002 B1
6364877 Goble et al. Apr 2002 B1
6364888 Niemeyer et al. Apr 2002 B1
6366441 Ozawa et al. Apr 2002 B1
6370981 Watarai Apr 2002 B2
6371114 Schmidt et al. Apr 2002 B1
6373152 Wang et al. Apr 2002 B1
6377011 Ben-Ur Apr 2002 B1
6383201 Dong May 2002 B1
6387092 Burnside et al. May 2002 B1
6387113 Hawkins et al. May 2002 B1
6387114 Adams May 2002 B2
6391038 Vargas et al. May 2002 B2
6392854 O'Gorman May 2002 B1
6394998 Wallace et al. May 2002 B1
6398779 Buysse et al. Jun 2002 B1
6398781 Goble et al. Jun 2002 B1
6398797 Bombard et al. Jun 2002 B2
6402766 Bowman et al. Jun 2002 B2
6402780 Williamson, IV et al. Jun 2002 B2
6406440 Stefanchik Jun 2002 B1
6406472 Jensen Jun 2002 B1
6409724 Penny et al. Jun 2002 B1
H2037 Yates et al. Jul 2002 H
6412639 Hickey Jul 2002 B1
6413274 Pedros Jul 2002 B1
6415542 Bates et al. Jul 2002 B1
6416486 Wampler Jul 2002 B1
6416509 Goble et al. Jul 2002 B1
6419695 Gabbay Jul 2002 B1
6423079 Blake, III Jul 2002 B1
6424885 Niemeyer et al. Jul 2002 B1
RE37814 Allgeyer Aug 2002 E
6428070 Takanashi et al. Aug 2002 B1
6428487 Burdorff et al. Aug 2002 B1
6429611 Li Aug 2002 B1
6430298 Kettl et al. Aug 2002 B1
6432065 Burdorff et al. Aug 2002 B1
6436097 Nardella Aug 2002 B1
6436107 Wang et al. Aug 2002 B1
6436110 Bowman et al. Aug 2002 B2
6436115 Beaupre Aug 2002 B1
6436122 Frank et al. Aug 2002 B1
6439439 Rickard et al. Aug 2002 B1
6439446 Perry et al. Aug 2002 B1
6440146 Nicholas et al. Aug 2002 B2
6441577 Blumenkranz et al. Aug 2002 B2
D462758 Epstein et al. Sep 2002 S
6443973 Whitman Sep 2002 B1
6445530 Baker Sep 2002 B1
6447518 Krause et al. Sep 2002 B1
6447523 Middleman et al. Sep 2002 B1
6447799 Ullman Sep 2002 B1
6447864 Johnson et al. Sep 2002 B2
6450391 Kayan et al. Sep 2002 B1
6450989 Dubrul et al. Sep 2002 B2
6454781 Witt et al. Sep 2002 B1
6457338 Frenken Oct 2002 B1
6457625 Tormala et al. Oct 2002 B1
6458077 Boebel et al. Oct 2002 B1
6458142 Faller et al. Oct 2002 B1
6458147 Cruise et al. Oct 2002 B1
6460627 Below et al. Oct 2002 B1
6468275 Wampler et al. Oct 2002 B1
6468286 Mastri et al. Oct 2002 B2
6471106 Reining Oct 2002 B1
6471659 Eggers et al. Oct 2002 B2
6478210 Adams et al. Nov 2002 B2
6482200 Shippert Nov 2002 B2
6482217 Pintor et al. Nov 2002 B1
6485490 Wampler et al. Nov 2002 B2
6485503 Jacobs et al. Nov 2002 B2
6485667 Tan Nov 2002 B1
6486286 McGall et al. Nov 2002 B1
6488196 Fenton, Jr. Dec 2002 B1
6488197 Whitman Dec 2002 B1
6488659 Rosenman Dec 2002 B1
6491201 Whitman Dec 2002 B1
6491690 Goble et al. Dec 2002 B1
6491701 Tierney et al. Dec 2002 B2
6491702 Heilbrun et al. Dec 2002 B2
6492785 Kasten et al. Dec 2002 B1
6494882 Lebouitz et al. Dec 2002 B1
6494885 Dhindsa Dec 2002 B1
6494888 Laufer et al. Dec 2002 B1
6494896 D'Alessio et al. Dec 2002 B1
6498480 Manara Dec 2002 B1
6500176 Truckai et al. Dec 2002 B1
6500194 Benderev et al. Dec 2002 B2
D468749 Friedman Jan 2003 S
6503139 Coral Jan 2003 B2
6503257 Grant et al. Jan 2003 B2
6503259 Huxel et al. Jan 2003 B2
6505768 Whitman Jan 2003 B2
6506197 Rollero et al. Jan 2003 B1
6510854 Goble Jan 2003 B2
6511468 Cragg et al. Jan 2003 B1
6512360 Goto et al. Jan 2003 B1
6514252 Nezhat et al. Feb 2003 B2
6516073 Schulz et al. Feb 2003 B1
6517528 Pantages et al. Feb 2003 B1
6517535 Edwards Feb 2003 B2
6517565 Whitman et al. Feb 2003 B1
6517566 Hovland et al. Feb 2003 B1
6520971 Perry et al. Feb 2003 B1
6520972 Peters Feb 2003 B2
6522101 Malackowski Feb 2003 B2
6524180 Simms et al. Feb 2003 B1
6525499 Naganuma Feb 2003 B2
D471206 Buzzard et al. Mar 2003 S
6527782 Hogg et al. Mar 2003 B2
6527785 Sancoff et al. Mar 2003 B2
6530942 Fogarty et al. Mar 2003 B2
6532958 Buan et al. Mar 2003 B1
6533157 Whitman Mar 2003 B1
6533723 Lockery et al. Mar 2003 B1
6533784 Truckai et al. Mar 2003 B2
6535764 Imran et al. Mar 2003 B2
6539297 Weiberle et al. Mar 2003 B2
D473239 Cockerill Apr 2003 S
6539816 Kogiso et al. Apr 2003 B2
6540737 Bacher et al. Apr 2003 B2
6543456 Freeman Apr 2003 B1
6545384 Pelrine et al. Apr 2003 B1
6547786 Goble Apr 2003 B1
6550546 Thurler et al. Apr 2003 B2
6551333 Kuhns et al. Apr 2003 B2
6554861 Knox et al. Apr 2003 B2
6555770 Kawase Apr 2003 B2
6558378 Sherman et al. May 2003 B2
6558379 Batchelor et al. May 2003 B1
6558429 Taylor May 2003 B2
6561187 Schmidt et al. May 2003 B2
6565560 Goble et al. May 2003 B1
6566619 Gillman et al. May 2003 B2
6569085 Kortenbach et al. May 2003 B2
6569171 DeGuillebon et al. May 2003 B2
6578751 Hartwick Jun 2003 B2
6582364 Butler et al. Jun 2003 B2
6582427 Goble et al. Jun 2003 B1
6582441 He et al. Jun 2003 B1
6583533 Pelrine et al. Jun 2003 B2
6585144 Adams et al. Jul 2003 B2
6585664 Burdorff et al. Jul 2003 B2
6586898 King et al. Jul 2003 B2
6587750 Gerbi et al. Jul 2003 B2
6588277 Giordano et al. Jul 2003 B2
6588643 Bolduc et al. Jul 2003 B2
6588931 Betzner et al. Jul 2003 B2
6589118 Soma et al. Jul 2003 B1
6589164 Flaherty Jul 2003 B1
6592538 Hotchkiss et al. Jul 2003 B1
6592572 Suzuta Jul 2003 B1
6592597 Grant et al. Jul 2003 B2
6594552 Nowlin et al. Jul 2003 B1
6595914 Kato Jul 2003 B2
6596296 Nelson et al. Jul 2003 B1
6596304 Bayon et al. Jul 2003 B1
6596432 Kawakami et al. Jul 2003 B2
6599295 Tornier et al. Jul 2003 B1
6599323 Melican et al. Jul 2003 B2
D478665 Isaacs et al. Aug 2003 S
D478986 Johnston et al. Aug 2003 S
6601749 Sullivan et al. Aug 2003 B2
6602252 Mollenauer Aug 2003 B2
6602262 Griego et al. Aug 2003 B2
6603050 Heaton Aug 2003 B2
6605078 Adams Aug 2003 B2
6605669 Awokola et al. Aug 2003 B2
6605911 Klesing Aug 2003 B1
6607475 Doyle et al. Aug 2003 B2
6611793 Burnside et al. Aug 2003 B1
6613069 Boyd et al. Sep 2003 B2
6616686 Coleman et al. Sep 2003 B2
6619529 Green et al. Sep 2003 B2
6620111 Stephens et al. Sep 2003 B2
6620161 Schulze et al. Sep 2003 B2
6620166 Wenstrom, Jr. et al. Sep 2003 B1
6625517 Bogdanov et al. Sep 2003 B1
6626834 Dunne et al. Sep 2003 B2
H2086 Amsler Oct 2003 H
6629630 Adams Oct 2003 B2
6629974 Penny et al. Oct 2003 B2
6629988 Weadock Oct 2003 B2
6635838 Kornelson Oct 2003 B1
6636412 Smith Oct 2003 B2
6638108 Tachi Oct 2003 B2
6638285 Gabbay Oct 2003 B2
6638297 Huitema Oct 2003 B1
RE38335 Aust et al. Nov 2003 E
6641528 Torii Nov 2003 B2
6644532 Green et al. Nov 2003 B2
6645201 Utley et al. Nov 2003 B1
6646307 Yu et al. Nov 2003 B1
6648816 Irion et al. Nov 2003 B2
6648901 Fleischman et al. Nov 2003 B2
6652595 Nicolo Nov 2003 B1
D484243 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
D484595 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
D484596 Ryan et al. Dec 2003 S
6656177 Truckai et al. Dec 2003 B2
6656193 Grant et al. Dec 2003 B2
6659940 Adler Dec 2003 B2
6660008 Foerster et al. Dec 2003 B1
6663623 Oyama et al. Dec 2003 B1
6663641 Kovac et al. Dec 2003 B1
6666854 Lange Dec 2003 B1
6666860 Takahashi Dec 2003 B1
6666875 Sakurai et al. Dec 2003 B1
6667825 Lu et al. Dec 2003 B2
6669073 Milliman et al. Dec 2003 B2
6670806 Wendt et al. Dec 2003 B2
6671185 Duval Dec 2003 B2
D484977 Ryan et al. Jan 2004 S
6676660 Wampler et al. Jan 2004 B2
6677687 Ho et al. Jan 2004 B2
6679269 Swanson Jan 2004 B2
6679410 Wursch et al. Jan 2004 B2
6681978 Geiste et al. Jan 2004 B2
6681979 Whitman Jan 2004 B2
6682527 Strul Jan 2004 B2
6682528 Frazier et al. Jan 2004 B2
6682544 Mastri et al. Jan 2004 B2
6685698 Morley et al. Feb 2004 B2
6685727 Fisher et al. Feb 2004 B2
6689153 Skiba Feb 2004 B1
6692507 Pugsley et al. Feb 2004 B2
6692692 Stetzel Feb 2004 B2
6695198 Adams et al. Feb 2004 B2
6695199 Whitman Feb 2004 B2
6695774 Hale et al. Feb 2004 B2
6695849 Michelson Feb 2004 B2
6696814 Henderson et al. Feb 2004 B2
6697048 Rosenberg et al. Feb 2004 B2
6698643 Whitman Mar 2004 B2
6699177 Wang et al. Mar 2004 B1
6699214 Gellman Mar 2004 B2
6699235 Wallace et al. Mar 2004 B2
6704210 Myers Mar 2004 B1
6705503 Pedicini et al. Mar 2004 B1
6709445 Boebel et al. Mar 2004 B2
6712773 Viola Mar 2004 B1
6716215 David et al. Apr 2004 B1
6716223 Leopold et al. Apr 2004 B2
6716232 Vidal et al. Apr 2004 B1
6716233 Whitman Apr 2004 B1
6720734 Norris Apr 2004 B2
6722550 Ricordi et al. Apr 2004 B1
6722552 Fenton, Jr. Apr 2004 B2
6723087 O'Neill et al. Apr 2004 B2
6723091 Goble et al. Apr 2004 B2
6723106 Charles et al. Apr 2004 B1
6723109 Solingen Apr 2004 B2
6726651 Robinson et al. Apr 2004 B1
6726697 Nicholas et al. Apr 2004 B2
6726705 Peterson et al. Apr 2004 B2
6726706 Dominguez Apr 2004 B2
6729119 Schnipke et al. May 2004 B2
6731976 Penn et al. May 2004 B2
6736810 Hoey et al. May 2004 B2
6736825 Blatter et al. May 2004 B2
6736854 Vadurro et al. May 2004 B2
6740030 Martone et al. May 2004 B2
6743230 Lutze et al. Jun 2004 B2
6744385 Kazuya et al. Jun 2004 B2
6747121 Gogolewski Jun 2004 B2
6747300 Nadd et al. Jun 2004 B2
6749560 Konstorum et al. Jun 2004 B1
6749600 Levy Jun 2004 B1
6752768 Burdorff et al. Jun 2004 B2
6752816 Culp et al. Jun 2004 B2
6754959 Guiette, III et al. Jun 2004 B1
6755195 Lemke et al. Jun 2004 B1
6755338 Hahnen et al. Jun 2004 B2
6755843 Chung et al. Jun 2004 B2
6756705 Pulford, Jr. Jun 2004 B2
6758846 Goble et al. Jul 2004 B2
6761685 Adams et al. Jul 2004 B2
6762339 Klun et al. Jul 2004 B1
6763307 Berg et al. Jul 2004 B2
6764445 Ramans et al. Jul 2004 B2
6766957 Matsuura et al. Jul 2004 B2
6767352 Field et al. Jul 2004 B2
6767356 Kanner et al. Jul 2004 B2
6769590 Vresh et al. Aug 2004 B2
6769594 Orban, III Aug 2004 B2
6770027 Banik et al. Aug 2004 B2
6770070 Balbierz Aug 2004 B1
6770072 Truckai et al. Aug 2004 B1
6770078 Bonutti Aug 2004 B2
6773409 Truckai et al. Aug 2004 B2
6773437 Ogilvie et al. Aug 2004 B2
6773438 Knodel et al. Aug 2004 B1
6775575 Bommannan et al. Aug 2004 B2
6777838 Miekka et al. Aug 2004 B2
6778846 Martinez et al. Aug 2004 B1
6780151 Grabover et al. Aug 2004 B2
6780180 Goble et al. Aug 2004 B1
6783524 Anderson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6784775 Mandell et al. Aug 2004 B2
6786382 Hoffman Sep 2004 B1
6786864 Matsuura et al. Sep 2004 B2
6786896 Madhani et al. Sep 2004 B1
6788018 Blumenkranz Sep 2004 B1
6790173 Saadat et al. Sep 2004 B2
6793652 Whitman et al. Sep 2004 B1
6793661 Hamilton et al. Sep 2004 B2
6793663 Kneifel et al. Sep 2004 B2
6793669 Nakamura et al. Sep 2004 B2
6796921 Buck et al. Sep 2004 B1
6799669 Fukumura et al. Oct 2004 B2
6802822 Dodge Oct 2004 B1
6802843 Truckai et al. Oct 2004 B2
6802844 Ferree Oct 2004 B2
6805273 Bilotti et al. Oct 2004 B2
6806808 Watters et al. Oct 2004 B1
6806867 Arruda et al. Oct 2004 B1
6808525 Latterell et al. Oct 2004 B2
6810359 Sakaguchi Oct 2004 B2
6814154 Chou Nov 2004 B2
6814741 Bowman et al. Nov 2004 B2
6817508 Racenet et al. Nov 2004 B1
6817509 Geiste et al. Nov 2004 B2
6817974 Cooper et al. Nov 2004 B2
6818018 Sawhney Nov 2004 B1
6820791 Adams Nov 2004 B2
6821273 Mollenauer Nov 2004 B2
6821282 Perry et al. Nov 2004 B2
6821284 Sturtz et al. Nov 2004 B2
6827246 Sullivan et al. Dec 2004 B2
6827712 Tovey et al. Dec 2004 B2
6827725 Batchelor et al. Dec 2004 B2
6828902 Casden Dec 2004 B2
6830174 Hillstead et al. Dec 2004 B2
6831629 Nishino et al. Dec 2004 B2
6832998 Goble Dec 2004 B2
6834001 Myono Dec 2004 B2
6835173 Couvillon, Jr. Dec 2004 B2
6835199 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Dec 2004 B2
6835336 Watt Dec 2004 B2
6836611 Popovic et al. Dec 2004 B2
6837846 Jaffe et al. Jan 2005 B2
6837883 Moll et al. Jan 2005 B2
6838493 Williams et al. Jan 2005 B2
6840423 Adams et al. Jan 2005 B2
6840938 Morley et al. Jan 2005 B1
6841967 Kim et al. Jan 2005 B2
6843403 Whitman Jan 2005 B2
6843789 Goble Jan 2005 B2
6843793 Brock et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846307 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846308 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6846309 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6847190 Schaefer et al. Jan 2005 B2
6849071 Whitman et al. Feb 2005 B2
6850817 Green Feb 2005 B1
6852122 Rush Feb 2005 B2
6852330 Bowman et al. Feb 2005 B2
6853879 Sunaoshi Feb 2005 B2
6858005 Ohline et al. Feb 2005 B2
6859882 Fung Feb 2005 B2
RE38708 Bolanos et al. Mar 2005 E
D502994 Blake, III Mar 2005 S
6861142 Wilkie et al. Mar 2005 B1
6861954 Levin Mar 2005 B2
6863668 Gillespie et al. Mar 2005 B2
6863694 Boyce et al. Mar 2005 B1
6863924 Ranganathan et al. Mar 2005 B2
6866178 Adams et al. Mar 2005 B2
6866668 Giannetti et al. Mar 2005 B2
6866671 Tierney et al. Mar 2005 B2
6867248 Martin et al. Mar 2005 B1
6869430 Balbierz et al. Mar 2005 B2
6869435 Blake, III Mar 2005 B2
6872214 Sonnenschein et al. Mar 2005 B2
6874669 Adams et al. Apr 2005 B2
6876850 Maeshima et al. Apr 2005 B2
6877647 Green et al. Apr 2005 B2
6878106 Herrmann Apr 2005 B1
6882127 Konigbauer Apr 2005 B2
6883199 Lundell et al. Apr 2005 B1
6884392 Malkin et al. Apr 2005 B2
6884428 Binette et al. Apr 2005 B2
6886730 Fujisawa et al. May 2005 B2
6887244 Walker et al. May 2005 B1
6887710 Call et al. May 2005 B2
6889116 Jinno May 2005 B2
6893435 Goble May 2005 B2
6894140 Roby May 2005 B2
6895176 Archer et al. May 2005 B2
6899538 Matoba May 2005 B2
6899593 Moeller et al. May 2005 B1
6899705 Niemeyer May 2005 B2
6899915 Yelick et al. May 2005 B2
6905057 Swayze et al. Jun 2005 B2
6905497 Truckai et al. Jun 2005 B2
6905498 Hooven Jun 2005 B2
6908472 Wiener et al. Jun 2005 B2
6911033 de Guillebon et al. Jun 2005 B2
6911916 Wang et al. Jun 2005 B1
6913579 Truckai et al. Jul 2005 B2
6913608 Liddicoat et al. Jul 2005 B2
6913613 Schwarz et al. Jul 2005 B2
6921397 Corcoran et al. Jul 2005 B2
6921412 Black et al. Jul 2005 B1
6923093 Ullah Aug 2005 B2
6923803 Goble Aug 2005 B2
6923819 Meade et al. Aug 2005 B2
6925849 Jairam Aug 2005 B2
6926716 Baker et al. Aug 2005 B2
6928902 Eyssallenne Aug 2005 B1
6929641 Goble et al. Aug 2005 B2
6929644 Truckai et al. Aug 2005 B2
6931830 Liao Aug 2005 B2
6932218 Kosann et al. Aug 2005 B2
6932810 Ryan Aug 2005 B2
6936042 Wallace et al. Aug 2005 B2
6936948 Bell et al. Aug 2005 B2
D509297 Wells Sep 2005 S
D509589 Wells Sep 2005 S
6938706 Ng Sep 2005 B2
6939358 Palacios et al. Sep 2005 B2
6942662 Goble et al. Sep 2005 B2
6942674 Belef et al. Sep 2005 B2
6945444 Gresham et al. Sep 2005 B2
6945981 Donofrio et al. Sep 2005 B2
6951562 Zwirnmann Oct 2005 B2
6953138 Dworak et al. Oct 2005 B1
6953139 Milliman et al. Oct 2005 B2
6953461 McClurken et al. Oct 2005 B2
6957758 Aranyi Oct 2005 B2
6958035 Friedman et al. Oct 2005 B2
D511525 Hernandez et al. Nov 2005 S
6959851 Heinrich Nov 2005 B2
6959852 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2005 B2
6960107 Schaub et al. Nov 2005 B1
6960163 Ewers et al. Nov 2005 B2
6960220 Marino et al. Nov 2005 B2
6962587 Johnson et al. Nov 2005 B2
6963792 Green Nov 2005 B1
6964363 Wales et al. Nov 2005 B2
6966907 Goble Nov 2005 B2
6966909 Marshall et al. Nov 2005 B2
6968908 Tokunaga et al. Nov 2005 B2
6969385 Moreyra Nov 2005 B2
6969395 Eskuri Nov 2005 B2
6971988 Orban, III Dec 2005 B2
6972199 Lebouitz et al. Dec 2005 B2
6974435 Daw et al. Dec 2005 B2
6974462 Sater Dec 2005 B2
6978921 Shelton, IV Dec 2005 B2
6978922 Bilotti et al. Dec 2005 B2
6981628 Wales Jan 2006 B2
6981941 Whitman et al. Jan 2006 B2
6981978 Gannoe Jan 2006 B2
6984203 Tartaglia et al. Jan 2006 B2
6984231 Goble et al. Jan 2006 B2
6986451 Mastri et al. Jan 2006 B1
6988649 Shelton, IV Jan 2006 B2
6988650 Schwemberger et al. Jan 2006 B2
6989034 Hammer et al. Jan 2006 B2
6990731 Haytayan Jan 2006 B2
6990796 Schnipke et al. Jan 2006 B2
6991146 Sinisi et al. Jan 2006 B2
6993200 Tastl et al. Jan 2006 B2
6993413 Sunaoshi Jan 2006 B2
6994708 Manzo Feb 2006 B2
6995729 Govari et al. Feb 2006 B2
6996433 Burbank et al. Feb 2006 B2
6997931 Sauer et al. Feb 2006 B2
6997935 Anderson et al. Feb 2006 B2
6998736 Lee et al. Feb 2006 B2
6998816 Wieck et al. Feb 2006 B2
6999821 Jenney et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000818 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000819 Swayze et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000911 McCormick et al. Feb 2006 B2
7001380 Goble Feb 2006 B2
7001408 Knodel et al. Feb 2006 B2
7004174 Eggers et al. Feb 2006 B2
7007176 Goodfellow et al. Feb 2006 B2
7008433 Voellmicke et al. Mar 2006 B2
7008435 Cummins Mar 2006 B2
7009039 Yayon et al. Mar 2006 B2
7011213 Clark et al. Mar 2006 B2
7011657 Truckai et al. Mar 2006 B2
7014640 Kemppainen et al. Mar 2006 B2
7018357 Emmons Mar 2006 B2
7018390 Turovskiy et al. Mar 2006 B2
7021399 Driessen Apr 2006 B2
7021669 Lindermeir et al. Apr 2006 B1
7022131 Derowe et al. Apr 2006 B1
7023159 Gorti et al. Apr 2006 B2
7025064 Wang et al. Apr 2006 B2
7025732 Thompson et al. Apr 2006 B2
7025743 Mann et al. Apr 2006 B2
7025774 Freeman et al. Apr 2006 B2
7025775 Gadberry et al. Apr 2006 B2
7028570 Ohta et al. Apr 2006 B2
7029435 Nakao Apr 2006 B2
7029439 Roberts et al. Apr 2006 B2
7030904 Adair et al. Apr 2006 B2
7032798 Whitman et al. Apr 2006 B2
7032799 Viola et al. Apr 2006 B2
7033356 Latterell et al. Apr 2006 B2
7033378 Smith et al. Apr 2006 B2
7035716 Harris et al. Apr 2006 B2
7035762 Menard et al. Apr 2006 B2
7036680 Flannery May 2006 B1
7037314 Armstrong May 2006 B2
7037344 Kagan et al. May 2006 B2
7038421 Trifilo May 2006 B2
7041088 Nawrocki et al. May 2006 B2
7041102 Truckai et al. May 2006 B2
7041868 Greene et al. May 2006 B2
7043852 Hayashida et al. May 2006 B2
7044350 Kameyama et al. May 2006 B2
7044352 Shelton, IV et al. May 2006 B2
7044353 Mastri et al. May 2006 B2
7046082 Komiya et al. May 2006 B2
7048165 Haramiishi May 2006 B2
7048687 Reuss et al. May 2006 B1
7048716 Kucharczyk et al. May 2006 B1
7048745 Tierney et al. May 2006 B2
7052454 Taylor May 2006 B2
7052494 Goble et al. May 2006 B2
7052499 Steger et al. May 2006 B2
7055730 Ehrenfels et al. Jun 2006 B2
7055731 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7056123 Gregorio et al. Jun 2006 B2
7056284 Martone et al. Jun 2006 B2
7056330 Gayton Jun 2006 B2
7059331 Adams et al. Jun 2006 B2
7059508 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7063671 Couvillon, Jr. Jun 2006 B2
7063712 Vargas et al. Jun 2006 B2
7064509 Fu et al. Jun 2006 B1
7066879 Fowler et al. Jun 2006 B2
7066944 Laufer et al. Jun 2006 B2
7067038 Trokhan et al. Jun 2006 B2
7070083 Jankowski Jul 2006 B2
7070559 Adams et al. Jul 2006 B2
7070597 Truckai et al. Jul 2006 B2
7071287 Rhine et al. Jul 2006 B2
7075770 Smith Jul 2006 B1
7077856 Whitman Jul 2006 B2
7080769 Vresh et al. Jul 2006 B2
7081114 Rashidi Jul 2006 B2
7081318 Lee et al. Jul 2006 B2
7083073 Yoshie et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083075 Swayze et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083571 Wang et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083615 Peterson et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083619 Truckai et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083620 Jahns et al. Aug 2006 B2
7083626 Hart et al. Aug 2006 B2
7086267 Dworak et al. Aug 2006 B2
7087049 Nowlin et al. Aug 2006 B2
7087054 Truckai et al. Aug 2006 B2
7087071 Nicholas et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090637 Danitz et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090673 Dycus et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090683 Brock et al. Aug 2006 B2
7090684 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Aug 2006 B2
7091191 Laredo et al. Aug 2006 B2
7091412 Wang et al. Aug 2006 B2
7093492 Treiber et al. Aug 2006 B2
7094202 Nobis et al. Aug 2006 B2
7094247 Monassevitch et al. Aug 2006 B2
7094916 DeLuca et al. Aug 2006 B2
7096972 Orozco, Jr. Aug 2006 B2
7097089 Marczyk Aug 2006 B2
7097644 Long Aug 2006 B2
7097650 Weller et al. Aug 2006 B2
7098794 Lindsay et al. Aug 2006 B2
7100949 Williams et al. Sep 2006 B2
7101187 Deconinck et al. Sep 2006 B1
7101371 Dycus et al. Sep 2006 B2
7101394 Hamm et al. Sep 2006 B2
7104741 Krohn Sep 2006 B2
7108695 Witt et al. Sep 2006 B2
7108701 Evens et al. Sep 2006 B2
7108709 Cummins Sep 2006 B2
7111768 Cummins et al. Sep 2006 B2
7111769 Wales et al. Sep 2006 B2
7112214 Peterson et al. Sep 2006 B2
RE39358 Goble Oct 2006 E
D530339 Hernandez et al. Oct 2006 S
7114642 Whitman Oct 2006 B2
7116100 Mock et al. Oct 2006 B1
7118020 Lee et al. Oct 2006 B2
7118528 Piskun Oct 2006 B1
7118563 Weckwerth et al. Oct 2006 B2
7118582 Wang et al. Oct 2006 B1
7119534 Butzmann Oct 2006 B2
7121446 Arad et al. Oct 2006 B2
7121773 Mikiya et al. Oct 2006 B2
7122028 Looper et al. Oct 2006 B2
7125403 Julian et al. Oct 2006 B2
7125409 Truckai et al. Oct 2006 B2
7126303 Farritor et al. Oct 2006 B2
7126879 Snyder Oct 2006 B2
7128253 Mastri et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128254 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128748 Mooradian et al. Oct 2006 B2
7131445 Amoah Nov 2006 B2
7133601 Phillips et al. Nov 2006 B2
7134364 Kageler et al. Nov 2006 B2
7134587 Schwemberger et al. Nov 2006 B2
7135027 Delmotte Nov 2006 B2
7137980 Buysse et al. Nov 2006 B2
7137981 Long Nov 2006 B2
7139016 Squilla et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140527 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140528 Shelton, IV Nov 2006 B2
7141055 Abrams et al. Nov 2006 B2
7143923 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143924 Scirica et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143925 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143926 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7146191 Kerner et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147138 Shelton, IV Dec 2006 B2
7147139 Schwemberger et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147140 Wukusick et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147637 Goble Dec 2006 B2
7147648 Lin Dec 2006 B2
7147650 Lee Dec 2006 B2
7150748 Ebbutt et al. Dec 2006 B2
7153300 Goble Dec 2006 B2
7153314 Laufer et al. Dec 2006 B2
7155316 Sutherland et al. Dec 2006 B2
7156863 Sonnenschein et al. Jan 2007 B2
7159750 Racenet et al. Jan 2007 B2
7160296 Pearson et al. Jan 2007 B2
7160299 Baily Jan 2007 B2
7161036 Oikawa et al. Jan 2007 B2
7161580 Bailey et al. Jan 2007 B2
7162758 Skinner Jan 2007 B2
7163563 Schwartz et al. Jan 2007 B2
7166117 Hellenkamp Jan 2007 B2
7166133 Evans et al. Jan 2007 B2
7168604 Milliman et al. Jan 2007 B2
7170910 Chen et al. Jan 2007 B2
7171279 Buckingham et al. Jan 2007 B2
7172104 Scirica et al. Feb 2007 B2
7172593 Trieu et al. Feb 2007 B2
7172615 Morriss et al. Feb 2007 B2
7174202 Bladen et al. Feb 2007 B2
7174636 Lowe Feb 2007 B2
7177533 McFarlin et al. Feb 2007 B2
7179223 Motoki et al. Feb 2007 B2
7179267 Nolan et al. Feb 2007 B2
7182239 Myers Feb 2007 B1
7182763 Nardella Feb 2007 B2
7183737 Kitagawa Feb 2007 B2
7187960 Abreu Mar 2007 B2
7188758 Viola et al. Mar 2007 B2
7189207 Viola Mar 2007 B2
7190147 Gileff et al. Mar 2007 B2
7193199 Jang Mar 2007 B2
7195627 Amoah et al. Mar 2007 B2
7196911 Takano et al. Mar 2007 B2
D541418 Schechter et al. Apr 2007 S
7199537 Okamura et al. Apr 2007 B2
7199545 Oleynikov et al. Apr 2007 B2
7202576 Dechene et al. Apr 2007 B1
7202653 Pai Apr 2007 B2
7204404 Nguyen et al. Apr 2007 B2
7204835 Latterell et al. Apr 2007 B2
7206626 Quaid, III Apr 2007 B2
7207233 Wadge Apr 2007 B2
7207471 Heinrich et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207472 Wukusick et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207556 Saitoh et al. Apr 2007 B2
7208005 Frecker et al. Apr 2007 B2
7210609 Leiboff et al. May 2007 B2
7211081 Goble May 2007 B2
7211084 Goble et al. May 2007 B2
7211092 Hughett May 2007 B2
7211979 Khatib et al. May 2007 B2
7213736 Wales et al. May 2007 B2
7214224 Goble May 2007 B2
7215517 Takamatsu May 2007 B2
7217285 Vargas et al. May 2007 B2
7220260 Fleming et al. May 2007 B2
7220272 Weadock May 2007 B2
7225959 Patton et al. Jun 2007 B2
7225963 Scirica Jun 2007 B2
7225964 Mastri et al. Jun 2007 B2
7226450 Athanasiou et al. Jun 2007 B2
7226467 Lucatero et al. Jun 2007 B2
7228505 Shimazu et al. Jun 2007 B2
7229408 Douglas et al. Jun 2007 B2
7234624 Gresham et al. Jun 2007 B2
7235072 Sartor et al. Jun 2007 B2
7235089 McGuckin, Jr. Jun 2007 B1
7235302 Jing et al. Jun 2007 B2
7237708 Guy et al. Jul 2007 B1
7238195 Viola Jul 2007 B2
7238901 Kim et al. Jul 2007 B2
7239657 Gunnarsson Jul 2007 B1
7241288 Braun Jul 2007 B2
7241289 Braun Jul 2007 B2
7246734 Shelton, IV Jul 2007 B2
7247161 Johnston et al. Jul 2007 B2
7249267 Chapuis Jul 2007 B2
7252641 Thompson et al. Aug 2007 B2
7252660 Kunz Aug 2007 B2
7255012 Hedtke Aug 2007 B2
7255696 Goble et al. Aug 2007 B2
7256695 Hamel et al. Aug 2007 B2
7258262 Mastri et al. Aug 2007 B2
7258546 Beier et al. Aug 2007 B2
7260431 Libbus et al. Aug 2007 B2
7265374 Lee et al. Sep 2007 B2
7267677 Johnson et al. Sep 2007 B2
7267679 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Sep 2007 B2
7272002 Drapeau Sep 2007 B2
7273483 Wiener et al. Sep 2007 B2
D552623 Vong et al. Oct 2007 S
7275674 Racenet et al. Oct 2007 B2
7276044 Ferry et al. Oct 2007 B2
7276068 Johnson et al. Oct 2007 B2
7278562 Mastri et al. Oct 2007 B2
7278563 Green Oct 2007 B1
7278949 Bader Oct 2007 B2
7278994 Goble Oct 2007 B2
7282048 Goble et al. Oct 2007 B2
7283096 Geisheimer et al. Oct 2007 B2
7286850 Frielink et al. Oct 2007 B2
7287682 Ezzat et al. Oct 2007 B1
7289139 Amling et al. Oct 2007 B2
7293685 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2007 B2
7295893 Sunaoshi Nov 2007 B2
7295907 Lu et al. Nov 2007 B2
7296722 Ivanko Nov 2007 B2
7296724 Green et al. Nov 2007 B2
7297149 Vitali et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300373 Jinno et al. Nov 2007 B2
7300431 Dubrovsky Nov 2007 B2
7300450 Vleugels et al. Nov 2007 B2
7303106 Milliman et al. Dec 2007 B2
7303107 Milliman et al. Dec 2007 B2
7303108 Shelton, IV Dec 2007 B2
7303502 Thompson Dec 2007 B2
7303556 Metzger Dec 2007 B2
7306597 Manzo Dec 2007 B2
7308998 Mastri et al. Dec 2007 B2
7311238 Liu Dec 2007 B2
7313430 Urquhart et al. Dec 2007 B2
7314473 Jinno et al. Jan 2008 B2
7322859 Evans Jan 2008 B2
7322975 Goble et al. Jan 2008 B2
7322994 Nicholas et al. Jan 2008 B2
7324572 Chang Jan 2008 B2
7326203 Papineau et al. Feb 2008 B2
7326213 Benderev et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328828 Ortiz et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328829 Arad et al. Feb 2008 B2
7330004 DeJonge et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331340 Barney Feb 2008 B2
7331343 Schmidt et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331403 Berry et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331406 Wottreng, Jr. et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331969 Inganas et al. Feb 2008 B1
7334717 Rethy et al. Feb 2008 B2
7334718 McAlister et al. Feb 2008 B2
7335199 Goble et al. Feb 2008 B2
7335401 Finke et al. Feb 2008 B2
7336045 Clermonts Feb 2008 B2
7336048 Lohr Feb 2008 B2
7336184 Smith et al. Feb 2008 B2
7337774 Webb Mar 2008 B2
7338505 Belson Mar 2008 B2
7338513 Lee et al. Mar 2008 B2
7341554 Sekine et al. Mar 2008 B2
7341555 Ootawara et al. Mar 2008 B2
7341591 Grinberg Mar 2008 B2
7343920 Toby et al. Mar 2008 B2
7344532 Goble et al. Mar 2008 B2
7344533 Pearson et al. Mar 2008 B2
7346344 Fontaine Mar 2008 B2
7346406 Brotto et al. Mar 2008 B2
7348763 Reinhart et al. Mar 2008 B1
7348875 Hughes et al. Mar 2008 B2
RE40237 Bilotti et al. Apr 2008 E
7351258 Ricotta et al. Apr 2008 B2
7354447 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7354502 Polat et al. Apr 2008 B2
7357287 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7357806 Rivera et al. Apr 2008 B2
7361168 Makower et al. Apr 2008 B2
7361195 Schwartz et al. Apr 2008 B2
7362062 Schneider et al. Apr 2008 B2
7364060 Milliman Apr 2008 B2
7364061 Swayze et al. Apr 2008 B2
7367485 Shelton, IV et al. May 2008 B2
7367973 Manzo et al. May 2008 B2
7368124 Chun et al. May 2008 B2
7371210 Brock et al. May 2008 B2
7371403 McCarthy et al. May 2008 B2
7375493 Calhoon et al. May 2008 B2
7377918 Amoah May 2008 B2
7377928 Zubik et al. May 2008 B2
7378817 Calhoon et al. May 2008 B2
RE40388 Gines Jun 2008 E
D570868 Hosokawa et al. Jun 2008 S
7380695 Doll et al. Jun 2008 B2
7380696 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2008 B2
7384403 Sherman Jun 2008 B2
7384417 Cucin Jun 2008 B2
7386365 Nixon Jun 2008 B2
7386730 Uchikubo Jun 2008 B2
7388217 Buschbeck et al. Jun 2008 B2
7388484 Hsu Jun 2008 B2
7391173 Schena Jun 2008 B2
7394190 Huang Jul 2008 B2
7396356 Mollenauer Jul 2008 B2
7397364 Govari Jul 2008 B2
7398707 Morley et al. Jul 2008 B2
7398907 Racenet et al. Jul 2008 B2
7398908 Holsten et al. Jul 2008 B2
7400107 Schneider et al. Jul 2008 B2
7400752 Zacharias Jul 2008 B2
7401000 Nakamura Jul 2008 B2
7401721 Holsten et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404449 Bermingham et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404508 Smith et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404509 Ortiz et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404822 Viart et al. Jul 2008 B2
D575793 Ording Aug 2008 S
7407074 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407075 Holsten et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407076 Racenet et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407077 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407078 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7408310 Hong et al. Aug 2008 B2
7410085 Wolf et al. Aug 2008 B2
7410086 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7410483 Danitz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7413563 Corcoran et al. Aug 2008 B2
7416101 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7418078 Blanz et al. Aug 2008 B2
RE40514 Mastri et al. Sep 2008 E
7419080 Smith et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419081 Ehrenfels et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419321 Tereschouk Sep 2008 B2
7419495 Menn et al. Sep 2008 B2
7422136 Marczyk Sep 2008 B1
7422138 Bilotti et al. Sep 2008 B2
7422139 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2008 B2
7424965 Racenet et al. Sep 2008 B2
7427607 Suzuki Sep 2008 B2
D578644 Shumer et al. Oct 2008 S
7430772 Van Es Oct 2008 B2
7431188 Marczyk Oct 2008 B1
7431189 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431230 McPherson et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431694 Stefanchik et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431730 Viola Oct 2008 B2
7434715 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7434717 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7435249 Buysse et al. Oct 2008 B2
7438209 Hess et al. Oct 2008 B1
7438718 Milliman et al. Oct 2008 B2
7439354 Lenges et al. Oct 2008 B2
7441684 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7441685 Boudreaux Oct 2008 B1
7442201 Pugsley et al. Oct 2008 B2
7443547 Moreno et al. Oct 2008 B2
7446131 Liu et al. Nov 2008 B1
7448525 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2008 B2
7450010 Gravelle et al. Nov 2008 B1
7450991 Smith et al. Nov 2008 B2
7451904 Shelton, IV Nov 2008 B2
7455208 Wales et al. Nov 2008 B2
7455676 Holsten et al. Nov 2008 B2
7455682 Viola Nov 2008 B2
7455687 Saunders et al. Nov 2008 B2
D582934 Byeon Dec 2008 S
7461767 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7462187 Johnston et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464845 Chou Dec 2008 B2
7464846 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464847 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464848 Green et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464849 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7467740 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7467849 Silverbrook et al. Dec 2008 B2
7472814 Mastri et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472815 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472816 Holsten et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473221 Ewers et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473253 Dycus et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473263 Johnston et al. Jan 2009 B2
7476237 Taniguchi et al. Jan 2009 B2
7479147 Honeycutt et al. Jan 2009 B2
7479608 Smith Jan 2009 B2
7481347 Roy Jan 2009 B2
7481348 Marczyk Jan 2009 B2
7481349 Holsten et al. Jan 2009 B2
7481824 Boudreaux et al. Jan 2009 B2
7485124 Kuhns et al. Feb 2009 B2
7485133 Cannon et al. Feb 2009 B2
7485142 Milo Feb 2009 B2
7487899 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2009 B2
7489055 Jeong et al. Feb 2009 B2
7490749 Schall et al. Feb 2009 B2
7491232 Bolduc et al. Feb 2009 B2
7492261 Cambre et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494039 Racenet et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494460 Haarstad et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494499 Nagase et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494501 Ahlberg et al. Feb 2009 B2
7497137 Tellenbach et al. Mar 2009 B2
7500979 Hueil et al. Mar 2009 B2
7501198 Barlev et al. Mar 2009 B2
7503474 Hillstead et al. Mar 2009 B2
7506790 Shelton, IV Mar 2009 B2
7506791 Omaits et al. Mar 2009 B2
7507202 Schoellhorn Mar 2009 B2
7510107 Timm et al. Mar 2009 B2
7510534 Burdorff et al. Mar 2009 B2
7510566 Jacobs et al. Mar 2009 B2
7513407 Chang Apr 2009 B1
7513408 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2009 B2
7517356 Heinrich Apr 2009 B2
7524320 Tierney et al. Apr 2009 B2
7527632 Houghton et al. May 2009 B2
7530984 Sonnenschein et al. May 2009 B2
7530985 Takemoto et al. May 2009 B2
7533906 Luettgen et al. May 2009 B2
7534259 Lashinski et al. May 2009 B2
7540867 Jinno et al. Jun 2009 B2
7540872 Schechter et al. Jun 2009 B2
7542807 Bertolero et al. Jun 2009 B2
7543730 Marczyk Jun 2009 B1
7544197 Kelsch et al. Jun 2009 B2
7546939 Adams et al. Jun 2009 B2
7546940 Milliman et al. Jun 2009 B2
7547287 Boecker et al. Jun 2009 B2
7547312 Bauman et al. Jun 2009 B2
7549563 Mather et al. Jun 2009 B2
7549564 Boudreaux Jun 2009 B2
7549998 Braun Jun 2009 B2
7552854 Wixey et al. Jun 2009 B2
7553173 Kowalick Jun 2009 B2
7553275 Padget et al. Jun 2009 B2
7554343 Bromfield Jun 2009 B2
7556185 Viola Jul 2009 B2
7556186 Milliman Jul 2009 B2
7556647 Drews et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559449 Viola Jul 2009 B2
7559450 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559452 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559937 de la Torre et al. Jul 2009 B2
7561637 Jonsson et al. Jul 2009 B2
7562910 Kertesz et al. Jul 2009 B2
7563269 Hashiguchi Jul 2009 B2
7563862 Sieg et al. Jul 2009 B2
7565993 Milliman et al. Jul 2009 B2
7566300 Devierre et al. Jul 2009 B2
7567045 Fristedt Jul 2009 B2
7568603 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2009 B2
7568604 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2009 B2
7568619 Todd et al. Aug 2009 B2
7572285 Frey et al. Aug 2009 B2
7575144 Ortiz et al. Aug 2009 B2
7578825 Huebner Aug 2009 B2
D600712 LaManna et al. Sep 2009 S
7583063 Dooley Sep 2009 B2
7584880 Racenet et al. Sep 2009 B2
7586289 Andruk et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588174 Holsten et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588175 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588176 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588177 Racenet Sep 2009 B2
7591783 Boulais et al. Sep 2009 B2
7591818 Bertolero et al. Sep 2009 B2
7593766 Faber et al. Sep 2009 B2
7595642 Doyle Sep 2009 B2
7597229 Boudreaux et al. Oct 2009 B2
7597230 Racenet et al. Oct 2009 B2
7597693 Garrison Oct 2009 B2
7597699 Rogers Oct 2009 B2
7598972 Tomita Oct 2009 B2
7600663 Green Oct 2009 B2
7604118 Iio et al. Oct 2009 B2
7604150 Boudreaux Oct 2009 B2
7604151 Hess et al. Oct 2009 B2
7604668 Farnsworth et al. Oct 2009 B2
7607557 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 B2
7608091 Goldfarb et al. Oct 2009 B2
D604325 Ebeling et al. Nov 2009 S
7611038 Racenet et al. Nov 2009 B2
7611474 Hibner et al. Nov 2009 B2
7615003 Stefanchik et al. Nov 2009 B2
7615006 Abe Nov 2009 B2
7615067 Lee et al. Nov 2009 B2
7617961 Viola Nov 2009 B2
D605201 Lorenz et al. Dec 2009 S
D606992 Liu et al. Dec 2009 S
D607010 Kocmick Dec 2009 S
7624902 Marczyk et al. Dec 2009 B2
7624903 Green et al. Dec 2009 B2
7625370 Hart et al. Dec 2009 B2
7625388 Boukhny et al. Dec 2009 B2
7630841 Comisky et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631793 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631794 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7635074 Olson et al. Dec 2009 B2
7635922 Becker Dec 2009 B2
7637409 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7637410 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7638958 Philipp et al. Dec 2009 B2
7641091 Olson et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641092 Kruszynski et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641093 Doll et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641095 Viola Jan 2010 B2
7641671 Crainich Jan 2010 B2
7644783 Roberts et al. Jan 2010 B2
7644848 Swayze et al. Jan 2010 B2
7645230 Mikkaichi et al. Jan 2010 B2
7648055 Marczyk Jan 2010 B2
7648457 Stefanchik et al. Jan 2010 B2
7648519 Lee et al. Jan 2010 B2
7650185 Maile et al. Jan 2010 B2
7651017 Ortiz et al. Jan 2010 B2
7651498 Shifrin et al. Jan 2010 B2
7654431 Hueil et al. Feb 2010 B2
7655003 Lorang et al. Feb 2010 B2
7655004 Long Feb 2010 B2
7655288 Bauman et al. Feb 2010 B2
7655584 Biran et al. Feb 2010 B2
7656131 Embrey et al. Feb 2010 B2
7658311 Boudreaux Feb 2010 B2
7658312 Vidal et al. Feb 2010 B2
7658705 Melvin et al. Feb 2010 B2
7659219 Biran et al. Feb 2010 B2
7661448 Kim et al. Feb 2010 B2
7662161 Briganti et al. Feb 2010 B2
7665646 Prommersberger Feb 2010 B2
7665647 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2010 B2
7666195 Kelleher et al. Feb 2010 B2
7669746 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 B2
7669747 Weisenburgh, II et al. Mar 2010 B2
7670334 Hueil et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673780 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673781 Swayze et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673782 Hess et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673783 Morgan et al. Mar 2010 B2
7674253 Fisher et al. Mar 2010 B2
7674255 Braun Mar 2010 B2
7674263 Ryan Mar 2010 B2
7674270 Layer Mar 2010 B2
7678121 Knodel Mar 2010 B1
7682307 Danitz et al. Mar 2010 B2
7682367 Shah et al. Mar 2010 B2
7682686 Curro et al. Mar 2010 B2
7686201 Csiky Mar 2010 B2
7686804 Johnson et al. Mar 2010 B2
