Surgical stapling assembly with cartridge based retainer configured to unlock a firing lockout

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11369377
  • Patent Number
    11,369,377
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, June 26, 2019
    5 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, June 28, 2022
    2 years ago
Abstract
A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed that comprises a retainer that is configured to be removably mounted to a staple cartridge that is configured to be operably seated in a stapling device. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a first firing member lockout provided the stapling device. The stapling device further comprises a second lockout that is configured to prevent the firing member of the device from advancing through a staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in said stapling device.
Description
BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system;



FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;



FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of a handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;



FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2;



FIG. 5 is another partial exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 4;



FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of a surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6;



FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 showing the first lockout spring in retaining engagement with a firing member thereof and prior to insertion of a surgical staple cartridge into a first jaw of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 9 is a top view of the portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8;



FIG. 10 is an exploded view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8 showing an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly that comprises a retainer that is attached to a staple cartridge wherein an authentication key on the retainer is engaging the first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 10;



FIG. 12 is a top view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 11;



FIG. 13 is a side view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 11;



FIG. 14 is another top view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8 illustrating an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 8 into the first jaw of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 15 is another top view of the portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 14 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge that is operably seated in the first jaw of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 with a spent staple cartridge seated in the first jaw and the firing member in a starting position;



FIG. 17 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and spent staple cartridge of FIG. 16 showing a second firing member lockout in a locked position, wherein the firing member is prevented from moving distally during a staple firing stroke;



FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 with an unfired staple cartridge seated in the first jaw and the firing member in a starting position;



FIG. 19 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and unfired staple cartridge of FIG. 18 showing the second firing member lockout in an unlocked position, wherein a sled in the staple cartridge is in unlocking engagement with the firing member;



FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 21 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 20 during an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly comprising a retainer attached to a staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 22 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 21 after the cartridge assembly has been seated in a first jaw of the surgical stapling device and prior to removal of the retainer from the staple cartridge;



FIG. 23 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 22 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge;



FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a proximal end of another staple cartridge;



FIG. 25 is a partial side elevational view showing an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 24 into a surgical stapling device with a first firing member lockout thereof in an engaged or locked position;



FIG. 26 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 25, with the staple cartridge of FIG. 24 operably seated therein and the first firing member lockout in a disengaged or unlocked position;



FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 28 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 27 illustrating a first lockout arm of a first lockout in a jaw locking position;



FIG. 29 is a top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 28 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;



FIG. 30 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position;



FIG. 31 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;



FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of a proximal end of a cartridge assembly comprising another retainer attached to a staple cartridge;



FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of a proximal end portion of the retainer of FIG. 32;



FIG. 34 is a top view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 33;



FIG. 35 is a side view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 34;



FIG. 36 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 during an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 32 therein;



FIG. 37 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 36 after the cartridge assembly has been seated therein;



FIG. 38 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 37 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge seated therein;



FIG. 38A is a top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 37 with another cartridge assembly seated therein;



FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;



FIG. 40 is a top view of another surgical stapling device illustrating an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39 therein;



FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 40;



FIG. 42 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 40 with the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 39 operably seated therein;



FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;



FIG. 44 is a partial perspective view showing the staple cartridge of FIG. 43 operably seated in another surgical stapling device;



FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 44 with a first lockout arm of the stapling device retained in a jaw closure position;



FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 44, during an initial insertion of the staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;



FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 48 with a first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device retained in a jaw locking position;



FIG. 50 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49, with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;



FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position and an anvil thereof in a closed position;



FIG. 52 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49 illustrating an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly comprising a retainer attached to a staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 53 is a partial perspective view of a proximal end of the retainer of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 52;



FIG. 54 is a top view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 53;



FIG. 55 is a side view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 54;



FIG. 56 is a top view of another surgical stapling device wherein a first lockout arm is supported in an opposite side of the surgical stapling device and during an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 52 therein;



FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 57;



FIG. 59 is a partial side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 57 with a first lockout spring thereof in locking engagement with a firing member of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 60 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 59 with the first lockout spring in the engaged or locked position;



FIG. 61 is an exploded view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 60 showing an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly that comprises a retainer attached to a staple cartridge, wherein an authentication key on the retainer is engaging the first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 62 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 60 illustrating an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 61 therein;



FIG. 63 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 62 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge seated in the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 64 is an exploded view of a surgical system;



FIGS. 64A-64ZZ illustrate examples of various amounts of spaces that are available for authentication key arrangements of various staple cartridges as used in connection with different surgical stapling devices;



FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;



FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;



FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of a first jaw of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;



FIG. 68 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 with a first lockout arm thereof in a jaw locking position;



FIG. 69 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 68 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;



FIG. 70 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 69 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position and an anvil thereof in a closed position;



FIG. 71 is an end elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device with the first lockout arm thereof in the jaw locking position;



FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge that may be employed in connection with the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;



FIG. 73 is a top view of a portion of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 illustrating an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 72 therein;



FIG. 74 is another top view of the first lockout arm in engagement with an upper ramp feature of an authentication key of the staple cartridge;



FIG. 75 is another top view of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 during further insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 72 therein;



FIG. 76 is another top view of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 in the jaw closure position after the staple cartridge has been operably seated in the surgical stapling device;



FIG. 77 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the first lockout arm of FIG. 76 during closure of an anvil of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;



FIG. 78 is a partial top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 77 with a portion of the anvil shown in cross-section;



FIG. 78A is a perspective view of another retainer embodiment attached to another staple cartridge embodiment;



FIG. 78B is a perspective view of another staple cartridge embodiment; and



FIG. 78C is a top view of the staple cartridge embodiment of FIG. 78B.





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


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 26, 2019 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,273, entitled METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AUTHENTICATION LOCKOUT IN A SURGICAL STAPLER WITH A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261080;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,289, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261082;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,302, entitled UNIVERSAL CARTRIDGE BASED KEY FEATURE THAT UNLOCKS MULTIPLE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS IN DIFFERENT SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261075;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,310, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINERS WITH FRANGIBLE RETENTION FEATURES AND METHODS OF USING SAME, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261083;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,330, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FRANGIBLE AUTHENTICATION KEY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261084;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,335, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH RETRACTABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261078;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,343, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER SYSTEM WITH AUTHENTICATION KEYS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261085;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,355, entitled INSERTABLE DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261086;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,369, entitled DUEL CAM CARTRIDGE BASED FEATURE FOR UNLOCKING A SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261076;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,391, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH CAM SURFACES CONFIGURED TO ENGAGE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PORTIONS OF A LOCKOUT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261077;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,413, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH MOVABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261087;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,423, entitled DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR DEFEATING SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261088; and


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/453,429, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH INTEGRAL AUTHENTICATION KEYS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0261089


Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Design Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 25, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:


U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,066, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FIRING SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY;


U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,067, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY; and


U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/696,072, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE.


Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Feb. 21, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,658, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,670, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,675, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,685, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,693, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,704, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,707, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT,


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,741, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,762, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,660, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,666, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,672, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,678, entitled ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND FRAME ENGAGEMENT FEATURES; and


U.S. patent application e Ser. No. 16/281,682, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING.


Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.


The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.


The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.


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


A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.


The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.


The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.


Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.



FIG. 1 illustrates the surgical instrument 1010 that includes an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled to a housing 1012. FIG. 2 illustrates the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 detached from the housing 1012 or handle 1014. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 1016 and 1018 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 1016, 1018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1019. FIGS. 1 and 3 depict a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1010 that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument 1010 includes a previous housing 1012 that comprises a handle 1014 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. The housing 1012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that has a surgical end effector 1300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. In addition, various components may be “housed” or contained in the housing or various components may be “associated with” a housing. In such instances, the components may not be contained within the housing or supported directly by the housing. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, that is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.


The previous housing 1012 depicted in FIG. 1 is shown in connection with an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) that includes an end effector 1300 that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 1350 therein. The housing 1012 may be configured for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies that include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. In addition, the housing 1012 may also be effectively employed with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies including those assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 1014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.


Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may further include a frame 1020 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 1020 can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 1030, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1030 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 that is pivotally supported by the frame 1020. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the closure trigger 1032 is pivotally coupled to the handle 1014 by a pin 1033. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger 1032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the closure trigger 1032 may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 1032 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 1030 further includes a closure linkage assembly 1034 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the closure linkage assembly 1034 may include a first closure link 1036 and a second closure link 1038 that are pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. The second closure link 1038 may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member” and include a transverse attachment pin 1037.


Still referring to FIG. 3, it can be observed that the first closure link 1036 may have a locking wall or end 1039 thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 1060 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 1020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1060 may comprise a release button assembly 1062 that has a distally protruding locking pawl 1064 formed thereon. The release button assembly 1062 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the first closure link 1036 pivots upward to a point wherein the locking pawl 1064 drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036 thereby preventing the closure trigger 1032 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 1060 serves to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1032 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the release button assembly 1062 such that the locking pawl 1064 is moved out of engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036. When the locking pawl 1064 has been moved out of engagement with the first closure link 1036, the closure trigger 1032 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.


An arm 1061 may extend from the release button assembly 1062. A magnetic element 1063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 1061. When the release button assembly 1062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 1063 can move toward a circuit board 1100. The circuit board 1100 can include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall Effect” sensor (not shown) can be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 1100. The Hall Effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall Effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 1063. The Hall Effect sensor can be in signal communication with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the release button assembly 1062 is in its first position, which is associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first position and the second position.


In at least one form, the handle 1014 and the frame 1020 may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system 1080 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system 1080 may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system 1080 may employ an electric motor 1082 that is located in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014. In various forms, the motor 1082 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 1082 may be powered by a power source 1090 that in one form may comprise a removable power pack 1092. As can be seen in FIG. 3, for example, the power pack 1092 may comprise a proximal housing portion 1094 that is configured for attachment to a distal housing portion 1096. The proximal housing portion 1094 and the distal housing portion 1096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. Batteries 1098 may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 1096 is configured for removable operable attachment to the circuit board 1100 which is also operably coupled to the motor 1082. A number of batteries 1098 may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical instrument 1010. In addition, the power source 1090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.


As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 1082 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 1084 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1122 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 1120. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the power source 1090 can operate the electric motor 1082 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 1082 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 1082 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1120 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 82 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 1120 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 1014 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 by the power source 1090. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 1014 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 1120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1120 is being moved.


Actuation of the motor 1082 can be controlled by a firing trigger 1130 that is pivotally supported on the handle 1014. The firing trigger 1130 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1130 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring 1132 or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1130, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 1132 or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1130 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 1032 as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 1134 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 1032 by the pin 1035. The safety button 1134 may be positioned between the firing trigger 1130 and the closure trigger 1032 and have a pivot arm 1136 protruding therefrom. See FIG. 3. When the closure trigger 1032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1134 is contained in the handle 1014 where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 1130 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 1130 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1134 and the firing trigger 1130 pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.


As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 has a rack of teeth 1122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly 1140 that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 should the motor 1082 become disabled. The bailout assembly 1140 may include a lever or bailout handle assembly 1142 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the rack of teeth 1122 also provided in the drive member 1120. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 1120 by using the bailout handle assembly 1142 to ratchet the drive member 1120 in the proximal direction “PD”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.


Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 5, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a surgical end effector 1300 that comprises an elongate frame 1310 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1350 therein. The end effector 1300 may further include an anvil 2000 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate frame 1310. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020 and an articulation lock 2140 which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1300 in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA. Examples of various features of at least one form of the end effector 1300, the articulation joint 3020 and articulation locks may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 comprised of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203.


The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a closure system or closure member assembly 3000 which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 2000 of the end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 can include a spine 1210 that is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member therein and, two, slidably support the closure member assembly 3000 which extends around the spine 1210. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a distal end 1212 of spine 1210 terminates in an upper lug mount feature 1270 and in a lower lug mount feature 1280. The upper lug mount feature 1270 is formed with a lug slot 1272 therein that is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link 1274 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 1280 is formed with a lug slot 1282 therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower mounting link 1284 therein. The upper mounting link 1274 includes a pivot socket 1276 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin 1292 that is formed on a frame cap or anvil retainer 1290 that is attached to a proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. The lower mounting link 1284 includes lower pivot pin 1286 that adapted to be received within a pivot hole 1314 formed in the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. See FIG. 5. The lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1276 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 1300 may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 2.


In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1300 is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA by an articulation system 2100. In one form, the articulation system 2100 includes proximal articulation driver 2102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 2120. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 5, an offset attachment lug 2114 is formed on a distal end 2110 of the proximal articulation driver 2102. A pivot hole 2116 is formed in the offset attachment lug 2114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2124 formed on the proximal end 2122 of the articulation link 2120. A distal end 2126 of the articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2128 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a frame pin 1317 formed on the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. Thus, axial movement of proximal articulation driver 2102 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate frame 1310 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 1300 to articulate about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine 1210. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the articulation system 2100 may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein including U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 2102 can be held in position by an articulation lock 2140 when the proximal articulation driver 2102 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions. Additional details regarding an example of an articulation lock 2140 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.


In various circumstances, the spine 1210 can comprise a proximal end 1211 which is rotatably supported in a chassis 1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 has a thread 1214 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing 1216 configured to be supported within the chassis 1240. See FIG. 4. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 1210 to the chassis 1240 such that the spine 1210 may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1240.


Referring primarily to FIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1240 such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. The closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 1252 that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin 1037 (FIG. 3) that is attached to the second closure link 1038 as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly 3000 comprises a proximal closure member segment 3010 that has a proximal end 3012 that is coupled to the closure shuttle 1250 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U shaped connector 1263 is inserted into an annular slot 3014 in the proximal end 3012 of the proximal closure member segment 3010 and is retained within vertical slots 1253 in the closure shuttle 1250. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure member segment 3010 to the closure shuttle 1250 for axial travel therewith while enabling the proximal closure member segment 3010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1250 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring 1268 is journaled on the proximal closure member segment 3010 and serves to bias the proximal closure member segment 3010 in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 1032 into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle 1014.


In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020. Other interchangeable shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in FIG. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 3030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member segment 3010. The articulation joint 3020 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022 includes an end effector closure tube 3050 having upper and lower proximally projecting tangs 3052, 3054. An upper double pivot link 3056 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang 3052 and an upper proximal pin hole 3032 in an upper distally projecting tang 3031 on the distal closure tube segment 3030. A lower double pivot link 3058 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang 3054 and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang 3034. See FIGS. 4 and 5. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure member assembly 3000 is translated distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil 2000, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 1032. The anvil 2000 is opened by proximally translating the closure member assembly 3000 which causes the end effector closure tube 3050 to interact with the anvil 2000 and pivot it to an open position.


As was also indicated above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 further includes a firing member 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the spine 1210. The firing member 1900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1910. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may include a longitudinal slot 1223 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab 1912 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1910. The longitudinal slot 1223 and the proximal end tab 1912 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1914. The slip joint 1914 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the firing member 1900 to be moved to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 1910. Once the end effector 1300 has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1223 comes into contact with the tab 1912 in order to advance the knife bar 1910 and fire the staple cartridge 1350 positioned within the frame 1310. The knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1920 that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge 1922 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 1924 and lower frame engagement tabs 1926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references incorporated herein by reference.


As can be seen in FIG. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 1500 that is rotatably received on proximal closure member segment 3010. The switch drum 1500 comprises a hollow shaft segment 1502 that has a shaft boss formed thereon for receive an outwardly protruding actuation pin therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin extends through a longitudinal slot provided in the lock sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve when it is engaged with the articulation driver. A rotary torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage the boss on the switch drum 1500 and a portion of the nozzle 1201 to apply a biasing force to the switch drum 1500. The switch drum 1500 can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 1506 defined therein which can be configured to receive circumferential mounts extending from the nozzle portions 1202, 1203 and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum 1500 and the nozzle 1201. The mounts also extend through openings 3011 in the proximal closure member segment 3010 to be seated in recesses 1219 in the spine 1210. Rotation of the switch drum 1500 about the shaft axis SA will ultimately result in the rotation of the actuation pin and the lock sleeve between its engaged and disengaged positions. In one arrangement, the rotation of the switch drum 1500 may be linked to the axial advancement of the closure tube or closure member. Thus, in essence, actuation of the closure system may operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK and U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, when the closure member segment 3010 is in its proximal-most position corresponding to a “jaws open” position, the closure member segment 3010 will have positioned the switch drum 1500 so as to link the articulation system with the firing drive system. When, the closure tube has been moved to its distal position corresponding to a “jaws closed” position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position wherein the articulation system is delinked from the firing drive system.


As also illustrated in FIG. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 can comprise a slip ring assembly 1600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 1300 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 1300, for example. The slip ring assembly 1600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 1604 that is mounted to a chassis flange 1242 that extends from the chassis 1240 and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housings. The proximal connector flange 1604 can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange can comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 1604 about the shaft axis SA. The proximal connector flange 1604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined in the first face thereof. A connector can be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 1604 and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange 1604 can include an electrical connector 1606 which can place the conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to the shaft chassis 1240, for example. In at least one instance, a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector 1606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in the chassis flange 1242. See FIG. 4. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 1600 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.


As discussed above, the shaft assembly 1200 can include a proximal portion which is fixably mounted to the handle 1014 and a distal portion which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 1600, as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 1600 can be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Moreover, further to the above, the switch drum 1500 can also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum 1500 can be rotated synchronously with one another. In addition, the switch drum 1500 can be rotated between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switch drum 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system may be operably engaged with the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is moved between its first position and its second position, the switch drum 1500 is moved relative to distal connector flange. In various instances, the shaft assembly 1200 can comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum 1500.


Referring again to FIG. 4, the chassis 1240 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 1702 formed within a distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See FIG. 3. Each dovetail slot 1702 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped to seatingly receive the attachment portions 1244 therein. As can be further seen in FIG. 4, a shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1014, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1126 formed in a distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. See FIG. 3.


Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system 1710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 1200 to the housing 1012 and more specifically to the frame 1020. As can be seen in FIG. 4, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1710 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1712 that is movably coupled to the chassis 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1712 has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs 1714. The legs 1714 each have a pivot lug 1715 formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1245 formed in the chassis 1240. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1712 to the chassis 1240. The lock yoke 1712 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 1716 that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See FIG. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke 1712 is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke 1712 may be accomplished by a latch button 1722 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 that is mounted to the chassis 1240. The latch button 1722 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 1712 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button in the distal direction which also causes the lock yoke 1712 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. When the lock yoke 1712 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020, the lock lugs 1716 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange portion 1700.


When employing an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector of the type described herein that is adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use the clinician may actuate the closure trigger 1032 to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 1300 in a desired orientation, the clinician may then fully actuate the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 2000 and clamp the target tissue in position for cutting and stapling. In that instance, the first drive system 1030 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 1300, it may be desirable to prevent the inadvertent detachment of the shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. One form of the latch system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent detachment.


As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 4, the lock yoke 1712 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1718 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1256 that are formed on the closure shuttle 1250. When the closure shuttle 1250 is in an unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is unactuated and the anvil 2000 is open), the lock yoke 1712 may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. When in that position, the lock hooks 1718 do not contact the lock lug portions 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250. However, when the closure shuttle 1250 is moved to an actuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is actuated and the anvil 2000 is in the closed position), the lock yoke 1712 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke 1712 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1712 was inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1718 on the lock yoke 1712 will contact the lock lug portions 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250 and prevent movement of the lock yoke 1712 to an unlocked position.


Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014 will now be described. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis 1240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 above or adjacent to the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020 such that the tapered attachment portions 1244 formed on the chassis 1240 are aligned with the dovetail slots 1702 in the frame 1020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 1200 along an installation axis that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions 1244 in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 will also be seated in the cradle 1126 in the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 and the portions of the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038 will be seated in the corresponding hooks 1252 in the closure shuttle 1250. As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure.


At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1014. A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly 1200 with the frame 1020 of the handle 1014. Another system can comprise a closure drive system 1030 which can operably connect the closure trigger 1032 of the handle 1014 and the closure tube 3050 and the anvil 2000 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure shuttle 1250 of the shaft assembly 1200 can be engaged with the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038. Another system can comprise the firing drive system 1080 which can operably connect the firing trigger 1130 of the handle 1014 with the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 1226 can be operably connected with the cradle 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. Another system can comprise an electrical system which can signal to a controller in the handle 1014, such as microcontroller, for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, has been operably engaged with the handle 1014 and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1014. For instance, the shaft assembly 1200 can include an electrical connector 1810 that is operably mounted to the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1810 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector 1800 on the control circuit board 1100. Further details regaining the circuitry and control systems may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, the entire disclosures of each which were previously incorporated by reference herein. The fifth system may consist of the latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014.


The anvil 2000 in the illustrated example includes an anvil body 2002 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 2010. The anvil mounting portion 2010 is movably or pivotably supported on the elongate frame 1310 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 2012 extends laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion 2010 to be received in a corresponding trunnion cradle 1316 formed in the upstanding walls 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. The anvil trunnions 2012 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion cradle 1316 by the frame cap or anvil retainer 1290. The frame cap or anvil retainer 1290 includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or notches formed in the upstanding walls 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. See FIG. 5.


Still referring to FIG. 5, in at least one arrangement, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube 3050 employs two axially offset, proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 3060 and 3062. The positive jaw opening features 3060, 3062 are configured to interact with corresponding relieved areas and stepped portions formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010 as described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure which has been herein incorporated by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.


The disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232200, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232199, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232197, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232195, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, filed on May 20, 3003, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0085123, entitled ARTICULATING SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A TWO-PIECE E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on Aug. 17, 2017 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.


Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 4000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 4000 may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. The surgical stapling assembly 4000 may be employed in connection with electrically controlled, battery powered, manually powered, and/or robotically-controlled surgical instruments in the various forms disclosed in the aforementioned incorporated disclosures, for example. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the surgical stapling assembly 4000 comprises a surgical stapling device generally designated as 4002 that comprises a first jaw, or frame 4010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw 4010 may be attached to a spine of the shaft assembly of a surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein as well as in the various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 4010 is attached to the spine portion of the shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 6), by a shaft mount flange 4030 that is pinned by a pin 4032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 4014 of the first jaw 4010. In particular, pin 4032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 4021 in upstanding sidewalls 4020 of the first jaw 4010 as well as through hole 4031 in the shaft mount flange 4030. The shaft mount flange 4030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 4010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. Other methods of attaching and operably interfacing the surgical device 4002 with a shaft of a surgical instrument may also be employed. For example, the stapling device 4002 may be attached to the shaft assembly such that the stapling device (sometimes also referred to as an “end effector”) is not capable of articulating relative to the shaft assembly.


Still referring to FIG. 6, the surgical stapling device 4002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar 4042 that is attached to a knife member or “firing member” 4050. The knife bar 4042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 4042 and firing member 4050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 4042 and firing member 4050 proximally to a starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 4050 comprises a firing member body 4052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 4053. The firing member 4050 further comprises a foot 4054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 4052 and extends laterally from each side of the firing member body 4052. The firing member 4050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 4056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 4052 that are adapted to engage ledges on an anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 4050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 4058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 4052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 4050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a second jaw or anvil 4100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 4010. The anvil 4100 comprises an anvil body 4102 and an anvil mounting portion 4110. The anvil body 4102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 4104 that has a series of staple forming pockets formed therein (not shown) that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 4110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 4112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion slots 4022 in the upstanding sidewalls 4020 of the first jaw 4010. In the illustrated arrangement, the trunnion slots 4022 are somewhat “kidney-shaped” and facilitate pivotal as well as axial travel of the corresponding trunnion pins 4112 therein. Such pivotal and axial movement of the anvil 4100 may be referred to as “translation” of the anvil during an anvil closure sequence.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 4100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent surgical staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 4010 or an unfired surgical staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position. The anvil 4100 may be movable between the open and closed positions by an axially movable closure member which may comprise an end effector closure tube (not shown) that is part of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument to which the surgical device 4002 is operably attached. For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position by actuating a closure control system in the surgical instrument, the closure member may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 4110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 4110 causes the anvil mounting portion 4110 and the anvil trunnion pins 4112 to pivot and translate up the trunnion slots 4022 until the closure member moves the anvil 4100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 4100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member interfaces with an upstanding tab 4114 on the anvil mounting portion 4110 to return the anvil 4100 to the open position.


One form of surgical staple cartridge 4200 that may be compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a cartridge body 4202 that defines a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface 4204. The cartridge body 4202 further comprises a longitudinal slot 4206 that bisects the cartridge deck surface 4204 and is configured to accommodate axial passage of the firing member 4050 therein between its starting position and an ending position within the cartridge body 4202 during a staple firing stroke. The longitudinal slot 4206 lies along a center axis CA of the cartridge 4200. The surgical staple cartridge 4200 further comprises a series of staple pockets 4208 that are formed in the cartridge body 4202. The staple pockets 4208 may be formed in offset “lines” located on each side of the longitudinal slot 4206. Each staple pocket 4208 may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 4202 is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets 4208 molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets 4208 also open through a bottom of the cartridge body 4202 to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective staple pockets 4208. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets 4208, a cartridge pan 4220 is attached to the cartridge body 4202. In one form, the cartridge pan 4220 is fabricated from a metal material and includes a bottom 4222 that spans across the bottom of the cartridge body 4202. The cartridge pan 4220 also includes two upstanding sidewalls 4224 that correspond to each side of the cartridge body 4202. The cartridge pan 4220 may be removably affixed to the cartridge body 4202 by hooks 4226 that are formed on the sidewalls 4224 and configured to hookingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body 4202. In addition, the cartridge body 4202 may also have lugs or attachment formations protruding therefrom that are configured to retainingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge pan 4220. When installed, the cartridge pan 4220 may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 4202 during handling and installation of the staple cartridge into the first jaw or frame 4010.


Some of the staple drivers operably support a single surgical staple thereon and other staple drivers support more than one surgical staple thereon depending upon the particular cartridge design. Each surgical staple comprises a staple crown and two upstanding staple legs. The staple crown is typically supported on a cradle arrangement formed in a corresponding staple driver such that the legs are vertically oriented toward the anvil when the cartridge is operably seated in the frame 4010. In some arrangements, surgical staples have a somewhat V-shape, wherein the ends of the legs flare slightly outward. Such arrangement may serve to retain the staple in its corresponding staple pocket due to frictional engagement between the legs and the sides of the staple pocket should the cartridge be inadvertently inverted or turned upside down during use. Other surgical staples are roughly U-shaped (the ends of the legs do not flare outward) and may be more susceptible to falling out of the staple pocket should the cartridge be inverted prior to use.


The surgical staple cartridge 4200 further comprises a sled or camming member 4230 that is configured to be axially advanced through the cartridge body 4202 during a staple firing stroke. In a “new”, “fresh” or “unfired” surgical staple cartridge, the sled 4230 is in its proximal-most, “unfired” position. The sled 4230 comprises a plurality of wedges or cam members 4232 that are configured to drivingly engage the corresponding lines of staple drivers in the cartridge body. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 4050 abuts and pushes the sled 4230 distally into camming contact with the staple drivers thereby sequentially driving the staple drivers upward toward the anvil 4100 as the sled 4230 is driven from its unfired position to its distal-most fully fired position within the cartridge body 4202. As the staple drivers are driven upwardly, the staples are driven through the tissue that is clamped between the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 and the anvil 4100 and into forming contact with the staple-forming undersurface 4104 of the anvil 4100. The tissue-cutting knife 4053 on the firing member 4050 cuts through the stapled tissue as the firing member 4050 is driven distally. After the staple firing stroke has been completed, and/or after a sufficient length of the staple firing stroke has been completed, the firing member 4050 is retracted proximally. However, the sled 4230 is not retracted proximally with the firing member 4050. Instead, the sled 4230 is left behind at the distal-most position in which it was pushed by the firing member 4050.


After a staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the frame and then replaced with another replaceable staple cartridge, if desired. At such point, the stapling device can be re-used to continue stapling and incising the patient tissue. In some instances, however, a previously-fired staple cartridge can be accidentally loaded into the frame. If the firing member were to be advanced distally within such a previously-fired staple cartridge, the stapling instrument would cut the patient tissue without stapling it. The stapling instrument would similarly cut the patient tissue without stapling it if the firing member were advanced distally through a staple firing stroke without a staple cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw at all. In addition, various surgical staple cartridges may have different arrays of and/or orientations of staples/fasteners therein. The sizes of the staples or fasteners, as well as the number of fasteners may vary from cartridge type to cartridge type depending upon a particular surgical procedure or application. To ensure that the staples are properly crimped or formed, the surgical staple cartridges must be used in connection with corresponding, compatible anvils that have the proper array of staple-forming pockets therein as well as the proper cutting and firing components. Should a “non-compatible” cartridge be loaded into a surgical stapling device that has an anvil that is mismatched to the staple cartridge, the staples may not be properly formed during the firing process which could lead to catastrophic results. To this end, the surgical stapling assembly 4000 comprises one or more lockouts which prevents this from happening, as discussed in greater detail below.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a first lockout 4300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from moving distally from its proximal-most, starting position unless an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. The first lockout 4300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 4300 comprises a single, bi-lateral first lockout spring 4310 that is supported in the proximal end 4014 of the frame 4010 and attached to the shaft mount flange 4030. In one arrangement for example, the first lockout spring 4310 comprises a first lockout arm 4312 that is located on one side of the cartridge axis CA and a second lockout arm 4314 that is located on an opposite side of the cartridge axis CA. The first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314 are attached to a central body portion 4316. See FIG. 7. The spring 4310 is supported in the first jaw or frame 4010 and affixed to the shaft mount flange 4030 by a pin 4034 that extends through holes 4036 in the shaft mount flange 4030 and through holes 4318 in the first lockout arm 4312 and the second lockout arm 4314. The first lockout arm 4312 and the second lockout arm 4314 each further comprise a lockout window or opening 4320. The lockout windows 4320 are each adapted to receive therein a corresponding central pin 4058 protruding from the adjacent first or second lateral side of the firing member 4050 when the firing member 4050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIGS. 8 and 9.



FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the first lockout 4300 in the locked position wherein the central pins 4058 are received within the lockout windows 4320 in the first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314. In some arrangements, those staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002 or, stated another way, those staple cartridges that have the proper number, size, and arrangement of staples, may have one or more unlocking or “authorization” keys directly formed on the cartridge body and/or on the cartridge pan that are configured to defeat the first lockout when the compatible staple cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame. Various staple cartridges that have unlocking keys protruding therefrom are disclosed below as well as in various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In certain instances, however, the clinician may wish to use staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device, but otherwise lack the unlocking keys. In such instances, the clinician would be unable to otherwise use those compatible staple cartridges in the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling device 4002 includes features designed to facilitate use of such compatible staple cartridges that otherwise lack unlocking key features.


Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 10, the stapling assembly 4000 further comprises a retainer 4400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200 which is otherwise compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 4400 comprises a top portion 4402 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 4204 of the cartridge body 4202. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 4400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 4400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 4400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets 4208 from falling out should the staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer 4400 also protects the deck surface from being contaminated during shipping and storage.


In one arrangement, the retainer 4400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 4410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 that are formed on the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 4400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 4420 and distal latch tab 4422 that that is configured to latching engage a distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 4400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 4422 with an end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 4400 such that the underside of the top portion 4402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 4410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 4400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 4410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 4400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 4400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 4422 until the retainer lugs 4410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded, embossed, imprinted or otherwise provided on the nose portion 4420 to provide removal instructions to the user.


Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, the retainer 4400 further comprises an authentication key 4430 that is configured to defeat, deactivate or unlatch the first lockout 4300 when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500 and the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the authentication key 4430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 4401 of the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a right ramp feature 4440 and a left ramp feature 4450 that are separated by a space 4460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp feature 4440 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal right tip 4442. The proximal right tip 4442 defines a first right cam surface 4444 that angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second right cam surface 4446. The second right cam surface 4446 extends from the first right cam surface 4444 to the top portion 4402. See FIG. 12. Similarly, the left ramp feature 4450 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal left tip 4452. The proximal left tip 4452 angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second left cam surface 4456. The second left cam surface 4456 extends from the first left cam surface 4454 to the top portion 4402. The retainer 4400 additionally comprises a retainer keel 4470 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the top portion 4402 and is oriented to be received within the longitudinal slot 4206 in the surgical staple cartridge 4200. Retainer keel 4470 may serve to properly orient the retainer 4400 on the staple cartridge 4200 so that the right and left ramp features 4440 and 4450 extend on each side of the firing member 4050. In addition, the retainer keel 4470 may be configured to engage the sled 4230 in the staple cartridge 4200 and retain the sled 4230 in the unfired position while the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer keel 4470 may be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 to establish a frictional fit therewith to retain the retainer 4400 on the staple cartridge 4200.


Referring now to FIGS. 10, 14, and 15, after the retainer 4400 has been attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form the cartridge assembly 4500, the cartridge assembly 4500 may be longitudinally inserted into the first jaw or frame 4010 so as to bring the right tip 4442 of the right ramp feature 4440 of the authentication key 4430 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 4322 on the first lockout arm 4312 and the left tip 4452 of the left ramp 4450 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 4324 on the second lockout arm 4314 of the first lockout spring 4310. During the initial longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 4500 in a proximal direction into the frame 4010, the first right cam surface 4444 biases the first lockout arm 4312 of the first lockout spring 4310 laterally outward (arrow RL in FIG. 14) and the first left cam surface 4454 biases the second lockout arm 4314 laterally outward (arrow LL). Further proximal advancement of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 4010 causes the first lockout arm 4312 to attain a first intermediate position wherein the first lockout arm 4312 disengages the corresponding central pin 4058 on the firing member 4050 and also causes the second lockout arm 4314 to attain a second intermediate position wherein the second lockout arm 4314 disengages the corresponding central pin 4058 on the firing member 4050. Continued longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 4500 in a proximal direction into the first jaw or frame 4010 causes the second right cam surface 4446 to further bias the first lockout arm 4312 laterally outward and the second left cam surface 4456 to further bias the second lockout arm 4314 laterally outward until the cartridge assembly 4500 is completely operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. See FIG. 15. When the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010, a distal first retention tab 4326 on the first lockout arm 4312 engages a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the first lockout arm 4312 in that unlocked position. Likewise a distal second retention tab 4328 formed on the second lockout arm 4314 engages another corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the second lockout arm 4314 in that unlocked position. When in that position, the first lockout 4300 is in the unlocked position or, stated another way, is “defeated”. During the unlocking process, the right and left ramps 4440, 4450 may be reinforced by the firing member 4050 in applications wherein the locking forces generated from the first spring 4310 are high.


The user may then remove the retainer 4400 from the staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 4422 and lifting the retainer 4400 upward until the retainer lugs 4410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205 on the cartridge body 4202. With the first lockout 4300 defeated or unlocked, the firing member 4050 may be distally advanced from the starting position and is in a “ready state”. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 4100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 4010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 4010, the first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314 spring back into engagement with the corresponding central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 to once again retain the firing member 4050 in the starting position.


Other first lockout spring arrangements are contemplated. For example, a first lockout spring may only comprise one lateral lockout arm and engage only one side of the firing member. In such arrangements, an authentication key comprising only one ramp may be needed to unlock the lockout arm.


As discussed above, when the cartridge assembly 4500 is operably seated in the frame 4010, the first lockout 4300 is defeated or unlocked to permit the firing member 4050 to be distally advanced from that ready state during a staple firing stroke. When attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 4400 covers the cartridge deck surface 4204 and prevents staples from falling out of the staple pockets 4208 as well as prevents any debris or contamination from entering the longitudinal slot 4206 or staple pockets 4208 which could damage the staple cartridge or prevent it from operating properly. Other variations of the retainer 4400 are contemplated wherein only a portion of the cartridge deck surface 4204 is covered by the retainer. Other configurations may not cover any of staple pockets and/or any of the deck surface.


As was also discussed above, after a staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the first jaw or frame and then replaced with another compatible staple cartridge, if desired. At such point, the stapling device can be re-used to continue stapling and incising the patient tissue. In some instances, however, a previously-fired staple cartridge can be accidentally loaded into the frame. If the firing member were to be advanced distally within such a previously-fired staple cartridge (sometimes referred to herein as a “spent” cartridge), the stapling instrument would cut the patient tissue without stapling it. This could conceivably happen even if the retainer 4400 were inadvertently accidentally attached to the spent cartridge and the resulting cartridge assembly is then seated into the frame so as to defeat the first lockout. The surgical stapling device would similarly cut the patient tissue without stapling it if the firing member were advanced distally through a staple firing stroke without a staple cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw at all. To prevent these occurrences from happening, the surgical stapling device 4002 further comprises a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 4010.


Referring now to FIGS. 6, and 16-19, the knife bar 4042, which may comprise a solid or laminated structure, comprises a spring tab 4044 that is configured to operably interface with a spring plate or “locking spring” 4070 that is mounted or grounded in the bottom of the first jaw or frame 4010. The spring plate 4070 is provided with a hole 4072 that is configured to receive the spring tab 4044 therein when the firing member 4050 is in its proximal-most, “starting” position. When in that position, the spring tab 4044 extends into the hole 4072 and may serve to prevent any inadvertent distal movement of the firing member 4050 until desired by the operator. In the illustrated example, the second lockout 4600 further comprises blocking features or ledges 4602 that are formed in the bottom of the frame 4010. If the user were to attempt to distally advance the firing member 4050 before a cartridge has been operably seated into the frame 4010, the spring tab 4044 in cooperation with the spring plate 4070 will cause the firing member 4050 to dive downward bringing the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 into contact with the blocking features 4602 in the frame and thereby prevent the firing member 4050 from advancing distally.



FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate operation of the second lockout 4600 when a spent staple cartridge 4200S has been seated into the frame 4010. As used in this context, the term “spent” staple cartridge may refer to a staple cartridge that has been previously fully fired or partially fired. In either case, the sled 4230 will have been distally advanced from its proximal-most, unfired position. FIG. 16 depicts the firing member 4050 in the proximal-most, starting position with the spent staple cartridge 4200S seated in the frame 4010. FIG. 17 illustrates the second lockout 4600 preventing the firing member 4050 from being distally advanced into the spent cartridge 4200S. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the spring tab 4044 in cooperation with the spring plate 4070 has caused the firing member 4050 to dive downward bringing the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 into contact with the blocking features 4602 in the frame to thereby prevent the firing member 4050 from advancing distally.



FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate operation of the second lockout 4600 when an unfired staple cartridge 4200 has been seated into the first jaw or frame 4010. As can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the sled 4230 is in its proximal-most, unfired position. The sled 4230 comprises an unlocking ledge 4234 that is configured to be engaged by an unlocking feature 4055 that is formed on the firing member body 4052. FIG. 18 illustrates the firing member 4050 in the proximal-most, starting position with the unfired staple cartridge 4200 seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. When the firing member 4050 is advanced distally, the unlocking feature 4055 on the firing member 4050 engages the unlocking ledge 4234 on the sled 4230 which causes the firing member 4050 to be lifted upward so that the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 clear the blocking features 4060 in the first jaw or frame 4010. The firing member 4050 is now free to continue its distal advancement into the staple cartridge 4200 to complete the staple firing stroke. As the firing member 4050 is distally advanced, the foot 4054 may engage corresponding surfaces on the bottom of the first jaw or frame 4010 and the top pins 4056 may engage a cam surface on the anvil 4100 of the surgical stapling device 4002 which co-operate to position the anvil 4100 and the staple cartridge 4200 relative to one another. That said, embodiments are envisioned without one or both of the foot 4054 and top pins 4056.