7686826 Lee et al. Mar 2010 B2
7688028 Phillips et al. Mar 2010 B2
7690547 Racenet et al. Apr 2010 B2
7691098 Wallace et al. Apr 2010 B2
7691103 Fernandez et al. Apr 2010 B2
7691106 Schenberger et al. Apr 2010 B2
7694864 Okada et al. Apr 2010 B2
7694865 Scirica Apr 2010 B2
7695485 Whitman et al. Apr 2010 B2
7695493 Saadat et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699204 Viola Apr 2010 B2
7699835 Lee et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699844 Utley et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699846 Ryan Apr 2010 B2
7699856 Van Wyk et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699859 Bombard et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699860 Huitema et al. Apr 2010 B2
7699868 Frank et al. Apr 2010 B2
7703653 Shah et al. Apr 2010 B2
7705559 Powell et al. Apr 2010 B2
7706853 Hacker et al. Apr 2010 B2
7708180 Murray et al. May 2010 B2
7708181 Cole et al. May 2010 B2
7708182 Viola May 2010 B2
7708758 Lee et al. May 2010 B2
7708768 Danek et al. May 2010 B2
7709136 Touchton et al. May 2010 B2
7712182 Zeiler et al. May 2010 B2
7713190 Brock et al. May 2010 B2
7713542 Xu et al. May 2010 B2
7714239 Smith May 2010 B2
7714334 Lin May 2010 B2
7717312 Beetel May 2010 B2
7717313 Criscuolo et al. May 2010 B2
7717846 Zirps et al. May 2010 B2
7717873 Swick May 2010 B2
7717915 Miyazawa May 2010 B2
7717926 Whitfield et al. May 2010 B2
7718180 Karp May 2010 B2
7718556 Matsuda et al. May 2010 B2
7721930 McKenna et al. May 2010 B2
7721931 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7721932 Cole et al. May 2010 B2
7721933 Ehrenfels et al. May 2010 B2
7721934 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7721936 Shalton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7722527 Bouchier et al. May 2010 B2
7722607 Dumbauld et al. May 2010 B2
7722610 Viola et al. May 2010 B2
7725214 Diolaiti May 2010 B2
7726171 Langlotz et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726537 Olson et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726538 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726539 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7727954 McKay Jun 2010 B2
7728553 Carrier et al. Jun 2010 B2
7729742 Govari Jun 2010 B2
7731072 Timm et al. Jun 2010 B2
7731073 Wixey et al. Jun 2010 B2
7731724 Huitema et al. Jun 2010 B2
7735703 Morgan et al. Jun 2010 B2
7736254 Schena Jun 2010 B2
7736306 Brustad et al. Jun 2010 B2
7736374 Vaughan et al. Jun 2010 B2
7738971 Swayze et al. Jun 2010 B2
7740159 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2010 B2
7742036 Grant et al. Jun 2010 B2
7743960 Whitman et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744624 Bettuchi Jun 2010 B2
7744627 Orban, III et al. Jun 2010 B2
7744628 Viola Jun 2010 B2
7747146 Milano et al. Jun 2010 B2
7748587 Haramiishi et al. Jul 2010 B2
7748632 Coleman et al. Jul 2010 B2
7749204 Dhanaraj et al. Jul 2010 B2
7749240 Takahashi et al. Jul 2010 B2
7751870 Whitman Jul 2010 B2
7753245 Boudreaux et al. Jul 2010 B2
7753246 Scirica Jul 2010 B2
7753904 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2010 B2
7757924 Gerbi et al. Jul 2010 B2
7758594 Lamson et al. Jul 2010 B2
7758612 Shipp Jul 2010 B2
7758613 Whitman Jul 2010 B2
7762462 Gelbman Jul 2010 B2
7762998 Birk et al. Jul 2010 B2
D622286 Umezawa Aug 2010 S
7766207 Mather et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766209 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766210 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766821 Brunnen et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766894 Weitzner et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770658 Ito et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770773 Whitman et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770774 Mastri et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770775 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770776 Chen et al. Aug 2010 B2
7771396 Stefanchik et al. Aug 2010 B2
7772720 McGee et al. Aug 2010 B2
7772725 Siman-Tov Aug 2010 B2
7775972 Brock et al. Aug 2010 B2
7776037 Odom Aug 2010 B2
7776060 Mooradian et al. Aug 2010 B2
7776065 Griffiths et al. Aug 2010 B2
7778004 Nerheim et al. Aug 2010 B2
7779737 Newman, Jr. et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780054 Wales Aug 2010 B2
7780055 Scirica et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780309 McMillan et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780651 Madhani et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780663 Yates et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780685 Hunt et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784662 Wales et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784663 Shelton, IV Aug 2010 B2
7787256 Chan et al. Aug 2010 B2
7789283 Shah Sep 2010 B2
7789875 Brock et al. Sep 2010 B2
7789883 Takashino et al. Sep 2010 B2
7789889 Zubik et al. Sep 2010 B2
7793812 Moore et al. Sep 2010 B2
7794475 Hess et al. Sep 2010 B2
7798386 Schall et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799039 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799044 Johnston et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799965 Patel et al. Sep 2010 B2
7803151 Whitman Sep 2010 B2
7806871 Li et al. Oct 2010 B2
7806891 Nowlin et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810690 Bilotti et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810691 Boyden et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810692 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810693 Broehl et al. Oct 2010 B2
7811275 Birk et al. Oct 2010 B2
7814816 Alberti et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815092 Whitman et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815565 Stefanchik et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815662 Spivey et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819296 Hueil et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819297 Doll et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819298 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819299 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819799 Merril et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819884 Lee et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819885 Cooper Oct 2010 B2
7819886 Whitfield et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819894 Mitsuishi et al. Oct 2010 B2
7823592 Bettuchi et al. Nov 2010 B2
7823760 Zemlok et al. Nov 2010 B2
7824401 Manzo et al. Nov 2010 B2
7824422 Benchetrit Nov 2010 B2
7824426 Racenet et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828189 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828794 Sartor Nov 2010 B2
7828808 Hinman et al. Nov 2010 B2
7829416 Kudou et al. Nov 2010 B2
7831292 Quaid et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832408 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832611 Boyden et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832612 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2010 B2
7833234 Bailly et al. Nov 2010 B2
7835823 Sillman et al. Nov 2010 B2
7836400 May et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837079 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837080 Schwemberger Nov 2010 B2
7837081 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837425 Saeki et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837685 Weinberg et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837687 Harp Nov 2010 B2
7837694 Tethrake et al. Nov 2010 B2
7838789 Stoffers et al. Nov 2010 B2
7839109 Carmen, Jr. et al. Nov 2010 B2
7840253 Tremblay et al. Nov 2010 B2
7841503 Sonnenschein et al. Nov 2010 B2
7842025 Coleman et al. Nov 2010 B2
7842028 Lee Nov 2010 B2
7843158 Prisco Nov 2010 B2
7845533 Marczyk et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845534 Viola et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845535 Scircia Dec 2010 B2
7845536 Viola et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845537 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845538 Whitman Dec 2010 B2
7846085 Silverman et al. Dec 2010 B2
7846149 Jankowski Dec 2010 B2
7846161 Dumbauld et al. Dec 2010 B2
7848066 Yanagishima Dec 2010 B2
7850623 Griffin et al. Dec 2010 B2
7850642 Moll et al. Dec 2010 B2
7850982 Stopek et al. Dec 2010 B2
7853813 Lee Dec 2010 B2
7854735 Houser et al. Dec 2010 B2
7854736 Ryan Dec 2010 B2
7857183 Shelton, IV Dec 2010 B2
7857184 Viola Dec 2010 B2
7857185 Swayze et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857186 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857813 Schmitz et al. Dec 2010 B2
7861906 Doll et al. Jan 2011 B2
7862502 Pool et al. Jan 2011 B2
7862546 Conlon et al. Jan 2011 B2
7862579 Ortiz et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866525 Scirica Jan 2011 B2
7866527 Hall et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866528 Olson et al. Jan 2011 B2
7870989 Viola et al. Jan 2011 B2
7871418 Thompson et al. Jan 2011 B2
7871440 Schwartz et al. Jan 2011 B2
7875055 Cichocki, Jr. Jan 2011 B2
7879063 Khosravi Feb 2011 B2
7879070 Ortiz et al. Feb 2011 B2
7883461 Albrecht et al. Feb 2011 B2
7883465 Donofrio et al. Feb 2011 B2
7883540 Niwa et al. Feb 2011 B2
7886951 Hessler Feb 2011 B2
7886952 Scirica et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887530 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887535 Lands et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887536 Johnson et al. Feb 2011 B2
7887563 Cummins Feb 2011 B2
7891531 Ward Feb 2011 B1
7891532 Mastri et al. Feb 2011 B2
7892200 Birk et al. Feb 2011 B2
7892245 Liddicoat et al. Feb 2011 B2
7893586 West et al. Feb 2011 B2
7896214 Farascioni Mar 2011 B2
7896215 Adams et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896671 Kim et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896869 DiSilvestro et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896877 Hall et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896895 Boudreaux et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896897 Gresham et al. Mar 2011 B2
7896900 Frank et al. Mar 2011 B2
7898198 Murphree Mar 2011 B2
7900805 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7900806 Chen et al. Mar 2011 B2
7901381 Birk et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905380 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905381 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905881 Masuda et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905889 Catanese, III et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905890 Whitfield et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905902 Huitema et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909039 Hur Mar 2011 B2
7909191 Baker et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909220 Viola Mar 2011 B2
7909221 Viola et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909224 Prommersberger Mar 2011 B2
7913891 Doll et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913893 Mastri et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914521 Wang et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914543 Roth et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914551 Ortiz et al. Mar 2011 B2
7918230 Whitman et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918376 Knodel et al. Apr 2011 B1
7918377 Measamer et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918845 Saadat et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918848 Lau et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918861 Brock et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918867 Dana et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922061 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922063 Zemlok et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922743 Heinrich et al. Apr 2011 B2
7923144 Kohn et al. Apr 2011 B2
7926691 Viola et al. Apr 2011 B2
7926692 Racenet et al. Apr 2011 B2
7927328 Orszulak et al. Apr 2011 B2
7928281 Augustine Apr 2011 B2
7930040 Kelsch et al. Apr 2011 B1
7930065 Larkin et al. Apr 2011 B2
7931660 Aranyi et al. Apr 2011 B2
7931695 Ringeisen Apr 2011 B2
7931877 Steffens et al. Apr 2011 B2
7934630 Shelton, IV et al. May 2011 B2
7934631 Balbierz et al. May 2011 B2
7934896 Schnier May 2011 B2
7935130 Williams May 2011 B2
7935773 Hadba et al. May 2011 B2
7936142 Otsuka et al. May 2011 B2
7938307 Bettuchi May 2011 B2
7939152 Haskin et al. May 2011 B2
7941865 Seman, Jr. et al. May 2011 B2
7942303 Shah May 2011 B2
7942890 D'Agostino et al. May 2011 B2
7944175 Mori et al. May 2011 B2
7945792 Cherpantier May 2011 B2
7945798 Carlson et al. May 2011 B2
7946453 Voegele et al. May 2011 B2
7947011 Birk et al. May 2011 B2
7950560 Zemlok et al. May 2011 B2
7950561 Aranyi May 2011 B2
7950562 Beardsley et al. May 2011 B2
7951071 Whitman et al. May 2011 B2
7951166 Orban, III et al. May 2011 B2
7954682 Giordano et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954684 Boudreaux Jun 2011 B2
7954685 Viola Jun 2011 B2
7954686 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954687 Zemlok et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954688 Argentine et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955253 Ewers et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955257 Frasier et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955322 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955327 Sartor et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955380 Chu et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959050 Smith et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959051 Smith et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959052 Sonnenschein et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963432 Knodel et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963433 Whitman et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963913 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963963 Francischelli et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963964 Santilli et al. Jun 2011 B2
7964206 Suokas et al. Jun 2011 B2
7966236 Noriega et al. Jun 2011 B2
7966269 Bauer et al. Jun 2011 B2
7966799 Morgan et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967178 Scirica et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967179 Olson et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967180 Scirica Jun 2011 B2
7967181 Viola et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967791 Franer et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967839 Flock et al. Jun 2011 B2
7972298 Wallace et al. Jul 2011 B2
7972315 Birk et al. Jul 2011 B2
7976213 Bertolotti et al. Jul 2011 B2
7976508 Hoag Jul 2011 B2
7976563 Summerer Jul 2011 B2
7979137 Tracey et al. Jul 2011 B2
7980443 Scheib et al. Jul 2011 B2
7981102 Patel et al. Jul 2011 B2
7981132 Dubrul et al. Jul 2011 B2
7987405 Turner et al. Jul 2011 B2
7988015 Mason, II et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988026 Knodel et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988027 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988028 Farascioni et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988779 Disalvo et al. Aug 2011 B2
7992757 Wheeler et al. Aug 2011 B2
7993360 Hacker et al. Aug 2011 B2
7994670 Ji Aug 2011 B2
7997054 Bertsch et al. Aug 2011 B2
7997468 Farascioni Aug 2011 B2
7997469 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002696 Suzuki Aug 2011 B2
8002784 Jinno et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002785 Weiss et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002795 Beetel Aug 2011 B2
8006365 Levin et al. Aug 2011 B2
8006885 Marczyk Aug 2011 B2
8006889 Adams et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007370 Hirsch et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007465 Birk et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007479 Birk et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007511 Brock et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007513 Nalagatla et al. Aug 2011 B2
8008598 Whitman et al. Aug 2011 B2
8010180 Quaid et al. Aug 2011 B2
8011550 Aranyi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011551 Marczyk et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011553 Mastri et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011555 Tarinelli et al. Sep 2011 B2
8012170 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016176 Kasvikis et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016177 Bettuchi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016178 Olson et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016849 Wenchell Sep 2011 B2
8016855 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016858 Whitman Sep 2011 B2
8016881 Furst Sep 2011 B2
8020742 Marczyk Sep 2011 B2
8020743 Shelton, IV Sep 2011 B2
8021375 Aldrich et al. Sep 2011 B2
8025199 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8025896 Malaviya et al. Sep 2011 B2
8028882 Viola Oct 2011 B2
8028883 Stopek Oct 2011 B2
8028884 Sniffin et al. Oct 2011 B2
8028885 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8029510 Hoegerle Oct 2011 B2
8031069 Cohn et al. Oct 2011 B2
8033438 Scirica Oct 2011 B2
8033439 Racenet et al. Oct 2011 B2
8033440 Wenchell et al. Oct 2011 B2
8033442 Racenet et al. Oct 2011 B2
8034077 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8034337 Simard Oct 2011 B2
8034363 Li et al. Oct 2011 B2
8035487 Malackowski Oct 2011 B2
8037591 Spivey et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038044 Viola Oct 2011 B2
8038045 Bettuchi et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038046 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038686 Huitema et al. Oct 2011 B2
8043207 Adams Oct 2011 B2
8043328 Hahnen et al. Oct 2011 B2
8044536 Nguyen et al. Oct 2011 B2
8044604 Hagino et al. Oct 2011 B2
8047236 Perry Nov 2011 B2
8048503 Farnsworth et al. Nov 2011 B2
8052636 Moll et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056787 Boudreaux et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056788 Mastri et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056789 White et al. Nov 2011 B1
8057508 Shelton, IV Nov 2011 B2
8058771 Giordano et al. Nov 2011 B2
8060250 Reiland et al. Nov 2011 B2
8061014 Smith et al. Nov 2011 B2
8061576 Cappola Nov 2011 B2
8062236 Soltz Nov 2011 B2
8062306 Nobis et al. Nov 2011 B2
8062330 Prommersberger et al. Nov 2011 B2
8063619 Zhu et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066158 Vogel et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066166 Demmy et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066167 Measamer et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066168 Vidal et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066720 Knodel et al. Nov 2011 B2
D650074 Hunt et al. Dec 2011 S
D650789 Arnold Dec 2011 S
8070033 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8070034 Knodel Dec 2011 B1
8070035 Holsten et al. Dec 2011 B2
8070743 Kagan et al. Dec 2011 B2
8074858 Marczyk Dec 2011 B2
8074859 Kostrzewski Dec 2011 B2
8074861 Ehrenfels et al. Dec 2011 B2
8075476 Vargas Dec 2011 B2
8075571 Vitali et al. Dec 2011 B2
8079950 Stern et al. Dec 2011 B2
8079989 Birk et al. Dec 2011 B2
8080004 Downey et al. Dec 2011 B2
8083118 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8083119 Prommersberger Dec 2011 B2
8083120 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 B2
8084001 Burns et al. Dec 2011 B2
8084969 David et al. Dec 2011 B2
8085013 Wei et al. Dec 2011 B2
8087562 Manoux et al. Jan 2012 B1
8087563 Milliman et al. Jan 2012 B2
8089509 Chatenever et al. Jan 2012 B2
8091753 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8091756 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8092443 Bischoff Jan 2012 B2
8092932 Phillips et al. Jan 2012 B2
8093572 Kuduvalli Jan 2012 B2
8096458 Hessler Jan 2012 B2
8096459 Ortiz et al. Jan 2012 B2
8097017 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8100310 Zemlok Jan 2012 B2
8100824 Hegeman et al. Jan 2012 B2
8100872 Patel Jan 2012 B2
8102138 Sekine et al. Jan 2012 B2
8102278 Deck et al. Jan 2012 B2
8105320 Manzo Jan 2012 B2
8105350 Lee et al. Jan 2012 B2
8107925 Natsuno et al. Jan 2012 B2
8108033 Drew et al. Jan 2012 B2
8108072 Zhao et al. Jan 2012 B2
8109426 Milliman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8110208 Hen Feb 2012 B1
8113405 Milliman Feb 2012 B2
8113407 Holsten et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113408 Wenchell et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113410 Hall et al. Feb 2012 B2
8114017 Bacher Feb 2012 B2
8114100 Smith et al. Feb 2012 B2
8118206 Zand et al. Feb 2012 B2
8118207 Racenet et al. Feb 2012 B2
8120301 Goldberg et al. Feb 2012 B2
8122128 Burke, II et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123103 Milliman Feb 2012 B2
8123523 Carron et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123766 Bauman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123767 Bauman et al. Feb 2012 B2
8125168 Johnson et al. Feb 2012 B2
8127975 Olson et al. Mar 2012 B2
8127976 Scirica et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128624 Couture et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128643 Aranyi et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128645 Sonnenschein et al. Mar 2012 B2
8128662 Altarac et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132703 Milliman et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132705 Viola et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132706 Marczyk et al. Mar 2012 B2
8133500 Ringeisen et al. Mar 2012 B2
8134306 Drader et al. Mar 2012 B2
8136711 Beardsley et al. Mar 2012 B2
8136712 Zingman Mar 2012 B2
8136713 Hathaway et al. Mar 2012 B2
8137339 Jinno et al. Mar 2012 B2
8140417 Shibata Mar 2012 B2
8141762 Bedi et al. Mar 2012 B2
8141763 Milliman Mar 2012 B2
8142200 Crunkilton et al. Mar 2012 B2
8142425 Eggers Mar 2012 B2
8142461 Houser et al. Mar 2012 B2
8142515 Therin et al. Mar 2012 B2
8143520 Cutler Mar 2012 B2
8146790 Milliman Apr 2012 B2
8147421 Farquhar et al. Apr 2012 B2
8147456 Fisher et al. Apr 2012 B2
8147485 Wham et al. Apr 2012 B2
8152041 Kostrzewski Apr 2012 B2
8152756 Webster et al. Apr 2012 B2
8154239 Katsuki et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157145 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157148 Scirica Apr 2012 B2
8157151 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157152 Holsten et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157153 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157793 Omori et al. Apr 2012 B2
8161977 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162138 Bettenhausen et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162197 Mastri et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162668 Toly Apr 2012 B2
8162933 Francischelli et al. Apr 2012 B2
8162965 Reschke et al. Apr 2012 B2
8167185 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8167622 Zhou May 2012 B2
8167895 D'Agostino et al. May 2012 B2
8167898 Schaller et al. May 2012 B1
8170241 Roe et al. May 2012 B2
8172004 Ho May 2012 B2
8172120 Boyden et al. May 2012 B2
8172122 Kasvikis et al. May 2012 B2
8172124 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8177776 Humayun et al. May 2012 B2
8177797 Shimoji et al. May 2012 B2
8179705 Chapuis May 2012 B2
8180458 Kane et al. May 2012 B2
8181839 Beetel May 2012 B2
8181840 Milliman May 2012 B2
8182422 Bayer et al. May 2012 B2
8182444 Uber, III et al. May 2012 B2
8183807 Tsai et al. May 2012 B2
8186555 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8186556 Viola May 2012 B2
8186558 Sapienza May 2012 B2
8186560 Hess et al. May 2012 B2
8190238 Moll et al. May 2012 B2
8191752 Scirica Jun 2012 B2
8192350 Ortiz et al. Jun 2012 B2
8192460 Orban, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8192651 Young et al. Jun 2012 B2
8193129 Tagawa et al. Jun 2012 B2
8196795 Moore et al. Jun 2012 B2
8196796 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2012 B2
8197501 Shadeck et al. Jun 2012 B2
8197502 Smith et al. Jun 2012 B2
8197837 Jamiolkowski et al. Jun 2012 B2
8201720 Hessler Jun 2012 B2
8201721 Zemlok et al. Jun 2012 B2
8202549 Stucky et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205779 Ma et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205780 Sorrentino et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205781 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8207863 Neubauer et al. Jun 2012 B2
8210411 Yates et al. Jul 2012 B2
8210414 Bettuchi et al. Jul 2012 B2
8210415 Ward Jul 2012 B2
8210416 Milliman et al. Jul 2012 B2
8210721 Chen et al. Jul 2012 B2
8211125 Spivey Jul 2012 B2
8214019 Govari et al. Jul 2012 B2
8215531 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2012 B2
8215532 Marczyk Jul 2012 B2
8215533 Viola et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220468 Cooper et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220688 Laurent et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220690 Hess et al. Jul 2012 B2
8221402 Francischelli et al. Jul 2012 B2
8221424 Cha Jul 2012 B2
8221433 Lozier et al. Jul 2012 B2
8225799 Bettuchi Jul 2012 B2
8225979 Farascioni et al. Jul 2012 B2
8226553 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2012 B2
8226635 Petrie et al. Jul 2012 B2
8226675 Houser et al. Jul 2012 B2
8226715 Hwang et al. Jul 2012 B2
8227946 Kim Jul 2012 B2
8228020 Shin et al. Jul 2012 B2
8228048 Spencer Jul 2012 B2
8229549 Whitman et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231040 Zemlok et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231042 Hessler et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231043 Tarinelli et al. Jul 2012 B2
8235272 Nicholas et al. Aug 2012 B2
8236010 Ortiz et al. Aug 2012 B2
8236011 Harris et al. Aug 2012 B2
8236020 Smith et al. Aug 2012 B2
8237388 Jinno et al. Aug 2012 B2
8240537 Marczyk Aug 2012 B2
8241271 Millman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241284 Dycus et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241308 Kortenbach et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241322 Whitman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245594 Rogers et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245898 Smith et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245899 Swensgard et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245900 Scirica Aug 2012 B2
8245901 Stopek Aug 2012 B2
8246608 Omori et al. Aug 2012 B2
8246637 Viola et al. Aug 2012 B2
8252009 Weller et al. Aug 2012 B2
8256654 Bettuchi et al. Sep 2012 B2
8256655 Sniffin et al. Sep 2012 B2
8256656 Milliman et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257251 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257356 Bleich et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257386 Lee et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257391 Orban, III et al. Sep 2012 B2
8257634 Scirica Sep 2012 B2
8258745 Smith et al. Sep 2012 B2
8261958 Knodel Sep 2012 B1
8262560 Whitman Sep 2012 B2
8262655 Ghabrial et al. Sep 2012 B2
8266232 Piper et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267300 Boudreaux Sep 2012 B2
8267849 Wazer et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267924 Zemlok et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267946 Whitfield et al. Sep 2012 B2
8267951 Whayne et al. Sep 2012 B2
8268344 Ma et al. Sep 2012 B2
8269121 Smith Sep 2012 B2
8272553 Mastri et al. Sep 2012 B2
8272554 Whitman et al. Sep 2012 B2
8272918 Lam Sep 2012 B2
8273404 Dave et al. Sep 2012 B2
8276594 Shah Oct 2012 B2
8276801 Zemlok et al. Oct 2012 B2
8276802 Kostrzewski Oct 2012 B2
8277473 Sunaoshi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8281446 Moskovich Oct 2012 B2
8281973 Wenchell et al. Oct 2012 B2
8281974 Hessler et al. Oct 2012 B2
8282654 Ferrari et al. Oct 2012 B2
8285367 Hyde et al. Oct 2012 B2
8286723 Puzio et al. Oct 2012 B2
8286845 Perry et al. Oct 2012 B2
8286846 Smith et al. Oct 2012 B2
8286847 Taylor Oct 2012 B2
8287487 Estes Oct 2012 B2
8287522 Moses et al. Oct 2012 B2
8287561 Nunez et al. Oct 2012 B2
8288984 Yang Oct 2012 B2
8289403 Dobashi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8290883 Takeuchi et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292147 Viola Oct 2012 B2
8292148 Viola Oct 2012 B2
8292150 Bryant Oct 2012 B2
8292151 Viola Oct 2012 B2
8292152 Milliman et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292155 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292157 Smith et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292158 Sapienza Oct 2012 B2
8292801 Dejima et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292888 Whitman Oct 2012 B2
8292906 Taylor et al. Oct 2012 B2
8294399 Suzuki et al. Oct 2012 B2
8298161 Vargas Oct 2012 B2
8298189 Fisher et al. Oct 2012 B2
8298233 Mueller Oct 2012 B2
8298677 Wiesner et al. Oct 2012 B2
8302323 Fortier et al. Nov 2012 B2
8303621 Miyamoto et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308040 Huang et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308041 Kostrzewski Nov 2012 B2
8308042 Aranyi Nov 2012 B2
8308043 Bindra et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308046 Prommersberger Nov 2012 B2
8308659 Scheibe et al. Nov 2012 B2
8308725 Bell et al. Nov 2012 B2
8310188 Nakai Nov 2012 B2
8313496 Sauer et al. Nov 2012 B2
8313499 Magnusson et al. Nov 2012 B2
8313509 Kostrzewski Nov 2012 B2
8317070 Hueil et al. Nov 2012 B2
8317071 Knodel Nov 2012 B1
8317074 Ortiz et al. Nov 2012 B2
8317437 Merkley et al. Nov 2012 B2
8317744 Kirschenman Nov 2012 B2
8317790 Bell et al. Nov 2012 B2
8319002 Daniels et al. Nov 2012 B2
D672784 Clanton et al. Dec 2012 S
8322455 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2012 B2
8322589 Boudreaux Dec 2012 B2
8322590 Patel et al. Dec 2012 B2
8322901 Michelotti Dec 2012 B2
8323271 Humayun et al. Dec 2012 B2
8323789 Rozhin et al. Dec 2012 B2
8324585 McBroom et al. Dec 2012 B2
8327514 Kim Dec 2012 B2
8328061 Kasvikis Dec 2012 B2
8328062 Viola Dec 2012 B2
8328063 Milliman et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328064 Racenet et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328065 Shah Dec 2012 B2
8328802 Deville et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328823 Aranyi et al. Dec 2012 B2
8333313 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2012 B2
8333691 Schaaf Dec 2012 B2
8333764 Francischelli et al. Dec 2012 B2
8333779 Smith et al. Dec 2012 B2
8334468 Palmer et al. Dec 2012 B2
8336753 Olson et al. Dec 2012 B2
8336754 Cappola et al. Dec 2012 B2
8342377 Milliman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8342378 Marczyk et al. Jan 2013 B2
8342379 Whitman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8342380 Viola Jan 2013 B2
8343150 Artale Jan 2013 B2
8347978 Forster et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348118 Segura Jan 2013 B2
8348123 Scirica et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348124 Scirica Jan 2013 B2
8348125 Viola et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348126 Olson et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348127 Marczyk Jan 2013 B2
8348129 Bedi et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348130 Shah et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348131 Omaits et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348837 Wenchell Jan 2013 B2
8348959 Wolford et al. Jan 2013 B2
8348972 Soltz et al. Jan 2013 B2
8349987 Kapiamba et al. Jan 2013 B2
8352004 Mannheimer et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353437 Boudreaux Jan 2013 B2
8353438 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353439 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2013 B2
8356740 Knodel Jan 2013 B1
8357144 Whitman et al. Jan 2013 B2
8357158 McKenna et al. Jan 2013 B2
8357161 Mueller Jan 2013 B2
8359174 Nakashima et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360296 Zingman Jan 2013 B2
8360297 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360298 Farascioni et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360299 Zemlok et al. Jan 2013 B2
8361501 DiTizio et al. Jan 2013 B2
D676866 Chaudhri Feb 2013 S
8365972 Aranyi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8365973 White et al. Feb 2013 B1
8365975 Manoux et al. Feb 2013 B1
8365976 Hess et al. Feb 2013 B2
8366559 Papenfuss et al. Feb 2013 B2
8366719 Markey et al. Feb 2013 B2
8366787 Brown et al. Feb 2013 B2
8368327 Benning et al. Feb 2013 B2
8369056 Senriuchi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371393 Higuchi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371491 Huitema et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371492 Aranyi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371493 Aranyi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8371494 Racenet et al. Feb 2013 B2
8372094 Bettuchi et al. Feb 2013 B2
8374723 Zhao et al. Feb 2013 B2
8376865 Forster et al. Feb 2013 B2
8377029 Nagao et al. Feb 2013 B2
8377044 Coe et al. Feb 2013 B2
8381828 Whitman et al. Feb 2013 B2
8382773 Whitfield et al. Feb 2013 B2
8382790 Uenohara et al. Feb 2013 B2
D677273 Randall et al. Mar 2013 S
8387848 Johnson et al. Mar 2013 B2
8388633 Rousseau et al. Mar 2013 B2
8389588 Ringeisen et al. Mar 2013 B2
8393513 Jankowski Mar 2013 B2
8393514 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2013 B2
8393516 Kostrzewski Mar 2013 B2
8397832 Blickle et al. Mar 2013 B2
8397971 Yates et al. Mar 2013 B2
8397972 Kostrzewski Mar 2013 B2
8397973 Hausen Mar 2013 B1
8398633 Mueller Mar 2013 B2
8398669 Kim Mar 2013 B2
8398673 Hinchliffe et al. Mar 2013 B2
8398674 Prestel Mar 2013 B2
8400108 Powell et al. Mar 2013 B2
8400851 Byun Mar 2013 B2
8403138 Weisshaupt et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403195 Beardsley et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403196 Beardsley et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403198 Sorrentino et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403832 Cunningham et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403926 Nobis et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403945 Whitfield et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403946 Whitfield et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403950 Palmer et al. Mar 2013 B2
D680646 Hunt et al. Apr 2013 S
8408439 Huang et al. Apr 2013 B2
8408442 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409079 Okamoto et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409174 Omori Apr 2013 B2
8409175 Lee et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409211 Baroud Apr 2013 B2
8409222 Whitfield et al. Apr 2013 B2
8409223 Sorrentino et al. Apr 2013 B2
8411500 Gapihan et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413661 Rousseau et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413870 Pastorelli et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413871 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413872 Patel Apr 2013 B2
8414469 Diolaiti Apr 2013 B2
8414577 Boudreaux et al. Apr 2013 B2
8414598 Brock et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418073 Mohr et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418906 Farascioni et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418907 Johnson et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418908 Beardsley Apr 2013 B1
8418909 Kostrzewski Apr 2013 B2
8419635 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2013 B2
8419717 Diolaiti et al. Apr 2013 B2
8419747 Hinman et al. Apr 2013 B2
8419754 Laby et al. Apr 2013 B2
8419755 Deem et al. Apr 2013 B2
8423182 Robinson et al. Apr 2013 B2
8424737 Scirica Apr 2013 B2
8424739 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8424740 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2013 B2
8424741 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Apr 2013 B2
8425600 Maxwell Apr 2013 B2
8427430 Lee et al. Apr 2013 B2
8430292 Patel et al. Apr 2013 B2
8430892 Bindra et al. Apr 2013 B2
8430898 Wiener et al. Apr 2013 B2
8435257 Smith et al. May 2013 B2
8439246 Knodel May 2013 B1
8444036 Shelton, IV May 2013 B2
8444037 Nicholas et al. May 2013 B2
8444549 Viola et al. May 2013 B2
8449536 Selig May 2013 B2
8449560 Roth et al. May 2013 B2
8453904 Eskaros et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453906 Huang et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453907 Laurent et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453908 Bedi et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453912 Mastri et al. Jun 2013 B2
8453914 Laurent et al. Jun 2013 B2
8454495 Kawano et al. Jun 2013 B2
8454551 Allen et al. Jun 2013 B2
8454628 Smith et al. Jun 2013 B2
8454640 Johnston et al. Jun 2013 B2
8457757 Cauller et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459520 Giordano et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459521 Zemlok et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459524 Pribanic et al. Jun 2013 B2
8459525 Yates et al. Jun 2013 B2
8464922 Marczyk Jun 2013 B2
8464923 Shelton, IV Jun 2013 B2
8464924 Gresham et al. Jun 2013 B2
8464925 Hull et al. Jun 2013 B2
8465475 Isbell, Jr. Jun 2013 B2
8465502 Zergiebel Jun 2013 B2
8465515 Drew et al. Jun 2013 B2
8469254 Czernik et al. Jun 2013 B2
8469946 Sugita Jun 2013 B2
8469973 Meade et al. Jun 2013 B2
8470355 Skalla et al. Jun 2013 B2
D686240 Lin Jul 2013 S
D686244 Moriya et al. Jul 2013 S
8474677 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jul 2013 B2
8475453 Marczyk et al. Jul 2013 B2
8475454 Alshemari Jul 2013 B1
8475474 Bombard et al. Jul 2013 B2
8479968 Hodgkinson et al. Jul 2013 B2
8479969 Shelton, IV Jul 2013 B2
8480703 Nicholas et al. Jul 2013 B2
8483509 Matsuzaka Jul 2013 B2
8485412 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2013 B2
8485413 Scheib et al. Jul 2013 B2
8485970 Widenhouse et al. Jul 2013 B2
8487199 Palmer et al. Jul 2013 B2
8487487 Dietz et al. Jul 2013 B2
8490851 Blier et al. Jul 2013 B2
8490852 Viola Jul 2013 B2
8490853 Criscuolo et al. Jul 2013 B2
8491581 Deville et al. Jul 2013 B2