As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the first lockout 4300 is proximal to the second lockout 4600. The first lockout 4300 is positioned within the surgical stapling device 4002 such that the first lockout 4300 is proximal to the sled 4230 of an unfired staple cartridge 4200 that has been seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. The first lockout 5300 is configured to move laterally between engaged positions wherein the first lock prevents distal advancement of the firing member 4050 from a starting position and disengaged positions wherein the firing member 4050 may be distally advanced therefrom (sometimes referred to herein as a “ready state”). For example, the first and second lockout arms 4312 and 4314 are configured to move in a first horizontal plane FP between engaged and disengaged positions. See FIG. 8. With regard to the second lockout 4600, the firing member 4050 moves vertically between the unlocked and locked positions along a second plane SP. See FIG. 9. In the illustrated example, the second plane SP is orthogonal to the first plane FP. When the firing member 4050 is in the ready state, if firing motions are applied thereto, the firing member 4050 may move distally. However, unless a compatible staple cartridge that has a sled located in an unfired position therein is seated in the frame to unlock the second lockout, the firing member will be prevented from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke.



FIGS. 20-23 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 5000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 4000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 5000 comprises a surgical stapling device 5002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the surgical stapling device 5002 comprises a first jaw or frame 5010 that is configured to operably support a compatible staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 5010 may be attached to a spine of a shaft assembly of a surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein and/or described in the various disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 5010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 20), by a shaft mount flange 5030 that is pinned by a pin 5032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 5014 of the first jaw 5010. In particular, pin 5032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 5021 in upstanding sidewalls 5020 of the first jaw or frame 5010 as well as through hole 5031 in the shaft mount flange 5030. The shaft mount flange 5030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 5010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. The surgical stapling device 5002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 5002.


Still referring to FIG. 20, the surgical stapling device 5002 further comprises a firing member assembly 5040 that comprises a knife bar 5042 that is attached to a knife member or firing member 5050. The knife bar 5042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument or robot to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 proximally to the starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 5050 comprises a firing member body 5052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 5053. The firing member 5050 further comprises a foot 5054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 5052 and extends laterally from each side thereof. The firing member 5050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 5056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 5052 that are adapted to engage ledges on a second jaw or anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 5050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 5058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 5052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 5050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 5002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 5100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 5010. The anvil 5100 comprises an anvil body 5102 and an anvil mounting portion 5110. The anvil body 5102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 5104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 5110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 5112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 5022 provided in the upstanding sidewalls 5020 of the first jaw or frame 5010. Unlike the anvil 4100 described above, the anvil 5100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 5010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 4100, anvil 5100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process. In various arrangements, the trunnion holes 5022 may be sized relative to the trunnion pins 5112 to facilitate installation therein and free pivotal travel of the trunnion pins such that the trunnion pins may have some slight axial movement therein, but any of such axial motion is much less than the axial translation of the anvil 4100.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 5100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 5010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 5110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 5110 causes the anvil mounting portion 5110 and the anvil trunnion pins 5112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 5100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 5100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member causes the anvil 5100 to pivot back to the open position.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 5002 comprises a first lockout 5300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from moving distally from its proximal-most, starting position when an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is not operably seated in the frame 5010. The first lockout 5300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 5300 comprises a single, a pivotal first spring assembly 5310 that is supported in a proximal end 5014 of the first jaw or frame 5010 and is attached to the shaft mount flange 5030. In one arrangement for example, the first spring assembly 5310 comprises a first lockout arm 5312 and a second lockout arm 5314 that are attached to a central body portion 5316. The first spring assembly 5310 is attached to the shaft mount flange 5030 by a pin 5034 that extends through holes 5036 in the shaft mount flange 5030 and through holes 5318 in the first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314. The first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314 each further comprise a lockout latch feature 5320. Each lockout latch feature 5320 is adapted to releasably capture therein a corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050 when the firing member 5050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIG. 21. Additionally, the first lockout spring assembly 5310 further comprises a pivot spring or springs 5330 that serve to bias or pivot the first spring assembly 5310 downwardly about the pin 5034 to bring the latch features 5320 into latching or locking engagement with the corresponding central pins 5058.


The surgical stapling assembly 5000 may further comprise a retainer 5400 that is similar to retainer 4400 described above. The retainer 5400 comprises a top portion 5402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 such that when the retainer 5400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 5400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. Thus, when the retainer 5400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 5400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets 4208 from falling out should the surgical staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. Other retainer configurations are contemplated wherein the retainer top does not cover all or any of the staple pockets. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 5400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 5410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 on the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 5400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 5420 and a distal latch tab 5422 that that is configured to latchingly engage the distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 5400 may be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 5422 with the end of the staple cartridge distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 5400 such that the underside of the top portion 5402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 5410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the staple cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 5400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 5410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 5400 to the staple cartridge 4200.


The retainer 5400 further comprises an authentication key 5430 that is adapted to engage key pockets 5322 that are formed in the first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the authentication key 5430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 5401 of the top portion 5402 of the retainer 5400 and comprises a right ramp feature 5440 and a left ramp feature 5450 that are separated by a space that is sized to receive the firing member body 5052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the ramps 5440 and 5450 angle downward from the top portion 5402 of the retainer 5400 and are configured to enter the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314.


In use, the retainer 5400 is removably attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 5500. Thereafter, the cartridge assembly is initially inserted into the first jaw or frame 5010 so as to insert the ramps 5440 and 5450 of the authentication key 5430 into the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314. See FIG. 21. Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 5500 into the first jaw or frame 5010 in a proximal direction causes the ramps 5440 and 5450 to pivot the first spring 5310 upward into a disengaged or unlocked position wherein the latch features 5320 have disengaged the corresponding central pins 5058. See FIG. 22. When the cartridge assembly 5500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010, a distally facing detent 5326 that is formed on each of the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314 retainingly engage a proximal end of the staple cartridge 4200 as shown in FIG. 22. Such arrangement serves to retain the first spring 5310 in the disengaged position. When in that position, the first lockout 5300 is in the unlocked position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 5400 from the staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 5422 and lifting the retainer 5400 upward until the retainer lugs 5410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded, embossed, imprinted or otherwise provided on the nose portion 5420 to provide removal instructions to the user. The surgical staple cartridge 5200 remaining in the frame 5010 is ready to be fired. See FIG. 23.


The surgical stapling device 5002 also includes a second lockout 5600 that is very similar to the second lockout 4600 described above. Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, the knife bar 5042, which may comprise a solid or laminated structure, comprises a spring tab 5044 that is configured to operably interface with a spring plate 5070 that is mounted in the bottom of the first jaw 5010. The spring plate 5070 serves to pivot the firing member 5050 downward such that the central pins 5038 thereon contact the frame blocking or abutment features (not shown) in the bottom of the frame 5010 unless an unlocking feature 5055 on the firing member 5050 engages an unlocking ledge 4234 on the sled 4230 causing the firing member 5050 to be lifted upward so that the central pins 5058 on the firing member 5050 clear the blocking features in the frame 5010 was discussed above.



FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an alternative compatible surgical staple cartridge 4200′ that is configured to actuate the first lockout 5300 in the manner described above. In this arrangement, however, the authentication key 5030′ is formed on the cartridge pan 4220′. As can be seen in FIG. 24, the authentication key 5030′ comprises a right ramp feature 5440′ and a left ramp feature 5450′ that are bent into the cartridge pan 4220′ to protrude proximally therefrom. A reinforcement rib 5441′ may be embossed into each joint where the ramps 5440′ and 5450′ are formed to provide additional support and rigidity to each of the ramps 5440′, 5450′. In the illustrated example, the ramp 5440′ has an angled proximal tip 5442′ and the ramp 5450′ contains an angled proximal tip 5452. The tips 5442′, 5452′ are each configured to enter the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314 to pivot the first lockout 5300 in the above described manner. The first lockout 5300 otherwise operates in the manner described above.


Referring to FIG. 27, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 6000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 6000 comprises a surgical stapling device 6002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 27, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a first jaw, or frame 6010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 6010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly (not shown) by a shaft mount flange 4030 (FIG. 6) in the various manners described herein. The surgical stapling device 6002 further comprises a firing member assembly that comprises a knife bar that is attached to a knife member or firing member 4050 as was described above.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a second jaw or anvil 6100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 6010. The anvil 6100 is similar to anvil 4100 described above and comprises an anvil body 6102 and an anvil mounting portion 6110. The anvil body 6102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 6104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 6110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion assemblies 6112. Each trunnion assembly 6112 comprises an outwardly and downwardly protruding lock lug portion 6120 that has a trunnion pin 6122 extending therefrom. Each trunnion pin 6122 is configured to be received in corresponding trunnion slots 6022 in the upstanding sidewalls 6020 of the first jaw 6010. In the illustrated arrangement, the trunnion slots 6022 are somewhat “kidney-shaped” and facilitate pivotal as well as axial travel of the corresponding trunnion pins 6122 therein.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 6100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent surgical staple cartridge may either be removed from the frame 6010 or a fresh, new staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure member may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 6110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 6110 causes the anvil mounting portion 6110 and the anvil trunnion pins 6122 to pivot and translate up the trunnion slots 6022 until the closure member moves the anvil 6100 to a closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 6100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the frame 6010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member interfaces with an upstanding tab 6114 on the anvil mounting portion 6110 to return the anvil 6100 to the open position.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a first lockout 6300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 6100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure member. The first lockout 6300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 6300 comprises a first lockout arm 6310 that is pivotally supported in the frame 6010 by a lockout pin 6312 that is attached thereto. In one example, the first lockout arm 6310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 6312 is welded or otherwise attached thereto. The lockout pin 6312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 6013 in the frame 6010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 6310 between a locked position and an unlocked position. See FIG. 28. In the illustrated example, a lockout feature 6316 is formed on the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage the lock lug portion 6120 on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112 when the first lockout arm 6310 is in an engaged position. When the lockout feature 6316 blockingly engages the lock lug portion 6120 on the trunnion assembly 6112, the lockout feature 6316 prevents the trunnion assembly 6112 from traveling within the corresponding trunnion slot 6022 in the first jaw or frame 6010 which effectively prevents the second jaw or anvil 6100 from moving from the open position to the closed position should a closure motion be applied thereto. This position of the first lockout arm 6310 may be referred to herein as a “jaw locking position”. It will be appreciated that the lockout feature 6316, as well as the lock lug portion 6120, may be sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 6100 to prevent closure of the anvil 6100.


Still referring to FIG. 28, a first lockout spring 6330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 6020 of the first jaw or frame 6010 to bias the first lockout arm 6310 in a locking direction LD to the engaged, locked or “jaw locking” position wherein the first lockout arm 6310 prevents the anvil 6100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. A travel limiting plate or mounting plate 6070 is supported within the frame 6010 and attached to the shaft mounting assembly. The travel limiting plate 6070 also provides lateral support to the first lockout arm 6310 when in the jaw locking position. See FIG. 29. As can be seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, the first lockout arm 6310 further comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 6322 that is formed on a distal end 6320 of the first lockout arm 6310. The actuator cam arm 6322 comprises an actuator cam surface 6324. The first lockout arm 6310 further comprises a retention tab 6326 that is configured to be received within a corresponding opening or tab window 6024 that is provided in a frame sidewall 6020.


Turning now to FIG. 27, the stapling assembly 6000 further comprises a retainer 6400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200. In various embodiments, the retainer 6400 is substantially similar to the retainer 4400 described above except for the authentication key 6430. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 6400 comprises a top portion 6402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 such that when the retainer 6400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 6400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. In alternative versions the retainer top may only cover some of the staple pockets or none at all. The retainer 6400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 6410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 that are formed on the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 6400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 6420 and a distal latch tab 6422 that that is configured to latching engage the distal nose 4203 of the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 6400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the latch tab 6422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 6400 such that the underside of the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 6410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 6400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 6410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 6400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 6400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 6422 and lifting upward until the retainer lugs 6410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded or embossed into the nose portion 6420 to provide removal instructions to the user.


Referring now to FIGS. 32-35, the retainer 6400 further comprises an authentication key 6430 that is configured to defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 6300 when the retainer 6400 is attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 6010. As can be seen in FIG. 32, the authentication key 6430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 6401 of the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 and comprises an angled ramp feature 6440 that is positioned on one side of the cartridge axis CA when the retainer 6400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200. In the illustrated example, the ramp 6440 angles downward from the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 and comprises a proximal tip 6442 that defines a first or proximal cam surface 6444 that angles inward at the tip. A second or distal cam surface 6446 is located below the first cam surface 6444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 6444, 6446 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 6324 on the actuator cam arm 6322 to move the first lockout arm 6310 from the locked or jaw locking position to the unlocked or jaw closure position. Such arrangement affords little room for the authentication key 6430 to unlockingly actuate the actuator cam arm 6322 when the staple cartridge supporting the retainer 6400 is operably seated in the first jaw or frame 6010. The dual cam surface arrangement facilitates pivotal actuation of the first lockout arm 6310 a sufficient pivotal distance required to place the first lockout arm 6310 in the disengaged or jaw closure position. This amount of pivotal travel may be more than twice the width of the ramp 6440, for example.



FIG. 29 illustrates the first lockout 6300 in the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 6310 is pivoted into position wherein the lockout feature 6316 is in blocking engagement with the lock lug portion 6120 on the trunnion assembly 6112 on the anvil 6100. Referring now to FIG. 36, after the retainer 6400 has been attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 6500, the cartridge assembly 6500 may be inserted into the first jaw or frame 6010 such that the first cam surface 6444 engages the actuator cam surface 6324 on the actuator cam arm 6322 and begins to pivot the first lockout arm 6310 out of the locked or jaw locking position to an intermediate position. Continued longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 6500 into the frame 6010 in a proximal direction causes the first cam surface 6444 to disengage the actuator cam surface 6324 and the lower, second cam surface 6446 to engage the actuator cam surface 6324 to move the first lockout arm 6310 from the intermediate position to the jaw closure position. See FIG. 37. When the first lockout arm 6310 is in the locked or jaw locking position, the actuator cam arm 6322 is located distal to the firing member 6050. The lower second cam surface 6446 completes the pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 6310 so that the actuator cam arm 6322 does not interfere with the operation of the firing member 6050 while allowing the anvil 6100 to move to a closed position. When the first lockout arm 6310 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the retention tab 6326 is received within the tab window 6024 in the frame sidewall 6020 and is retained therein by the staple cartridge 4200. When in that position, the first lockout 6300 is in the jaw closure position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 6400 from the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 6422 and lifting the retainer 6400 upward until the retainer lugs 6410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205.


As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the space required to interface with the first lockout 6300 is available when the anvil 6100 is open, but is not available when the anvil 6100 is closed. The retainer 6400 is present on the cartridge 4200 only when the anvil 6100 is open during the cartridge insertion process. Thereafter, the retainer 6400 is removed from the staple cartridge 4200. The anvil 6100 cannot be closed when the retainer 6400 is in place. When closed, the anvil 6100 occupies the space that was occupied by the retainer 6400. This arrangement is very different from a cartridge-based authentication key arrangement that remains resident in the stapling device during the closing and firing of the device. Dual sequential ramps/camming surfaces are employed in this arrangement to move the first lockout arm 6310 laterally through a distance that is approximately at least twice as wide as the authentication key 6430. This may be an important aspect to this design.


The proximal high ramp or camming surface begins the unlocking movement and engages the upstaging actuator cam arm 6322 that is distal to the firing member 4050. It will be appreciated that a stationary locking feature that is unable to be moved or removed would not be able to reach this area without affecting the ability to move the firing member 4050 through the staple firing stroke. The second lower ramp/camming surface completes the unlocking movement of the first unlocking arm 6310 so that it is completely clear for the anvil 6100 to close. The second ramp/camming surface is sequentially spaced behind the first ramp/camming surface so that it can only engage the distal end of the first lockout arm 6310 after the first ramp/camming surface has pivoted it to that intermediate position.



FIG. 38 illustrates the staple cartridge 4200 operably seated in the frame 6010 with the first lockout 6300 defeated and the retainer 6400 removed from the staple cartridge 4200. The anvil 6100 is now movable between the open and closed position and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 is otherwise capable of being fired. In at least one form, the surgical stapling device 6002 may also include a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 6010 in the various manners discussed above. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 6100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 6010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 6010, the first lockout spring biases the first lockout arm 6310 back to the jaw locking position wherein second jaw or anvil 6100 is prevented from moving from the open to closed position.



FIG. 38A is another top view of the surgical stapling device 6002 with a cartridge assembly 6500′ seated therein that comprises a retainer 6400′ that is attached to a staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 6400′ is similar to retainer 6400 described above, except that the authentication key 6430′ and ramp 6440′ are blended into a side wall 6403′ of the retainer 6400′. The retainer 6400′ may otherwise operate in the same manner as retainer 6400 discussed above.



FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4200″ that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4228″ is folded into a cartridge pan 4220″ that is attached to a cartridge body 4202″ as shown. As shown in FIGS. 40-42, the staple cartridge 4200″ is configured to be used in connection with a surgical stapling assembly 6000′ that comprises a surgical stapling device 6002′ that comprises a first lockout 6300′. Surgical stapling device 6002′ is substantially identical to surgical stapling device 6002 except for a distal end of 6311′ of a first lockout arm 6310′ that is pivotally supported in a frame 6010′ by a lockout pin 6312′ that is attached thereto. A proximal end 6314′ of the first lockout arm 6310′ is identical to the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112′ of an anvil 6100′ in the manner described in detail above. A lockout spring 6330′ serves to pivot the first lockout arm 6310′ to the locked position in the manner described above. FIG. 40 illustrates insertion of the staple cartridge 4200″ into the frame 6010′. As can be seen in FIG. 40, the first lockout arm 6310′ is in a locked or jaw locking position wherein the proximal end 6314′ (FIG. 41) is in blocking engagement with the lock lug on the trunnion assembly 6112′ to prevent closure of the anvil 6100′. FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate the staple cartridge 4200″ fully seated in the frame 6010′. As can be seen in FIGS. 41 and 42, the authentication key 4228″ has pivoted the first lockout arm 6310′ into a jaw closure position and retains the first lockout arm 6310′ in that position. When in the jaw closure position, the anvil 6100 is free to be pivoted closed as illustrated in FIG. 41. In this arrangement, the authentication key 4228″ comprises a portion of the staple cartridge and is not mounted to a removable retainer. The authentication key 4228″ retains the first lockout arm 6310′ in the jaw closure position while the staple cartridge remains seated in the frame 6010′ throughout the stapling procedure.


After the staple cartridge 4200′ has been fired, the user returns a firing member of the surgical stapling device 6002′ back to a starting position and the anvil 6100′ is pivoted to the open position allowing the spent staple cartridge to be removed from the frame 6010′. When the spent staple cartridge 4200′ is removed from the frame 6010′, the lockout spring 6330′ pivots the first lockout arm 6310′ back to the jaw locking position. In some instances, the spent staple cartridge may be “reprocessed” for reuse in another stapling procedure and/or another stapling device. It is important for those reprocessing entities to install the proper surgical staples as well as the proper number of surgical staples into the reprocessed staple cartridge required to make that cartridge compatible with a particular stapling device to ensure the desired results during use. Unfortunately, some reprocessing entities at times fail to properly reprocess the spent cartridge, yet still offer the reprocessed spent cartridge as a new cartridge manufactured by the original manufacturer. The end user may unwittingly obtain the defective cartridge and use it in a surgical stapling device. In an effort to prevent such instances from occurring, once the spent cartridge has been removed from the surgical stapling device 6002′, the authentication key 4228″ may be irretrievably flattened. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 39, the authentication key 4228″ is formed with a pair of lugs 4229″ that are slidably received in slots 4223″ provided in the cartridge pan 4220″. By a applying a flattening force FF to the tip of the authentication key 4228″ the key may be flattened against the proximal end 4225″ of the cartridge pan 4220″ rendering the authentication key 4228″ inoperable for future use.



FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4200′″ that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4228′ is folded into a cartridge pan 4220′″ that is attached to a cartridge body 4202′″ as shown. In this embodiment, the authentication key 4228′ protrudes from a top flap 4225′″ of the cartridge pan 4220′″ that is folded over a portion of a cartridge deck 4204′″ which may serve to enhance the strength of the authentication key 4228′. The authentication key 4228′ may further comprise a folded stiffener wall portion 4227′ and have an angled actuation or cam surface 4229A″ and a latch surface 4229B′″. As shown in FIGS. 44-46, the staple cartridge 4200′″ is configured to be used in connection with a surgical stapling assembly 6000″ that comprises a surgical stapling device 6002″ that comprises a first lockout 6300″.