8491603 Yeung et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496153 Demmy et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496154 Marczyk et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496156 Sniffin et al. Jul 2013 B2
8496683 Prommersberger et al. Jul 2013 B2
8498691 Moll et al. Jul 2013 B2
8499673 Keller Aug 2013 B2
8499966 Palmer et al. Aug 2013 B2
8499992 Whitman et al. Aug 2013 B2
8499993 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 B2
8500721 Jinno Aug 2013 B2
8500762 Sholev et al. Aug 2013 B2
8502091 Palmer et al. Aug 2013 B2
8505799 Viola et al. Aug 2013 B2
8505801 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506555 Ruiz Morales Aug 2013 B2
8506557 Zemlok et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506580 Zergiebel et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506581 Wingardner, III et al. Aug 2013 B2
8511308 Hecox et al. Aug 2013 B2
8512359 Whitman et al. Aug 2013 B2
8512402 Marczyk et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517239 Scheib et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517241 Nicholas et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517243 Giordano et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517244 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517938 Eisenhardt et al. Aug 2013 B2
8518024 Williams et al. Aug 2013 B2
8521273 Kliman Aug 2013 B2
8523042 Masiakos et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523043 Ullrich et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523787 Ludwin et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523881 Cabiri et al. Sep 2013 B2
8523900 Jinno et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529588 Ahlberg et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529599 Holsten Sep 2013 B2
8529600 Woodard, Jr. et al. Sep 2013 B2
8529819 Ostapoff et al. Sep 2013 B2
8532747 Nock et al. Sep 2013 B2
8534527 Brendel et al. Sep 2013 B2
8534528 Shelton, IV Sep 2013 B2
8535304 Sklar et al. Sep 2013 B2
8535340 Allen Sep 2013 B2
8539866 Nayak et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540128 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540129 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540130 Moore et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540131 Swayze Sep 2013 B2
8540133 Bedi et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540646 Mendez-Coll Sep 2013 B2
8540733 Whitman et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540735 Mitelberg et al. Sep 2013 B2
8550984 Takemoto Oct 2013 B2
8551076 Duval et al. Oct 2013 B2
8555660 Takenaka et al. Oct 2013 B2
8556151 Viola Oct 2013 B2
8556918 Bauman et al. Oct 2013 B2
8556935 Knodel et al. Oct 2013 B1
8560147 Taylor et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561617 Lindh et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561870 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561871 Rajappa et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561873 Ingmanson et al. Oct 2013 B2
8562592 Conlon et al. Oct 2013 B2
8562598 Falkenstein et al. Oct 2013 B2
8567656 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2013 B2
8568416 Schmitz et al. Oct 2013 B2
8568425 Ross et al. Oct 2013 B2
D692916 Granchi et al. Nov 2013 S
8573459 Smith et al. Nov 2013 B2
8573461 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2013 B2
8573462 Smith et al. Nov 2013 B2
8573465 Shelton, IV Nov 2013 B2
8574199 von Bulow et al. Nov 2013 B2
8574263 Mueller Nov 2013 B2
8575880 Grantz Nov 2013 B2
8575895 Garrastacho et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579176 Smith et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579178 Holsten et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579897 Vakharia et al. Nov 2013 B2
8579937 Gresham Nov 2013 B2
8584919 Hueil et al. Nov 2013 B2
8584920 Hodgkinson Nov 2013 B2
8584921 Scirica Nov 2013 B2
8585583 Sakaguchi et al. Nov 2013 B2
8585721 Kirsch Nov 2013 B2
8590760 Cummins et al. Nov 2013 B2
8590762 Hess et al. Nov 2013 B2
8590764 Hartwick et al. Nov 2013 B2
8596515 Okoniewski Dec 2013 B2
8597745 Farnsworth et al. Dec 2013 B2
8599450 Kubo et al. Dec 2013 B2
8602125 King Dec 2013 B2
8602287 Yates et al. Dec 2013 B2
8602288 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2013 B2
8603077 Cooper et al. Dec 2013 B2
8603089 Viola Dec 2013 B2
8603110 Maruyama et al. Dec 2013 B2
8603135 Mueller Dec 2013 B2
8608043 Scirica Dec 2013 B2
8608044 Hueil et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608045 Smith et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608046 Laurent et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608745 Guzman et al. Dec 2013 B2
8613383 Beckman et al. Dec 2013 B2
8616427 Viola Dec 2013 B2
8616431 Timm et al. Dec 2013 B2
8620473 Diolaiti et al. Dec 2013 B2
8622274 Yates et al. Jan 2014 B2
8622275 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627993 Smith et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627994 Zemlok et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627995 Smith et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628467 Whitman et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628518 Blumenkranz et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628544 Farascioni Jan 2014 B2
8628545 Cabrera et al. Jan 2014 B2
8631987 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 B2
8631992 Hausen et al. Jan 2014 B1
8631993 Kostrzewski Jan 2014 B2
8632462 Yoo et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632525 Kerr et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632535 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632539 Twomey et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632563 Nagase et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636187 Hueil et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636190 Zemlok et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636191 Meagher Jan 2014 B2
8636193 Whitman et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636736 Yates et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636766 Milliman et al. Jan 2014 B2
8639936 Hu et al. Jan 2014 B2
8640788 Dachs, II et al. Feb 2014 B2
8646674 Schulte et al. Feb 2014 B2
8647258 Aranyi et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652120 Giordano et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652151 Lehman et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652155 Houser et al. Feb 2014 B2
8656929 Miller et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657174 Yates et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657175 Sonnenschein et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657176 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657177 Scirica et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657178 Hueil et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657482 Malackowski et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657808 McPherson et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657814 Werneth et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657821 Palermo Feb 2014 B2
D701238 Lai et al. Mar 2014 S
8662370 Takei Mar 2014 B2
8663106 Stivoric et al. Mar 2014 B2
8663192 Hester et al. Mar 2014 B2
8663245 Francischelli et al. Mar 2014 B2
8663262 Smith et al. Mar 2014 B2
8663270 Donnigan et al. Mar 2014 B2
8664792 Rebsdorf Mar 2014 B2
8668129 Olson Mar 2014 B2
8668130 Hess et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672206 Aranyi et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672207 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672208 Hess et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672922 Loh et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672935 Okada et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672951 Smith et al. Mar 2014 B2
8673210 Deshays Mar 2014 B2
8675820 Baic et al. Mar 2014 B2
8678263 Viola Mar 2014 B2
8678994 Sonnenschein et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679093 Farra Mar 2014 B2
8679098 Hart Mar 2014 B2
8679137 Bauman et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679154 Smith et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679156 Smith et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679454 Guire et al. Mar 2014 B2
8684248 Milliman Apr 2014 B2
8684249 Racenet et al. Apr 2014 B2
8684250 Bettuchi et al. Apr 2014 B2
8684253 Giordano et al. Apr 2014 B2
8684962 Kirschenman et al. Apr 2014 B2
8685004 Zemlock et al. Apr 2014 B2
8685020 Weizman et al. Apr 2014 B2
8690893 Deitch et al. Apr 2014 B2
8695866 Leimbach et al. Apr 2014 B2
8696665 Hunt et al. Apr 2014 B2
8701958 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2014 B2
8701959 Shah Apr 2014 B2
8706316 Hoevenaar Apr 2014 B1
8708210 Zemlok et al. Apr 2014 B2
8708211 Zemlok et al. Apr 2014 B2
8708212 Williams Apr 2014 B2
8708213 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2014 B2
8709012 Muller Apr 2014 B2
8714352 Farascioni et al. May 2014 B2
8714429 Demmy May 2014 B2
8714430 Natarajan et al. May 2014 B2
8715256 Greener May 2014 B2
8715302 Ibrahim et al. May 2014 B2
8720766 Hess et al. May 2014 B2
8721630 Ortiz et al. May 2014 B2
8721666 Schroeder et al. May 2014 B2
8727197 Hess et al. May 2014 B2
8727199 Wenchell May 2014 B2
8727200 Roy May 2014 B2
8727961 Ziv May 2014 B2
8728099 Cohn et al. May 2014 B2
8728119 Cummins May 2014 B2
8733470 Matthias et al. May 2014 B2
8733611 Milliman May 2014 B2
8733612 Ma May 2014 B2
8733613 Huitema et al. May 2014 B2
8733614 Ross et al. May 2014 B2
8734336 Bonadio et al. May 2014 B2
8734359 Ibanez et al. May 2014 B2
8734478 Widenhouse et al. May 2014 B2
8734831 Kim et al. May 2014 B2
8739033 Rosenberg May 2014 B2
8739417 Tokunaga et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740034 Morgan et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740037 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740038 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740987 Geremakis et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746529 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746530 Giordano et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746533 Whitman et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746535 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8747238 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8747441 Konieczynski et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752264 Ackley et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752699 Morgan et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752747 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752748 Whitman et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752749 Moore et al. Jun 2014 B2
8753664 Dao et al. Jun 2014 B2
8757287 Mak et al. Jun 2014 B2
8757465 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jun 2014 B2
8758235 Jaworek Jun 2014 B2
8758366 McLean et al. Jun 2014 B2
8758391 Swayze et al. Jun 2014 B2
8758438 Boyce et al. Jun 2014 B2
8763875 Morgan et al. Jul 2014 B2
8763876 Kostrzewski Jul 2014 B2
8763877 Schall et al. Jul 2014 B2
8763879 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8764732 Hartwell Jul 2014 B2
8765942 Feraud et al. Jul 2014 B2
8770458 Scirica Jul 2014 B2
8770459 Racenet et al. Jul 2014 B2
8770460 Belzer Jul 2014 B2
8771169 Whitman et al. Jul 2014 B2
8771260 Conlon et al. Jul 2014 B2
8777004 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8777082 Scirica Jul 2014 B2
8777083 Racenet et al. Jul 2014 B2
8777898 Suon et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783541 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783542 Riestenberg et al. Jul 2014 B2
8783543 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784304 Mikkaichi et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784404 Doyle et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784415 Malackowski et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789737 Hodgkinson et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789739 Swensgard Jul 2014 B2
8789740 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2014 B2
8789741 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2014 B2
8790658 Cigarini et al. Jul 2014 B2
8790684 Dave et al. Jul 2014 B2
D711905 Morrison et al. Aug 2014 S
8794496 Scirica Aug 2014 B2
8794497 Zingman Aug 2014 B2
8795159 Moriyama Aug 2014 B2
8795276 Dietz et al. Aug 2014 B2
8795308 Valin Aug 2014 B2
8795324 Kawai et al. Aug 2014 B2
8796995 Cunanan et al. Aug 2014 B2
8800681 Rousson et al. Aug 2014 B2
8800837 Zemlok Aug 2014 B2
8800838 Shelton, IV Aug 2014 B2
8800839 Beetel Aug 2014 B2
8800840 Jankowski Aug 2014 B2
8800841 Ellerhorst et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801710 Ullrich et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801734 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801735 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801752 Fortier et al. Aug 2014 B2
8801801 Datta et al. Aug 2014 B2
8806973 Ross et al. Aug 2014 B2
8807414 Ross et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808161 Gregg et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808164 Hoffman et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808274 Hartwell Aug 2014 B2
8808294 Fox et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808308 Boukhny et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808311 Heinrich et al. Aug 2014 B2
8808325 Hess et al. Aug 2014 B2
8810197 Juergens Aug 2014 B2
8811017 Fujii et al. Aug 2014 B2
8813866 Suzuki Aug 2014 B2
8814024 Woodard, Jr. et al. Aug 2014 B2
8814025 Miller et al. Aug 2014 B2
8814836 Ignon et al. Aug 2014 B2
8815594 Harris et al. Aug 2014 B2
8818523 Olson et al. Aug 2014 B2
8820603 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8820605 Shelton, IV Sep 2014 B2
8820606 Hodgkinson Sep 2014 B2
8820607 Marczyk Sep 2014 B2
8820608 Miyamoto Sep 2014 B2
8821514 Aranyi Sep 2014 B2
8822934 Sayeh et al. Sep 2014 B2
8825164 Tweden et al. Sep 2014 B2
8827133 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8827134 Viola et al. Sep 2014 B2
8827903 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8828046 Stefanchik et al. Sep 2014 B2
8831779 Ortmaier et al. Sep 2014 B2
8833219 Pierce Sep 2014 B2
8833630 Milliman Sep 2014 B2
8833632 Swensgard Sep 2014 B2
8834353 Dejima et al. Sep 2014 B2
8834465 Ramstein et al. Sep 2014 B2
8834498 Byrum et al. Sep 2014 B2
8834518 Faller et al. Sep 2014 B2
8840003 Morgan et al. Sep 2014 B2
8840603 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8840609 Stuebe Sep 2014 B2
8840876 Eemeta et al. Sep 2014 B2
8844789 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8844790 Demmy et al. Sep 2014 B2
8851215 Goto Oct 2014 B2
8851354 Swensgard et al. Oct 2014 B2
8851355 Aranyi et al. Oct 2014 B2
8852174 Burbank Oct 2014 B2
8852185 Twomey Oct 2014 B2
8852199 Deslauriers et al. Oct 2014 B2
8852218 Hughett, Sr. et al. Oct 2014 B2
8857693 Schuckmann et al. Oct 2014 B2
8857694 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858538 Belson et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858547 Brogna Oct 2014 B2
8858571 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858590 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864007 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864009 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864010 Williams Oct 2014 B2
8864750 Ross et al. Oct 2014 B2
8869912 Roßkamp et al. Oct 2014 B2
8869913 Matthias et al. Oct 2014 B2
8870050 Hodgkinson Oct 2014 B2
8870867 Walberg et al. Oct 2014 B2
8870912 Brisson et al. Oct 2014 B2
8875971 Hall et al. Nov 2014 B2
8875972 Weisenburgh, II et al. Nov 2014 B2
8876857 Burbank Nov 2014 B2
8876858 Braun Nov 2014 B2
8887979 Mastri et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888688 Julian et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888695 Piskun et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888792 Harris et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888809 Davison et al. Nov 2014 B2
8893946 Boudreaux et al. Nov 2014 B2
8893949 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894647 Beardsley et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894654 Anderson Nov 2014 B2
8899460 Wojcicki Dec 2014 B2
8899461 Farascioni Dec 2014 B2
8899462 Kostrzewski et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899463 Schall et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899464 Hueil et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899465 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2014 B2
8899466 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2014 B2
8900267 Woolfson et al. Dec 2014 B2
8905287 Racenet et al. Dec 2014 B2
8905977 Shelton et al. Dec 2014 B2
8910846 Viola Dec 2014 B2
8910847 Nalagatla et al. Dec 2014 B2
8911426 Coppeta et al. Dec 2014 B2
8911448 Stein Dec 2014 B2
8911460 Neurohr et al. Dec 2014 B2
8911471 Spivey et al. Dec 2014 B2
8912746 Reid et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920368 Sandhu et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920433 Barrier et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920435 Smith et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920438 Aranyi et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920443 Hiles et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920444 Hiles et al. Dec 2014 B2
8922163 Macdonald Dec 2014 B2
8925782 Shelton, IV Jan 2015 B2
8925783 Zemlok et al. Jan 2015 B2
8925788 Hess et al. Jan 2015 B2
8926506 Widenhouse et al. Jan 2015 B2
8926598 Mollere et al. Jan 2015 B2
8931576 Iwata Jan 2015 B2
8931679 Kostrzewski Jan 2015 B2
8931680 Milliman Jan 2015 B2
8931682 Timm et al. Jan 2015 B2
8936614 Allen, IV Jan 2015 B2
8939343 Milliman et al. Jan 2015 B2
8939344 Olson et al. Jan 2015 B2
8939898 Omoto Jan 2015 B2
8944069 Miller et al. Feb 2015 B2
8945095 Blumenkranz et al. Feb 2015 B2
8945163 Voegele et al. Feb 2015 B2
8955732 Zemlok et al. Feb 2015 B2
8956342 Russo et al. Feb 2015 B1
8956390 Shah et al. Feb 2015 B2
8958860 Banerjee et al. Feb 2015 B2
8960519 Whitman et al. Feb 2015 B2
8960520 McCuen Feb 2015 B2
8960521 Kostrzewski Feb 2015 B2
8961191 Hanshew Feb 2015 B2
8961504 Hoarau et al. Feb 2015 B2
8963714 Medhal et al. Feb 2015 B2
D725674 Jung et al. Mar 2015 S
8967443 McCuen Mar 2015 B2
8967444 Beetel Mar 2015 B2
8967446 Beardsley et al. Mar 2015 B2
8967448 Carter et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968276 Zemlok et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968308 Horner et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968312 Marczyk et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968337 Whitfield et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968340 Chowaniec et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968355 Malkowski et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968358 Reschke Mar 2015 B2
8970507 Holbein et al. Mar 2015 B2
8973803 Hall et al. Mar 2015 B2
8973804 Hess et al. Mar 2015 B2
8973805 Scirica et al. Mar 2015 B2
8974440 Farritor et al. Mar 2015 B2
8974542 Fujimoto et al. Mar 2015 B2
8974932 McGahan et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978954 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978955 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2015 B2
8978956 Schall et al. Mar 2015 B2
8979843 Timm et al. Mar 2015 B2
8979890 Boudreaux Mar 2015 B2
8982195 Claus et al. Mar 2015 B2
8984711 Ota et al. Mar 2015 B2
8985240 Winnard Mar 2015 B2
8985429 Balek et al. Mar 2015 B2
8986302 Aldridge et al. Mar 2015 B2
8989903 Weir et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991676 Hess et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991677 Moore et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991678 Wellman et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992042 Eichenholz Mar 2015 B2
8992422 Spivey et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992565 Brisson et al. Mar 2015 B2
8996165 Wang et al. Mar 2015 B2
8998058 Moore et al. Apr 2015 B2
8998059 Smith et al. Apr 2015 B2
8998060 Bruewer et al. Apr 2015 B2
8998061 Williams et al. Apr 2015 B2
8998939 Price et al. Apr 2015 B2
9000720 Stulen et al. Apr 2015 B2
9002518 Manzo et al. Apr 2015 B2
9004339 Park Apr 2015 B1
9005230 Yates et al. Apr 2015 B2
9005238 DeSantis et al. Apr 2015 B2
9005243 Stopek et al. Apr 2015 B2
9010606 Aranyi et al. Apr 2015 B2
9010608 Casasanta, Jr. et al. Apr 2015 B2
9010611 Ross et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011437 Woodruff et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011439 Shalaby et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011471 Timm et al. Apr 2015 B2
9014856 Manzo et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016539 Kostrzewski et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016540 Whitman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016541 Viola et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016542 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016545 Aranyi et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017331 Fox Apr 2015 B2
9017355 Smith et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017369 Renger et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017371 Whitman et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017849 Stulen et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017851 Felder et al. Apr 2015 B2
D729274 Clement et al. May 2015 S
9021684 Lenker et al. May 2015 B2
9023014 Chowaniec et al. May 2015 B2
9023069 Kasvikis et al. May 2015 B2
9023071 Miller et al. May 2015 B2
9026347 Gadh et al. May 2015 B2
9027817 Milliman et al. May 2015 B2
9028494 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 B2
9028495 Mueller et al. May 2015 B2
9028510 Miyamoto et al. May 2015 B2
9028511 Weller et al. May 2015 B2
9028519 Yates et al. May 2015 B2
9030166 Kano May 2015 B2
9030169 Christensen et al. May 2015 B2
9033203 Woodard, Jr. et al. May 2015 B2
9033204 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 B2
9034505 Detry et al. May 2015 B2
9038881 Schaller et al. May 2015 B1
9039690 Kersten et al. May 2015 B2
9039694 Ross et al. May 2015 B2
9039720 Madan May 2015 B2
9043027 Durant et al. May 2015 B2
9044227 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044228 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044229 Scheib et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044230 Morgan et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044238 Orszulak Jun 2015 B2
9044241 Barner et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044261 Houser Jun 2015 B2
9044281 Pool et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050083 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050084 Schmid et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050089 Orszulak Jun 2015 B2
9050100 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050120 Swarup et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050123 Krause et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050176 Datta et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050192 Mansmann Jun 2015 B2
9055941 Schmid et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055942 Balbierz et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055943 Zemlok et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055944 Hodgkinson et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055961 Manzo et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060770 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060776 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060794 Kang et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060894 Wubbeling Jun 2015 B2
9061392 Forgues et al. Jun 2015 B2
9072515 Hall et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072523 Houser et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072535 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 B2
9072536 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 B2
9078653 Leimbach et al. Jul 2015 B2
9078654 Whitman et al. Jul 2015 B2
9084601 Moore et al. Jul 2015 B2
9084602 Gleiman Jul 2015 B2
9086875 Harrat et al. Jul 2015 B2
9089326 Krumanaker et al. Jul 2015 B2
9089330 Widenhouse et al. Jul 2015 B2
9089338 Smith et al. Jul 2015 B2
9089352 Jeong Jul 2015 B2
9089360 Messerly et al. Jul 2015 B2
9091588 Lefler Jul 2015 B2
D736792 Brinda et al. Aug 2015 S
9095339 Moore et al. Aug 2015 B2
9095346 Houser et al. Aug 2015 B2
9095362 Dachs, II et al. Aug 2015 B2
9095367 Olson et al. Aug 2015 B2
9096033 Holop et al. Aug 2015 B2
9098153 Shen et al. Aug 2015 B2
9099863 Smith et al. Aug 2015 B2
9099877 Banos et al. Aug 2015 B2
9099922 Toosky et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101358 Kerr et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101385 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101475 Wei et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101621 Zeldis Aug 2015 B2
9107663 Swensgard Aug 2015 B2
9107667 Hodgkinson Aug 2015 B2
9107690 Bales, Jr. et al. Aug 2015 B2
9110587 Kim et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113862 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113864 Morgan et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113865 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113868 Felder et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113873 Marczyk et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113874 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113876 Zemlok et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113879 Felder et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113880 Zemlok et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113881 Scirica Aug 2015 B2
9113883 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113884 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113887 Behnke, II et al. Aug 2015 B2
9119615 Felder et al. Sep 2015 B2
9119657 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2015 B2
9119898 Bayon et al. Sep 2015 B2
9119957 Gantz et al. Sep 2015 B2
9123286 Park Sep 2015 B2
9124097 Cruz Sep 2015 B2
9125651 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Sep 2015 B2
9125654 Aronhalt et al. Sep 2015 B2
9125662 Shelton, IV Sep 2015 B2
9126317 Lawton et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131835 Widenhouse et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131940 Huitema et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131950 Matthew Sep 2015 B2
9131957 Skarbnik et al. Sep 2015 B2
9138225 Huang et al. Sep 2015 B2
9138226 Racenet et al. Sep 2015 B2
9144455 Kennedy et al. Sep 2015 B2
D740414 Katsura Oct 2015 S
D741882 Shmilov et al. Oct 2015 S
9149274 Spivey et al. Oct 2015 B2
9149324 Huang et al. Oct 2015 B2
9149325 Worrell et al. Oct 2015 B2
9153994 Wood et al. Oct 2015 B2
9161753 Prior Oct 2015 B2
9161769 Stoddard et al. Oct 2015 B2
9161803 Yates et al. Oct 2015 B2
9161807 Garrison Oct 2015 B2
9161855 Rousseau et al. Oct 2015 B2
9164271 Ebata et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168038 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168039 Knodel Oct 2015 B1
9168042 Milliman Oct 2015 B2
9168054 Turner et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168144 Rivin et al. Oct 2015 B2
9171244 Endou et al. Oct 2015 B2
9179911 Morgan et al. Nov 2015 B2
9179912 Yates et al. Nov 2015 B2
9180223 Yu et al. Nov 2015 B2
9182244 Luke et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186046 Ramamurthy et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186137 Farascioni et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186140 Hiles et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186142 Fanelli et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186143 Timm et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186148 Felder et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186221 Burbank Nov 2015 B2
9192376 Almodovar Nov 2015 B2
9192380 (Tarinelli) Racenet et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192384 Bettuchi Nov 2015 B2
9192430 Rachlin et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192434 Twomey et al. Nov 2015 B2
9193045 Saur et al. Nov 2015 B2
9197079 Yip et al. Nov 2015 B2
D744528 Agrawal Dec 2015 S
9198642 Storz Dec 2015 B2
9198644 Balek et al. Dec 2015 B2
9198661 Swensgard Dec 2015 B2
9198662 Barton et al. Dec 2015 B2
9198683 Friedman et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204830 Zand et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204877 Whitman et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204878 Hall et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204879 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 B2
9204880 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204881 Penna Dec 2015 B2
9204923 Manzo et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204924 Marczyk et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211120 Scheib et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211121 Hall et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211122 Hagerty et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216013 Scirica et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216019 Schmid et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216020 Zhang et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216030 Fan et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216062 Duque et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220500 Swayze et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220501 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220502 Zemlok et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220504 Viola et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220508 Dannaher Dec 2015 B2
9220559 Worrell et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220570 Kim et al. Dec 2015 B2
D746854 Shardlow et al. Jan 2016 S
9226750 Weir et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226751 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226754 D'Agostino et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226760 Shelton, IV Jan 2016 B2
9226761 Burbank Jan 2016 B2
9226767 Stulen et al. Jan 2016 B2
9232941 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Jan 2016 B2
9232945 Zingman Jan 2016 B2
9232979 Parihar et al. Jan 2016 B2
9233610 Kim et al. Jan 2016 B2
9237891 Shelton, IV Jan 2016 B2
9237892 Hodgkinson Jan 2016 B2
9237895 McCarthy et al. Jan 2016 B2
9237900 Boudreaux et al. Jan 2016 B2
9237921 Messerly et al. Jan 2016 B2
9239064 Helbig et al. Jan 2016 B2
9240740 Zeng et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241711 Ivanko Jan 2016 B2
9241712 Zemlok et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241714 Timm et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241716 Whitman Jan 2016 B2
9241731 Boudreaux et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241758 Franer et al. Jan 2016 B2
9244524 Inoue et al. Jan 2016 B2
D748668 Kim et al. Feb 2016 S
D749128 Perez et al. Feb 2016 S
D749623 Gray et al. Feb 2016 S
D750122 Shardlow et al. Feb 2016 S
D750129 Kwon Feb 2016 S
9254131 Soltz et al. Feb 2016 B2
9254170 Parihar et al. Feb 2016 B2
9259265 Harris et al. Feb 2016 B2
9259274 Prisco Feb 2016 B2
9259275 Burbank Feb 2016 B2
9261172 Solomon et al. Feb 2016 B2
9265500 Sorrentino et al. Feb 2016 B2
9265516 Casey et al. Feb 2016 B2
9265585 Wingardner et al. Feb 2016 B2
9271718 Milad et al. Mar 2016 B2
9271727 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Mar 2016 B2
9271753 Butler et al. Mar 2016 B2
9271799 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9272406 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2016 B2
9274095 Humayun et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277919 Timmer et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277922 Carter et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277969 Brannan et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282962 Schmid et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282963 Bryant Mar 2016 B2
9282966 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282974 Shelton, IV Mar 2016 B2
9283028 Johnson Mar 2016 B2
9283045 Rhee et al. Mar 2016 B2
9283054 Morgan et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289206 Hess et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289207 Shelton, IV Mar 2016 B2
9289210 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289211 Williams et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289212 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289225 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289256 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9293757 Toussaint et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295464 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295465 Farascioni Mar 2016 B2
9295466 Hodgkinson et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295467 Scirica Mar 2016 B2
9295468 Heinrich et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295514 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295522 Kostrzewski Mar 2016 B2
9295565 McLean Mar 2016 B2
9295784 Eggert et al. Mar 2016 B2
D753167 Yu et al. Apr 2016 S
9301691 Hufnagel et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301752 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301753 Aldridge et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301755 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301759 Spivey et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301811 Goldberg et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307965 Ming et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307986 Hall et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307987 Swensgard et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307988 Shelton, IV Apr 2016 B2
9307989 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307994 Gresham et al. Apr 2016 B2
9308009 Madan et al. Apr 2016 B2
9308011 Chao et al. Apr 2016 B2
9308646 Lim et al. Apr 2016 B2
9313915 Niu et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314246 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314247 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314261 Bales, Jr. et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314291 Schall et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314339 Mansmann Apr 2016 B2
9314908 Tanimoto et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320518 Henderson et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320520 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320521 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320523 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9325516 Pera et al. Apr 2016 B2
D755196 Meyers et al. May 2016 S
D756373 Raskin et al. May 2016 S
D756377 Connolly et al. May 2016 S
D757028 Goldenberg et al. May 2016 S
9326767 Koch et al. May 2016 B2
9326768 Shelton, IV May 2016 B2
9326769 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 B2
9326770 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 B2
9326771 Baxter, III et al. May 2016 B2
9326788 Batross et al. May 2016 B2
9326812 Waaler et al. May 2016 B2
9326824 Inoue et al. May 2016 B2
9327061 Govil et al. May 2016 B2
9331721 Martinez Nuevo et al. May 2016 B2
9332890 Ozawa May 2016 B2
9332974 Henderson et al. May 2016 B2
9332984 Weaner et al. May 2016 B2
9332987 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9333040 Shellenberger et al. May 2016 B2
9333082 Wei et al. May 2016 B2
9337668 Yip May 2016 B2
9339226 van der Walt et al. May 2016 B2
9345477 Anim et al. May 2016 B2
9345479 (Tarinelli) Racenet et al. May 2016 B2
9345480 Hessler et al. May 2016 B2
9345481 Hall et al. May 2016 B2
9345503 Ishida et al. May 2016 B2
9351726 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9351727 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9351728 Sniffin et al. May 2016 B2
9351730 Schmid et al. May 2016 B2
9351731 Carter et al. May 2016 B2
9351732 Hodgkinson May 2016 B2
9352071 Landgrebe et al. May 2016 B2
D758433 Lee et al. Jun 2016 S
D759063 Chen Jun 2016 S
9358003 Hall et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358004 Sniffin et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358005 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358015 Sorrentino et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358031 Manzo Jun 2016 B2
9358065 Ladtkow et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364217 Kostrzewski et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364219 Olson et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364220 Williams Jun 2016 B2
9364226 Zemlok et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364229 D'Agostino et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364230 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364231 Wenchell Jun 2016 B2
9364233 Alexander, III et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364279 Houser et al. Jun 2016 B2
9368991 Qahouq Jun 2016 B2
9370341 Ceniccola et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370358 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370362 Petty et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370364 Smith et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370400 Parihar Jun 2016 B2
9375206 Vidal et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375218 Wheeler et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375230 Ross et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375232 Hunt et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375255 Houser et al. Jun 2016 B2
D761309 Lee et al. Jul 2016 S
9381058 Houser et al. Jul 2016 B2
9383881 Day et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386983 Swensgard et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386984 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386985 Koch, Jr. et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386988 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2016 B2