In many aspects, surgical stapling device 6002″ is substantially identical to surgical stapling device 6002 and includes a first lockout arm 6310″ that is pivotally supported in a frame 6010″ by a lockout pin 6312″ that is attached thereto. A proximal end 6314″ of the first lockout arm 6310″ may be identical to the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112″ of an anvil 6100″ in the manner described in detail above. A lockout spring 6330″ serves to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ to the locked or jaw locking position in the manner described above. A distal end of the first lockout arm 6310″ comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 6322″ that is configured to be engaged by the authentication key 4228′ on the staple cartridge 4200′″.



FIG. 46 illustrates insertion of the staple cartridge 4200′″ into the frame 6010″. The first lockout arm 6310″ is in a jaw locking position wherein the proximal end 6314″ is in blocking engagement with the lock lug on the trunnion assembly 6112′ to prevent closure of the anvil 6100″. During the initial insertion of the staple cartridge 4200′″ into the frame 6010″, the angled actuation or cam surface 4229A′″ has contacted the upstanding actuator cam arm 6322″ to begin to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ out of the jaw locking position. Continued insertion of the staple cartridge 4200′″ into the frame 6010″ causes the authentication key 4228′ to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ to the unlocked or jaw closure position wherein the actuator cam arm 6322″ has disengaged the angled cam surface 4229A′″ and is retained in that unlocked or jaw closure position by the latch surface 4229B′″ on the authentication key 4228′. See FIGS. 44 and 45. When in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the anvil 6100″ is free to be pivoted closed. In this arrangement, the authentication key 4228′ comprises a portion of the staple cartridge and is not mounted to a removable retainer. The authentication key 4228′ retains the first lockout arm 6310″ in the jaw closure position while the staple cartridge 4200′″ remains seated in the frame 6010″ throughout the stapling procedure.



FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4700 that, for the most part, is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4728 is folded into a cartridge pan 4720 that is attached to a cartridge body 4702 as shown. In this embodiment, the authentication key 4728 protrudes from a top flap 4725 of the cartridge pan 4720 that is folded over a portion of a cartridge deck 4704 which may serve to enhance the strength of the authentication key 4728. The authentication key 4728 comprises an angled actuation or cam surface 4729A and a latch surface 4729B. The authentication key 4728 is folded to extend below a plane defined by the cartridge deck 4704 and may be employed, for example, with surgical stapling device 6002″ in the above described manner or other surgical stapling devices with slightly shorter actuator cam arms.



FIGS. 48-51 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 7000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 6000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 7000 comprises a surgical stapling device 7002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 48, the surgical stapling device 7002 comprises a first jaw, or frame, 7010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 7010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 7010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 48), by a shaft mount flange 7030 that is pinned by a pin 7032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 7014 of the first jaw 7010. In particular, pin 7032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 7021 in upstanding sidewalls 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010 as well as through hole 7031 in the shaft mount flange 7030. The shaft mount flange 7030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 7010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. The surgical stapling device 7002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 7002.


Still referring to FIG. 48, the surgical stapling device 7002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar 4042 that is attached to a knife member or firing member 4050. Operation of the firing member 4050 and the knife bar 4042 were discussed in detail above. Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 7002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 7100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 7010. The anvil 7100 comprises an anvil body 7102 and an anvil mounting portion 7110. The anvil body 7102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 7104 that has a series of staple forming pockets formed therein (not shown) that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 7110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 7112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 7022 in the upstanding sidewalls 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010. Unlike the anvil 6100 described above, the anvil 7100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 7010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 6100, anvil 7100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 7100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 7010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube 7600. For example, as the closure tube 7600 is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube 7600 may operably engage a cam surface 7113 on the anvil mounting portion 7110. Such interaction between the closure tube 7600 and the anvil mounting portion 7110 causes the anvil mounting portion 7110 and the trunnion pins 7112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 7100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 7100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge 4200 that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 7010. When the axially movable closure tube 7600 is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, a tab 7602 on the closure tube 7600 interfaces with a tab 7114 on the anvil mounting portion 7110 to cause the anvil 7100 to pivot back to the open position.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 7002 comprises a first lockout 7300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 7100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure member 7600. The first lockout 7300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 7300 comprises a first lockout arm 7310 that is pivotally supported in the first jaw or frame 7010 by a lockout pin 7312 that is attached thereto. In one example, the first lockout arm 7310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 7312 may be machined into the proximal end thereof. The lockout pin 7312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 7013 in the frame 7010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 7310 in a locking direction LD between a jaw locking position and a jaw closure position. See FIG. 50. In the illustrated example, the first lockout arm 7310 is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion 7120 protruding downward from the anvil mounting portion 7110 when the first lockout arm 7310 is the jaw locking position. When the first lockout arm 7310 is in that locked or engaged position, pivotal travel of the anvil 7100 is prevented when the lock lug portion 7120 contacts the first lockout arm 7310. It will be appreciated that the first lockout arm 7310, as well as the lock lug portion 7120, are each sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 7100 to prevent closure of the anvil 7100.


Referring now to FIG. 50, a first lockout spring 7330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010 to bias the first lockout arm 7310 in the locking direction LD to the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 7310 prevents the anvil 7100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 50, the first lockout arm 7310 further comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 7322 that is formed on a distal end 7320 of the first lockout arm 7310. The actuator cam arm 7322 comprises an actuator cam surface 7324 thereon. The first lockout arm 7310 further comprises a retention tab 7326 that is configured to be received within a corresponding opening or tab window 7024 provided in a frame sidewall 7020.


Turning again to FIG. 48, the stapling assembly 7000 further comprises a retainer 7400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200. In many aspects, the retainer 7400 is substantially similar to the retainer 4400 described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 7400 comprises a top portion 7402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge body 4202. When the retainer 7400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 7400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. In other versions only some or none of the staple pockets are covered. The retainer 7400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 7410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205. The retainer 7400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 7420 and a distal latch tab 7422 that that is configured to latching engage the distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202.


The retainer 7400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 7422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 7400 such that the underside of the top portion 7402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 7410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 7400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 7410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 7400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 7400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 7422 and lifting upward until the retainer lugs 7410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded or embossed into the nose portion 7420 to provide removal instructions to the user.


Referring now to FIGS. 53-56, the retainer 7400 further comprises an authentication key 7430 that is configured to defeat the first lockout 7300 when the retainer 7400 is attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 7010. As can be seen in FIG. 53, the authentication key 7430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 7401 of the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a right ramp feature 7440 and a left ramp feature 7450 that are separated by a space 7460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp 7440 angles downward from the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a proximal right tip 7442 that comprises a first right or proximal right cam surface 7444 that angles inward at the tip. A second right or distal right cam surface 7446 is located below the first right cam surface 7444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 7444, 7446 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322 to move the first lockout arm 7310 from the jaw locking position to a “jaw closure position” in the various manners described above. Similarly, the left ramp 7450 angles downward from the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a proximal left tip 7452 that comprises a first left or proximal left cam surface 7454 that angles inward at the tip. A second left or distal left cam surface 7456 is located below the first right cam surface 7444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 7454, 7456 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322 of a first lockout arm 7310 that is mounted on the left or opposite side of a frame axis FA. The retainer 7400 additionally comprises a retainer keel 7470 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the top portion 7402 and is oriented to be received within the longitudinal slot 4206 in the surgical staple cartridge 4200. Retainer keel 7470 may serve to properly orient the retainer 7400 on the surgical staple cartridge 4200 so that the right and left ramps 7440 and 7450 extend on each side of the firing member 4050. The retainer keel 7470 may also be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 to create a frictional retaining engagement therewith when the retainer 7400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and also retain the sled 4230 in the unfired position with the staple cartridge 4200.


In use, the retainer 7400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 in the various manners disclosed herein to form a cartridge assembly 7500. The cartridge assembly 7500 may then be inserted into the first jaw or frame 7010 so as to bring the right ramp 7440 of the authentication key 7430 into engagement with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322. During the initial proximal insertion of the cartridge assembly 7500, the first right cam surface 7444 biases the actuator cam arm 7322 laterally outward to an intermediate position. Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 7500 into the first jaw or frame 7010 in a proximal direction causes the first cam surface 7444 to disengage the actuator cam surface 7324 and the second right cam surface 7446 to engage the actuator cam surface 7324 to move the first lockout arm 7310 from the intermediate position into the fully disengaged or jaw closure position. When the first lockout arm 7310 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the retention tab 7326 is received within the tab window 7024 in the frame sidewall 7020 and is retained therein by the staple cartridge 4200. When in that position, the first lockout 7300 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 7400 from the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 7422 and lifting the retainer 7400 upward until the retainer lugs 7410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. The anvil 7100 is now movable between the open and closed position and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 is otherwise capable of being fired. In at least one version, the surgical stapling device 7002 may include a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 7010 in the various manners discussed above. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 7100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 7010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 7010, the first lockout spring biases the first lockout arm 7310 back to an engaged or jaw locking position wherein second jaw or anvil is prevented from moving from the open to closed position.


As can be seen in FIG. 52, the surgical stapling device 7002 employs a first lockout 7300 that is positioned within the first jaw or frame 7010 on a first side 7005 of a frame axis FA that lies on a common plane with the cartridge axis CA when a staple cartridge is operably seated in the frame 7010. FIG. 56 illustrates a second surgical stapling device 7002′ that is identical to surgical stapling device 7002, except that the first lockout 7300′ is positioned within the first jaw or frame 7010′ on a second or opposite side 7007 of the center frame axis FA. In such instances, the left ramp 7450 of the authentication key 7430 serves to move the first lockout arm 7310′ from the engaged or locked position to the disengaged or unlocked position when the cartridge assembly 7500′ is seated into the first jaw of frame 7010′ of the surgical stapling device 7002′. A 45 mm surgical stapling device may have the first lockout on a right side of the cartridge axis and a 60 mm surgical stapler may have the first lockout on a left side of the cartridge axis and visa versa. Or a certain specialty stapling device such as a vascular stapler or a thoracic staple may have the lockout on a different side than a multipurpose stapler.


Referring to FIG. 57, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 8000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 may be employed in connection with electrically controlled, battery powered manually powered and/or robotic controlled surgical instruments in the various forms disclosed in the aforementioned incorporated disclosures. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 comprises a surgical stapling device generally designated as 8002 that comprises first jaw or frame 8010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw 8010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 8010 is attached to the spine portion of the shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 57), by a shaft mount flange 8030 that is pinned by a pin or otherwise attached to a proximal end 8014 of the first jaw 8010. Other methods of attaching and operably interfacing the surgical device 8002 with a shaft of a surgical instrument may also be employed. For example, the stapling device 8002 may be attached to the shaft assembly such that the stapling device (sometimes also referred to as an “end effector”) is not capable of articulating relative to the shaft assembly.


Still referring to FIG. 57, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a firing member assembly 5040 that comprises a knife bar 5042 that is attached to a knife member 5050 or “firing member”. The knife bar 5042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument or robot to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 proximally to return the firing member 5050 to the starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 5050 comprises a firing member body 5052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 5053. The firing member 5050 further comprises a foot 5054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 5052 and extends laterally from each side thereof. The firing member 5050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 5056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 5052 that are adapted to engage ledges on an anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 5050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 5058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 5052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 5050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 8002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 8100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 8010. The anvil 8100 comprises an anvil body 8102 and an anvil mounting portion 8110. The anvil body 8102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 8104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 8110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 8112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 8022 in the upstanding sidewalls 8020 of the first jaw or frame 8010. Unlike the anvil 4100 described above, the anvil 8100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 8010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 4100, anvil 8100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 8100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 8010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 8110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 8110 causes the anvil mounting portion 8110 and the trunnion pins 8112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 8100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 8100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member causes the anvil 8100 to pivot back to the open position.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a first lockout 8300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from moving distally from its proximal-most starting position when an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is not operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. The first lockout 8300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 8300 comprises a single, bi-lateral first spring 8310 that is supported in the proximal end 8014 of the frame 8010 and attached to the shaft mount flange 8030. In one arrangement for example, the first spring 8310 comprises a first lockout arm 8312 that is located on one side of the cartridge axis CA and a second lockout arm 8314 that is located on an opposite side of the cartridge axis CA from the first lockout arm 8312. The first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314 are attached to a central body portion 8316. See FIG. 58. The spring 8310 is mounted in the first jaw or frame 8010 and affixed to the shaft mount flange 8030 by a pin 8034 that extends through holes 8036 in the shaft mount flange 8030 and through holes 8318 in the first lockout arm 8312 and the second lockout arm 8314. The first lockout arm 8312 and the second lockout arm 8314 each further comprise a lockout window or opening 8320 therein that are each adapted to receive therein the corresponding central pin 5058 protruding from the first and second sides of the firing member 5050 when the firing member 5050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIGS. 59 and 61.



FIGS. 59-61 illustrate the first lockout 8300 in the locked position wherein the central pins 5058 are received within the lockout windows 8320 in the first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314. In some arrangements, those staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device 8002 or, stated another way, those staple cartridges that have the proper number, size and arrangement of staples, may have one or more unlocking keys directly formed on the cartridge body and/or cartridge pan that are configured to defeat the first lockout when the compatible cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame. Various cartridges that have unlocking keys protruding therefrom are disclosed in various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In other instances, however, the clinician may wish to use staple cartridges that are otherwise compatible with the surgical stapling assembly, but otherwise lack the unlocking keys. In such instances, the clinician would be unable to otherwise use those compatible staple cartridges in the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 includes features designed to facilitate use of such compatible staple cartridges that otherwise lack unlocking key features.


Turning now to FIG. 57, the stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a retainer 4400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200. Specific details concerning the retainer 4400 were discussed above and will not be repeated here. As indicated above, the retainer 4400 further comprises an authentication key 4430 that is configured to defeat the first lockout 4300 when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and the staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the authentication key 4430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 4401 of the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a right ramp feature 4440 and a left ramp feature 4450 that are separated by a space 4460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp 4440 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal right tip 4442. The proximal right tip 4442 defines a first right cam surface 4444 that angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second right cam surface 4446. The second right cam surface 4446 extends from the first right cam surface 4444 to the top portion 4402. See FIG. 12. Similarly, the left ramp 4450 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal left tip 4452. The proximal left tip 4452 angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second left cam surface 4456. The second left cam surface extends from the first left cam surface 4454 to the top portion 4402.


Referring now to FIGS. 61 and 62, in use the retainer 4400 is removably attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500. The cartridge assembly 4500 is then inserted into the first jaw or frame 8010 so as to bring the right tip 4442 of the authentication key into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 8322 on the first lockout arm 8312 and the left tip 4452 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 8324 on the second lockout arm 8314. During the initial proximal insertion of the cartridge assembly 4500, the first right cam surface 4444 biases the first lockout arm 8312 laterally outward (arrow RL in FIG. 62) and the first left cam surface 4454 biases the second lockout arm 8314 laterally outward (arrow LL). Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 8010 in a proximal direction causes the first lockout arm 8312 to attain a first intermediate position wherein the first lockout arm 8312 disengages the corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050 and also causes the second lockout arm 8314 to attain a second intermediate position wherein the second lockout arm 8314 disengages the corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050. Continued longitudinal insertion of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 8010 in a proximal direction causes the second right cam surface 4446 to further bias the first lockout arm 8312 laterally outward and the second left cam surface 4456 to further bias the second lockout arm 8314 laterally outward until the cartridge assembly 4500 is completely operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. See FIG. 63.


When the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010, a distal first retention tab 8326 on the first lockout arm 8312 engages a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the first lockout arm 8312 in that unlocked position. As can be seen in FIG. 63, a clearance pocket 8021R is provided in the sidewall 8020 to accommodate the first retention tab 8326 in that position. Likewise a distal second retention tab 8328 formed on the second lockout arm 8314 engages another corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the second lockout arm 8314 in that unlocked position. A clearance pocket 8021L is provided in the sidewall 8020 to accommodate the second retention tab 8328 in that position. When in that position, the first lockout 8300 is in the unlocked position or, stated another way, is “defeated”. The user may then remove the retainer 4400 from the staple cartridge 4200 in the above-described manner. With the first lockout 8300 defeated or unlocked, the firing member 5050 may be distally advanced from the starting position and is in a “ready state”.


After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 5050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 8100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 8010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 8010, the first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314 spring back into engagement with the corresponding central pins 5058 on the firing member 5050 to once again retain the firing member 5050 in the starting position. Also, in at least one version, the surgical stapling device 8002 also includes a second lockout 5600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. Details concerning the operation of the second lockout were provided above and will not be repeated here.


Further to the above, at least one form of the retainer 4400 may be attached to various staple cartridges that are adapted to be used with (compatible with) different forms of surgical stapling devices. Stated another way, the retainer 4400 may be used on staple cartridges that can be seated in different stapling devices to defeat the various lockout mechanisms of those stapling devices. Staple cartridge 8200 may similarly be used with different stapling devices that have different forms of lockouts. For example, FIG. 64 illustrates a surgical stapling system generally designated as 8600 which comprises a first stapling device 4002 and at least a second stapling device 8002. The retainer 4400 may be coupled to surgical staple cartridges 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500 that is compatible with one of both of the surgical stapling devices 4002, 8002. When the retainer 4400 is attached to a compatible staple cartridge 4200 to form an assembled cartridge arrangement 4500, the assembled cartridge arrangement may be used in either of the devices 4002, 8002. Likewise, the staple cartridge 4200 may also be used in either of the stapling devices 4002, 8002. Surgical stapling device 4002 employs a translating anvil 4100; stapling device 8002 employs a pivoting anvil 8100. These devices offer very different amounts of space for the authentication key arrangements to operate due to the different amounts of space required for the anvils of each device to move between the open and closed positions. Thus, in various applications, the authentication ramp features may need to be rather narrow and employ staged and vertically displaced camming surfaces in order to actuate the lockout configurations of both types of stapling devices.


In connection with another general aspect, the various authentication keys and authentication ramps disclosed herein may be mixed and matched with retainer body configurations disclosed herein such that one retainer/authentication key/ramp configuration may be employed with staple cartridges that can be used in a plurality of stapling devices disclosed herein. Such retainer authentication key/ramp configurations may be used to defeat a plurality of the lockout systems in those various stapling devices. Stated another way, one retainer/authentication key/authentication ramp configuration may be employed to unlock the jaw blocking lockouts and/or the firing member lockouts on several of the stapling devices disclosed herein.


As discussed herein, the authentication key arrangement may be provided on a detachable retainer, on the cartridge pan, on the cartridge body, on the sled or on another ancillary attached part. These authentication keys may be fashioned such that they could defeat the various first lockout systems of those surgical stapling devices disclosed herein that employ a translating jaw arrangement as well as the first lockout systems of those surgical stapling devices that employ a jaw arrangement that is pivotable about a fixed pivot axis. The design of such “universal” authentication keys may be limited and dictated by the amount of available space in such devices when the movable jaw or anvil is in the closed position (for those keys designed to be resident in the device throughout the stapling firing operation) as well as in the open position.


When designing authentication key configurations that may be employed to defeat lockouts in surgical stapling devices that employ a translating jaw as well lockouts in surgical stapling devices that employ a movable jaw that pivots about a fixed axis, the amount of available space that is available in each surgical stapling device will necessarily dictate a particular shape of a “universal” authentication key. Because the jaw shapes and travel paths are different in these types of surgical stapling devices, the amount of available space for the authentication keys when the jaws are open and closed differ.



FIGS. 64A-C illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228A of a staple cartridge 4200A, wherein the authentication key feature 4228A formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220A and when the staple cartridge 4200A is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4800 has a vertical leg 4800V and a horizontal leg 4800H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: a is approximately 0.16 inches, b is approximately 0.14 inches, c is approximately 0.047 inches, d is approximately 0.025 inches, e is approximately 0.04 inches, f is approximately 0.035 inches, and g is approximately 0.05 inches, for example. FIGS. 64D-64G illustrate an “open” space envelope 4802 for the staple cartridge 4200A when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: h is approximately 0.14 inches, i is approximately 0.26 inches, j is approximately 0.17 inches, k is approximately 0.04 inches, L is approximately 0.0.07 inches, and M is approximately 0.03 inches, for example.



FIGS. 64H-J illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228B of another staple cartridge 4200B, wherein the authentication key feature 4228B formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220B and when the staple cartridge 4200B is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4804 has a vertical leg 4804V and a horizontal leg 4804H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: n is approximately 0.16 inches, o is approximately 0.16 inches, p is approximately 0.14 inches, q is approximately 0.025 inches, r is approximately 0.04 inches, s is approximately 0.095 inches, t is approximately 0.05 inches, for example.



FIGS. 64K-M illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228C of a staple cartridge 4200C, wherein the authentication key feature 4228C formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220C and when the staple cartridge 4200C is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4806 has a vertical leg 4806V and a horizontal leg 4806H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: u is approximately 0.16 inches, v is approximately 0.15 inches, w is approximately 0.037 inches, x is approximately 0.025 inches, y is approximately 0.04 inches, z is approximately 0.095 inches, and aa is approximately 0.06 inches, for example. FIGS. 64N-Q illustrate an “open” space envelope 4808 for the staple cartridge 4200C when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: bb is approximately 0.26 inches, cc is approximately 0.23 inches, dd is approximately 0.12 inches, ee is approximately 0.12 inches, ff is approximately 0.08 inches, and gg is approximately 0.04 inches, for example.



FIGS. 64R-T illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228D of a staple cartridge 4200D, wherein the authentication key feature 4228D formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220D and when the staple cartridge 4200D is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 8002 that has an anvil 8100 that movable between an open and closed position about a fixed pivot axis. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4810 has a vertical leg 4810V and a horizontal leg 4810H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: hh is approximately 0.16 inches, ii is approximately 0.20 inches, jj is approximately 0.047 inches, kk is approximately 0.025 inches, ll is approximately 0.05 inches, mm is approximately 0.025 inches, and nn is approximately 0.09 inches, for example. FIGS. 64U-64X illustrate an “open” space envelope 4812 for the staple cartridge 4200D when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: oo is approximately 0.09 inches, pp is approximately 0.08 inches, qq is approximately 0.05 inches, rr is approximately 0.06 inches, ss is approximately 0.10 inches, and tt is approximately 0.03 inches, and uu is approximately 0.09 inches, for example.



FIGS. 64Y-64ZZ illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228E of a staple cartridge 4200E, wherein the authentication key feature 4228E formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220E and when the staple cartridge 4200E is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 8002 that has an anvil 8100 that movable between an open and closed position about a fixed pivot axis. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4814 has a vertical leg 4814V and a horizontal leg 4814H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: vv is approximately 0.16 inches, ww is approximately 0.20 inches, xx is approximately 0.047 inches, yy is approximately 0.025 inches, zz is approximately 0.05 inches, aaa is approximately 0.085 inches, and bbb is approximately 0.09 inches, for example.



FIGS. 65-71 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 9000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 7000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 9000 comprises a surgical stapling device 9002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments and robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 65, the surgical stapling device 9002 comprises a first jaw or frame 9010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 9200 therein. The first jaw or frame 9010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 9010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 65), by a shaft mount flange 9030. The surgical stapling device 9002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 9002.


Still referring to FIG. 65, the surgical stapling device 9002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar (not shown) that is attached to a knife member 4050 or “firing member”. Operation of the firing member 4050 and the knife bar were discussed in detail above and will not be repeated here. The surgical stapling device 9002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 9100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 9010. The anvil 9100 comprises an anvil body 9102 and an anvil mounting portion 9110. The anvil body 9102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 9104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 9110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 9112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 9022 in the upstanding sidewalls 9020 of the first jaw or frame 9010. Unlike the anvil 6100 described above, the anvil 9100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 9010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 6100, anvil 9100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.


As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 9100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 9010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube 9600 (FIG. 69). For example, as the closure tube 9600 is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube 9600 may operably engage a cam surface 9113 on the anvil mounting portion 9110. Such interaction between the closure tube 9600 and the anvil mounting portion 9110 causes the anvil mounting portion 9110 and the anvil trunnion pins 9112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 9100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 9100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge 9200 that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 9010. When the axially movable closure tube 9600 is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, features on the closure tube 9600 interface with the anvil mounting portion 9110 to cause the anvil 9100 to pivot back to the open position.


Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 9002 comprises a first lockout 9300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 9100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure tube 9600. The first lockout 9300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 9300 comprises a first lockout arm 9310 that is pivotally supported in the first jaw or frame 9010 by a lockout pin 9312 that is attached thereto. See FIG. 66. In one example, the first lockout arm 9310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 9312 may be machined into the proximal end thereof. The lockout pin 9312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 9013 in the frame 9010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 9310 between a jaw locking position and a jaw closure position. See FIG. 68. In the illustrated example, the first lockout arm 9310 is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion 9120 protruding downward from the anvil mounting portion 9110 when the first lockout arm 9310 is the locked or jaw locking position. See FIG. 69. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in that locked or engaged position, pivotal travel of the anvil 9100 is prevented when the lock lug portion 9120 contacts the first lockout arm 9310. It will be appreciated that the first lockout arm 9310, as well as the lock lug portion 9120, are each sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 9100 to prevent closure of the anvil 9100.


Referring now to FIG. 66, a first lockout spring 9330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 9020 of the first jaw or frame 9010 to apply a lateral biasing force to the first lockout arm 9310 to bias the first lockout arm 9310 in the locked direction LD (FIG. 68) to the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 9310 prevents the anvil 9100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 66, the first lockout arm 9310 further comprises an upstanding cam actuator tab 9322 that is formed on a distal end 9320 of the first lockout arm 9310. As can be seen in FIG. 71, the cam actuator tab 9322 comprises an upper actuator cam surface 9324. In addition, a lower actuator cam member 9326 is formed on the distal end 9320 of the first lockout arm 9310.


In at least one example, the stapling assembly 9000 comprises a staple cartridge 9200 that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above except that an authentication key 9430 is formed into a cartridge pan 9220. See FIG. 72. The authentication key 9430 is configured to defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 9300 when the staple cartridge 9200 is operably seated in the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 72, the authentication key 9430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 9221 of the cartridge pan 9220 and comprises an upper ramp feature 9440 and a lower ramp feature 9450 that is vertically displaced from the upper ramp feature 9440. The authentication key 9430 is bent in a generally right angle from a portion 9223 of the cartridge pan 9220 that extends across a portion of a distal end of the cartridge body 9202. The upper ramp feature 9440 comprises an upper ramp tab 9441 that is bent into the authentication key 9430 and the lower ramp feature 9450 comprises a lower ramp tab 9451 that is bent into the authentication key 9430. As can be seen in FIG. 72, both the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower ramp feature 9450 are located on a same side of a cartridge axis CA that is defined by the cartridge body 9202. The upper ramp feature 9440 is formed so that is its also proximal to the lower ramp feature 9450. As indicated above, the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 are bent out of the cartridge pan 9220. Stated another way, the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 are integrally formed in the cartridge pan 9220. In the illustrated example, the upper ramp feature 9440 comprises a first upper cam surface 9442 and a second upper cam surface 9444. The first upper cam surface 9442 is proximal to the second upper cam surface and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 9444. The lower ramp feature 9450 comprises a first lower cam surface 9452 and a second lower cam surface 9454. The first lower cam surface 9452 is proximal to the second lower cam surface 9454 and is also angled relative to the first lower cam surface 9452.



FIGS. 73-77 illustrate the interaction between the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 of the authentication key 9430 and the upper actuator cam surface 9324 on the cam actuator tab 9322 and the lower actuator cam member 9326. FIG. 73 illustrates the position of the authentication key 9430 relative to the cam actuator tab 9322 when the staple cartridge 9200 is initially longitudinally inserted (direction PD) into the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 73, the first upper cam surface 9442 of the upper ramp feature 9440 is in camming engagement with the upper actuator cam surface 9324 on the cam actuator tab 9322 and begins to bias the cam actuator tab 9322, as well as the first lockout arm 9310 laterally. As can be further seen in FIG. 73, a lockout pocket 9021 is provided in the adjacent upstanding side wall 9020 of the frame 9010 to accommodate the cam actuator tab 9322 as the first lockout arm 9310 is moved from the locked or jaw locking position to the unlocked or jaw closure position.



FIG. 74 illustrates the continued longitudinal insertion of the staple cartridge 9200 into the frame 9010 in a proximal direction. As can be seen in FIG. 74, the staple cartridge 9200 has been inserted to a point wherein the first upper cam surface 9442 has proceeded past the upper actuator cam surface 9324 allowing a tip 9325 of the cam actuator tab 9322 to engage the second upper cam surface 9444 on the upper ramp feature 9440 of the authentication key 9430. Such sequential interaction continues to move the cam actuator tab 9322 and the first lockout arm 9310 laterally to an intermediate position between the locked or jaw locking position and the unlocked or jaw closure position.



FIG. 75 illustrates a position of the staple cartridge 9200 as it continues to be longitudinally inserted into the frame 9010 in the proximal direction PD. As can be seen in FIG. 75, the tip 9325 of the cam actuator tab 9322 remains in engagement with the second upper cam surface 9444 on the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower actuator cam member 9326 has now engaged the first lower cam surface 9452 on the lower ramp feature 9450. This sequential interaction continues to move the cam actuator tab 9322 as well as the first lockout arm 9310 laterally.



FIG. 76 illustrates the position of the actuator tab 9322 after the staple cartridge 9200 has been operably (fully) seated in the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 76, the lower actuator cam member 9326 remains engaged with the second lower cam surface 9454 on the lower ramp feature 9450 and has moved the cam actuator tab 9322 laterally to be seated in the lockout pocket 9021 in the upstanding side wall 9020 of the frame 9010. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in that unlocked or jaw closure position shown in FIG. 76, the anvil 9100 may be pivoted from the open position to the closed position without being blocked by the first lockout arm 9310. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in the locked or jaw locking position, the lower actuator cam member 9326 is located in front of the firing member body 4052 so that the jaw unlocking procedure cannot be commenced by distally advancing the firing member. The lower actuator cam member 9326 is positioned above the central pins 4058 of the firing member 4050 to provide adequate clearance therebetween during the unlocking procedure. FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate position of the first lockout arm 6310 relative to a portion of the anvil 9100 after the anvil 9100 has been pivoted to the closed position.


The surgical stapling device 9002 may further comprise a second lockout similar to second lockout 4600 for preventing the firing member 4050 from advancing through the firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw of frame 9010. The second lockout 4600 was described in detail above and will not be repeated here.



FIG. 78A illustrates an alternative cartridge assembly 9500 that may be used in connection with the surgical stapling device 9002 in the above-described manner. In the illustrated example, the cartridge assembly 9500 comprises a staple cartridge 9200′ that has a retainer a 6400″ attached thereto. Retainer 6400″ is similar to retainer 6400 described above, except for the shape and configuration of the authentication key 6430″ and ramp 6440″. The retainer 6400″ may in many aspects be identical to retainer 6400 discussed above.


Still referring to FIG. 78A, the cartridge assembly 9500 comprises a staple cartridge 9200′ that is similar to staple cartridge 4200 described above except that a second authentication ramp 9450′ is formed into a cartridge pan 9220′ that is attached to the cartridge body 9202′. When the retainer 6400″ is attached to the staple cartridge 9200′ as shown, the ramp 6440″ comprises a “first” ramp that comprises a first upper cam surface 6442″ and a second upper cam surface 6444″. The first upper cam surface 6442″ is proximal to the second upper cam surface 6444″ and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 6444″. The second authentication ramp 9450′ which is located on the cartridge pan 9220′ comprises a first lower cam surface 9452′ and a second lower cam surface 9454′. The second ramp 9450′ is positioned below the first ramp 6440″ on the retainer 6400″ and is positioned distal to the first upper cam surface 6442″. When the cartridge assembly 9500 is operably seated into the frame 9010 of the surgical stapling device 9002, the combination of the first ramp 6440″ on the retainer 6400″ and the second ramp 9450″ on the cartridge pan 9220′ operates in the same manner as the upper ramp feature 9440 and the second ramp feature 9450 on cartridge 9200 to sequentially defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 9300 in the manner described in detail above. Once the first lockout arm 9310 has been moved to the unlocked or “jaw closure position”, the second ramp 9450′ retains the first lockout arm 9310 in that position. The user may then remove the retainer 6400″ from the staple cartridge 9200′ and the anvil 9100 may be pivoted from the open position to the closed position.



FIGS. 78B-78C illustrate an alternative staple cartridge 9200″ that is similar to staple cartridge 9200 described above except that a first authentication key 9430″ is formed or molded into the cartridge body 9202″. The first authentication key 9430″ comprises a first ramp 9440″ that has a first upper cam surface 9442″ and a second upper cam surface 9444″ formed thereon. The first upper cam surface 9442″ is proximal to the second upper cam surface 9444″ and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 9444″. The second authentication ramp 9450″ which comprises a portion of the cartridge pan 9220″ comprises a first lower cam surface 9452″ and a second lower cam surface 9454″. The second authentication ramp 9450″ is located below the first ramp 9440″ and is positioned distal to the first upper cam surface 9442″. When the cartridge assembly 9200″ is operably seated into the frame 9010 of the surgical stapling device 9002, the combination of the first ramp 9440″ and the second ramp 9450″ operate in the same manner as the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower ramp features 9450 on cartridge 9200 to defeat the first lockout 9300 in the manner described in detail above.


Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following examples.


Example 1—A surgical stapling assembly configured to receive a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, a deck surface, a plurality of staple pockets opening through the deck surface, a staple removably stored within each staple pocket, and a sled configured to fire the staples from the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The surgical stapling assembly comprises a surgical stapling device comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a firing member movable between a starting position and an ending position within the longitudinal slot during the staple firing stroke. The firing member is configured to push the sled to fire the staples during the staple firing stroke. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a first lockout and a second lockout. The first lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from moving distally from the starting position when the staple cartridge is not seated in the surgical stapling device. The first lockout comprises at least one lockout arm configured to releasably retain the firing member in the starting position. The second lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a retainer removably mounted to the cartridge body. The retainer is supported on the deck surface when the retainer is attached to the cartridge body to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat the first lockout by moving the lockout arm out of retaining engagement with the firing member to permit the firing member to be advanced distally from the starting position when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and the retainer is removed from the cartridge body.


Example 2—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 1, wherein the retainer covers the staple pockets defined in the deck surface when the retainer is attached to the cartridge body, and wherein the staple pockets are exposed when the retainer is removed from the cartridge body.


Example 3—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the authentication key is positioned on only one lateral side of the longitudinal slot.


Example 4—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the first lockout is proximal to the second lockout.


Example 5—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the authentication key is proximal to the cartridge body when the retainer is removably mounted to the cartridge body.


Example 6—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the at least one lockout arm comprises a first lockout arm and a second lockout arm. The first lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a first lateral side of the firing member. The second lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a second lateral side of the firing member.


Example 7—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 6, wherein the authentication key is configured to move the first lockout arm out of engagement with the first lateral side of the firing member and the second lockout arm out of engagement with the second lateral side of the firing member when the retainer is removably mounted to the cartridge body to form the cartridge assembly and the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.


Example 8—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the second lockout comprises an abutment portion on one of the first and second jaws configured to be contacted by the firing member when the spent staple cartridge is seated in the surgical stapling device.


Example 9—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 8, wherein the firing member is movable between an unlocked position where the firing member is distally movable from the starting position to the ending position during the staple firing stroke and a locked position where the abutment portion prevents the firing member from moving distally.


Example 10—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 9, wherein the sled in the staple cartridge is configured to move the firing member from the locked position to the unlocked position when the sled is in an unfired position within the staple cartridge and the staple cartridge is seated in the surgical stapling device.


Example 11—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 10, wherein the at least one lockout arm is configured to move in a first plane between an engaged position where the at least one lockout arm releasably retains the firing member in the starting position and a disengaged position where the at least one lockout arm is moved out of retaining engagement with the firing member to permit the firing member to be advanced distally from the starting position, wherein the firing member is movable in a second plane between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the first plane is orthogonal relative to the second plane.


Example 12—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the first lockout is proximal to the sled of the staple cartridge seated in the surgical stapling device when the sled is in the unfired position.


Example 13—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the first lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a first pin protruding from the first lateral side of the firing member, and wherein the second lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a second pin protruding from the second lateral side of the firing member.


Example 14—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the first jaw comprises a frame configured to receive the staple cartridge, and wherein the first lockout is supported within the frame.


Example 15—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the cartridge body comprises a proximal end, and wherein the authentication key defeats the first lockout by moving the at least one lockout arm from engagement with the firing member to engagement with the proximal end of the cartridge body.


Example 16—A surgical stapling assembly configured to receive a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, a deck surface, a plurality of staple pockets opening through the deck surface, a staple removably stored within each staple pocket, and a sled configured to fire the staples from the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The surgical stapling assembly comprises a surgical stapling device comprising a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a firing member movable between a starting position and an ending position within the longitudinal slot during the staple firing stroke. The firing member is configured to push the sled to fire the staples during the staple firing stroke. The surgical stapling assembly further comprise a first lockout and a second lockout. The first lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from moving distally from the starting position when the staple cartridge is not seated in the surgical stapling assembly. The first lockout comprises a lockout arm configured to releasably retain the firing member in the starting position. The second lockout is configured to prevent the firing member from advancing through the staple firing stroke unless the sled in a staple cartridge that is seated in the surgical stapling device is in an unfired position. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a retainer removably mounted to the cartridge body. The retainer is supported on the deck surface when attached to the cartridge body to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat the first lockout by moving the lockout arm out of retaining engagement with the firing member to permit the firing member to be advanced distally from the starting position when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and the retainer is removed from the cartridge body.


Example 17—The surgical stapling assembly of Example 16, wherein second lockout comprises an abutment on one of the first and second jaws configured to prevent distal movement of the firing member when the firing member is in a locked position, and wherein the firing member is configured to be moved from the locked position to an unlocked position by the sled of the staple cartridge seated in the surgical stapling device only when the sled is in the unfired position.


Example 18—The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 16 or 17, wherein the lockout arm comprises a first lockout arm configured to releasably engage a first pin on a first lateral side of the firing member, and wherein the first lockout further comprises a second lockout arm configured to releasably engage a second pin on a second lateral side of the firing member.


Example 19—A retainer for use with a surgical staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, a deck surface, a plurality of staple pockets defined in the deck surface, a staple removably stored within each staple pocket, and a sled configured to fire the staples from the cartridge body when driven by a firing member of the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling device comprises a first laterally movable lockout arm configured to retainingly engage the firing member to prevent the firing member from moving distally from a starting position. The retainer comprises a retainer body and an authentication key. The retainer body is sized to cover the deck surface and the staple pockets defined therein. The retainer body is removably attachable to the cartridge body to form a cartridge assembly. The authentication key protrudes from a proximal end of the retainer body. The authentication key is configured to laterally move the first lockout arm out of retaining engagement with the firing member when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.


Example 20—The retainer of Example 19, further comprising a keel member protruding from the retainer body, wherein the keel member is configured to be removably received within the longitudinal slot in the cartridge body.


Example 21—The retainer of Examples 19 or 20, wherein the first laterally movable lockout arm of the surgical stapling device is configured to retainingly engage a first lateral side of the firing member. The surgical stapling device further comprises a second laterally movable lockout arm configured to retainingly engage a second lateral side of the firing member. The authentication key comprises a first proximally extending key ramp and a second proximally extending key ramp. The first proximally extending key ramp is configured to move the first lockout arm out of retaining engagement with the first lateral side of the firing member when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The second proximally extending key ramp is configured to move the second lockout arm out of retaining engagement with the second lateral side of the firing member when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.


Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. 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, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.


The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.


The entire disclosures of:


U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;


U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;


U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;


U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;


U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;


U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;


U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,972, entitled MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083.


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;


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;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;


U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;


U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and


U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.


Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.


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, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. 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.


The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may 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 may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.