9387003 Kaercher et al. Jul 2016 B2
9392885 Vogler et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393015 Laurent et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393017 Flanagan et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393018 Wang et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393354 Freedman et al. Jul 2016 B2
9396669 Karkanias et al. Jul 2016 B2
9398911 Auld Jul 2016 B2
D763277 Ahmed et al. Aug 2016 S
D764498 Capela et al. Aug 2016 S
9402604 Williams et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402625 Coleman et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402626 Ortiz et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402627 Stevenson et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402629 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402679 Ginnebaugh et al. Aug 2016 B2
9402688 Min et al. Aug 2016 B2
9408604 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 B2
9408605 Knodel et al. Aug 2016 B1
9408606 Shelton, IV Aug 2016 B2
9408622 Stulen et al. Aug 2016 B2
9411370 Benni et al. Aug 2016 B2
9413128 Tien et al. Aug 2016 B2
9414838 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 B2
9414849 Nagashimada Aug 2016 B2
9414880 Monson et al. Aug 2016 B2
9420967 Zand et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421003 Williams et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421014 Ingmanson et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421030 Cole et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421060 Monson et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421062 Houser et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421682 McClaskey et al. Aug 2016 B2
9427223 Park et al. Aug 2016 B2
9427231 Racenet et al. Aug 2016 B2
D767624 Lee et al. Sep 2016 S
9433411 Racenet et al. Sep 2016 B2
9433414 Chen et al. Sep 2016 B2
9433419 Gonzalez et al. Sep 2016 B2
9433420 Hodgkinson Sep 2016 B2
9439649 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
9439650 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Sep 2016 B2
9439651 Smith et al. Sep 2016 B2
9439668 Timm et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445808 Woodard, Jr. et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445813 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445816 Swayze et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445817 Bettuchi Sep 2016 B2
9446226 Zilberman Sep 2016 B2
9451938 Overes et al. Sep 2016 B2
9451958 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
D768152 Gutierrez et al. Oct 2016 S
D768156 Frincke Oct 2016 S
D768167 Jones et al. Oct 2016 S
D769315 Scotti Oct 2016 S
D769930 Agrawal Oct 2016 S
9461340 Li et al. Oct 2016 B2
9463040 Jeong et al. Oct 2016 B2
9463260 Stopek Oct 2016 B2
9468438 Baber et al. Oct 2016 B2
9468447 Aman et al. Oct 2016 B2
9470297 Aranyi et al. Oct 2016 B2
9471969 Zeng et al. Oct 2016 B2
9474506 Magnin et al. Oct 2016 B2
9474523 Meade et al. Oct 2016 B2
9474540 Stokes et al. Oct 2016 B2
9475180 Eshleman et al. Oct 2016 B2
D770476 Jitkoff et al. Nov 2016 S
D770515 Cho et al. Nov 2016 S
D771116 Dellinger et al. Nov 2016 S
D772905 Ingenlath Nov 2016 S
9480476 Aldridge et al. Nov 2016 B2
9480492 Aranyi et al. Nov 2016 B2
9483095 Tran et al. Nov 2016 B2
9486186 Fiebig et al. Nov 2016 B2
9486213 Altman et al. Nov 2016 B2
9486214 Shelton, IV Nov 2016 B2
9486215 Olson et al. Nov 2016 B2
9486302 Boey et al. Nov 2016 B2
9488197 Wi Nov 2016 B2
9492146 Kostrzewski et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492167 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492170 Bear et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492172 Weisshaupt et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492189 Williams et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492192 To et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492237 Kang et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498213 Marczyk et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498219 Moore et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498231 Haider et al. Nov 2016 B2
9504455 Whitman et al. Nov 2016 B2
9504483 Houser et al. Nov 2016 B2
9504520 Worrell et al. Nov 2016 B2
9504521 Deutmeyer et al. Nov 2016 B2
9504528 Ivinson et al. Nov 2016 B2
9507399 Chien Nov 2016 B2
D774547 Capela et al. Dec 2016 S
D775336 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2016 S
9510827 Kostrzewski Dec 2016 B2
9510828 Yates et al. Dec 2016 B2
9510830 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2016 B2
9510846 Sholev et al. Dec 2016 B2
9510895 Houser et al. Dec 2016 B2
9510925 Hotter et al. Dec 2016 B2
9517063 Swayze et al. Dec 2016 B2
9517065 Simms et al. Dec 2016 B2
9517068 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2016 B2
9517326 Hinman et al. Dec 2016 B2
9521996 Armstrong Dec 2016 B2
9522003 Weir et al. Dec 2016 B2
9522014 Nishizawa et al. Dec 2016 B2
9522029 Yates et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526481 Storz et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526499 Kostrzewski et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526563 Twomey Dec 2016 B2
9526564 Rusin Dec 2016 B2
9526921 Kimball et al. Dec 2016 B2
D776683 Gobinski et al. Jan 2017 S
D777773 Shi Jan 2017 S
9532783 Swayze et al. Jan 2017 B2
9539060 Lightcap et al. Jan 2017 B2
9539726 Simaan et al. Jan 2017 B2
9545253 Worrell et al. Jan 2017 B2
9545258 Smith et al. Jan 2017 B2
9549732 Yates et al. Jan 2017 B2
9549733 Knodel Jan 2017 B2
9549735 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 B2
9554794 Baber et al. Jan 2017 B2
9554796 Kostrzewski Jan 2017 B2
9554803 Smith et al. Jan 2017 B2
9554812 Inkpen et al. Jan 2017 B2
9559624 Philipp Jan 2017 B2
9561013 Tsuchiya Feb 2017 B2
9561029 Scheib et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561030 Zhang et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561031 Heinrich et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561032 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561038 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561045 Hinman et al. Feb 2017 B2
9566061 Aronhalt et al. Feb 2017 B2
9566062 Boudreaux Feb 2017 B2
9566065 Knodel Feb 2017 B2
9566067 Milliman et al. Feb 2017 B2
9572574 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2017 B2
9572576 Hodgkinson et al. Feb 2017 B2
9572577 Lloyd et al. Feb 2017 B2
9572592 Price et al. Feb 2017 B2
9574644 Parihar Feb 2017 B2
9579088 Farritor et al. Feb 2017 B2
9579143 Ullrich et al. Feb 2017 B2
9579158 Brianza et al. Feb 2017 B2
D780803 Gill et al. Mar 2017 S
D781879 Butcher et al. Mar 2017 S
D782530 Paek et al. Mar 2017 S
9585550 Abel et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585657 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585658 Shelton, IV Mar 2017 B2
9585659 Viola et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585660 Laurent et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585662 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585663 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9585672 Bastia Mar 2017 B2
9590433 Li Mar 2017 B2
9592050 Schmid et al. Mar 2017 B2
9592052 Shelton, IV Mar 2017 B2
9592053 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9592054 Schmid et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597073 Sorrentino et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597075 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597078 Scirica et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597080 Milliman et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597104 Nicholas et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597143 Madan et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603595 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603598 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603599 Miller et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603991 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
D783658 Hurst et al. Apr 2017 S
9610068 Kappel et al. Apr 2017 B2
9610079 Kamei et al. Apr 2017 B2
9610080 Whitfield et al. Apr 2017 B2
9610412 Zemlok et al. Apr 2017 B2
9614258 Takahashi et al. Apr 2017 B2
9615826 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2017 B2
9622745 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2017 B2
9622746 Simms et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629623 Lytle, IV et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629626 Soltz et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629627 Kostrzewski et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629628 Aranyi Apr 2017 B2
9629629 Leimbach et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629631 Nicholas et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629632 Linder et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629652 Mumaw et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629814 Widenhouse et al. Apr 2017 B2
D785794 Magno, Jr. May 2017 S
D786280 Ma May 2017 S
D786896 Kim et al. May 2017 S
D787547 Basargin et al. May 2017 S
D788123 Shan et al. May 2017 S
D788140 Hemsley et al. May 2017 S
9636091 Beardsley et al. May 2017 B2
9636111 Wenchell May 2017 B2
9636112 Penna et al. May 2017 B2
9636113 Wenchell May 2017 B2
9636850 Stopek (nee Prommersberger) et al. May 2017 B2
9641122 Romanowich et al. May 2017 B2
9642620 Baxter, III et al. May 2017 B2
9642642 Lim May 2017 B2
9649096 Sholev May 2017 B2
9649110 Parihar et al. May 2017 B2
9649111 Shelton, IV et al. May 2017 B2
9649190 Mathies May 2017 B2
9655613 Schaller May 2017 B2
9655614 Swensgard et al. May 2017 B2
9655615 Knodel et al. May 2017 B2
9655616 Aranyi May 2017 B2
9655624 Shelton, IV et al. May 2017 B2
9661991 Glossop May 2017 B2
9662108 Williams May 2017 B2
9662110 Huang et al. May 2017 B2
9662116 Smith et al. May 2017 B2
9662131 Omori et al. May 2017 B2
D788792 Alessandri et al. Jun 2017 S
D789384 Lin et al. Jun 2017 S
D790570 Butcher et al. Jun 2017 S
9668728 Williams et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668729 Williams et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668732 Patel et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668733 Williams Jun 2017 B2
9668734 Kostrzewski et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668735 Beetel Jun 2017 B2
9675344 Combrowski et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675348 Smith et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675351 Hodgkinson et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675354 Weir et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675355 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675368 Guo et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675372 Laurent et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675375 Houser et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675405 Trees et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675819 Dunbar et al. Jun 2017 B2
9681870 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2017 B2
9681873 Smith et al. Jun 2017 B2
9681884 Clem et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687230 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687231 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687232 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687233 Fernandez et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687236 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687237 Schmid et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687253 Detry et al. Jun 2017 B2
9689466 Kanai et al. Jun 2017 B2
9690362 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9693772 Ingmanson et al. Jul 2017 B2
9693774 Gettinger et al. Jul 2017 B2
9693775 Agarwal et al. Jul 2017 B2
9693777 Schellin et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700309 Jaworek et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700310 Morgan et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700312 Kostrzewski et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700314 Marczyk Jul 2017 B2
9700317 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700318 Scirica et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700319 Motooka et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700320 Dinardo et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700321 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 B2
9706674 Collins et al. Jul 2017 B2
9706981 Nicholas et al. Jul 2017 B2
9706991 Hess et al. Jul 2017 B2
9706993 Hessler et al. Jul 2017 B2
9707003 Hoell, Jr. et al. Jul 2017 B2
9707005 Strobl et al. Jul 2017 B2
9707026 Malackowski et al. Jul 2017 B2
9707033 Parihar et al. Jul 2017 B2
9707043 Bozung Jul 2017 B2
9707684 Ruiz Morales et al. Jul 2017 B2
9713468 Harris et al. Jul 2017 B2
9713470 Scirica et al. Jul 2017 B2
9713474 Lorenz Jul 2017 B2
D795919 Bischoff et al. Aug 2017 S
9717497 Zerkle et al. Aug 2017 B2
9717498 Aranyi et al. Aug 2017 B2
9718190 Larkin et al. Aug 2017 B2
9722236 Sathrum Aug 2017 B2
9724091 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724092 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724094 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724095 Gupta et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724096 Thompson et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724098 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724118 Schulte et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724163 Orban Aug 2017 B2
9730692 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 B2
9730695 Leimbach et al. Aug 2017 B2
9730697 Morgan et al. Aug 2017 B2
9730717 Katsuki et al. Aug 2017 B2
9731410 Hirabayashi et al. Aug 2017 B2
9733663 Leimbach et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737297 Racenet et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737299 Yan Aug 2017 B2
9737301 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737302 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737303 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737365 Hegeman et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743927 Whitman Aug 2017 B2
9743928 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743929 Leimbach et al. Aug 2017 B2
D798319 Bergstrand et al. Sep 2017 S
9750498 Timm et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750499 Leimbach et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750501 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750502 Scirica et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750503 Milliman Sep 2017 B2
9750639 Barnes et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757123 Giordano et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757124 Schellin et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757126 Cappola Sep 2017 B2
9757128 Baber et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757129 Williams Sep 2017 B2
9757130 Shelton, IV Sep 2017 B2
9763662 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2017 B2
9763668 Whitfield et al. Sep 2017 B2
9770245 Swayze et al. Sep 2017 B2
9770274 Pool et al. Sep 2017 B2
D798886 Prophete et al. Oct 2017 S
D800742 Rhodes Oct 2017 S
D800744 Jitkoff et al. Oct 2017 S
D800766 Park et al. Oct 2017 S
D800904 Leimbach et al. Oct 2017 S
9775608 Aronhalt et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775609 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775610 Nicholas et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775611 Kostrzewski Oct 2017 B2
9775613 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775614 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775618 Bettuchi et al. Oct 2017 B2
9775635 Takei Oct 2017 B2
9775678 Lohmeier Oct 2017 B2
9782169 Kimsey et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782170 Zemlok et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782180 Smith et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782187 Zergiebel et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782193 Thistle Oct 2017 B2
9782214 Houser et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788834 Schmid et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788835 Morgan et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788836 Overmyer et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788847 Jinno Oct 2017 B2
9788851 Dannaher et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788902 Inoue et al. Oct 2017 B2
9795379 Leimbach et al. Oct 2017 B2
9795380 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 B2
9795381 Shelton, IV Oct 2017 B2
9795382 Shelton, IV Oct 2017 B2
9795383 Aldridge et al. Oct 2017 B2
9795384 Weaner et al. Oct 2017 B2
9797486 Zergiebel et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801626 Parihar et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801627 Harris et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801628 Harris et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801634 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 B2
9802033 Hibner et al. Oct 2017 B2
9804618 Leimbach et al. Oct 2017 B2
D803234 Day et al. Nov 2017 S
D803235 Markson et al. Nov 2017 S
D803850 Chang et al. Nov 2017 S
9808244 Leimbach et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808246 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808247 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808248 Hoffman Nov 2017 B2
9808249 Shelton, IV Nov 2017 B2
9814460 Kimsey et al. Nov 2017 B2
9814462 Woodard, Jr. et al. Nov 2017 B2
9814463 Williams et al. Nov 2017 B2
9814530 Weir et al. Nov 2017 B2
9814561 Forsell Nov 2017 B2
9815118 Schmitt et al. Nov 2017 B1
9820445 Simpson et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820737 Beardsley et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820738 Lytle, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820741 Kostrzewski Nov 2017 B2
9820768 Gee et al. Nov 2017 B2
9825455 Sandhu et al. Nov 2017 B2
9826976 Parihar et al. Nov 2017 B2
9826977 Leimbach et al. Nov 2017 B2
9826978 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9829698 Haraguchi et al. Nov 2017 B2
D806108 Day Dec 2017 S
9833235 Penna et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833236 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833238 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833239 Yates et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833241 Huitema et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833242 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839420 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839421 Zerkle et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839422 Schellin et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839423 Vendely et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839427 Swayze et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839428 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839429 Weisenburgh, II et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839480 Pribanic et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844368 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844369 Huitema et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844372 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844373 Swayze et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844374 Lytle, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844375 Overmyer et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844376 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844379 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9848871 Harris et al. Dec 2017 B2
9848873 Shelton, IV Dec 2017 B2
9848875 Aronhalt et al. Dec 2017 B2
9848877 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9850994 Schena Dec 2017 B2
D808989 Ayvazian et al. Jan 2018 S
9855039 Racenet et al. Jan 2018 B2
9855040 Kostrzewski Jan 2018 B2
9855662 Ruiz Morales et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861261 Shahinian Jan 2018 B2
9861359 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861361 Aronhalt et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861362 Whitman et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861366 Aranyi Jan 2018 B2
9861382 Smith et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861446 Lang Jan 2018 B2
9867612 Parihar et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867613 Marczyk et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867615 Fanelli et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867618 Hall et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867620 Fischvogt et al. Jan 2018 B2
9868198 Nicholas et al. Jan 2018 B2
9872682 Hess et al. Jan 2018 B2
9872683 Hopkins et al. Jan 2018 B2
9872684 Hall et al. Jan 2018 B2
9872722 Lech Jan 2018 B2
9877721 Schellin et al. Jan 2018 B2
9877722 Schellin et al. Jan 2018 B2
9877723 Hall et al. Jan 2018 B2
9877776 Boudreaux Jan 2018 B2
D810099 Riedel Feb 2018 S
9883843 Garlow Feb 2018 B2
9883860 Leimbach Feb 2018 B2
9883861 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 B2
9884456 Schellin et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888919 Leimbach et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888921 Williams et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888924 Ebersole et al. Feb 2018 B2
9889230 Bennett et al. Feb 2018 B2
9895147 Shelton, IV Feb 2018 B2
9895148 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 B2
9895813 Blumenkranz et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901339 Farascioni Feb 2018 B2
9901341 Kostrzewski Feb 2018 B2
9901342 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901344 Moore et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901345 Moore et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901346 Moore et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901406 State et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901412 Lathrop et al. Feb 2018 B2
D813899 Erant et al. Mar 2018 S
9907456 Miyoshi Mar 2018 B2
9907553 Cole et al. Mar 2018 B2
9907600 Stulen et al. Mar 2018 B2
9907620 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913641 Takemoto et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913642 Leimbach et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913644 McCuen Mar 2018 B2
9913646 Shelton, IV Mar 2018 B2
9913647 Weisenburgh, II et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913648 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913694 Brisson Mar 2018 B2
9913733 Piron et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918704 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918714 Gibbons, Jr. Mar 2018 B2
9918715 Menn Mar 2018 B2
9918716 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918717 Czernik Mar 2018 B2
9918730 Trees et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924941 Burbank Mar 2018 B2
9924942 Swayze et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924943 Mohan Pinjala et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924944 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924945 Zheng et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924946 Vendely et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924947 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924961 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9931106 Au et al. Apr 2018 B2
9931116 Racenet et al. Apr 2018 B2
9931118 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9931120 Chen et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936949 Measamer et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936950 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936951 Hufnagel et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936952 Demmy Apr 2018 B2
9936954 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9937626 Rockrohr Apr 2018 B2
9943309 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943310 Harris et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943312 Posada et al. Apr 2018 B2
9949754 Newhauser et al. Apr 2018 B2
9953193 Butler et al. Apr 2018 B2
D819072 Clediere May 2018 S
9955954 Destoumieux et al. May 2018 B2
9955965 Chen et al. May 2018 B2
9955966 Zergiebel May 2018 B2
9956677 Baskar et al. May 2018 B2
9962129 Jerebko et al. May 2018 B2
9962157 Sapre May 2018 B2
9962158 Hall et al. May 2018 B2
9962159 Heinrich et al. May 2018 B2
9962161 Scheib et al. May 2018 B2
9968354 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 B2
9968355 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 B2
9968356 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 B2
9968397 Taylor et al. May 2018 B2
9974529 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 B2
9974538 Baxter, III et al. May 2018 B2
9974539 Yates et al. May 2018 B2
9974541 Calderoni May 2018 B2
9974542 Hodgkinson May 2018 B2
9980713 Aronhalt et al. May 2018 B2
9980724 Farascioni et al. May 2018 B2
9980729 Moore et al. May 2018 B2
9980769 Trees et al. May 2018 B2
D819680 Nguyen Jun 2018 S
D819682 Howard et al. Jun 2018 S
D819684 Dart Jun 2018 S
D820307 Jian et al. Jun 2018 S
D820867 Dickens et al. Jun 2018 S
9987000 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987003 Timm et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987006 Morgan et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987008 Scirica et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987095 Chowaniec et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987097 van der Weide et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987099 Chen et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993248 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993258 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993284 Boudreaux Jun 2018 B2
9999408 Boudreaux et al. Jun 2018 B2
9999423 Schuckmann et al. Jun 2018 B2
9999426 Moore et al. Jun 2018 B2
9999431 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9999472 Weir et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004497 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004498 Morgan et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004500 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004501 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004505 Moore et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004506 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
D822206 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 S
10010322 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 B2
10010324 Huitema et al. Jul 2018 B2
10010395 Puckett et al. Jul 2018 B2
10013049 Leimbach et al. Jul 2018 B2
10016199 Baber et al. Jul 2018 B2
10016656 Devor et al. Jul 2018 B2
10022123 Williams et al. Jul 2018 B2
10022125 (Prommersberger) Stopek Jul 2018 B2
10024407 Aranyi et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028742 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028743 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028744 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028761 Leimbach et al. Jul 2018 B2
10029108 Powers et al. Jul 2018 B2
10029125 Shapiro et al. Jul 2018 B2
10034344 Yoshida Jul 2018 B2
10034668 Ebner Jul 2018 B2
D826405 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 S
10039440 Fenech et al. Aug 2018 B2
10039529 Kerr et al. Aug 2018 B2
10039532 Srinivas et al. Aug 2018 B2
10039545 Sadowski et al. Aug 2018 B2
10041822 Zemlok Aug 2018 B2
10045769 Aronhalt et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045776 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045778 Yates et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045779 Savage et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045781 Cropper et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045782 Murthy Aravalli Aug 2018 B2
10045869 Forsell Aug 2018 B2
10052044 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052099 Morgan et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052100 Morgan et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052102 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052104 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052164 Overmyer Aug 2018 B2
10058317 Fan et al. Aug 2018 B2
10058327 Weisenburgh, II et al. Aug 2018 B2
10058373 Takashino et al. Aug 2018 B2
10058395 Devengenzo et al. Aug 2018 B2
10058963 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10064620 Gettinger et al. Sep 2018 B2
10064621 Kerr et al. Sep 2018 B2
10064624 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2018 B2
10064639 Ishida et al. Sep 2018 B2
10064649 Golebieski et al. Sep 2018 B2
10064688 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2018 B2
10070861 Spivey et al. Sep 2018 B2
10070863 Swayze et al. Sep 2018 B2
10071452 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2018 B2
10076325 Huang et al. Sep 2018 B2
10076326 Yates et al. Sep 2018 B2
10076340 Belagali et al. Sep 2018 B2
10080552 Nicholas et al. Sep 2018 B2
D830550 Miller et al. Oct 2018 S
D831209 Huitema et al. Oct 2018 S
D831676 Park et al. Oct 2018 S
D832301 Smith Oct 2018 S
10085624 Isoda et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085643 Bandic et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085728 Jogasaki et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085746 Fischvogt Oct 2018 B2
10085748 Morgan et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085749 Cappola et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085750 Zergiebel et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085751 Overmyer et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085754 Sniffin et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085806 Hagn et al. Oct 2018 B2
10092290 Yigit et al. Oct 2018 B2
10092292 Boudreaux et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098635 Burbank Oct 2018 B2
10098636 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098640 Bertolero et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098642 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2018 B2
10099303 Yoshida et al. Oct 2018 B2
10101861 Kiyoto Oct 2018 B2
10105128 Cooper et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105136 Yates et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105139 Yates et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105140 Malinouskas et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105142 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105149 Haider et al. Oct 2018 B2
10106932 Anderson et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111657 McCuen Oct 2018 B2
10111658 Chowaniec et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111660 Hemmann Oct 2018 B2
10111665 Aranyi et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111679 Baber et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111698 Scheib et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111702 Kostrzewski Oct 2018 B2
D833608 Miller et al. Nov 2018 S
10117649 Baxter et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117650 Nicholas et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117652 Schmid et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117653 Leimbach et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117654 Ingmanson et al. Nov 2018 B2
10123798 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2018 B2
10124493 Rothfuss et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130352 Widenhouse et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130359 Hess et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130361 Yates et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130363 Huitema et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130366 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130367 Cappola et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130738 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130830 Miret Carceller et al. Nov 2018 B2
10133248 Fitzsimmons et al. Nov 2018 B2
10135242 Baber et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136879 Ross et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136887 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136889 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136890 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136891 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
D835659 Anzures et al. Dec 2018 S
D836124 Fan Dec 2018 S
10143474 Bucciaglia et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149679 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149680 Parihar et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149682 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149683 Smith et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149712 Manwaring et al. Dec 2018 B2
10152789 Carnes et al. Dec 2018 B2
10154841 Weaner et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159481 Whitman et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159482 Swayze et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159483 Beckman et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159506 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2018 B2
10163065 Koski et al. Dec 2018 B1
10163589 Zergiebel et al. Dec 2018 B2
10164466 Calderoni Dec 2018 B2
D837244 Kuo et al. Jan 2019 S
D837245 Kuo et al. Jan 2019 S
10166023 Vendely et al. Jan 2019 B2
10166025 Leimbach et al. Jan 2019 B2
10166026 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172611 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172615 Marczyk et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172616 Murray et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172617 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172618 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172619 Harris et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172620 Harris et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172636 Stulen et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172669 Felder et al. Jan 2019 B2
10175127 Collins et al. Jan 2019 B2
10178992 Wise et al. Jan 2019 B2
10180463 Beckman et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182813 Leimbach et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182815 Williams et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182816 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182818 Hensel et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182819 Shelton, IV Jan 2019 B2
10182868 Meier et al. Jan 2019 B2
10188385 Kerr et al. Jan 2019 B2
10188393 Smith et al. Jan 2019 B2
10188394 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10190888 Hryb et al. Jan 2019 B2
D839900 Gan Feb 2019 S
D841667 Coren Feb 2019 S
10194801 Elhawary et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194904 Viola et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194907 Marczyk et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194908 Duque et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194910 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194913 Nalagatla et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194976 Boudreaux Feb 2019 B2
10194992 Robinson Feb 2019 B2
10201348 Scheib et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201349 Leimbach et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201363 Shelton, IV Feb 2019 B2
10201364 Leimbach et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201365 Boudreaux et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201381 Zergiebel et al. Feb 2019 B2
10206605 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10206676 Shelton, IV Feb 2019 B2
10206677 Harris et al. Feb 2019 B2
10206678 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10206748 Burbank Feb 2019 B2
10210244 Branavan et al. Feb 2019 B1
10211586 Adams et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213198 Aronhalt et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213201 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213202 Flanagan et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213203 Swayze et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213204 Aranyi et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213262 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
D842328 Jian et al. Mar 2019 S
10219811 Haider et al. Mar 2019 B2
10219832 Bagwell et al. Mar 2019 B2
10220522 Rockrohr Mar 2019 B2
10226239 Nicholas et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226249 Jaworek et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226250 Beckman et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226251 Scheib et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226274 Worrell et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231634 Zand et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231653 Bohm et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231734 Thompson et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231794 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238385 Yates et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238386 Overmyer et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238387 Yates et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238389 Yates et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238390 Harris et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238391 Leimbach et al. Mar 2019 B2
D844666 Espeleta et al. Apr 2019 S
D844667 Espeleta et al. Apr 2019 S
D845342 Espeleta et al. Apr 2019 S
D847199 Whitmore Apr 2019 S
10244991 Shademan et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245027 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245028 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245029 Hunter et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245030 Hunter et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245032 Shelton, IV Apr 2019 B2
10245033 Overmyer et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245034 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245035 Swayze et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245038 Hopkins et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245058 Omori et al. Apr 2019 B2