While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Claims
  • 1. A surgical stapling assembly comprising: a first jaw;a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw;a firing member movable between a starting position and an ending position within said first jaw;a first lockout comprising at least one lockout arm configured to releasably retain said firing member in said starting position; anda surgical staple cartridge comprising: a cartridge body configured to be seated in said first jaw, wherein said cartridge body defines a deck surface;a plurality of staples removably stored in corresponding staple pockets in said cartridge body, wherein each said staple pocket comprises a corresponding staple pocket opening in said deck surface; anda retainer removably mounted to said cartridge body such that said retainer covers at least one staple pocket opening in at least a portion of said deck surface, wherein said retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat said first lockout by moving said lockout arm out of retaining engagement with said firing member to permit said firing member to be advanced distally from the starting position.
  • 2. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer prevents said staples from falling out of said staple pockets.
  • 3. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second lockout configured to releasably retain said firing member in the starting position, wherein said surgical staple cartridge further comprises a staple camming member movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and wherein said staple camming member is configured to defeat said second lockout when said cartridge body is seated in said first jaw and said staple camming member is in the unfired position.
  • 4. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 3, wherein said first lockout is proximal to said second lockout.
  • 5. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 3, wherein said second lockout comprises a locking spring configured to bias said firing member into an abutment portion on one of said first jaw and said second jaw when said firing member is in the starting position.
  • 6. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 5, wherein said firing member is movable between a locked position in which said abutment portion prevents said firing member from moving distally from the starting position and an unlocked position in which said firing member is distally movable from the starting position to the ending position during a staple firing stroke.
  • 7. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 6, wherein said staple camming member is configured to move said firing member from the locked position to the unlocked position when said staple camming member is in the unfired position.
  • 8. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 3, wherein said first lockout is proximal to said staple camming member when said staple camming member is in the unfired position.
  • 9. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said authentication key is proximal to the cartridge body.
  • 10. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one lockout arm comprises: a first lockout arm configured to releasably engage a first lateral side of said firing member; anda second lockout arm configured to releasably engage a second lateral side of said firing member.
  • 11. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 10, wherein said authentication key is configured to move said first lockout arm out of engagement with said first lateral side of said firing member and said second lockout arm out of engagement with said second lateral side of said firing member.
  • 12. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 11, wherein said first lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a first pin protruding from said first lateral side of said firing member, and wherein said second lockout arm is configured to releasably engage a second pin protruding from said second lateral side of said firing member.
  • 13. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one lockout arm is configured to move in a first plane between an engaged position where said at least one lockout arm releasably retains said firing member in the starting position and a disengaged position where said at least one lockout arm is moved out of retaining engagement with said firing member to permit said firing member to be advanced distally from the starting position, wherein said firing member is movable in a second plane between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein said first plane is orthogonal relative to said second plane.
  • 14. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said first jaw comprises a frame configured to receive said surgical staple cartridge therein, and wherein said first lockout is supported within said frame.
  • 15. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said cartridge body comprises a proximal end, and wherein said authentication key defeats said first lockout by moving said at least one lockout arm from engagement with said firing member to engagement with said proximal end of said cartridge body.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/866,208, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH FEATURES FOR DEFEATING LOCKOUTS IN SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES, filed Jun. 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (2319)
Number Name Date Kind
1853416 Hall Apr 1932 A
2222125 Stehlik Nov 1940 A
3082426 Miles Mar 1963 A
3503396 Pierie et al. Mar 1970 A
3584628 Green Jun 1971 A
3626457 Duerr et al. Dec 1971 A
3633584 Farrell Jan 1972 A
3759017 Young Sep 1973 A
3863118 Lander et al. Jan 1975 A
3898545 Coppa et al. Aug 1975 A
3912121 Steffen Oct 1975 A
3915271 Harper Oct 1975 A
3932812 Milligan Jan 1976 A
4041362 Ichiyanagi Aug 1977 A
4052649 Greenwell et al. Oct 1977 A
4087730 Goles May 1978 A
4157859 Terry Jun 1979 A
4171700 Farin Oct 1979 A
4202722 Paquin May 1980 A
4412539 Jarvik Nov 1983 A
4448193 Ivanov May 1984 A
4523695 Braun et al. Jun 1985 A
4608160 Zoch Aug 1986 A
4614366 North et al. Sep 1986 A
4633874 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4701193 Robertson et al. Oct 1987 A
4735603 Goodson et al. Apr 1988 A
4788977 Farin et al. Dec 1988 A
4849752 Bryant Jul 1989 A
D303787 Messenger et al. Oct 1989 S
4892244 Fox et al. Jan 1990 A
5010341 Huntley et al. Apr 1991 A
5026387 Thomas Jun 1991 A
5035692 Lyon et al. Jul 1991 A
5042460 Sakurai et al. Aug 1991 A
5047043 Kubota et al. Sep 1991 A
5084057 Green et al. Jan 1992 A
5100402 Fan Mar 1992 A
D327061 Soren et al. Jun 1992 S
5129570 Schulze et al. Jul 1992 A
5151102 Kamiyama et al. Sep 1992 A
5156315 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5158585 Saho et al. Oct 1992 A
5171247 Hughett et al. Dec 1992 A
5189277 Boisvert et al. Feb 1993 A
5197962 Sansom et al. Mar 1993 A
5204669 Dorfe et al. Apr 1993 A
5242474 Herbst et al. Sep 1993 A
5253793 Green et al. Oct 1993 A
5271543 Grant et al. Dec 1993 A
RE34519 Fox et al. Jan 1994 E
5275323 Schulze et al. Jan 1994 A
5318516 Cosmescu Jun 1994 A
5318563 Malis et al. Jun 1994 A
5322055 Davison et al. Jun 1994 A
5342349 Kaufman Aug 1994 A
5364003 Williamson, IV Nov 1994 A
5383880 Hooven Jan 1995 A
5396900 Slater et al. Mar 1995 A
5397046 Savage et al. Mar 1995 A
5403312 Yates et al. Apr 1995 A
5403327 Thornton et al. Apr 1995 A
5413267 Solyntjes et al. May 1995 A
5415335 Knodell, Jr. May 1995 A
5417699 Klein et al. May 1995 A
5439468 Schulze et al. Aug 1995 A
5445304 Plyley et al. Aug 1995 A
5462545 Wang et al. Oct 1995 A
5465895 Knodel et al. Nov 1995 A
5467911 Tsuruta et al. Nov 1995 A
5474566 Alesi et al. Dec 1995 A
5485947 Olson et al. Jan 1996 A
5496315 Weaver et al. Mar 1996 A
5503320 Webster et al. Apr 1996 A
5529235 Boiarski et al. Jun 1996 A
5531743 Nettekoven et al. Jul 1996 A
5545148 Wurster Aug 1996 A
5552685 Young et al. Sep 1996 A
5560372 Cory Oct 1996 A
5584425 Savage et al. Dec 1996 A
5610379 Muz et al. Mar 1997 A
5610811 Honda Mar 1997 A
5613966 Makower et al. Mar 1997 A
5624452 Yates Apr 1997 A
D379346 Mieki May 1997 S
5626587 Bishop et al. May 1997 A
5643291 Pier et al. Jul 1997 A
5654750 Weil et al. Aug 1997 A
5673841 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673842 Bittner et al. Oct 1997 A
5675227 Roos et al. Oct 1997 A
5693042 Boiarski et al. Dec 1997 A
5693052 Weaver Dec 1997 A
5695502 Pier et al. Dec 1997 A
5697926 Weaver Dec 1997 A
5706998 Plyley et al. Jan 1998 A
5718359 Palmer et al. Feb 1998 A
5724468 Leone et al. Mar 1998 A
5725536 Oberlin et al. Mar 1998 A
5725542 Yoon Mar 1998 A
5735445 Vidal et al. Apr 1998 A
5735848 Yates et al. Apr 1998 A
5746209 Yost et al. May 1998 A
5749362 Funda et al. May 1998 A
5749893 Vidal et al. May 1998 A
5752644 Bolanos et al. May 1998 A
5762255 Chrisman et al. Jun 1998 A
5766186 Faraz et al. Jun 1998 A
5769791 Benaron et al. Jun 1998 A
5775331 Raymond et al. Jul 1998 A
5797537 Oberlin et al. Aug 1998 A
5800350 Coppleson et al. Sep 1998 A
D399561 Ellingson Oct 1998 S
5817093 Williamson, IV et al. Oct 1998 A
5820009 Melling et al. Oct 1998 A
5833690 Yates et al. Nov 1998 A
5836849 Mathiak et al. Nov 1998 A
5836869 Kudo et al. Nov 1998 A
5836909 Cosmescu Nov 1998 A
5843080 Fleenor et al. Dec 1998 A
5846237 Nettekoven Dec 1998 A
5849022 Sakashita et al. Dec 1998 A
5873873 Smith et al. Feb 1999 A
5878938 Bittner et al. Mar 1999 A
5893849 Weaver Apr 1999 A
5906625 Bito et al. May 1999 A
5942333 Arnett et al. Aug 1999 A
5947996 Logeman Sep 1999 A
5968032 Sleister Oct 1999 A
5980510 Tsonton et al. Nov 1999 A
5987346 Benaron et al. Nov 1999 A
5997528 Bisch et al. Dec 1999 A
6010054 Johnson et al. Jan 2000 A
6030437 Gourrier et al. Feb 2000 A
6036637 Kudo Mar 2000 A
6039734 Goble Mar 2000 A
6039735 Greep Mar 2000 A
6059799 Aranyi et al. May 2000 A
6066137 Greep May 2000 A
6079606 Milliman et al. Jun 2000 A
6090107 Borgmeier et al. Jul 2000 A
6099537 Sugai et al. Aug 2000 A
6102907 Smethers et al. Aug 2000 A
6109500 Alli et al. Aug 2000 A
6113598 Baker Sep 2000 A
6126592 Proch et al. Oct 2000 A
6126658 Baker Oct 2000 A
6131789 Schulze et al. Oct 2000 A
6155473 Tompkins et al. Dec 2000 A
6214000 Fleenor et al. Apr 2001 B1
6258105 Hart et al. Jul 2001 B1
6269411 Reasoner Jul 2001 B1
6273887 Yamauchi et al. Aug 2001 B1
6301495 Gueziec et al. Oct 2001 B1
6302881 Farin Oct 2001 B1
6308089 von der Ruhr et al. Oct 2001 B1
6325808 Bernard et al. Dec 2001 B1
6325811 Messerly Dec 2001 B1
6331181 Tierney et al. Dec 2001 B1
6341164 Dilkie et al. Jan 2002 B1
6391102 Bodden et al. May 2002 B1
6434416 Mizoguchi et al. Aug 2002 B1
6443973 Whitman Sep 2002 B1
6451015 Rittman, III et al. Sep 2002 B1
6454781 Witt et al. Sep 2002 B1
6457625 Tormala et al. Oct 2002 B1
6461352 Morgan et al. Oct 2002 B2
6466817 Kaula et al. Oct 2002 B1
6480796 Wiener Nov 2002 B2
6524307 Palmerton et al. Feb 2003 B1
6530933 Yeung et al. Mar 2003 B1
6551243 Bocionek et al. Apr 2003 B2
6569109 Sakurai et al. May 2003 B2
6582424 Fleenor et al. Jun 2003 B2
6584358 Carter et al. Jun 2003 B2
6585791 Garito et al. Jul 2003 B1
6611793 Burnside et al. Aug 2003 B1
6618626 West, Jr. et al. Sep 2003 B2
6633234 Wiener et al. Oct 2003 B2
6648223 Boukhny et al. Nov 2003 B2
6678552 Pearlman Jan 2004 B2
6679899 Wiener et al. Jan 2004 B2
6685704 Greep Feb 2004 B2
6699187 Webb et al. Mar 2004 B2
6731514 Evans May 2004 B2
6742895 Robin Jun 2004 B2
6752816 Culp et al. Jun 2004 B2
6760616 Hoey et al. Jul 2004 B2
6770072 Truckai et al. Aug 2004 B1
6773444 Messerly Aug 2004 B2
6775575 Bommannan et al. Aug 2004 B2
6778846 Martinez et al. Aug 2004 B1
6781683 Kacyra et al. Aug 2004 B2
6783524 Anderson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6783525 Greep et al. Aug 2004 B2
6793663 Kneifel et al. Sep 2004 B2
6824539 Novak Nov 2004 B2
6846308 Whitman et al. Jan 2005 B2
6849074 Chen et al. Feb 2005 B2
6852219 Hammond Feb 2005 B2
6863650 Irion Mar 2005 B1
6869430 Balbierz et al. Mar 2005 B2
6869435 Blake, III Mar 2005 B2
6911033 de Guillebon et al. Jun 2005 B2
6913471 Smith Jul 2005 B2
6937892 Leyde et al. Aug 2005 B2
6945981 Donofrio et al. Sep 2005 B2
6951559 Greep Oct 2005 B1
6962587 Johnson et al. Nov 2005 B2
6978921 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2005 B2
6988649 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2006 B2
7000818 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2006 B2
7009511 Mazar et al. Mar 2006 B2
7030146 Baynes et al. Apr 2006 B2
7032798 Whitman et al. Apr 2006 B2
7041941 Faries, Jr. et al. May 2006 B2
7044352 Shelton, IV et al. May 2006 B2
7044911 Drinan et al. May 2006 B2
7044949 Orszulak et al. May 2006 B2
7048775 Jornitz et al. May 2006 B2
7053752 Wang et al. May 2006 B2
7055730 Ehrenfels et al. Jun 2006 B2
7073765 Newkirk Jul 2006 B2
7077853 Kramer et al. Jul 2006 B2
7077856 Whitman Jul 2006 B2
7081096 Brister et al. Jul 2006 B2
7097640 Wang et al. Aug 2006 B2
7103688 Strong Sep 2006 B2
7104949 Anderson et al. Sep 2006 B2
7118564 Ritchie et al. Oct 2006 B2
7121460 Parsons et al. Oct 2006 B1
7137980 Buysse et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140528 Shelton, IV Nov 2006 B2
7143923 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143925 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147139 Schwemberger et al. Dec 2006 B2
7155316 Sutherland et al. Dec 2006 B2
7164940 Hareyama et al. Jan 2007 B2
7169145 Isaacson et al. Jan 2007 B2
7177533 McFarlin et al. Feb 2007 B2
7182775 de Guillebon et al. Feb 2007 B2
7207472 Wukusick et al. Apr 2007 B2
7208005 Frecker et al. Apr 2007 B2
7217269 El-Galley et al. May 2007 B2
7230529 Ketcherside, Jr. et al. Jun 2007 B2
7232447 Gellman et al. Jun 2007 B2
7236817 Papas et al. Jun 2007 B2
7246734 Shelton, IV Jul 2007 B2
7252664 Nasab et al. Aug 2007 B2
7278563 Green Oct 2007 B1
7294106 Birkenbach et al. Nov 2007 B2
7294116 Ellman et al. Nov 2007 B1
7296724 Green et al. Nov 2007 B2
7317955 McGreevy Jan 2008 B2
7328828 Ortiz et al. Feb 2008 B2
7334717 Rethy et al. Feb 2008 B2
7343565 Ying et al. Mar 2008 B2
7344532 Goble et al. Mar 2008 B2
7353068 Tanaka et al. Apr 2008 B2
7362228 Nycz et al. Apr 2008 B2
7371227 Zeiner May 2008 B2
7380695 Doll et al. Jun 2008 B2
7383088 Spinelli et al. Jun 2008 B2
7391173 Schena Jun 2008 B2
7407074 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7408439 Wang et al. Aug 2008 B2
7422136 Marczyk Sep 2008 B1
7422139 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2008 B2
7423972 Shaham et al. Sep 2008 B2
D579876 Novotney et al. Nov 2008 S
7457804 Uber, III et al. Nov 2008 B2
D583328 Chiang Dec 2008 S
7464847 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464849 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7496418 Kim et al. Feb 2009 B2
D589447 Sasada et al. Mar 2009 S
7515961 Germanson et al. Apr 2009 B2
7518502 Austin et al. Apr 2009 B2
7563259 Takahashi Jul 2009 B2
7568604 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2009 B2
7575144 Ortiz et al. Aug 2009 B2
7597731 Palmerton et al. Oct 2009 B2
7617137 Kreiner et al. Nov 2009 B2
7621192 Conti et al. Nov 2009 B2
7621898 Lalomia et al. Nov 2009 B2
7631793 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7637410 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7637907 Blaha Dec 2009 B2
7641092 Kruszynski et al. Jan 2010 B2
7644848 Swayze et al. Jan 2010 B2
7667592 Ohyama et al. Feb 2010 B2
7667839 Bates Feb 2010 B2
7670334 Hueil et al. Mar 2010 B2
7694865 Scirica Apr 2010 B2
7699860 Huitema et al. Apr 2010 B2
7720306 Gardiner et al. May 2010 B2
7721934 Shelton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7721936 Shalton, IV et al. May 2010 B2
7736357 Lee, Jr. et al. Jun 2010 B2
7742176 Braunecker et al. Jun 2010 B2
7743960 Whitman et al. Jun 2010 B2
7753245 Boudreaux et al. Jul 2010 B2
7757028 Druke et al. Jul 2010 B2
7766207 Mather et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766905 Paterson et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770773 Whitman et al. Aug 2010 B2
7771429 Ballard et al. Aug 2010 B2
7776037 Odom Aug 2010 B2
7782789 Stultz et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784663 Shelton, IV Aug 2010 B2
7803151 Whitman Sep 2010 B2
7810692 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7818041 Kim et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819298 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7832612 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2010 B2
7833219 Tashiro et al. Nov 2010 B2
7836085 Petakov et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837079 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837680 Isaacson et al. Nov 2010 B2
7841980 Minosawa et al. Nov 2010 B2
7845537 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857185 Swayze et al. Dec 2010 B2
D631252 Leslie Jan 2011 S
7862560 Marion Jan 2011 B2
7862579 Ortiz et al. Jan 2011 B2
7865236 Cory et al. Jan 2011 B2
7884735 Newkirk Feb 2011 B2
7887530 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 B2
7892337 Palmerton et al. Feb 2011 B2
7907166 Lamprecht et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913891 Doll et al. Mar 2011 B2
7918230 Whitman et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918377 Measamer et al. Apr 2011 B2
7920706 Asokan et al. Apr 2011 B2
7927014 Dehler Apr 2011 B2
7932826 Fritchie et al. Apr 2011 B2
7942300 Rethy et al. May 2011 B2
7945065 Menzl et al. May 2011 B2
7945342 Tsai et al. May 2011 B2
7951148 McClurken May 2011 B2
7954682 Giordano et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955322 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2011 B2
7956620 Gilbert Jun 2011 B2
7963433 Whitman et al. Jun 2011 B2
7966269 Bauer et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967180 Scirica Jun 2011 B2
7976553 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2011 B2
7979157 Anvari Jul 2011 B2
7980443 Scheib et al. Jul 2011 B2
7982776 Dunki-Jacobs et al. Jul 2011 B2
7988028 Farascioni et al. Aug 2011 B2
7993140 Sakezles Aug 2011 B2
7995045 Dunki-Jacobs Aug 2011 B2
8005947 Morris et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007494 Taylor et al. Aug 2011 B1
8007513 Nalagatla et al. Aug 2011 B2
8010180 Quaid et al. Aug 2011 B2
8012170 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8015976 Shah Sep 2011 B2
8016855 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8019094 Hsieh et al. Sep 2011 B2
8025199 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8027710 Dannan Sep 2011 B1
8035685 Jensen Oct 2011 B2
8038686 Huitema et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038693 Allen Oct 2011 B2
8043560 Okumoto et al. Oct 2011 B2
8054184 Cline et al. Nov 2011 B2
8054752 Druke et al. Nov 2011 B2
8062306 Nobis et al. Nov 2011 B2
8062330 Prommersberger et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066721 Kortenbach et al. Nov 2011 B2
8074861 Ehrenfels et al. Dec 2011 B2
8075571 Vitali et al. Dec 2011 B2
8096459 Ortiz et al. Jan 2012 B2
8118206 Zand et al. Feb 2012 B2
8120301 Goldberg et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123764 Meade et al. Feb 2012 B2
D655678 Kobayashi et al. Mar 2012 S
8128625 Odom Mar 2012 B2
8131565 Dicks et al. Mar 2012 B2
8136712 Zingman Mar 2012 B2
D657368 Magee et al. Apr 2012 S
8147486 Honour et al. Apr 2012 B2
8155479 Hoffman et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157145 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157150 Viola et al. Apr 2012 B2
8157151 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2012 B2
8160098 Yan et al. Apr 2012 B1
8160690 Wilfley et al. Apr 2012 B2
8161977 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 B2
8170396 Kuspa et al. May 2012 B2
8172836 Ward May 2012 B2
8181839 Beetel May 2012 B2
8185409 Putnam et al. May 2012 B2
8206345 Abboud et al. Jun 2012 B2
8208707 Mendonca et al. Jun 2012 B2
8210411 Yates et al. Jul 2012 B2
8214007 Baker et al. Jul 2012 B2
8216849 Petty Jul 2012 B2
8220688 Laurent et al. Jul 2012 B2
8225643 Abboud et al. Jul 2012 B2
8225979 Farascioni et al. Jul 2012 B2
8229549 Whitman et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231042 Hessler et al. Jul 2012 B2
8239066 Jennings et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241322 Whitman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8255045 Gharib et al. Aug 2012 B2
D667838 Magee et al. Sep 2012 S
8257387 Cunningham Sep 2012 B2
8260016 Maeda et al. Sep 2012 B2
8262560 Whitman Sep 2012 B2
8292639 Achammer et al. Oct 2012 B2
8292888 Whitman Oct 2012 B2
8295902 Salahieh et al. Oct 2012 B2
8308040 Huang et al. Nov 2012 B2
8321581 Katis et al. Nov 2012 B2
8322590 Patel et al. Dec 2012 B2
8328065 Shah Dec 2012 B2
8335590 Costa et al. Dec 2012 B2
D675164 Kobayashi et al. Jan 2013 S
8343065 Bartol et al. Jan 2013 B2
8346392 Walser et al. Jan 2013 B2
8360299 Zemlok et al. Jan 2013 B2
8364222 Cook et al. Jan 2013 B2
D676392 Gassauer Feb 2013 S
8365975 Manoux et al. Feb 2013 B1
D678196 Miyauchi et al. Mar 2013 S
D678304 Yakoub et al. Mar 2013 S
8388652 Viola Mar 2013 B2
8393514 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2013 B2
8397972 Kostrzewski Mar 2013 B2
8398541 DiMaio et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403944 Pain et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403945 Whitfield et al. Mar 2013 B2