10251648 Harris et al. Apr 2019 B2
10251649 Schellin et al. Apr 2019 B2
10251725 Valentine et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258322 Fanton et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258330 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258331 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258332 Schmid et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258333 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258336 Baxter, III et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258418 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10264797 Zhang et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265065 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265067 Yates et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265068 Harris et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265072 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265073 Scheib et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265074 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265090 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271840 Sapre Apr 2019 B2
10271844 Valentine et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271845 Shelton, IV Apr 2019 B2
10271846 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271847 Racenet et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271849 Vendely et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271851 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
D847989 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 S
D848473 Zhu et al. May 2019 S
D849046 Kuo et al. May 2019 S
10278696 Gurumurthy et al. May 2019 B2
10278697 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10278702 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10278703 Nativ et al. May 2019 B2
10278707 Thompson et al. May 2019 B2
10278722 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10278780 Shelton, IV May 2019 B2
10285694 Viola et al. May 2019 B2
10285695 Jaworek et al. May 2019 B2
10285699 Vendely et al. May 2019 B2
10285705 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10292701 Scheib et al. May 2019 B2
10292704 Harris et al. May 2019 B2
10292707 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10293100 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10293553 Racenet et al. May 2019 B2
10299787 Shelton, IV May 2019 B2
10299788 Heinrich et al. May 2019 B2
10299789 Marczyk et al. May 2019 B2
10299790 Beardsley May 2019 B2
10299792 Huitema et al. May 2019 B2
10299817 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10299818 Riva May 2019 B2
10299878 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
D850617 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 S
D851676 Foss et al. Jun 2019 S
D851762 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 S
10307159 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307160 Vendely et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307161 Jankowski Jun 2019 B2
10307163 Moore et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307170 Parfett et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307202 Smith et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314559 Razzaque et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314577 Laurent et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314582 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314584 Scirica et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314587 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314588 Turner et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314589 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314590 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10315566 Choi et al. Jun 2019 B2
10321907 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10321909 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10321927 Hinman Jun 2019 B2
10327743 St. Goar et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327764 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327765 Timm et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327767 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327769 Overmyer et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327776 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327777 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
D854032 Jones et al. Jul 2019 S
D854151 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 S
10335144 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335145 Harris et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335147 Rector et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335148 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335149 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335150 Shelton, IV Jul 2019 B2
10335151 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10337148 Rouse et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342533 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342535 Scheib et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342541 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342543 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342623 Huelman et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349937 Williams Jul 2019 B2
10349939 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349941 Marczyk et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349963 Fiksen et al. Jul 2019 B2
10350016 Burbank et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357246 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357247 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357248 Dalessandro et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357252 Harris et al. Jul 2019 B2
10363031 Alexander, III et al. Jul 2019 B2
10363033 Timm et al. Jul 2019 B2
10363036 Yates et al. Jul 2019 B2
10363037 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2019 B2
D855634 Kim Aug 2019 S
D856359 Huang et al. Aug 2019 S
10368838 Williams et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368861 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368863 Timm et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368864 Harris et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368865 Harris et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368867 Harris et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368892 Stulen et al. Aug 2019 B2
10376263 Morgan et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383626 Soltz Aug 2019 B2
10383628 Kang et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383629 Ross et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383630 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383633 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383634 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390823 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390825 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390828 Vendely et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390829 Eckert et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390830 Schulz Aug 2019 B2
10390841 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390897 Kostrzewski Aug 2019 B2
D860219 Rasmussen et al. Sep 2019 S
D861035 Park et al. Sep 2019 S
10398433 Boudreaux et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398434 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398436 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398460 Overmyer Sep 2019 B2
10404136 Oktavec et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405854 Schmid et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405857 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405859 Harris et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405863 Wise et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405914 Manwaring et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405932 Overmyer Sep 2019 B2
10405937 Black et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413291 Worthington et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413293 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413294 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413297 Harris et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413370 Yates et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413373 Yates et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420548 Whitman et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420549 Yates et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420550 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 B2
10420552 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420553 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420554 Collings et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420555 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420558 Nalagatla et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420559 Marczyk et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420560 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420561 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420577 Chowaniec et al. Sep 2019 B2
D861707 Yang Oct 2019 S
D862518 Niven et al. Oct 2019 S
D863343 Mazlish et al. Oct 2019 S
D864388 Barber Oct 2019 S
10426463 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426466 Contini et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426467 Miller et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426468 Contini et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426469 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426471 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426476 Harris et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426477 Harris et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426478 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426481 Aronhalt et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426555 Crowley et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433837 Worthington et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433839 Scheib et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433840 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433844 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433845 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433846 Vendely et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433849 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433918 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441279 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441280 Timm et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441281 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441285 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441286 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441345 Aldridge et al. Oct 2019 B2
10441369 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448948 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448950 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448952 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456122 Koltz et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456132 Gettinger et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456133 Yates et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456137 Vendely et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456140 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
D865796 Xu et al. Nov 2019 S
10463367 Kostrzewski et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463369 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463370 Yates et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463371 Kostrzewski Nov 2019 B2
10463372 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463373 Mozdzierz et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463382 Ingmanson et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463383 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463384 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470762 Leimbach et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470763 Yates et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470764 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470767 Gleiman et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470768 Harris et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470769 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10471282 Kirk et al. Nov 2019 B2
10471576 Totsu Nov 2019 B2
10471607 Butt et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478181 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478182 Taylor Nov 2019 B2
10478185 Nicholas Nov 2019 B2
10478187 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478188 Harris et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478189 Bear et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478190 Miller et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478207 Lathrop Nov 2019 B2
10485536 Ming et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485537 Yates et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485539 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485541 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485542 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485543 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485546 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485547 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
D869655 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 S
D870742 Cornell Dec 2019 S
10492783 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492785 Overmyer et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492787 Smith et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492814 Snow et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492847 Godara et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492851 Hughett, Sr. et al. Dec 2019 B2
10498269 Zemlok et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499890 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499914 Huang et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499917 Scheib et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499918 Schellin et al. Dec 2019 B2
10500309 Shah et al. Dec 2019 B2
10508720 Nicholas Dec 2019 B2
10512461 Gupta et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517590 Giordano et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517592 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517594 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517595 Hunter et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517596 Hunter et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517599 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517682 Giordano et al. Dec 2019 B2
10524784 Kostrzewski Jan 2020 B2
10524787 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10524788 Vendely et al. Jan 2020 B2
10524789 Swayze et al. Jan 2020 B2
10524790 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10524795 Nalagatla et al. Jan 2020 B2
10531874 Morgan et al. Jan 2020 B2
10531887 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10537324 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10537325 Bakos et al. Jan 2020 B2
10537351 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542908 Mei et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542974 Yates et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542976 Calderoni et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542978 Chowaniec et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542979 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542982 Beckman et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542985 Zhan et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542988 Schellin et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542991 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10548504 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10548593 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10548600 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10548673 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561418 Richard et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561419 Beardsley Feb 2020 B2
10561420 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561422 Schellin et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561432 Estrella et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561474 Adams et al. Feb 2020 B2
10562160 Iwata et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568621 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568624 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568625 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568626 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568629 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568632 Miller et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568652 Hess et al. Feb 2020 B2
10569071 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
D879808 Harris et al. Mar 2020 S
D879809 Harris et al. Mar 2020 S
10575868 Hall et al. Mar 2020 B2
10580320 Kamiguchi et al. Mar 2020 B2
10582928 Hunter et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588623 Schmid et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588625 Weaner et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588626 Overmyer et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588629 Malinouskas et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588630 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588631 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588632 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588633 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595835 Kerr et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595862 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595882 Parfett et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595887 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595929 Boudreaux et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603036 Hunter et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603039 Vendely et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603041 Miller et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603117 Schings et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603128 Zergiebel et al. Mar 2020 B2
10610224 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10610236 Baril Apr 2020 B2
10610313 Bailey et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617411 Williams Apr 2020 B2
10617412 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617413 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617414 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617416 Leimbach et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617417 Baxter, III et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617418 Barton et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617420 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624616 Mukherjee et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624630 Deville et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624633 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624634 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624635 Harris et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624709 Remm Apr 2020 B2
10624861 Widenhouse et al. Apr 2020 B2
10625062 Matlock et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631857 Kostrzewski Apr 2020 B2
10631858 Burbank Apr 2020 B2
10631859 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631860 Bakos et al. Apr 2020 B2
10636104 Mazar et al. Apr 2020 B2
10639018 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10639034 Harris et al. May 2020 B2
10639035 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10639036 Yates et al. May 2020 B2
10639037 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10639089 Manwaring et al. May 2020 B2
10639115 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10646220 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10653413 Worthington et al. May 2020 B2
10653417 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10653435 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 B2
10660640 Yates et al. May 2020 B2
10667808 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667809 Bakos et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667810 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667811 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675021 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675024 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675025 Swayze et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675026 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675028 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675035 Zingman Jun 2020 B2
10677035 Balan et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682134 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682136 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682138 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682141 Moore et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682142 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687806 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687809 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687810 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687812 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687813 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687817 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687904 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695053 Hess et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695055 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695057 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695058 Lytle, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695062 Leimbach et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695063 Morgan et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695074 Carusillo Jun 2020 B2
10695081 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695123 Allen, IV Jun 2020 B2
10695187 Moskowitz et al. Jun 2020 B2
D890784 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 S
10702266 Parihar et al. Jul 2020 B2
10702267 Hess et al. Jul 2020 B2
10702270 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10702271 Aranyi et al. Jul 2020 B2
10705660 Xiao Jul 2020 B2
10709446 Harris et al. Jul 2020 B2
10709468 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10709469 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10709496 Moua et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716563 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716565 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716568 Hall et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716614 Yates et al. Jul 2020 B2
10717179 Koenig et al. Jul 2020 B2
10722232 Yates et al. Jul 2020 B2
10722233 Wellman Jul 2020 B2
10722292 Arya et al. Jul 2020 B2
10722293 Arya et al. Jul 2020 B2
10722317 Ward et al. Jul 2020 B2
10729432 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729436 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729443 Cabrera et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729458 Stoddard et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729501 Leimbach et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729509 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736616 Scheib et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736628 Yates et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736629 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736630 Huang et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736633 Vendely et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736634 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736636 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736644 Windolf et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743849 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743851 Swayze et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743868 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743870 Hall et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743872 Leimbach et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743873 Overmyer et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743874 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743875 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743877 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743930 Nagtegaal Aug 2020 B2
10751048 Whitman et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751053 Harris et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751076 Laurent et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751138 Giordano et al. Aug 2020 B2
10758229 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758230 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758232 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758233 Scheib et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758259 Demmy et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765425 Yates et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765427 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765429 Leimbach et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765430 Wixey Sep 2020 B2
10765432 Moore et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765442 Strobl Sep 2020 B2
10772625 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772628 Chen et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772629 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772630 Wixey Sep 2020 B2
10772631 Zergiebel et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772632 Kostrzewski Sep 2020 B2
10772651 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779818 Zemlok et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779820 Harris et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779821 Harris et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779822 Yates et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779823 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779824 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779825 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779826 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779903 Wise et al. Sep 2020 B2
10780539 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10786248 Rousseau et al. Sep 2020 B2
10786253 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10786255 Hodgkinson et al. Sep 2020 B2
10792038 Becerra et al. Oct 2020 B2
10796471 Leimbach et al. Oct 2020 B2
10799240 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10799306 Robinson et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806448 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806449 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806450 Yates et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806451 Harris et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806453 Chen et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806479 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813638 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813639 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813640 Adams et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813641 Setser et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813683 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813705 Hares et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813710 Grubbs Oct 2020 B2
10820939 Sartor Nov 2020 B2
10828028 Harris et al. Nov 2020 B2
10828030 Weir et al. Nov 2020 B2
10828032 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 B2
10828033 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10828089 Clark et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835245 Swayze et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835246 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835247 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835249 Schellin et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835251 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10835330 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842357 Moskowitz et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842473 Scheib et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842488 Swayze et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842489 Shelton, IV Nov 2020 B2
10842490 DiNardo et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842491 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842492 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
D906355 Messerly et al. Dec 2020 S
10849621 Whitfield et al. Dec 2020 B2
10849623 Dunki-Jacobs et al. Dec 2020 B2
10849697 Yates et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856866 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856867 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856868 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856869 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856870 Harris et al. Dec 2020 B2
10863981 Overmyer et al. Dec 2020 B2
10863984 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10863986 Yates et al. Dec 2020 B2
10869664 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 B2
10869665 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10869666 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10869669 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874290 Walen et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874391 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874392 Scirica et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874393 Satti, III et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874396 Moore et al. Dec 2020 B2
10874399 Zhang Dec 2020 B2
10879275 Li et al. Dec 2020 B2
D907647 Siebel et al. Jan 2021 S
D907648 Siebel et al. Jan 2021 S
10881395 Merchant et al. Jan 2021 B2
10881396 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10881399 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10881401 Baber et al. Jan 2021 B2
10881446 Strobl Jan 2021 B2
10888318 Parihar et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888321 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888322 Morgan et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888325 Harris et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888328 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888329 Moore et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888330 Moore et al. Jan 2021 B2
10888369 Messerly et al. Jan 2021 B2
10892899 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10893853 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10893863 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10893864 Harris et al. Jan 2021 B2
10893867 Leimbach et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898183 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898184 Yates et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898185 Overmyer et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898186 Bakos et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898190 Yates et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898193 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898194 Moore et al. Jan 2021 B2
10898195 Moore et al. Jan 2021 B2
10903685 Yates et al. Jan 2021 B2
D910847 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 S
10905415 DiNardo et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905418 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905420 Jasemian et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905422 Bakos et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905423 Baber et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905426 Moore et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905427 Moore et al. Feb 2021 B2
10911515 Biasi et al. Feb 2021 B2
10912559 Harris et al. Feb 2021 B2
10912562 Dunki-Jacobs et al. Feb 2021 B2
10912575 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 B2
10918364 Applegate et al. Feb 2021 B2
10918380 Morgan et al. Feb 2021 B2
10918385 Overmyer et al. Feb 2021 B2
10918386 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 B2
10925600 McCuen Feb 2021 B2
10925605 Moore et al. Feb 2021 B2
D914878 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 S
10932772 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932774 Shelton, IV Mar 2021 B2
10932775 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932778 Smith et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932779 Vendely et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932804 Scheib et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932806 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10932872 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10944728 Wiener et al. Mar 2021 B2
10945727 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10945728 Morgan et al. Mar 2021 B2
10945729 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10945731 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2021 B2
10952708 Scheib et al. Mar 2021 B2
10952727 Giordano et al. Mar 2021 B2
10952728 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10952759 Messerly et al. Mar 2021 B2
10952767 Kostrzewski et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959722 Morgan et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959725 Kerr et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959727 Hunter et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959731 Casasanta, Jr. et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959744 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 B2
10966627 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10966717 Shah et al. Apr 2021 B2
10966718 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10966791 Harris et al. Apr 2021 B2
10973515 Harris et al. Apr 2021 B2
10973516 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10973517 Wixey Apr 2021 B2
10973519 Weir et al. Apr 2021 B2
10973520 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980534 Yates et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980535 Yates et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980536 Weaner et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980537 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980538 Nalagatla et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980539 Harris et al. Apr 2021 B2
10980560 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 B2
10983646 Yoon et al. Apr 2021 B2
20010000531 Casscells et al. Apr 2001 A1
20010025183 Shahidi Sep 2001 A1
20010025184 Messerly Sep 2001 A1
20010034530 Malackowski et al. Oct 2001 A1
20020014510 Richter et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020022810 Urich Feb 2002 A1
20020022836 Goble et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020022861 Jacobs et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020029032 Arkin Mar 2002 A1
20020029036 Goble et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020042620 Julian et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020087048 Brock et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020091374 Cooper Jul 2002 A1
20020095175 Brock et al. Jul 2002 A1
20020103494 Pacey Aug 2002 A1
20020111624 Witt et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020116063 Giannetti et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020117534 Green et al. Aug 2002 A1
20020127265 Bowman et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020128633 Brock et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020134811 Napier et al. Sep 2002 A1
20020135474 Sylliassen Sep 2002 A1
20020143340 Kaneko Oct 2002 A1
20020151770 Noll et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020158593 Henderson et al. Oct 2002 A1
20020177848 Truckai et al. Nov 2002 A1
20020185514 Adams et al. Dec 2002 A1
20020188170 Santamore et al. Dec 2002 A1
20020188287 Zvuloni et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030009193 Corsaro Jan 2003 A1
20030011245 Fiebig Jan 2003 A1
20030012805 Chen et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030040670 Govari Feb 2003 A1
20030045835 Anderson et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030066858 Holgersson Apr 2003 A1
20030078647 Vallana et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030083648 Wang et al. May 2003 A1
20030084983 Rangachari et al. May 2003 A1
20030093103 Malackowski et al. May 2003 A1
20030094356 Waldron May 2003 A1
20030096158 Takano et al. May 2003 A1
20030114851 Truckai et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030121586 Mitra et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030139741 Goble et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030149406 Martineau et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030153908 Goble et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030153968 Geis et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030163085 Tanner et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030164172 Chumas et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030181900 Long Sep 2003 A1
20030190584 Heasley Oct 2003 A1
20030195387 Kortenbach et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030205029 Chapolini et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030212005 Petito et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030216732 Truckai et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030236505 Bonadio et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040006335 Garrison Jan 2004 A1
20040006340 Latterell et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040007608 Ehrenfels et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040024457 Boyce et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040028502 Cummins Feb 2004 A1
20040030333 Goble Feb 2004 A1
20040034357 Beane et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040044295 Reinert et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040044364 DeVries et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040049121 Yaron Mar 2004 A1
20040049172 Root et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040059362 Knodel et al. Mar 2004 A1
20040068161 Couvillon Apr 2004 A1
20040068224 Couvillon et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040068307 Goble Apr 2004 A1
20040070369 Sakakibara Apr 2004 A1
20040073222 Koseki Apr 2004 A1
20040078037 Batchelor et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040082952 Dycus et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040085180 Juang May 2004 A1
20040092992 Adams et al. May 2004 A1
20040093024 Lousararian et al. May 2004 A1
20040098040 Taniguchi et al. May 2004 A1
20040101822 Wiesner et al. May 2004 A1
20040102783 Sutterlin et al. May 2004 A1
20040108357 Milliman et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040110439 Chaikof et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040115022 Albertson et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040116952 Sakurai et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040119185 Chen Jun 2004 A1
20040122419 Neuberger Jun 2004 A1
20040122423 Dycus et al. Jun 2004 A1
20040133095 Dunki-Jacobs et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040133189 Sakurai Jul 2004 A1
20040143297 Ramsey Jul 2004 A1
20040147909 Johnston et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040153100 Ahlberg et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040158261 Vu Aug 2004 A1
20040164123 Racenet et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040166169 Malaviya et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040167572 Roth et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040181219 Goble et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040193189 Kortenbach et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040197367 Rezania et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040199181 Knodel et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040204735 Shiroff et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040218451 Said et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040222268 Bilotti et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040225186 Horne et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040232201 Wenchell et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040236352 Wang et al. Nov 2004 A1
20040243147 Lipow Dec 2004 A1
20040243151 Demmy et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040243163 Casiano et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040247415 Mangone Dec 2004 A1
20040249366 Kunz Dec 2004 A1
20040254455 Iddan Dec 2004 A1
20040254566 Plicchi et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040254590 Hoffman et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040260315 Dell et al. Dec 2004 A1
20040267310 Racenet et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050010158 Brugger et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050010213 Stad et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050021078 Vleugels et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050023224 Schmitz Feb 2005 A1
20050032511 Malone et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050033352 Zepf et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050051163 Deem et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050054946 Krzyzanowski Mar 2005 A1
20050057225 Marquet Mar 2005 A1
20050058890 Brazell et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050059997 Bauman et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050070929 Dalessandro et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050075561 Golden Apr 2005 A1
20050080342 Gilreath et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050085693 Belson et al. Apr 2005 A1
20050090817 Phan Apr 2005 A1
20050096683 Ellins et al. May 2005 A1
20050116673 Carl et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050124855 Jaffe et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050125897 Wyslucha et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050129735 Cook et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050130682 Takara et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131173 McDaniel et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131211 Bayley et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131390 Heinrich et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131436 Johnston et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050131457 Douglas et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050137454 Saadat et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050137455 Ewers et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050139636 Schwemberger et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050143759 Kelly Jun 2005 A1
20050143769 White et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050145671 Viola Jul 2005 A1
20050150928 Kameyama et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050154258 Tartaglia et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050154406 Bombard et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050159778 Heinrich et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165419 Sauer et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050169974 Tenerz et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050171522 Christopherson Aug 2005 A1
20050177176 Gerbi et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050177181 Kagan et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050177249 Kladakis et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050182298 Ikeda et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050182443 Jonn et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050184121 Heinrich Aug 2005 A1
20050186240 Ringeisen et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050187545 Hooven et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050203550 Laufer et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050209614 Fenter et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050216055 Scirica et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050222587 Jinno et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050222611 Weitkamp Oct 2005 A1
20050222616 Rethy et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050222665 Aranyi Oct 2005 A1
20050228224 Okada et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050228446 Mooradian et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050230453 Viola Oct 2005 A1
20050240178 Morley et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050245965 Orban, III et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050246881 Kelly et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050251063 Basude Nov 2005 A1
20050256452 DeMarchi et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050261676 Hall et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050263563 Racenet et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050267455 Eggers et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050274034 Hayashida et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050283188 Loshakove et al. Dec 2005 A1
20050283226 Haverkost Dec 2005 A1
20060008787 Hayman et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060015009 Jaffe et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020258 Strauss et al. Jan 2006 A1
20060020336 Liddicoat Jan 2006 A1
20060025812 Shelton Feb 2006 A1
20060041188 Dirusso et al. Feb 2006 A1
20060047275 Goble Mar 2006 A1
20060049229 Milliman et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060052824 Ransick et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060052825 Ransick et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060064086 Odom Mar 2006 A1
20060079735 Martone et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060079874 Faller et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060079879 Faller et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060086032 Valencic et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060087746 Lipow Apr 2006 A1
20060089535 Raz et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060097699 Kamenoff May 2006 A1
20060100643 Laufer et al. May 2006 A1
20060100649 Hart May 2006 A1
20060106369 Desai et al. May 2006 A1
20060111711 Goble May 2006 A1
20060111723 Chapolini et al. May 2006 A1
20060116634 Shachar Jun 2006 A1
20060142772 Ralph et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060144898 Bilotti et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060154546 Murphy et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060161050 Butler et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060161185 Saadat et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060167471 Phillips Jul 2006 A1
20060173290 Lavallee et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060173470 Oray et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060176031 Forman et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060176242 Jaramaz et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060178556 Hasser et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060180633 Emmons Aug 2006 A1
20060180634 Shelton et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060185682 Marczyk Aug 2006 A1
20060199999 Ikeda et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060201989 Ojeda Sep 2006 A1
20060206100 Eskridge et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060217729 Eskridge et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060235368 Oz Oct 2006 A1
20060241666 Briggs et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060244460 Weaver Nov 2006 A1
20060252981 Matsuda et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060252990 Kubach Nov 2006 A1
20060252993 Freed et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060258904 Stefanchik et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060259073 Miyamoto et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060261763 Iott et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060263444 Ming et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060264831 Skwarek et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060264929 Goble et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060271042 Latterell et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060271102 Bosshard et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060282064 Shimizu et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060284730 Schmid et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060287576 Tsuji et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060289602 Wales et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060291981 Viola et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070009570 Kim et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070010702 Wang et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070010838 Shelton et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070016235 Tanaka et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070018958 Tavakoli et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070026039 Drumheller et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070026040 Crawley et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027468 Wales et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070027551 Farnsworth et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070043387 Vargas et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070049951 Menn Mar 2007 A1
20070049966 Bonadio et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070051375 Milliman Mar 2007 A1
20070055228 Berg et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070073341 Smith et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070073389 Bolduc et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070078328 Ozaki et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070078484 Talarico et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070084897 Shelton et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070088376 Zacharias Apr 2007 A1
20070090788 Hansford et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070093869 Bloom et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070102472 Shelton May 2007 A1
20070103437 Rosenberg May 2007 A1
20070106113 Ravo May 2007 A1
20070106317 Shelton et al. May 2007 A1
20070118115 Artale et al. May 2007 A1
20070134251 Ashkenazi et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070135686 Pruitt et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070135803 Belson Jun 2007 A1
20070152612 Chen et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070155010 Farnsworth et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070170225 Shelton et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070173687 Shima et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070173813 Odom Jul 2007 A1
20070173872 Neuenfeldt Jul 2007 A1
20070175950 Shelton et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175951 Shelton et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175955 Shelton et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070179477 Danger Aug 2007 A1
20070185545 Duke Aug 2007 A1
20070187857 Riley et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070190110 Pameijer et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070191868 Theroux et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194079 Hueil et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194082 Morgan et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070197954 Keenan Aug 2007 A1
20070198039 Jones et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070203510 Bettuchi Aug 2007 A1
20070207010 Caspi Sep 2007 A1
20070208359 Hoffman Sep 2007 A1
20070208375 Nishizawa et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070213750 Weadock Sep 2007 A1
20070225562 Spivey et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070233163 Bombard et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070243227 Gertner Oct 2007 A1
20070244471 Malackowski Oct 2007 A1
20070244496 Hellenkamp Oct 2007 A1
20070246505 Pace-Floridia et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070260132 Sterling Nov 2007 A1
20070262592 Hwang et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070270660 Caylor et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070275035 Herman et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070276409 Ortiz et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070279011 Jones et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070286892 Herzberg et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070290027 Maatta et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070296286 Avenell Dec 2007 A1
20080003196 Jonn et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080015598 Prommersberger Jan 2008 A1
20080021486 Oyola et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080029570 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029573 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029574 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029575 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080030170 Dacquay et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080039746 Hissong et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080042861 Dacquay et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080051833 Gramuglia et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080064920 Bakos et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080064921 Larkin et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080065153 Allard et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080071328 Haubrich et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080077158 Haider et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080078802 Hess et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082114 McKenna et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082125 Murray et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080082126 Murray et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080083807 Beardsley et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080085296 Powell et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080086078 Powell et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080091072 Omori et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080108443 Jinno et al. May 2008 A1
20080114250 Urbano et al. May 2008 A1
20080125634 Ryan et al. May 2008 A1
20080125749 Olson May 2008 A1
20080128469 Dalessandro et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080129253 Shiue et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080135600 Hiranuma et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080140115 Stopek Jun 2008 A1
20080140159 Bornhoft et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080149682 Uhm Jun 2008 A1
20080154299 Livneh Jun 2008 A1
20080154335 Thrope et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080169328 Shelton Jul 2008 A1
20080169332 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169333 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080172087 Fuchs et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080177392 Williams et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080190989 Crews et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080196253 Ezra et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080196419 Dube Aug 2008 A1
20080197167 Viola et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200755 Bakos Aug 2008 A1
20080200762 Stokes et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200835 Monson et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200911 Long Aug 2008 A1
20080200933 Bakos et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080200934 Fox Aug 2008 A1
20080206186 Butler et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080208058 Sabata et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080234709 Houser Sep 2008 A1
20080242939 Johnston Oct 2008 A1
20080249536 Stahler et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080249608 Dave Oct 2008 A1
20080255413 Zemlok et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080255663 Akpek et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080262654 Omori et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080269596 Revie et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080281171 Fennell et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080281332 Taylor Nov 2008 A1
20080287944 Pearson et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080293910 Kapiamba et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080294179 Balbierz et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080296346 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080297287 Shachar et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080298784 Kastner Dec 2008 A1
20080308602 Timm et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308603 Shelton et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080312686 Ellingwood Dec 2008 A1
20080312687 Blier Dec 2008 A1
20080315829 Jones et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090001121 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090001130 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090004455 Gravagna et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090005809 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090012534 Madhani et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090015195 Loth-Krausser Jan 2009 A1
20090020958 Soul Jan 2009 A1
20090048583 Williams et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090048589 Takashino et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090076506 Baker Mar 2009 A1
20090078736 Van Lue Mar 2009 A1
20090081313 Aghion et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090088659 Graham et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090090763 Zemlok et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090099579 Nentwick et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090099876 Whitman Apr 2009 A1
20090110533 Jinno Apr 2009 A1
20090112234 Crainich et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090118762 Crainch et al. May 2009 A1
20090119011 Kondo et al. May 2009 A1
20090131819 Ritchie et al. May 2009 A1
20090132400 Conway May 2009 A1
20090143855 Weber et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090149871 Kagan et al. Jun 2009 A9
20090171147 Lee et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090177218 Young et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090177226 Reinprecht et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090181290 Baldwin et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090188964 Orlov Jul 2009 A1
20090192534 Ortiz et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090198272 Kerver et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090204108 Steffen Aug 2009 A1
20090204109 Grove et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206125 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206126 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206131 Weisenburgh, II et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206133 Morgan et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206137 Hall et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206139 Hall et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206141 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090206142 Huitema et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090221993 Sohi et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090227834 Nakamoto et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090234273 Intoccia et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090242610 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090246873 Yamamoto et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090247368 Chiang Oct 2009 A1
20090247901 Zimmer Oct 2009 A1
20090248100 Vaisnys et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090253959 Yoshie et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090255974 Viola Oct 2009 A1
20090261141 Stratton et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090262078 Pizzi Oct 2009 A1
20090270895 Churchill et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090278406 Hoffman Nov 2009 A1
20090290016 Suda Nov 2009 A1
20090292283 Odom Nov 2009 A1
20090306639 Nevo et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090308907 Nalagatla et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090318557 Stockel Dec 2009 A1
20090325859 Ameer et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100005035 Carpenter et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100012703 Calabrese et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100015104 Fraser et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100016888 Calabrese et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100017715 Balassanian Jan 2010 A1
20100023024 Zeiner et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100030233 Whitman et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100032179 Hanspers et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100036370 Mirel et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100051668 Milliman et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100057118 Dietz et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100065604 Weng Mar 2010 A1
20100069942 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 A1
20100076483 Imuta Mar 2010 A1
20100076489 Stopek et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100081883 Murray et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100094340 Stopek et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100100123 Bennett Apr 2010 A1
20100100124 Calabrese et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100116519 Gareis May 2010 A1
20100122339 Boccacci May 2010 A1
20100133317 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100137990 Apatsidis et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100138659 Carmichael et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100145146 Melder Jun 2010 A1
20100147921 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100147922 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100159435 Mueller et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100179022 Shirokoshi Jul 2010 A1
20100180711 Kilibarda et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100191262 Harris et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100191292 DeMeo et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100193566 Scheib et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100204717 Knodel Aug 2010 A1
20100204721 Young et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100217281 Matsuoka et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100222901 Swayze et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100228250 Brogna Sep 2010 A1
20100234687 Azarbarzin et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100241137 Doyle et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100245102 Yokoi Sep 2010 A1
20100249497 Peine et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249947 Lesh et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100256675 Romans Oct 2010 A1
20100258327 Esenwein et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100267662 Fielder et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100274160 Yachi et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100292540 Hess et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100298636 Castro et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100301097 Scirica et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100310623 Laurencin et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100312261 Suzuki et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100318085 Austin et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100331856 Carlson et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110006101 Hall et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110009694 Schultz et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110011916 Levine Jan 2011 A1
20110016960 Debrailly Jan 2011 A1
20110021871 Berkelaar Jan 2011 A1
20110022032 Zemlok et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110024477 Hall Feb 2011 A1
20110024478 Shelton, IV Feb 2011 A1
20110025311 Chauvin et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110029270 Mueglitz Feb 2011 A1
20110036891 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110046667 Culligan et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110052660 Yang et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110056717 Herisse Mar 2011 A1
20110060363 Hess et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110066156 McGahan et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110082538 Dahlgren et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110087276 Bedi et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110088921 Forgues et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110091515 Zilberman et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110095064 Taylor et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110101069 Bombard et al. May 2011 A1
20110101794 Schroeder et al. May 2011 A1
20110112517 Peine et al. May 2011 A1
20110112530 Keller May 2011 A1
20110114697 Baxter, III et al. May 2011 A1
20110125149 El-Galley et al. May 2011 A1
20110125176 Yates et al. May 2011 A1
20110127945 Yoneda Jun 2011 A1
20110129706 Takahashi et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110144764 Bagga et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110147433 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110160725 Kabaya et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110163146 Ortiz et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110172495 Armstrong Jul 2011 A1
20110174861 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110192882 Hess et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110199225 Touchberry et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110218400 Ma et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110218550 Ma Sep 2011 A1
20110220381 Friese et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110225105 Scholer et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110230713 Kleemann et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110238044 Main et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110241597 Zhu et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110256266 Orme et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110271186 Owens Nov 2011 A1
20110275901 Shelton, IV Nov 2011 A1
20110276083 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110278343 Knodel et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110279268 Konishi et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110290856 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110290858 Whitman et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110293690 Griffin et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110295295 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110313894 Dye et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110315413 Fisher et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120004636 Lo Jan 2012 A1
20120007442 Rhodes et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120016239 Barthe et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120016413 Timm et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120016467 Chen et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120029272 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120033360 Hsu Feb 2012 A1
20120059286 Hastings et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120064483 Lint et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120074200 Schmid et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120078244 Worrell et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120080336 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080344 Shelton, IV Apr 2012 A1
20120080478 Morgan et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120080498 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120086276 Sawyers Apr 2012 A1
20120095458 Cybulski et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120109186 Parrott et al. May 2012 A1
20120116261 Mumaw et al. May 2012 A1
20120116262 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116265 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116266 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116381 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120118595 Pellenc May 2012 A1
20120123463 Jacobs May 2012 A1
20120125792 Cassivi May 2012 A1
20120130217 Kauphusman et al. May 2012 A1
20120132286 Lim et al. May 2012 A1
20120171539 Rejman et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120175398 Sandborn et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120197272 Oray et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120211542 Racenet Aug 2012 A1
20120220990 Mckenzie et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120234895 O'Connor et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120234897 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120239068 Morris et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120248169 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120251861 Liang et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120253328 Cunningham et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120271327 West et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120283707 Giordano et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120289811 Viola et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120289979 Eskaros et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120292367 Morgan et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120296342 Haglund Wendelschafer Nov 2012 A1
20120298722 Hess et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120301498 Altreuter et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120330329 Harris et al. Dec 2012 A1
20130006227 Takashino Jan 2013 A1
20130008937 Viola Jan 2013 A1
20130012983 Kleyman Jan 2013 A1
20130018400 Milton et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130020375 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130020376 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130023861 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130023910 Solomon et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130026208 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130026210 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130030462 Keating et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130041292 Cunningham Feb 2013 A1
20130057162 Pollischansky Mar 2013 A1
20130068816 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130087597 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130090534 Burns et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130096568 Justis Apr 2013 A1
20130098970 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130106352 Nagamine May 2013 A1
20130116669 Shelton, IV et al. May 2013 A1
20130123816 Hodgkinson et al. May 2013 A1
20130126202 Oomori et al. May 2013 A1
20130131476 Siu et al. May 2013 A1
20130131651 Strobl et al. May 2013 A1
20130136969 Yasui et al. May 2013 A1
20130153641 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130158390 Tan et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130162198 Yokota et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130169217 Watanabe et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130172878 Smith Jul 2013 A1
20130175317 Yates et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130211244 Nathaniel Aug 2013 A1
20130214025 Zemlok et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130215449 Yamasaki Aug 2013 A1
20130233906 Hess et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130238021 Gross et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130248578 Arteaga Gonzalez Sep 2013 A1
20130253480 Kimball et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130256373 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130256380 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130267978 Trissel Oct 2013 A1
20130270322 Scheib et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130277410 Fernandez et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130306704 Balbierz et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130327552 Lovelass et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130333910 Tanimoto et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334280 Krehel et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334283 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130334285 Swayze et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130341374 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2013 A1
20140001231 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140001234 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005640 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005678 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005702 Timm et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140005718 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140014704 Onukuri et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140014705 Baxter, III Jan 2014 A1
20140014707 Onukuri et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140018832 Shelton, IV Jan 2014 A1
20140022283 Chan et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140039549 Belsky et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140048580 Merchant et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140081176 Hassan Mar 2014 A1
20140094681 Valentine et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140100558 Schmitz et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140115229 Kothamasu et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140131418 Kostrzewski May 2014 A1
20140135832 Park et al. May 2014 A1
20140151433 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140158747 Measamer et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166723 Beardsley et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166724 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166725 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140166726 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175147 Manoux et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175150 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140175152 Hess et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140181710 Baalu et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140188091 Vidal et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140188159 Steege Jul 2014 A1
20140207124 Aldridge et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140209658 Skalla et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140224857 Schmid Aug 2014 A1
20140228632 Sholev et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140228867 Thomas et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140239047 Hodgkinson et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140243865 Swayze et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140246475 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140248167 Sugimoto et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140249557 Koch et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140249573 Arav Sep 2014 A1