8403946 Whitfield et al. Mar 2013 B2
8406859 Zuzak et al. Mar 2013 B2
8411034 Boillot et al. Apr 2013 B2
8413871 Racenet et al. Apr 2013 B2
8422035 Hinderling et al. Apr 2013 B2
8423182 Robinson et al. Apr 2013 B2
8428722 Verhoef et al. Apr 2013 B2
8429153 Birdwell et al. Apr 2013 B2
8439910 Greep et al. May 2013 B2
8444663 Houser et al. May 2013 B2
8452615 Abri May 2013 B2
8454506 Rothman et al. Jun 2013 B2
8461744 Wiener et al. Jun 2013 B2
8468030 Stroup et al. Jun 2013 B2
8469973 Meade et al. Jun 2013 B2
8472630 Konrad et al. Jun 2013 B2
D687146 Juzkiw et al. Jul 2013 S
8476227 Kaplan et al. Jul 2013 B2
8489235 Moll et al. Jul 2013 B2
8499992 Whitman et al. Aug 2013 B2
8500728 Newton et al. Aug 2013 B2
8500756 Papa et al. Aug 2013 B2
8503759 Greer et al. Aug 2013 B2
8505801 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506478 Mizuyoshi Aug 2013 B2
8512325 Mathonnet Aug 2013 B2
8512365 Wiener et al. Aug 2013 B2
8515520 Brunnett et al. Aug 2013 B2
8517239 Scheib et al. Aug 2013 B2
8521331 Itkowitz Aug 2013 B2
8523043 Ullrich et al. Sep 2013 B2
8540709 Allen Sep 2013 B2
8546996 Messerly et al. Oct 2013 B2
8554697 Claus et al. Oct 2013 B2
8560047 Haider et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561870 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2013 B2
8562598 Falkenstein et al. Oct 2013 B2
8566115 Moore Oct 2013 B2
8567393 Hickle et al. Oct 2013 B2
8571598 Valavi Oct 2013 B2
8573459 Smith et al. Nov 2013 B2
8573465 Shelton, IV Nov 2013 B2
8574229 Eder et al. Nov 2013 B2
8585694 Amoah et al. Nov 2013 B2
8590762 Hess et al. Nov 2013 B2
8591536 Robertson Nov 2013 B2
8595607 Nekoomaram et al. Nov 2013 B2
8596513 Olson et al. Dec 2013 B2
8596515 Okoniewski Dec 2013 B2
8604709 Jalbout et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608044 Hueil et al. Dec 2013 B2
8608045 Smith et al. Dec 2013 B2
8616431 Timm et al. Dec 2013 B2
8620055 Barratt et al. Dec 2013 B2
8620473 Diolaiti et al. Dec 2013 B2
8623027 Price et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627483 Rachlin et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627993 Smith et al. Jan 2014 B2
8627995 Smith et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628518 Blumenkranz et al. Jan 2014 B2
8628545 Cabrera et al. Jan 2014 B2
8631987 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2014 B2
8632525 Kerr et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636190 Zemlok et al. Jan 2014 B2
8636736 Yates et al. Jan 2014 B2
8641621 Razzaque et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652086 Gerg et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652121 Quick et al. Feb 2014 B2
8652128 Ward Feb 2014 B2
8657176 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657177 Scirica et al. Feb 2014 B2
8663220 Wiener et al. Mar 2014 B2
8666544 Moll et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679114 Chapman et al. Mar 2014 B2
8682049 Zhao et al. Mar 2014 B2
8682489 Itkowitz et al. Mar 2014 B2
8685056 Evans et al. Apr 2014 B2
8688188 Heller et al. Apr 2014 B2
8690864 Hoarau Apr 2014 B2
8701962 Kostrzewski Apr 2014 B2
D704839 Juzkiw et al. May 2014 S
8719061 Birchall May 2014 B2
8720766 Hess et al. May 2014 B2
8733613 Huitema et al. May 2014 B2
8740840 Foley et al. Jun 2014 B2
8740866 Reasoner et al. Jun 2014 B2
8747238 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2014 B2
8752749 Moore et al. Jun 2014 B2
8757465 Woodard, Jr. et al. Jun 2014 B2
8761717 Buchheit Jun 2014 B1
8763879 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2014 B2
8768251 Claus et al. Jul 2014 B2
8771270 Burbank Jul 2014 B2
8775196 Simpson et al. Jul 2014 B2
8779648 Giordano et al. Jul 2014 B2
8790253 Sunagawa et al. Jul 2014 B2
8794497 Zingman Aug 2014 B2
8795001 Lam et al. Aug 2014 B1
8799008 Johnson et al. Aug 2014 B2
8799009 Mellin et al. Aug 2014 B2
8800838 Shelton, IV Aug 2014 B2
8801703 Gregg et al. Aug 2014 B2
8814996 Giurgiutiu et al. Aug 2014 B2
8818556 Sanchez et al. Aug 2014 B2
8819581 Nakamura et al. Aug 2014 B2
8820603 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8820608 Miyamoto Sep 2014 B2
8827134 Viola et al. Sep 2014 B2
8840003 Morgan et al. Sep 2014 B2
D716333 Chotin et al. Oct 2014 S
8851354 Swensgard et al. Oct 2014 B2
8852174 Burbank Oct 2014 B2
8875973 Whitman Nov 2014 B2
8882662 Charles Nov 2014 B2
8886790 Harrang et al. Nov 2014 B2
8893949 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2014 B2
8899479 Cappuzzo et al. Dec 2014 B2
8905977 Shelton et al. Dec 2014 B2
8912746 Reid et al. Dec 2014 B2
8914098 Brennan et al. Dec 2014 B2
8917513 Hazzard Dec 2014 B1
8918207 Prisco Dec 2014 B2
8920186 Shishikura Dec 2014 B2
8920414 Stone et al. Dec 2014 B2
8920433 Barrier et al. Dec 2014 B2
8930203 Kiaie et al. Jan 2015 B2
8930214 Woolford Jan 2015 B2
8931679 Kostrzewski Jan 2015 B2
8936614 Allen, IV Jan 2015 B2
8945095 Blumenkranz et al. Feb 2015 B2
8945163 Voegele et al. Feb 2015 B2
8955732 Zemlok et al. Feb 2015 B2
8956581 Rosenbaum et al. Feb 2015 B2
8960519 Whitman et al. Feb 2015 B2
8960520 McCuen Feb 2015 B2
8962062 Podhajsky et al. Feb 2015 B2
8967443 McCuen Mar 2015 B2
8967455 Zhou Mar 2015 B2
8968276 Zemlok et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968296 McPherson Mar 2015 B2
8968309 Roy et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968312 Marczyk et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968337 Whitfield et al. Mar 2015 B2
8968358 Reschke Mar 2015 B2
8974429 Gordon et al. Mar 2015 B2
8979890 Boudreaux Mar 2015 B2
8986288 Konishi Mar 2015 B2
8986302 Aldridge et al. Mar 2015 B2
8989903 Weir et al. Mar 2015 B2
8991678 Wellman et al. Mar 2015 B2
8992565 Brisson et al. Mar 2015 B2
8998797 Omori Apr 2015 B2
9002518 Manzo et al. Apr 2015 B2
9010611 Ross et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011366 Dean et al. Apr 2015 B2
9011427 Price et al. Apr 2015 B2
9016539 Kostrzewski et al. Apr 2015 B2
9017326 DiNardo et al. Apr 2015 B2
9020240 Pettersson et al. Apr 2015 B2
D729267 Yoo et al. May 2015 S
9023032 Robinson May 2015 B2
9023071 Miller et al. May 2015 B2
9027431 Tang et al. May 2015 B2
9028494 Shelton, IV et al. May 2015 B2
9035568 Ganton et al. May 2015 B2
9038882 Racenet et al. May 2015 B2
9043027 Durant et al. May 2015 B2
9044227 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044244 Ludwin et al. Jun 2015 B2
9044261 Houser Jun 2015 B2
9050063 Roe et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050083 Yates et al. Jun 2015 B2
9050120 Swarup et al. Jun 2015 B2
9052809 Vesto Jun 2015 B2
9055035 Porsch et al. Jun 2015 B2
9055870 Meador et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060770 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2015 B2
9060775 Wiener et al. Jun 2015 B2
9066650 Sekiguchi Jun 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
9078727 Miller Jul 2015 B2
9084606 Greep Jul 2015 B2
9089360 Messerly et al. Jul 2015 B2
9095362 Dachs, II et al. Aug 2015 B2
9095367 Olson et al. Aug 2015 B2
9099863 Smith et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101358 Kerr et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101359 Smith et al. Aug 2015 B2
9101374 Hoch et al. Aug 2015 B1
9106270 Puterbaugh et al. Aug 2015 B2
9107573 Birnkrant Aug 2015 B2
9107662 Kostrzewski Aug 2015 B2
9107684 Ma Aug 2015 B2
9107688 Kimball et al. Aug 2015 B2
9107689 Robertson et al. Aug 2015 B2
9107694 Hendriks et al. Aug 2015 B2
9111548 Nandy et al. Aug 2015 B2
9113880 Zemlok et al. Aug 2015 B2
9114494 Mah Aug 2015 B1
9116597 Gulasky Aug 2015 B1
9119617 Souls et al. Sep 2015 B2
9119655 Bowling et al. Sep 2015 B2
9119657 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2015 B2
9123155 Cunningham et al. Sep 2015 B2
9125644 Lane et al. Sep 2015 B2
9129054 Nawana et al. Sep 2015 B2
9137254 Bilbrey et al. Sep 2015 B2
9138129 Diolaiti Sep 2015 B2
9138225 Huang et al. Sep 2015 B2
9149322 Knowlton Oct 2015 B2
9155503 Cadwell Oct 2015 B2
9160853 Daddi et al. Oct 2015 B1
9161803 Yates et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168054 Turner et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168091 Janssen et al. Oct 2015 B2
9168104 Dein Oct 2015 B2
9179912 Yates et al. Nov 2015 B2
9183723 Sherman et al. Nov 2015 B2
9186143 Timm et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192375 Skinlo et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192447 Choi et al. Nov 2015 B2
9192707 Gerber et al. Nov 2015 B2
9198711 Joseph Dec 2015 B2
9202078 Abuelsaad et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204830 Zand et al. Dec 2015 B2
9204879 Shelton, IV Dec 2015 B2
9204995 Scheller et al. Dec 2015 B2
9211120 Scheib et al. Dec 2015 B2
9216062 Duque et al. Dec 2015 B2
9218053 Komuro et al. Dec 2015 B2
9220502 Zemlok et al. Dec 2015 B2
9226689 Jacobsen et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226751 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226766 Aldridge et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226767 Stulen et al. Jan 2016 B2
9226791 McCarthy et al. Jan 2016 B2
9232883 Ozawa et al. Jan 2016 B2
9237891 Shelton, IV Jan 2016 B2
9237921 Messerly et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241728 Price et al. Jan 2016 B2
9241730 Babaev Jan 2016 B2
9241731 Boudreaux et al. Jan 2016 B2
9247996 Merana et al. Feb 2016 B1
9250172 Harris et al. Feb 2016 B2
9255907 Heanue et al. Feb 2016 B2
9265429 St. Pierre et al. Feb 2016 B2
9265585 Wingardner et al. Feb 2016 B2
9272406 Aronhalt et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277956 Zhang Mar 2016 B2
9277961 Panescu et al. Mar 2016 B2
9277969 Brannan et al. Mar 2016 B2
9280884 Schultz et al. Mar 2016 B1
9282962 Schmid et al. Mar 2016 B2
9282974 Shelton, IV Mar 2016 B2
9283045 Rhee et al. Mar 2016 B2
9283054 Morgan et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289211 Williams et al. Mar 2016 B2
9289212 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295514 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2016 B2
9301691 Hufnagel et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301753 Aldridge et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301759 Spivey et al. Apr 2016 B2
9301810 Amiri et al. Apr 2016 B2
9302213 Manahan et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307894 von Grunberg et al. Apr 2016 B2
9307914 Fahey Apr 2016 B2
9307986 Hall et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314246 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2016 B2
9314308 Parihar et al. Apr 2016 B2
9320563 Brustad et al. Apr 2016 B2
9325732 Stickle et al. Apr 2016 B1
9326767 Koch et al. May 2016 B2
9326770 Shelton, IV et al. May 2016 B2
9331422 Nazzaro et al. May 2016 B2
9332987 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9333042 Diolaiti et al. May 2016 B2
9336385 Spencer et al. May 2016 B1
9341704 Picard et al. May 2016 B2
9345481 Hall et al. May 2016 B2
9345490 Ippisch May 2016 B2
9345546 Toth et al. May 2016 B2
9345900 Wu et al. May 2016 B2
9351726 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9351727 Leimbach et al. May 2016 B2
9358003 Hall et al. Jun 2016 B2
9358685 Meier et al. Jun 2016 B2
9360449 Duric Jun 2016 B2
9364231 Wenchell Jun 2016 B2
9364249 Kimball et al. Jun 2016 B2
9364294 Razzaque et al. Jun 2016 B2
9370400 Parihar Jun 2016 B2
9375282 Nau, Jr. et al. Jun 2016 B2
9375539 Stearns et al. Jun 2016 B2
9381003 Todor et al. Jul 2016 B2
9381058 Houser et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386984 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2016 B2
9386988 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2016 B2
9387295 Mastri et al. Jul 2016 B1
9393017 Flanagan et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393037 Olson et al. Jul 2016 B2
9398905 Martin Jul 2016 B2
9398911 Auld Jul 2016 B2
9402629 Ehrenfels Aug 2016 B2
9414776 Sillay et al. Aug 2016 B2
9414940 Stein et al. Aug 2016 B2
9419018 Sasagawa et al. Aug 2016 B2
9421014 Ingmanson et al. Aug 2016 B2
9433470 Choi Sep 2016 B2
9439622 Case et al. Sep 2016 B2
9439668 Timm et al. Sep 2016 B2
9439736 Olson Sep 2016 B2
9445764 Gross et al. Sep 2016 B2
9445813 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
9450701 Do et al. Sep 2016 B2
9451949 Gorek et al. Sep 2016 B2
9451958 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 B2
9463022 Swayze et al. Oct 2016 B2
9463646 Payne et al. Oct 2016 B2
9468438 Baber et al. Oct 2016 B2
9474565 Shikhman et al. Oct 2016 B2
D772252 Myers et al. Nov 2016 S
9480492 Aranyi et al. Nov 2016 B2
9485475 Speier et al. Nov 2016 B2
9486271 Dunning Nov 2016 B2
9492146 Kostrzewski et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492237 Kang et al. Nov 2016 B2
9493807 Little et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498182 Case et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498215 Duque et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498231 Haider et al. Nov 2016 B2
9516239 Blanquart et al. Dec 2016 B2
9519753 Gerdeman et al. Dec 2016 B1
9522003 Weir et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526407 Hoeg et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526499 Kostrzewski et al. Dec 2016 B2
9526587 Zhao et al. Dec 2016 B2
9532827 Morgan et al. Jan 2017 B2
9532845 Dossett et al. Jan 2017 B1
9539007 Dhakad et al. Jan 2017 B2
9539020 Conlon et al. Jan 2017 B2
9542481 Halter et al. Jan 2017 B2
9546662 Shener-Irmakoglu et al. Jan 2017 B2
9549781 He et al. Jan 2017 B2
9554692 Levy Jan 2017 B2
9554794 Baber et al. Jan 2017 B2
9554854 Yates et al. Jan 2017 B2
9561038 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561045 Hinman et al. Feb 2017 B2
9561982 Enicks et al. Feb 2017 B2
9566708 Kurnianto Feb 2017 B2
9572592 Price et al. Feb 2017 B2
9579503 McKinney et al. Feb 2017 B2
9585657 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2017 B2
9592095 Panescu et al. Mar 2017 B2
9597081 Swayze et al. Mar 2017 B2
9600031 Kaneko et al. Mar 2017 B2
9600138 Thomas et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603024 Wang et al. Mar 2017 B2
9603277 Morgan et al. Mar 2017 B2
D783675 Yagisawa et al. Apr 2017 S
D784270 Bhattacharya Apr 2017 S
9610114 Baxter, III et al. Apr 2017 B2
9622684 Wybo Apr 2017 B2
9622808 Beller et al. Apr 2017 B2
9628501 Datta Ray et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629560 Joseph Apr 2017 B2
9629623 Lytle, IV et al. Apr 2017 B2
9629628 Aranyi Apr 2017 B2
9629629 Leimbach et al. Apr 2017 B2
9630318 Ibarz Gabardos et al. Apr 2017 B2
9636188 Gattani et al. May 2017 B2
9636239 Durand et al. May 2017 B2
9636825 Penn et al. May 2017 B2
9641596 Unagami et al. May 2017 B2
9641815 Richardson et al. May 2017 B2
9642620 Baxter, III et al. May 2017 B2
9643022 Mashiach et al. May 2017 B2
9649110 Parihar et al. May 2017 B2
9649111 Shelton, IV et al. May 2017 B2
9649126 Robertson et al. May 2017 B2
9649169 Cinquin et al. May 2017 B2
9652655 Satish et al. May 2017 B2
9655616 Aranyi May 2017 B2
9656092 Golden May 2017 B2
9662116 Smith et al. May 2017 B2
9662177 Weir et al. May 2017 B2
9668729 Williams et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668732 Patel et al. Jun 2017 B2
9668765 Grace et al. Jun 2017 B2
9671860 Ogawa et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675264 Acquista et al. Jun 2017 B2
9675354 Weir et al. Jun 2017 B2
9681870 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2017 B2
9686306 Chizeck et al. Jun 2017 B2
9687230 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9690362 Leimbach et al. Jun 2017 B2
9700292 Nawana et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700309 Jaworek et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700312 Kostrzewski et al. Jul 2017 B2
9700320 Dinardo et al. Jul 2017 B2
9706993 Hessler et al. Jul 2017 B2
9710214 Lin et al. Jul 2017 B2
9710644 Reybok et al. Jul 2017 B2
9713424 Spaide Jul 2017 B2
9713503 Goldschmidt Jul 2017 B2
9717141 Tegg Jul 2017 B1
9717498 Aranyi et al. Aug 2017 B2
9717525 Ahluwalia et al. Aug 2017 B2
9717548 Couture Aug 2017 B2
9724094 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724100 Scheib et al. Aug 2017 B2
9724118 Schulte et al. Aug 2017 B2
9733663 Leimbach et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737301 Baber et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737310 Whitfield et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737335 Butler et al. Aug 2017 B2
9737355 Yates et al. Aug 2017 B2
9740826 Raghavan et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743016 Nestares et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743929 Leimbach et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743946 Faller et al. Aug 2017 B2
9743947 Price et al. Aug 2017 B2
9750499 Leimbach et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750500 Malkowski Sep 2017 B2
9750522 Scheib et al. Sep 2017 B2
9750523 Tsubuku Sep 2017 B2
9750563 Shikhman et al. Sep 2017 B2
9753135 Bosch Sep 2017 B2
9753568 McMillen Sep 2017 B2
9757126 Cappola Sep 2017 B2
9757128 Baber et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757142 Shimizu Sep 2017 B2
9757152 Ogilvie et al. Sep 2017 B2
9763741 Alvarez et al. Sep 2017 B2
9764164 Wiener et al. Sep 2017 B2
9770541 Carr et al. Sep 2017 B2
9775611 Kostrzewski Oct 2017 B2
9777913 Talbert et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782164 Mumaw et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782169 Kimsey et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782212 Wham et al. Oct 2017 B2
9782214 Houser et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788835 Morgan et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788836 Overmyer et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788851 Dannaher et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788902 Inoue et al. Oct 2017 B2
9788907 Alvi et al. Oct 2017 B1
9795436 Yates et al. Oct 2017 B2
9797486 Zergiebel et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801531 Morita et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801626 Parihar et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801627 Harris et al. Oct 2017 B2
9801679 Trees et al. Oct 2017 B2
9802033 Hibner et al. Oct 2017 B2
9804618 Leimbach et al. Oct 2017 B2
9805472 Chou et al. Oct 2017 B2
9808244 Leimbach et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808245 Richard et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808246 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9808248 Hoffman Nov 2017 B2
9808249 Shelton, IV Nov 2017 B2
9814457 Martin et al. 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
9820699 Bingley et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820738 Lytle, IV et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820741 Kostrzewski Nov 2017 B2
9826976 Parihar et al. Nov 2017 B2
9826977 Leimbach et al. Nov 2017 B2
9827054 Richmond et al. Nov 2017 B2
9827059 Robinson et al. Nov 2017 B2
9830424 Dixon et al. Nov 2017 B2
9833241 Huitema et al. Dec 2017 B2
9833254 Barral et al. Dec 2017 B1
9839419 Deck et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839424 Zergiebel et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839428 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839470 Gilbert et al. Dec 2017 B2
9839487 Dachs, II Dec 2017 B2
9844321 Ekvall et al. Dec 2017 B1
9844368 Boudreaux et al. Dec 2017 B2
9844369 Huitema 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
9848058 Johnson et al. Dec 2017 B2
9848877 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 B2
9861354 Saliman et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861363 Chen et al. Jan 2018 B2
9861428 Trees et al. Jan 2018 B2
9864839 Baym et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867612 Parihar et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867651 Wham Jan 2018 B2
9867670 Brannan et al. Jan 2018 B2
9867914 Bonano et al. Jan 2018 B2
9872609 Levy Jan 2018 B2
9872683 Hopkins et al. Jan 2018 B2
9877718 Weir et al. Jan 2018 B2
9877721 Schellin et al. Jan 2018 B2
9883860 Leimbach Feb 2018 B2
9888864 Rondoni et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888914 Martin et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888919 Leimbach et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888921 Williams et al. Feb 2018 B2
9888975 Auld Feb 2018 B2
9895148 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 B2
9900787 Ou Feb 2018 B2
9901342 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2018 B2
9901406 State et al. Feb 2018 B2
9905000 Chou et al. Feb 2018 B2
9907196 Susini et al. Feb 2018 B2
9907550 Sniffin et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913642 Leimbach et al. Mar 2018 B2
9913645 Zerkle et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918326 Gilson et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918730 Trees et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918778 Walberg et al. Mar 2018 B2
9918788 Paul et al. Mar 2018 B2
9922304 DeBusk et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924941 Burbank Mar 2018 B2
9924944 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9924961 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2018 B2
9931040 Homyk et al. Apr 2018 B2
9931118 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9931124 Gokharu Apr 2018 B2