20140263541 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263552 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263558 Hausen et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140276730 Boudreaux et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140284371 Morgan et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140288460 Ouyang et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140291379 Schellin et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140291383 Spivey et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140299648 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303645 Morgan et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303660 Boyden et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140330161 Swayze et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140330298 Arshonsky et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140330579 Cashman et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140367445 Ingmanson et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140374130 Nakamura et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140378950 Chiu Dec 2014 A1
20150002089 Rejman et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150008248 Giordano et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150025549 Kilroy et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150053737 Leimbach et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053743 Yates et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053746 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053748 Yates et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150060518 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060519 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060520 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150060521 Weisenburgh, II et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150066000 An et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076208 Shelton, IV Mar 2015 A1
20150076209 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076210 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076211 Irka et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150076212 Shelton, IV Mar 2015 A1
20150082624 Craig et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150083781 Giordano et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150083782 Scheib et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150087952 Albert et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150088127 Craig et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150088547 Balram et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150090760 Giordano et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150090762 Giordano et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150127021 Harris et al. May 2015 A1
20150134077 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 A1
20150150620 Miyamoto et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173749 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173756 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173789 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150196295 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196296 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150196299 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201918 Kumar et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201932 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201936 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201937 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201938 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201939 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201940 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150201941 Swayze et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150209045 Hodgkinson et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150222212 Iwata Aug 2015 A1
20150223868 Brandt et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150230697 Phee et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150231409 Racenet et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150238118 Legassey et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150272557 Overmyer et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272571 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272580 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150272582 Leimbach et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297200 Fitzsimmons et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297222 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297223 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297225 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297228 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297233 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150303417 Koeder et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150313594 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150324317 Collins et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150352699 Sakai et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150366585 Lemay et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150367497 Ito et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150372265 Morisaku et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374372 Zergiebel et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150374378 Giordano et al. Dec 2015 A1
20160000431 Giordano et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000437 Giordano et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000452 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160000453 Yates et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160030042 Heinrich et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160051316 Boudreaux Feb 2016 A1
20160066913 Swayze et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160069449 Kanai et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160074040 Widenhouse et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160082161 Zilberman et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160120545 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 A1
20160135835 Onuma May 2016 A1
20160135895 Faasse et al. May 2016 A1
20160183939 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160183943 Shelton, IV Jun 2016 A1
20160183944 Swensgard et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160192960 Bueno et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199063 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160199956 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160235494 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160242783 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160249910 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249922 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256159 Pinjala et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160256221 Smith Sep 2016 A1
20160256229 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160262745 Morgan et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160262921 Balbierz et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160287265 Macdonald et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287279 Bovay et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160310143 Bettuchi Oct 2016 A1
20160314716 Grubbs Oct 2016 A1
20160345976 Gonzalez et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160367122 Ichimura et al. Dec 2016 A1
20170000553 Wiener et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170007244 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170007245 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170007250 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170007347 Jaworek et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170014125 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170027572 Nalagatla et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170049448 Widenhouse et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170055819 Hansen et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170056002 Nalagatla et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170056005 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170066054 Birky Mar 2017 A1
20170079642 Overmyer et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086829 Vendely et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086830 Yates et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086831 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086842 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086930 Thompson et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170105733 Scheib et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170172382 Nir et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172662 Panescu et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170182195 Wagner Jun 2017 A1
20170182211 Raxworthy et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170196558 Morgan et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170196637 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170196649 Yates et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202571 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202770 Friedrich et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170209145 Swayze et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170224332 Hunter et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170224334 Worthington et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170224339 Huang et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170231627 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170231628 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170238962 Hansen et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170249431 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170262110 Polishchuk et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170265774 Johnson et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170281171 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170281173 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170281186 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170281189 Nalagatla et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170290585 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170296169 Yates et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170296173 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170296185 Swensgard et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170296213 Swensgard et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170312041 Giordano et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170312042 Giordano et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170319201 Morgan et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170333034 Morgan et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170333035 Morgan et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170348010 Chiang Dec 2017 A1
20170348043 Wang et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170354413 Chen et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170358052 Yuan Dec 2017 A1
20170360441 Sgroi Dec 2017 A1
20170367695 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180000545 Giordano et al. Jan 2018 A1
20180008356 Giordano et al. Jan 2018 A1
20180028185 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180042611 Swayze et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180055513 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180064440 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180064442 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180064443 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180070942 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180085116 Yates et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180085117 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180092710 Bosisio et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180110522 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180110523 Shelton, IV Apr 2018 A1
20180114591 Pribanic et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180116658 Aronhalt, IV et al. May 2018 A1
20180116662 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 A1
20180125481 Yates et al. May 2018 A1
20180125487 Beardsley May 2018 A1
20180125488 Morgan et al. May 2018 A1
20180125590 Giordano et al. May 2018 A1
20180125594 Beardsley May 2018 A1
20180126504 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 A1
20180132845 Schmid et al. May 2018 A1
20180132849 Miller et al. May 2018 A1
20180132850 Leimbach et al. May 2018 A1
20180132926 Asher et al. May 2018 A1
20180132952 Spivey et al. May 2018 A1
20180140299 Weaner et al. May 2018 A1
20180146960 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 A1
20180153542 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180161034 Scheib et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168575 Simms et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168577 Aronhalt et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168578 Aronhalt et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168579 Aronhalt et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168584 Harris et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168590 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168592 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168597 Fanelli et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168598 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168608 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168609 Fanelli et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168610 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168614 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168615 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168617 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168618 Scott et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168619 Scott et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168623 Simms et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168625 Posada et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168633 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168647 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168648 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168649 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168650 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180228490 Richard et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180250001 Aronhalt et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180271520 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180271604 Grout et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180273597 Stimson Sep 2018 A1
20180289369 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180289371 Wang et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180296211 Timm et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180296216 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180317919 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180333155 Hall et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180333169 Leimbach et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180344319 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180353176 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180353177 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180353178 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180353179 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360445 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360446 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360456 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360471 Parfett et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360472 Harris et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360473 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368833 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368838 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368839 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368841 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368843 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368844 Bakos et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368845 Bakos et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368846 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190000457 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000459 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000461 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000462 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000466 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000467 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000469 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000470 Yates et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000471 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000472 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000474 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000475 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000476 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000477 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000478 Messerly et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000481 Harris et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000525 Messerly et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000531 Messerly et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000538 Widenhouse et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000565 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190015096 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190015102 Baber et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190015165 Giordano et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190029682 Huitema et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190029701 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190033955 Leimbach et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190038279 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190038281 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190038282 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190038283 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190076143 Smith Mar 2019 A1
20190090871 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190091183 Tomat et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190099179 Leimbach et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190099181 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190099229 Spivey et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190104919 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105035 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105036 Morgan et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105037 Morgan et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105038 Schmid et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105039 Morgan et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105043 Jaworek et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190105044 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190110791 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190110792 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190117216 Overmyer et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190117222 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190117224 Setser et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190125320 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125321 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125324 Scheib et al. May 2019 A1
20190125335 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125336 Deck et al. May 2019 A1
20190125338 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125339 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125343 Wise et al. May 2019 A1
20190125347 Stokes et al. May 2019 A1
20190125348 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125352 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125353 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125354 Deck et al. May 2019 A1
20190125355 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125356 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125357 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125358 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125359 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125360 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125361 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125377 Shelton, IV May 2019 A1
20190125378 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125379 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125380 Hunter et al. May 2019 A1
20190125384 Scheib et al. May 2019 A1
20190125387 Parihar et al. May 2019 A1
20190125388 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125389 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125430 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125431 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125432 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125454 Stokes et al. May 2019 A1
20190125455 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125456 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125457 Parihar et al. May 2019 A1
20190125458 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125459 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125476 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190133422 Nakamura May 2019 A1
20190142421 Shelton, IV May 2019 A1
20190150925 Marczyk et al. May 2019 A1
20190159778 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190183491 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183496 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183498 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183499 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183501 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183502 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183594 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192138 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192141 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192144 Parfett et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192146 Widenhouse et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192147 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192148 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192149 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192150 Widenhouse et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192151 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192152 Morgan et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192153 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192154 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192155 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192156 Simms et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192157 Scott et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192158 Scott et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192159 Simms et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192227 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192235 Harris et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192236 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190200844 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200863 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200905 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200906 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200977 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200981 Harris et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200998 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201023 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201024 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201025 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201026 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201027 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201028 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201029 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201030 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201033 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201034 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201045 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201046 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201047 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201104 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201105 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201111 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201112 Wiener et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201113 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201114 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201115 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201116 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201118 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201120 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201135 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201136 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201137 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201138 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201139 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201140 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201141 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201142 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201143 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201145 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201594 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190205001 Messerly et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190205566 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190205567 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206003 Harris et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206004 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206050 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206551 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206555 Morgan et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206561 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206562 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206563 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206564 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206565 Shelton, IV Jul 2019 A1
20190206569 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190208641 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209164 Timm et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209165 Timm et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209171 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209172 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209247 Giordano et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209248 Giordano et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209249 Giordano et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190209250 Giordano et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190216558 Giordano et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190223865 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190261984 Nelson et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190261991 Beckman et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190269400 Mandakolathur Vasudevan et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190269402 Murray et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190269407 Swensgard et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190269428 Allen et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274677 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 A1
20190274678 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 A1
20190274679 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 A1
20190274680 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 A1
20190274685 Olson et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290263 Morgan et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290264 Morgan et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290265 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290266 Scheib et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290267 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290274 Shelton, IV Sep 2019 A1
20190290281 Aronhalt et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290297 Haider et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190298340 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298341 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298342 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298343 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298346 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298347 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298348 Harris et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298350 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298352 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298353 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298354 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298355 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298356 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298357 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298360 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298361 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298362 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307452 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307453 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307454 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307455 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307456 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307476 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307477 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307478 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307479 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314016 Huitema et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314017 Huitema et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314018 Huitema et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190321039 Harris et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190321040 Shelton, IV Oct 2019 A1
20190321041 Shelton, IV Oct 2019 A1
20190328386 Harris et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190328387 Overmyer et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190328390 Harris et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190336128 Harris et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190343514 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190343515 Morgan et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190343525 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190350581 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190350582 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190357909 Huitema et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190365384 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2019 A1
20190374224 Huitema et al. Dec 2019 A1
20200000461 Yates et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200000468 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200000469 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200000471 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200000531 Giordano et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200008800 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200008802 Aronhalt et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200008809 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200015819 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200022702 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200029964 Overmyer et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200030050 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200038016 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200038018 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200038020 Yates et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200046348 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200046893 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054320 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054321 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054322 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054323 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054324 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054326 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054328 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054330 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054332 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054333 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054334 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054355 Laurent et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200060680 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200060681 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200060713 Leimbach et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200077994 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078015 Miller et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078016 Swayze et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200085427 Giordano et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200085431 Swayze et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200085435 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200085436 Beckman et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200085518 Giordano et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093484 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093485 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093487 Baber et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093488 Baber et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093506 Leimbach et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200093550 Spivey et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200100699 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200100783 Yates et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200100787 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200107829 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200138434 Miller et al. May 2020 A1
20200138435 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 A1
20200138436 Yates et al. May 2020 A1
20200138437 Vendely et al. May 2020 A1
20200138534 Garcia Kilroy et al. May 2020 A1
20200146678 Leimbach et al. May 2020 A1
20200146741 Long et al. May 2020 A1
20200155151 Overmyer et al. May 2020 A1
20200155155 Shelton, IV et al. May 2020 A1
20200178958 Overmyer et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200178960 Overmyer et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200187943 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200214706 Vendely et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200214731 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200222047 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200229812 Parihar et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200229816 Bakos et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200237371 Huitema et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200246001 Ming et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200253605 Swayze et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261106 Hess et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200268377 Schmid et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200268394 Parfett et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200275926 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200275927 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200275928 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200275930 Harris et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200281585 Timm et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200281587 Schmid et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200281590 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200289112 Whitfield et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200297340 Hess et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200297341 Yates et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200297346 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200297438 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200305862 Yates et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200305863 Yates et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200305864 Yates et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200305865 Shelton, IV Oct 2020 A1
20200305868 Shelton, IV Oct 2020 A1
20200305869 Shelton, IV Oct 2020 A1
20200305870 Shelton, IV Oct 2020 A1
20200305871 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200305874 Huitema et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200315612 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200315616 Yates et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200315625 Hall et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200315983 Widenhouse et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200323526 Huang et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200330092 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200330093 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200330094 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200330096 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200337693 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200337702 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200337703 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200337791 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200345346 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345349 Kimball et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345352 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345353 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345354 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345355 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345356 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345357 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345358 Jenkins Nov 2020 A1
20200345359 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345360 Leimbach et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200345446 Kimball et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200352562 Timm et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200367885 Yates et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200367886 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200375585 Swayze et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200375592 Hall et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200375593 Hunter et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200375597 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200390444 Harris et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200397433 Lytle, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200397434 Overmyer et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405290 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405291 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405292 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405293 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405294 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200405295 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405296 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405297 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405301 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405302 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405303 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200405305 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405306 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405307 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405308 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200405309 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405311 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405312 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405313 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200405314 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405316 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405341 Hess et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405409 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405410 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200405416 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405422 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405436 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405437 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405438 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405439 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405440 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200405441 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20200410177 Shelton, IV Dec 2020 A1
20200410180 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20210000466 Leimbach et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210000467 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210000470 Leimbach et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210015480 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210022741 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210030416 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210045742 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210052271 Harris et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210059661 Schmid et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059662 Shelton, IV Mar 2021 A1
20210059666 Schmid et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059669 Yates et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059670 Overmyer et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059671 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059672 Giordano et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210059673 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068817 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068818 Overmyer et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068820 Parihar et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068830 Baber et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068831 Baber et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068832 Yates et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068835 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210077092 Parihar et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210077099 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210077100 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085313 Morgan et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085314 Schmid et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085315 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085316 Harris et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085317 Miller et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085318 Swayze et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085319 Swayze et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085320 Leimbach et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085321 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085325 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210085326 Vendely et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210093323 Scirica et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210100541 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210100550 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210100982 Laby et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210106333 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210107031 Bales, Jr. et al. Apr 2021 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (467)
Number Date Country
2012200594 Feb 2012 AU
2012203035 Jun 2012 AU
2011218702 Jun 2013 AU
2012200178 Jul 2013 AU
112013027777 Jan 2017 BR
1015829 Aug 1977 CA
1125615 Jun 1982 CA
2520413 Mar 2007 CA
2725181 Nov 2007 CA
2851239 Nov 2007 CA
2664874 Nov 2009 CA
2813230 Apr 2012 CA
2940510 Aug 2015 CA
2698728 Aug 2016 CA
1163558 Oct 1997 CN
2488482 May 2002 CN
1634601 Jul 2005 CN
2716900 Aug 2005 CN
2738962 Nov 2005 CN
1777406 May 2006 CN
2796654 Jul 2006 CN
2868212 Feb 2007 CN
200942099 Sep 2007 CN
200984209 Dec 2007 CN
200991269 Dec 2007 CN
201001747 Jan 2008 CN
101143105 Mar 2008 CN
201029899 Mar 2008 CN
101188900 May 2008 CN
101203085 Jun 2008 CN
101378791 Mar 2009 CN
101507635 Aug 2009 CN
101522120 Sep 2009 CN
101669833 Mar 2010 CN
101721236 Jun 2010 CN
101828940 Sep 2010 CN
101873834 Oct 2010 CN
201719298 Jan 2011 CN
102038532 May 2011 CN
201879759 Jun 2011 CN
201949071 Aug 2011 CN
102217961 Oct 2011 CN
102217963 Oct 2011 CN
102243850 Nov 2011 CN
102247183 Nov 2011 CN
101779977 Dec 2011 CN
101912284 Jul 2012 CN
102125450 Jul 2012 CN
202313537 Jul 2012 CN
202397539 Aug 2012 CN
202426586 Sep 2012 CN
202489990 Oct 2012 CN
102228387 Nov 2012 CN
102835977 Dec 2012 CN
202568350 Dec 2012 CN
103037781 Apr 2013 CN
103083053 May 2013 CN
103391037 Nov 2013 CN
203328751 Dec 2013 CN
103505264 Jan 2014 CN
103584893 Feb 2014 CN
103690212 Apr 2014 CN
203564285 Apr 2014 CN
203564287 Apr 2014 CN
203597997 May 2014 CN
10382998 Jun 2014 CN
103829983 Jun 2014 CN
103908313 Jul 2014 CN
203693685 Jul 2014 CN
203736251 Jul 2014 CN
103981635 Aug 2014 CN
203815517 Sep 2014 CN
102783741 Oct 2014 CN
102973300 Oct 2014 CN
204092074 Jan 2015 CN
104337556 Feb 2015 CN
204158440 Feb 2015 CN
204158441 Feb 2015 CN
102469995 Mar 2015 CN
104422849 Mar 2015 CN
104586463 May 2015 CN
204520822 Aug 2015 CN
204636451 Sep 2015 CN
103860225 Mar 2016 CN
103750872 May 2016 CN
103648410 Oct 2016 CN
106344091 Jan 2017 CN
104349800 Nov 2017 CN
107635483 Jan 2018 CN
273689 May 1914 DE
1775926 Jan 1972 DE
3036217 Apr 1982 DE
3210466 Sep 1983 DE
3709067 Sep 1988 DE
19534043 Mar 1997 DE
19851291 Jan 2000 DE
19924311 Nov 2000 DE
20016423 Feb 2001 DE
20112837 Oct 2001 DE
20121753 Apr 2003 DE
202004012389 Sep 2004 DE
10314072 Oct 2004 DE
102004014011 Oct 2005 DE
102004063606 Jul 2006 DE
202007003114 Jun 2007 DE
102010013150 Sep 2011 DE
102012213322 Jan 2014 DE
102013101158 Aug 2014 DE
002220467-0008 Apr 2013 EM
0000756 Feb 1979 EP
0122046 Oct 1984 EP
0129442 Nov 1987 EP
0255631 Feb 1988 EP
0169044 Jun 1991 EP
0541950 May 1993 EP
0548998 Jun 1993 EP
0594148 Apr 1994 EP
0646357 Apr 1995 EP
0505036 May 1995 EP
0669104 Aug 1995 EP
0705571 Apr 1996 EP
0528478 May 1996 EP
0770355 May 1997 EP
0625335 Nov 1997 EP
0879742 Nov 1998 EP
0650701 Mar 1999 EP
0923907 Jun 1999 EP
0484677 Jul 2000 EP
1034747 Sep 2000 EP
1034748 Sep 2000 EP
0726632 Oct 2000 EP
1053719 Nov 2000 EP
1055399 Nov 2000 EP
1055400 Nov 2000 EP
1064882 Jan 2001 EP
1080694 Mar 2001 EP
1090592 Apr 2001 EP
1095627 May 2001 EP
0806914 Sep 2001 EP
1234587 Aug 2002 EP
1284120 Feb 2003 EP
0717967 May 2003 EP
0869742 May 2003 EP
1374788 Jan 2004 EP
1407719 Apr 2004 EP
0996378 Jun 2004 EP
1558161 Aug 2005 EP
1157666 Sep 2005 EP
0880338 Oct 2005 EP
1158917 Nov 2005 EP
1344498 Nov 2005 EP
1330989 Dec 2005 EP
1632191 Mar 2006 EP
1082944 May 2006 EP
1253866 Jul 2006 EP
1723914 Nov 2006 EP
1285633 Dec 2006 EP
1011494 Jan 2007 EP
1767163 Mar 2007 EP
1837041 Sep 2007 EP
0922435 Oct 2007 EP
1599146 Oct 2007 EP
1330201 Jun 2008 EP
2039302 Mar 2009 EP
1719461 Jun 2009 EP
2116196 Nov 2009 EP
1769754 Jun 2010 EP
1627605 Dec 2010 EP
2316345 May 2011 EP
1962711 Feb 2012 EP
2486862 Aug 2012 EP
2486868 Aug 2012 EP
2517638 Oct 2012 EP
2606812 Jun 2013 EP
2649948 Oct 2013 EP
2649949 Oct 2013 EP
2668910 Dec 2013 EP
2687164 Jan 2014 EP
2713902 Apr 2014 EP
2743042 Jun 2014 EP
2764827 Aug 2014 EP
2777524 Sep 2014 EP
2842500 Mar 2015 EP
2853220 Apr 2015 EP
2298220 Jun 2016 EP
2510891 Jun 2016 EP
3031404 Jun 2016 EP
3047806 Jul 2016 EP
3078334 Oct 2016 EP
2364651 Nov 2016 EP
2747235 Nov 2016 EP
3095399 Nov 2016 EP
3120781 Jan 2017 EP
3135225 Mar 2017 EP
2789299 May 2017 EP
3225190 Oct 2017 EP
3326548 May 2018 EP
3363378 Aug 2018 EP
3275378 Jul 2019 EP
459743 Nov 1913 FR
999646 Feb 1952 FR
1112936 Mar 1956 FR
2598905 Nov 1987 FR
2689749 Jul 1994 FR
2765794 Jan 1999 FR
2815842 May 2002 FR
939929 Oct 1963 GB
1210522 Oct 1970 GB
1217159 Dec 1970 GB
1339394 Dec 1973 GB
2024012 Jan 1980 GB
2109241 Jun 1983 GB
2090534 Jun 1984 GB
2272159 May 1994 GB
2336214 Oct 1999 GB
2509523 Jul 2014 GB
930100110 Nov 1993 GR
S4711908 May 1972 JP
S5033988 Apr 1975 JP
S5367286 Jun 1978 JP
S56112235 Sep 1981 JP
S60113007 Jun 1985 JP
S62170011 Oct 1987 JP
S63270040 Nov 1988 JP
S63318824 Dec 1988 JP
H0129503 Jun 1989 JP
H02106189 Apr 1990 JP
H0378514 Aug 1991 JP
H0385009 Aug 1991 JP
H04215747 Aug 1992 JP
H04131860 Dec 1992 JP
H0584252 Apr 1993 JP
H05123325 May 1993 JP
H05226945 Sep 1993 JP
H0630945 Feb 1994 JP
H06237937 Aug 1994 JP
H06327684 Nov 1994 JP
H079622 Feb 1995 JP
H07124166 May 1995 JP
H07163573 Jun 1995 JP
H07255735 Oct 1995 JP
H07285089 Oct 1995 JP
H0833642 Feb 1996 JP
H08164141 Jun 1996 JP
H08182684 Jul 1996 JP
H08507708 Aug 1996 JP
H08229050 Sep 1996 JP
H08289895 Nov 1996 JP
H09-323068 Dec 1997 JP
H10118090 May 1998 JP
H10-200699 Jul 1998 JP
H10296660 Nov 1998 JP
2000014632 Jan 2000 JP
2000033071 Feb 2000 JP
2000112002 Apr 2000 JP
2000166932 Jun 2000 JP
2000171730 Jun 2000 JP
2000210299 Aug 2000 JP
2000271141 Oct 2000 JP
2000287987 Oct 2000 JP
2000325303 Nov 2000 JP
2001-69758 Mar 2001 JP
2001-087272 Apr 2001 JP
2001087272 Apr 2001 JP
2001208655 Aug 2001 JP
2001514541 Sep 2001 JP
2001276091 Oct 2001 JP
2002051974 Feb 2002 JP
2002054903 Feb 2002 JP
2002085415 Mar 2002 JP
2002143078 May 2002 JP
2002153481 May 2002 JP
2002528161 Sep 2002 JP
2002314298 Oct 2002 JP
2003135473 May 2003 JP
2003521301 Jul 2003 JP
3442423 Sep 2003 JP
2003300416 Oct 2003 JP
2004147701 May 2004 JP
2004162035 Jun 2004 JP
2004229976 Aug 2004 JP
2005013573 Jan 2005 JP
2005080702 Mar 2005 JP
2005131163 May 2005 JP
2005131164 May 2005 JP
2005131173 May 2005 JP
2005131211 May 2005 JP
2005131212 May 2005 JP
2005137423 Jun 2005 JP
2005187954 Jul 2005 JP
2005211455 Aug 2005 JP
2005328882 Dec 2005 JP
2005335432 Dec 2005 JP
2005342267 Dec 2005 JP
3791856 Jun 2006 JP
2006187649 Jul 2006 JP
2006218228 Aug 2006 JP
2006281405 Oct 2006 JP
2006291180 Oct 2006 JP
2006346445 Dec 2006 JP
2007-97252 Apr 2007 JP
2007289715 Nov 2007 JP
2007304057 Nov 2007 JP
2007306710 Nov 2007 JP
D1322057 Feb 2008 JP
2008220032 Sep 2008 JP
2009507526 Feb 2009 JP
2009189838 Aug 2009 JP
2009189846 Aug 2009 JP
2009207260 Sep 2009 JP
2009226028 Oct 2009 JP
2009538684 Nov 2009 JP
2009539420 Nov 2009 JP
D1383743 Feb 2010 JP
2010065594 Mar 2010 JP
2010069307 Apr 2010 JP
2010069310 Apr 2010 JP
2010098844 Apr 2010 JP
2010214128 Sep 2010 JP
2011072574 Apr 2011 JP
4722849 Jul 2011 JP
4728996 Jul 2011 JP
2011524199 Sep 2011 JP
D1432094 Dec 2011 JP
2012115542 Jun 2012 JP
2012143283 Aug 2012 JP
5154710 Feb 2013 JP
2013099551 May 2013 JP
2013126430 Jun 2013 JP
D1481426 Sep 2013 JP
2013541983 Nov 2013 JP
2013541997 Nov 2013 JP
D1492363 Feb 2014 JP
2014121599 Jul 2014 JP
2014171879 Sep 2014 JP
1517663 Feb 2015 JP
2015512725 Apr 2015 JP
2015513956 May 2015 JP
2015513958 May 2015 JP
2015514471 May 2015 JP
2015521525 Jul 2015 JP
2016007800 Jan 2016 JP
2016512057 Apr 2016 JP
2016530949 Oct 2016 JP
1601498 Apr 2018 JP
20100110134 Oct 2010 KR
20110003229 Jan 2011 KR
300631507 Mar 2012 KR
300747646 Jun 2014 KR
1814161 May 1993 RU
1814161 May 1993 RU
2008830 Mar 1994 RU
2052979 Jan 1996 RU
2066128 Sep 1996 RU
2069981 Dec 1996 RU
2098025 Dec 1997 RU
2104671 Feb 1998 RU
2110965 May 1998 RU
2141279 Nov 1999 RU
2144791 Jan 2000 RU
2161450 Jan 2001 RU
2181566 Apr 2002 RU
2187249 Aug 2002 RU
32984 Oct 2003 RU
2225170 Mar 2004 RU
42750 Dec 2004 RU
61114 Feb 2007 RU
61122 Feb 2007 RU
2430692 Oct 2011 RU
189517 Jan 1967 SU
297156 May 1971 SU
328636 Sep 1972 SU
511939 Apr 1976 SU
674747 Jul 1979 SU
728848 Apr 1980 SU
1009439 Apr 1983 SU
1271497 Nov 1986 SU
1333319 Aug 1987 SU
1377052 Feb 1988 SU
1377053 Feb 1988 SU
1443874 Dec 1988 SU
1509051 Sep 1989 SU
1561964 May 1990 SU
1708312 Jan 1992 SU
1722476 Mar 1992 SU
1752361 Aug 1992 SU
WO-9308754 May 1993 WO
WO-9315648 Aug 1993 WO
WO-9420030 Sep 1994 WO
WO-9517855 Jul 1995 WO
WO-9520360 Aug 1995 WO
WO-9623448 Aug 1996 WO
WO-9635464 Nov 1996 WO
WO-9639086 Dec 1996 WO
WO-9639088 Dec 1996 WO
WO-9724073 Jul 1997 WO
WO-9734533 Sep 1997 WO
WO-9827870 Jul 1998 WO
WO-9903407 Jan 1999 WO
WO-9903409 Jan 1999 WO
WO-9948430 Sep 1999 WO
WO-0024322 May 2000 WO
WO-0024330 May 2000 WO
WO-0053112 Sep 2000 WO
WO-0024448 Oct 2000 WO
WO-0057796 Oct 2000 WO
WO-0105702 Jan 2001 WO
WO-0154594 Aug 2001 WO
WO-0158371 Aug 2001 WO
WO-0162164 Aug 2001 WO
WO-0162169 Aug 2001 WO
WO-0191646 Dec 2001 WO
WO-0219932 Mar 2002 WO
WO-0226143 Apr 2002 WO
WO-0236028 May 2002 WO
WO-02065933 Aug 2002 WO
WO-03055402 Jul 2003 WO
WO 2003094747 Nov 2003 WO
WO-03094747 Nov 2003 WO
WO-03079909 Mar 2004 WO
WO-2004019803 Mar 2004 WO
WO-2004032783 Apr 2004 WO
WO-2004047626 Jun 2004 WO
WO-2004047653 Jun 2004 WO
WO-2004056277 Jul 2004 WO
WO-2004078050 Sep 2004 WO
WO-2004078051 Sep 2004 WO
WO-2004096015 Nov 2004 WO
WO-2006044581 Apr 2006 WO
WO-2006051252 May 2006 WO
WO-2006059067 Jun 2006 WO
WO-2006073581 Jul 2006 WO
WO-2006085389 Aug 2006 WO
WO-2007015971 Feb 2007 WO
WO-2007074430 Jul 2007 WO
WO-2007129121 Nov 2007 WO
WO-2007137304 Nov 2007 WO
WO-2007142625 Dec 2007 WO
WO-2008021969 Feb 2008 WO
WO-2008061566 May 2008 WO
WO-2008089404 Jul 2008 WO
WO-2009005969 Jan 2009 WO
WO-2009067649 May 2009 WO
WO-2009091497 Jul 2009 WO
WO-2010126129 Nov 2010 WO
WO-2010134913 Nov 2010 WO
WO-2011008672 Jan 2011 WO
WO-2011044343 Apr 2011 WO
WO-2012006306 Jan 2012 WO
WO-2012013577 Feb 2012 WO
WO-2012044606 Apr 2012 WO
WO-2012061725 May 2012 WO
WO-2012072133 Jun 2012 WO
WO-2012166503 Dec 2012 WO
WO-2013087092 Jun 2013 WO
WO-2013151888 Oct 2013 WO
WO-2014004209 Jan 2014 WO
WO-2014113438 Jul 2014 WO
WO-2014175894 Oct 2014 WO
WO-2015032797 Mar 2015 WO
WO-2015076780 May 2015 WO
WO-2015137040 Sep 2015 WO
WO-2015138760 Sep 2015 WO
WO-2015187107 Dec 2015 WO
WO-2016100682 Jun 2016 WO
WO-2016107448 Jul 2016 WO
WO-2019036490 Feb 2019 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (131)
Entry
Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,070, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Declaration of Henry Bolanos, Covidien Exhibit 1010, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Curriculum Vitae of Henry Bolanos, Covidien Exhibit 1011, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Excerpts from The American Heritage® College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Copyright 2002, Covidien Exhibit 1016, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Excerpts from Webster's II New College Dictionary, Third Edition, Copyright 2005, Covidien Exhibit 1017, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Excerpts from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Copyright 2005, Covidien Exhibit 1018, filed Mar. 25, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.'s Mandatory Notices, filed Apr. 12, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.'s Preliminary Response, filed Jun. 21, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Decision, Institution of Inter Partes Review 37 C.F.R. § 42.108, dated Aug. 26, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Petitioner's Request for Rehearing Under 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d), filed Sep. 9, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Decision, Petitioner's Request for Rehearing 37 C.F.R. § 42.71, dated Sep. 20, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.'s Patent Owner Response Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 42.120, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Expert Declaration of Mark S. Ortiz, Ethicon Exhibit 2004, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Resume of Mark S. Ortiz, Ethicon Exhibit 2005, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Covidien's Nov. 24, 2008 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness, Ethicon Exhibit 2013, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Covidien Technical Brochure: Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology, Ethicon Exhibit 2014, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Claim Chart—U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,070, Exhibit 2015, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Jan. 7, 2013 Covidien News Release “Covidien's Tri-Staple™ Technology Platform Reaches $1 Billion Sales Milestone”, Ethicon Exhibit 2016, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
IMS Raw Data, Ethicon Exhibit 2017, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Covidien Tri-Staple™ Brochure, Ethicon Exhibit 2018, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
2012 Covidien Annual Report, Ethicon Exhibit 2019, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
IMS Pricing, Ethicon Exhibit 2021, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
IMS Unit Data, Ethicon Exhibit 2022, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Covidien Website—Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Staplers and Reloads, Ethicon Exhibit 2023, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Covidien Technical Brochure: Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology and Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Staplers, Ethicon Exhibit 2024, filed Nov. 19, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.'s Updated Mandatory Notices, filed Dec. 9, 2013; IPR 2013-00209.
Petitioner's Reply Under 37 C.F.R. § 42.23 to Patent Owner Response, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Petitioner's Current List of Exhibits, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Transcript from Deposition of Henry Bolanos taken Nov. 7, 2013, Covidien Exhibit 1019, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Transcript from Deposition of Mark S. Ortiz taken Jan. 15, 2014, Covidien Exhibit 1023, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Patent Owner's Response filed Jun. 2, 2008, in European Patent Application No. 06254511.6, Covidien Exhibit 1024, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Communication from the European Patent Office dated Jan. 24, 2007, in European Patent Application No. 06254511.6, Covidien Exhibit 1025, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Communication from the European Patent Office dated Feb. 13, 2008, in European Patent Application No. 06254511.6, Covidien Exhibit 1026, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Patent Owner Response filed Jun. 29, 2011, in European Patent Application No. 10178489.0, Covidien Exhibit 1027, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Communication from the European Patent Office dated Nov. 29, 2010, in European Patent Application No. 10178489.0, Covidien Exhibit 1028, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Patent Owner's Response filed Jul. 26, 2011, in European Patent Application No. 10179946.8, Covidien Exhibit 1029, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Communication from the European Patent Office dated Dec. 2, 2010, in European Patent Application No. 10179946.8, Covidien Exhibit 1030, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Rebuttal Declaration of Henry Bolanos, Covidien Exhibit 1031, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Patent Owner's Submission dated Mar. 1, 2010 from a suit in Germany relating to European Patent No. EP 0 337 612 (German Patent No. DE 689 07 255)(including English-language translation and Certificate of Translation), Covidien Exhibit 1032, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Expert Report of William David Kelly dated Feb. 8, 2006 from a suit in Germany relating to European Patent No. EP 0 337 612 (German Patent No. DE 689 07 255), Covidien Exhibit 1033, filed Feb. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Petitioner's Demonstrative Exhibits, filed Apr. 7, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Patent Owner's Demonstrative Exhibits, filed Apr. 7, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Oral Hearing Transcript, held Apr. 10, 2014, entered May 9, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Final Written Decision 35 U.S.C. § 318(a) and 37 C.F.R. § 42.73, entered Jun. 9, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.'s Notice of Appeal, filed Aug. 5, 2014; IPR 2013-00209.
“ATM-MPLS Network Interworking Version 2.0, of-aic-0178.001” ATM Standard, The ATM Forum Technical Committee, published Aug. 2003.
“Understanding the Requirements of ISO/IEC 14443 for Type B Proximity Contactless Identification Cards,” retrieved from https://www.digchip.com/application-notes/22/15746.php on Mar. 2, 2020, pp. 1-28 (Nov. 2005).
A.V. Kasture and S.G. Wadodkar, Pharmaceutical Chemistry—II: Second Year Diploma in Pharmacy, Nirali Prakashan, p. 339, 2007.
Adeeb, et al., “An Inductive Link-Based Wireless Power Transfer System for Biomedical Applications,” Research Article, Nov. 14, 2011, pp. 1-12, vol. 2012, Article ID 879294, Hindawi Publishing Corporation.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC, Automotive Full Bridge MOSFET Driver, A3941-DS, Rev. 5, 21 pages, http://www.allegromicro.com/˜/media/Files/Datasheets/A3941-Datasheet.ashx?la=en.
Anonymous, Analog Devices Wiki, Chapter 11: The Current Mirror, Aug. 20, 2017, 22 pages. https://wiki.analog.com/university/courses/electronics/text/chapter-11?rev=1503222341.
Anonymous: “Sense & Control Application Note Current Sensing Using Linear Hall Sensors,” Feb. 3, 2009, pp. 1-18. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Current_Sensing_Rev.1.1.pdf?fileId=db3a304332d040720132d939503e5f17 [retrieved on Oct. 18, 2016].
Arrow Sign Icon Next Button, by Blan-k, shutterstock.com [online], published on or before Aug. 6, 2014, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL:https://www.shutterstock.com/de/image-vector/arrow-sign-icon-next-button-navigation-207700303?irgwc=1&utm . . . see PDF in file for full URL] (Year: 2014).
ASTM procedure D2240-00, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness,” (Published Aug. 2000).
ASTM procedure D2240-05, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness,” (Published Apr. 2010).
B.R. Coolman, DVM, MS et al., “Comparison of Skin Staples With Sutures for Anastomosis of the Small Intestine in Dogs,” Abstract; http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1053/jvet.2000.7539?cookieSet=1&journalCode=vsu which redirects to http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119040681/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0; [online] accessed: Sep. 22, 2008 (2 pages).
Biomedical Coatings, Fort Wayne Metals, Research Products Corporation, obtained online at www.fwmetals.com on Jun. 21, 2010 (1 page).
Brar et al., “Investigation of the mechanical and degradation properties of Mg—Sr and Mg—Zn—Sr alloys for use as potential biodegradable implant materials,” J. Mech. Behavior of Biomed. Mater. 7 (2012) pp. 87-95.
Breedveld et al., “A New, Easily Miniaturized Sterrable Endoscope,” IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine (Nov./Dec. 2005).
Byrne et al., “Molecular Imprinting Within Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 149-161.
C.C. Thompson et al., “Peroral Endoscopic Reduction of Dilated Gastrojejunal Anastomosis After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Possible New Option for Patients with Weight Regain,” Surg Endosc (2006) vol. 20., pp. 1744-1748.
Chen et al., “Elastomeric Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering,” Progress in Polymer Science 38 (2013), pp. 584-671.
Covidien “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System, A Guide for Surgeons,” (6 pages).
Covidien “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System, Cleaning and Sterilization Guide,” (2 pages).
Covidien Brochure “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System,” (6 pages).
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Curved Tip Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology and Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Staplers,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 1 page.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Reloads with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Black Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (2012), 2 pages.
Covidien Brochure, “Endo GIA™ Ultra Universal Stapler,” (2010), 2 pages.
Covidien iDrive™ Ultra in Service Reference Card, “iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling Device,” (4 pages).
Covidien iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System ibrochure, “The Power of iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System and Tri-Staple™ Technology,” (23 pages).
Cuper et al., “The Use of Near-Infrared Light for Safe and Effective Visualization of Subsurface Blood Vessels to Facilitate Blood Withdrawal in Children,” Medical Engineering & Physics, vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 433-440 (2013).
D. Tuite, Ed., “Get the Lowdown on Ultracapacitors,” Nov. 15, 2007; [online] URL: http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/Print.cfm?ArticleID=17465, accessed Jan. 15, 2008 (5 pages).
Data Sheet of LM4F230H5QR, 2007.
Datasheet for Panasonic TK Relays Ultra Low Profile 2 A Polarized Relay, Copyright Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (Known of at least as early as Aug. 17, 2010), 5 pages.
Disclosed Anonymously, “Motor-Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements,” Research Disclosure Database No. 526041, Published: Feb. 2008.
Ebara, “Carbohydrate-Derived Hydrogels and Microgels,” Engineered Carbohydrate-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications: Polymers, Surfaes, Dendrimers, Nanoparticles, and Hydrogels, Edited by Ravin Narain, 2011, pp. 337-345.
Elite Icons, by smart/icons, iconfinder.com [online], published on Aug. 18, 2016, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://www.iconfinder.com/iconsets/elite] (Year: 2016).
Fast, Versatile Blackfin Processors Handle Advanced RFID Reader Applications; Analog Dialogue: vol. 40—Sep. 2006; http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/40-09/rfid.pdf; Wayback Machine to Feb. 15, 2012.
Fischer, Martin H, “Colloid-Chemical Studies on Soaps”, The Chemical Engineer, pp. 184-193, Aug. 1919.
Foot and Ankle: Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics; by DiGiovanni MD, Elsevier; (p. 27, left column, heading “Materials for Soft Orthoses”, 7th bullet point); (Year: 2007).
Forum discussion regarding “Speed Is Faster”, published on Oct. 1, 2014 and retrieved on Nov. 8, 2019 from URL https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/199018/how-is-that-correct-speed-is-faster-or-prices-are-cheaper (Year: 2014).
Gao et al., “Mechanical Signature Enhancement of Response Vibrations in the Time Lag Domain,” Fifth International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Dec. 15-18, 1997, pp. 1-8.
Hoffman, “Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 43 (2002) pp. 3-12.
Hoffman, “Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 3-12.
Honda HS1332AT and ATD Model Info, powerequipment.honda.com [online], published on or before Mar. 22, 2016, [retrieved on May 31, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hss1332at-hss1332atd] {Year: 2016).
http://ninpgan.net/publications/51-100/89.pdf; 2004, Ning Pan, On Uniqueness of Fibrous Materials, Design & Nature II. Eds: Colins, M. and Brebbia, C. WIT Press, Boston, 493-504.
IEEE Std 802.3—2012 (Revision of IEEE Std 802.3—2008, published Dec. 28, 2012.
Indian Standard: Automotive Vehicles—Brakes and Braking Systems (IS 11852-1:2001), Mar. 1, 2001.
Jauchem, J.R., “Effects of low-level radio-frequency (3 kHz to 300 GHz) enery on human cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and other systems: A review of the recent literatured,” Int. J. Hyg. Environ. Health 211 (2008) 1-29.
Jeong et al., “Thermosensitive Sol-Gel Reversible Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 37-51.
Kawamura, Atsuo, et al. “Wireless Transmission of Power and Information Through One High-Frequency Resonant AC Link Inverter for Robot Manipulator Applications,” Journal, May/Jun. 1996, pp. 503-508, vol. 32, No. 3, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.
Lee, Youbok, “Antenna Circuit Design for RFID Applications,” 2003, pp. 1-50, DS00710C, Microchip Technology Inc., Available: http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00710c.pdf.
Ludois, Daniel C., “Capacitive Power Transfer for Rotor Field Current in Synchronous Machines,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, USA, vol. 27, No. 11, Nov. 1, 2012, pp. 4638-4645.
Lyon et al. “The Relationship Between Current Load and Temperature for Quasi-Steady State and Transient Conditions,” SPIE—International Society for Optical Engineering. Proceedings, vol. 4020, (pp. 62-70), Mar. 30, 2000.
Matsuda, “Thermodynamics of Formation of Porous Polymeric Membrane from Solutions,” Polymer Journal, vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 435-444 (1991).
Miyata et al., “Biomolecule-Sensitive Hydrogels,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 54 (2002) pp. 79-98.
Mouser Electronics, “LM317 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator with Overcurrent/Overtemperature Self Protection”, Sep. 30, 2016 (Sep. 30, 2016), XP0555246104, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/405/lm317m-440423.pdf, pp. 1-9.
Mouser Electronics, “LM317M 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator with Overcurrent/Overtemperature Self Protection”, Mar. 31, 2014 (Mar. 31, 2014), XP0555246104, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/405/lm317m-440423.pdf, pp. 1-8.
NF Monographs: Sodium Stearate, U.S. Pharmacopeia, http://www.pharmacopeia.cn/v29240/usp29nf24s0_m77360.html, accessed May 23, 2016.
Patrick J. Sweeney: “RFID for Dummies”, Mar. 11, 2010, pp. 365-365, XP055150775, ISBN: 978-1-11-805447-5, Retrieved from the Internet: URL: books.google.de/books?isbn=1118054474 [retrieved on Nov. 4, 2014]—book not attached.
Pellicer et al. “On the biodegradability, mechanical behavior, and cytocompatibility of amorphous Mg72Zn23Ca5 and crystalline Mg70Zn23Ca5Pd2 alloys as temporary implant materials,” J Biomed Mater Res Part A ,2013:101A:502-517.
Peppas, “Physiologically Responsive Hydrogels,” Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, vol. 6 (Jul. 1991) pp. 241-246.
Peppas, Editor “Hydrogels in Medicine and Pharmacy,” vol. I, Fundamentals, CRC Press, 1986.
Pitt et al., “Attachment of Hyaluronan to Metallic Surfaces,” J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 68A: pp. 95-106, 2004.
Pushing Pixels (GIF), published on dribble.com, 2013.
Qiu et al., “Environment-Sensitive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 53 (2001) pp. 321-339.
Qiu Li Loh et al.: “Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Role of Porosity and Pore Size”, Tissue Engineering Part B—Reviews, vol. 19, No. 6, Dec. 1, 2013, pp. 485-502.
Rotary Systems: Sealed Slip Ring Categories, Rotary Systems, May 22, 2017, retrieved from the internet: http://web.archive.org/we/20170522174710/http:/rotarysystems.com: 80/slip-rings/sealed/, retrieved on Aug. 12, 2020, pp. 1-2.
Sandvik, “Welding Handbook,” https://www.meting.rs/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/welding-handbook.pdf, retrieved on Jun. 22, 2020. pp. 5-6.
Schellhammer et al., “Poly-Lactic-Acid for Coating of Endovascular Stents: Preliminary Results in Canine Experimental Av-Fistulae,” Mat.-wiss. u. Werkstofftech., 32, pp. 193-199 (2001).
Schroeter, John, “Demystifying UHF Gen 2 RFID, HF RFID,” Online Article, Jun. 2, 2008, pp. 1-3, <https://www.edn.com/design/industrial-control/4019123/Demystifying-UHF-Gen-2-RFID-HF-RFID>.
Seils et al., Covidien Summary: Clinical Study “UCONN Biodynamics: Final Report on Results,” (2 pages).
Serial Communication Protocol; Michael Lemmon Feb. 1, 2009; http://www3.nd.edu/˜lemmon/courses/ee224/web-manual/web-manual/lab12/node2.html; Wayback Machine to Apr. 29, 2012.
Slow Safety Sign, shutterstock.com [online], published on or before May 9, 2017, [retrieved on May 31, 2019], retrieved from the https://www.shutterstock.com/image-victor/slow-safety-sign-twodimensional-turtle-symbolizing- . . . see PDF in file for full URL] (Year: 2017).
Sodium stearate C18H35NaO2, Chemspider Search and Share Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry, pp. 1-3, 2015, http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.12639.html, accessed May 23, 2016.
Solorio et al., “Gelatin Microspheres Crosslinked with Genipin for Local Delivery of Growth Factors,” J. Tissue Eng. Regen. Med. (2010), 4(7): pp. 514-523.
Texas Instruments: “Current Recirculation and Decay Modes,” Application Report SLVA321—Mar. 2009; Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slva321/slva321 [retrieved on Apr. 25, 2017], 7 pages.
The Sodem Aseptic Battery Transfer Kit, Sodem Systems, 2000, 3 pages.
Trendafilova et al., “Vibration-based Methods for Structural and Machinery Fault Diagnosis Based on Nonlinear Dynamics Tools,” In: Fault Diagnosis in Robotic and Industrial Systems, IConcept Press LTD, 2012, pp. 1-29.
Tutorial overview of inductively coupled RFID Systems, UPM, May 2003, pp. 1-7, UPM Rafsec,<http://cdn.mobiusconsulting.com/papers/rfidsystems.pdf>.
V.K. Ahluwalia and Madhuri Goyal, A Textbook of Organic Chemistry, Section 19.11.3, p. 356, 2000.
Van Meer et al., “A Disposable Plastic Compact Wrist for Smart Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools,” LAAS/CNRS (Aug. 2005).
Warning Sign Beveled Buttons, by Peter, flarestock.com [online], published on or before Jan. 1, 2017, [retrieved on Jun. 4, 2019], retrieved from the Internet [URL: https://www.flarestock.com/stock-images/warning-sign-beveled-buttons/70257] (Year: 2017).
Yan et al, Comparison of the effects of Mg—6Zn and Ti—3Al—2.5V alloys on TGF-β/TNF-α/VEGF/b-FGF in the healing of the intestinal track in vivo, Biomed. Mater. 9 (2014), 11 pages.
Yan et al., “Comparison of the effects of Mg—6Zn and titanium on intestinal tract in vivo,” J Mater Sci: Mater Med (2013), 11 pages.
Yang et al.; “4D printing reconfigurable, deployable and mechanically tunable metamaterials,” Material Horizions, vol. 6, pp. 1244-1250 (2019).
Young, “Microcellular foams via phase separation,” Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 4(3), (May/Jun. 1986).
Youtube.com; video by Fibran (retrieved from URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN2Qjt51gFQ); (Year: 2018).
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20190343518 A1 Nov 2019 US
Continuations (3)
Number Date Country
Parent 15457315 Mar 2017 US
Child 16426514 US
Parent 14206713 Mar 2014 US
Child 15457315 US
Parent 13118278 May 2011 US
Child 14206713 US
Continuation in Parts (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 11711979 Feb 2007 US
Child 13118278 US
Parent 11216562 Aug 2005 US
Child 11711979 US