9936863 Tesar Apr 2018 B2
9936942 Chin et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936955 Miller et al. Apr 2018 B2
9936961 Chien et al. Apr 2018 B2
9937012 Hares et al. Apr 2018 B2
9937014 Bowling et al. Apr 2018 B2
9937626 Rockrohr Apr 2018 B2
9938972 Walley Apr 2018 B2
9943230 Kaku et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943309 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943312 Posada et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943377 Yates et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943379 Gregg, II et al. Apr 2018 B2
9943918 Grogan et al. Apr 2018 B2
9949785 Price et al. Apr 2018 B2
9962157 Sapre May 2018 B2
9968355 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 B2
9974595 Anderson et al. May 2018 B2
9980140 Spencer et al. May 2018 B1
9980769 Trees et al. May 2018 B2
9980778 Ohline et al. May 2018 B2
9987000 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987068 Anderson et al. Jun 2018 B2
9987072 McPherson Jun 2018 B2
9990856 Kuchenbecker et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993248 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993258 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
9993305 Andersson Jun 2018 B2
10004491 Martin et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004497 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004500 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004501 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004527 Gee et al. Jun 2018 B2
10004557 Gross 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
10013049 Leimbach et al. Jul 2018 B2
10016199 Baber et al. Jul 2018 B2
10021318 Hugosson et al. Jul 2018 B2
10022090 Whitman Jul 2018 B2
10022120 Martin et al. Jul 2018 B2
10022391 Ruderman Chen et al. Jul 2018 B2
10022568 Messerly et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028402 Walker Jul 2018 B1
10028744 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028761 Leimbach et al. Jul 2018 B2
10028788 Kang Jul 2018 B2
10034704 Asher et al. Jul 2018 B2
10037641 Hyde et al. Jul 2018 B2
10037715 Toly et al. Jul 2018 B2
D826405 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 S
10039546 Williams et al. Aug 2018 B2
10039564 Hibner et al. Aug 2018 B2
10039565 Vezzu Aug 2018 B2
10039589 Virshek et al. Aug 2018 B2
10041822 Zemlok Aug 2018 B2
10044791 Kamen et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045704 Fagin et al. Aug 2018 B2
10045776 Shelton, IV 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
10045813 Mueller Aug 2018 B2
10048379 Markendorf et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052044 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052102 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2018 B2
10052104 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2018 B2
10054441 Schorr et al. Aug 2018 B2
10058393 Bonutti et al. Aug 2018 B2
10069633 Gulati et al. Sep 2018 B2
10076326 Yates et al. Sep 2018 B2
10080618 Marshall et al. Sep 2018 B2
10084833 McDonnell et al. Sep 2018 B2
D831209 Huitema et al. Oct 2018 S
10085748 Morgan et al. Oct 2018 B2
10085749 Cappola et al. Oct 2018 B2
10092355 Hannaford et al. Oct 2018 B1
10095942 Mentese et al. Oct 2018 B2
10097578 Baldonado et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098527 Weisenburgh, II et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098635 Burbank Oct 2018 B2
10098642 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2018 B2
10098705 Brisson et al. Oct 2018 B2
10102926 Leonardi Oct 2018 B1
10105140 Malinouskas et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105142 Baxter, III et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105470 Reasoner et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111658 Chowaniec et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111665 Aranyi et al. Oct 2018 B2
10111679 Baber et al. Oct 2018 B2
D834541 You et al. Nov 2018 S
10117649 Baxter et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117651 Whitman et al. Nov 2018 B2
10117702 Danziger et al. Nov 2018 B2
10118119 Sappok et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130359 Hess et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130360 Olson et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130361 Yates et al. Nov 2018 B2
10130367 Cappola et al. Nov 2018 B2
10133248 Fitzsimmons et al. Nov 2018 B2
10135242 Baber et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136887 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136891 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136949 Felder et al. Nov 2018 B2
10136954 Johnson et al. Nov 2018 B2
10137245 Melker et al. Nov 2018 B2
10143526 Walker et al. Dec 2018 B2
10143948 Bonifas et al. Dec 2018 B2
10147148 Wu et al. Dec 2018 B2
10149680 Parihar et al. Dec 2018 B2
10152789 Carnes et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159044 Hrabak Dec 2018 B2
10159481 Whitman et al. Dec 2018 B2
10159483 Beckman et al. Dec 2018 B2
10164466 Calderoni Dec 2018 B2
10166025 Leimbach et al. Jan 2019 B2
10166061 Berry et al. Jan 2019 B2
10169862 Andre et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172618 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10172687 Garbus et al. Jan 2019 B2
10175096 Dickerson Jan 2019 B2
10175127 Collins et al. Jan 2019 B2
10178992 Wise et al. Jan 2019 B2
10179413 Rockrohr Jan 2019 B2
10180463 Beckman et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182814 Okoniewski Jan 2019 B2
10182816 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 B2
10182818 Hensel et al. Jan 2019 B2
10188385 Kerr et al. Jan 2019 B2
10189157 Schlegel et al. Jan 2019 B2
10190888 Hryb et al. Jan 2019 B2
10194891 Jeong et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194907 Marczyk et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194913 Nalagatla et al. Feb 2019 B2
10194972 Yates et al. Feb 2019 B2
10197803 Badiali et al. Feb 2019 B2
10198965 Hart Feb 2019 B2
10201311 Chou et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201349 Leimbach et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201364 Leimbach et al. Feb 2019 B2
10201365 Boudreaux et al. Feb 2019 B2
10205708 Fletcher et al. Feb 2019 B1
10206605 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10206752 Hares et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213201 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213203 Swayze et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213266 Zemlok et al. Feb 2019 B2
10213268 Dachs, II Feb 2019 B2
10219491 Stiles, Jr. et al. Mar 2019 B2
10220522 Rockrohr Mar 2019 B2
10222750 Bang et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226249 Jaworek et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226250 Beckman et al. Mar 2019 B2
10226302 Lacal et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231634 Zand et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231733 Ehrenfels et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231775 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2019 B2
10238413 Hibner et al. Mar 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
10245033 Overmyer et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245037 Conklin et al. Apr 2019 B2
10245038 Hopkins et al. Apr 2019 B2
10251661 Collings et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258331 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258359 Kapadia Apr 2019 B2
10258362 Conlon Apr 2019 B2
10258363 Worrell et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258415 Harrah et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258418 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258425 Mustufa et al. Apr 2019 B2
10263171 Wiener et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265035 Fehre et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265068 Harris et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265072 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265090 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265130 Hess et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271840 Sapre Apr 2019 B2
10271844 Valentine et al. Apr 2019 B2
10271850 Williams Apr 2019 B2
10271851 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 B2
D847989 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 S
10278698 Racenet May 2019 B2
10278778 State et al. May 2019 B2
10283220 Azizian et al. May 2019 B2
10285694 Viola et al. May 2019 B2
10285698 Cappola et al. May 2019 B2
10285700 Scheib May 2019 B2
10285705 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10292704 Harris et al. May 2019 B2
10292707 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 B2
10292758 Boudreaux et al. May 2019 B2
10292771 Wood et al. May 2019 B2
10293129 Fox et al. May 2019 B2
10299792 Huitema et al. May 2019 B2
10299870 Connolly et al. May 2019 B2
10305926 Mihan et al. May 2019 B2
D850617 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 S
10307159 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307170 Parfett et al. Jun 2019 B2
10307199 Farritor et al. Jun 2019 B2
10311036 Hussam et al. Jun 2019 B1
10313137 Aarnio et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314577 Laurent et al. Jun 2019 B2
10314582 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10321907 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2019 B2
10321964 Grover et al. Jun 2019 B2
10327764 Harris et al. Jun 2019 B2
10335147 Rector et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335149 Baxter, III et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335180 Johnson et al. Jul 2019 B2
10335227 Heard Jul 2019 B2
10339496 Matson et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342543 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342602 Strobl et al. Jul 2019 B2
10342623 Huelman et al. Jul 2019 B2
10343102 Reasoner et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349824 Claude et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349939 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10349941 Marczyk et al. Jul 2019 B2
10350016 Burbank et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357184 Crawford et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357246 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10357247 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 B2
10362179 Harris Jul 2019 B2
10363032 Scheib et al. Jul 2019 B2
10363037 Aronhalt et al. Jul 2019 B2
10368861 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368865 Harris et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368867 Harris et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368876 Bhatnagar et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368894 Madan et al. Aug 2019 B2
10368903 Morales et al. Aug 2019 B2
10376263 Morgan et al. Aug 2019 B2
10376305 Yates et al. Aug 2019 B2
10376337 Kilroy et al. Aug 2019 B2
10376338 Taylor et al. Aug 2019 B2
10378893 Mankovskii Aug 2019 B2
10383518 Abu-Tarif et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383699 Kilroy et al. Aug 2019 B2
10384021 Koeth et al. Aug 2019 B2
10386990 Shikhman et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390718 Chen et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390794 Kuroiwa et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390825 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390831 Holsten et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390895 Henderson et al. Aug 2019 B2
10398348 Osadchy et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398434 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398517 Eckert et al. Sep 2019 B2
10398521 Itkowitz et al. Sep 2019 B2
10404521 McChord et al. Sep 2019 B2
10404801 Martch Sep 2019 B2
10405857 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405863 Wise et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413291 Worthington et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413293 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413297 Harris et al. Sep 2019 B2
10417446 Takeyama Sep 2019 B2
10420552 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420558 Nalagatla et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420559 Marczyk et al. Sep 2019 B2
10420620 Rockrohr Sep 2019 B2
10420865 Reasoner et al. Sep 2019 B2
10422727 Pliskin Sep 2019 B2
10426466 Contini et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426467 Miller et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426468 Contini et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426471 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426481 Aronhalt et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433837 Worthington et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433844 Shelton, IV 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
10441345 Aldridge et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448948 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448950 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456137 Vendely et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456140 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 B2
10456193 Yates et al. Oct 2019 B2
10463365 Williams Nov 2019 B2
10463367 Kostrzewski et al. Nov 2019 B2
10463371 Kostrzewski Nov 2019 B2
10463436 Jackson et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470762 Leimbach et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470764 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470768 Harris et al. Nov 2019 B2
10470791 Houser Nov 2019 B2
10471254 Sano et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478181 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478185 Nicholas Nov 2019 B2
10478189 Bear et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478190 Miller et al. Nov 2019 B2
10478544 Friederichs et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485450 Gupta et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485542 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10485543 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2019 B2
10492783 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492784 Beardsley et al. Dec 2019 B2
10492785 Overmyer et al. Dec 2019 B2
10496788 Amarasingham et al. Dec 2019 B2
10498269 Zemlok et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499847 Latimer et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499891 Chaplin et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499914 Huang et al. Dec 2019 B2
10499915 Aranyi Dec 2019 B2
10499994 Luks et al. Dec 2019 B2
10507068 Kopp et al. Dec 2019 B2
10512461 Gupta et al. Dec 2019 B2
10512499 McHenry et al. Dec 2019 B2
10512514 Nowlin et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517588 Gupta et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517595 Hunter et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517596 Hunter et al. Dec 2019 B2
10517686 Vokrot et al. Dec 2019 B2
10524789 Swayze et al. Jan 2020 B2
10531579 Hsiao et al. Jan 2020 B2
10531874 Morgan et al. Jan 2020 B2
10531929 Widenhouse et al. Jan 2020 B2
10532330 Diallo et al. Jan 2020 B2
10536617 Liang 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
10542978 Chowaniec et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542979 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542982 Beckman et al. Jan 2020 B2
10542991 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2020 B2
D876466 Kobayashi et al. Feb 2020 S
10548504 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10548612 Martinez et al. Feb 2020 B2
10548673 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
10552574 Sweeney Feb 2020 B2
10555675 Satish et al. Feb 2020 B2
10555748 Yates et al. Feb 2020 B2
10555750 Conlon et al. Feb 2020 B2
10555769 Worrell et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561422 Schellin et al. Feb 2020 B2
10561471 Nichogi Feb 2020 B2
10561753 Thompson et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568625 Harris et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568626 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568632 Miller et al. Feb 2020 B2
10568704 Savall et al. Feb 2020 B2
10575868 Hall et al. Mar 2020 B2
10582928 Hunter et al. Mar 2020 B2
10582931 Mujawar Mar 2020 B2
10582964 Weinberg et al. Mar 2020 B2
10586074 Rose et al. Mar 2020 B2
10588625 Weaner 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
10588711 DiCarlo et al. Mar 2020 B2
10592067 Merdan et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595844 Nawana et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595882 Parfett et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595887 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595930 Scheib et al. Mar 2020 B2
10595952 Forrest et al. Mar 2020 B2
10602007 Takano Mar 2020 B2
10602848 Magana Mar 2020 B2
10603036 Hunter et al. Mar 2020 B2
10603128 Zergiebel et al. Mar 2020 B2
10610223 Wellman et al. Apr 2020 B2
10610224 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10610286 Wiener et al. Apr 2020 B2
10610313 Bailey et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617412 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617414 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617482 Houser et al. Apr 2020 B2
10617484 Kilroy et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624635 Harris et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624667 Faller et al. Apr 2020 B2
10624691 Wiener et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631423 Collins et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631858 Burbank Apr 2020 B2
10631912 McFarlin et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631916 Horner et al. Apr 2020 B2
10631917 Ineson Apr 2020 B2
10631939 Dachs, II et al. Apr 2020 B2
10639027 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
10639039 Vendely et al. May 2020 B2
10639098 Cosman et al. May 2020 B2
10639111 Kopp May 2020 B2
10639185 Agrawal et al. May 2020 B2
10653413 Worthington et al. May 2020 B2
10653476 Ross May 2020 B2
10653489 Kopp May 2020 B2
10656720 Holz May 2020 B1
10660705 Piron et al. May 2020 B2
10667809 Bakos et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667810 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667811 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10667877 Kapadia Jun 2020 B2
10674897 Levy Jun 2020 B2
10675021 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10675023 Cappola 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
10675035 Zingman Jun 2020 B2
10675100 Frushour Jun 2020 B2
10675104 Kapadia Jun 2020 B2
10677764 Ross et al. Jun 2020 B2
10679758 Fox et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682136 Harris et al. Jun 2020 B2
10682138 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10686805 Reybok, Jr. et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687806 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687810 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687884 Wiener et al. Jun 2020 B2
10687905 Kostrzewski Jun 2020 B2
10695081 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2020 B2
10695134 Barral et al. Jun 2020 B2
10702270 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10709446 Harris et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716489 Kalvoy et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716615 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 B2
10716639 Kapadia et al. Jul 2020 B2
10717194 Griffiths et al. Jul 2020 B2
10722222 Aranyi Jul 2020 B2
10722233 Wellman Jul 2020 B2
10722292 Arya et al. Jul 2020 B2
D893717 Messerly et al. Aug 2020 S
10729458 Stoddard et al. Aug 2020 B2
10729509 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
10733267 Pedersen Aug 2020 B2
10736219 Seow 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
10736636 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2020 B2
10736705 Scheib et al. Aug 2020 B2
10743872 Leimbach et al. Aug 2020 B2
10748115 Laster et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751052 Stokes et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751136 Farritor et al. Aug 2020 B2
10751768 Hersey et al. Aug 2020 B2
10755813 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 B2
D896379 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 S
10758229 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758230 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10758294 Jones Sep 2020 B2
10758310 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765376 Brown, III et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765424 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765427 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10765470 Yates et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772630 Wixey Sep 2020 B2
10772651 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772673 Allen, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10772688 Peine et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779818 Zemlok et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779821 Harris et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779823 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 B2
10779897 Rockrohr Sep 2020 B2
10779900 Pedros et al. Sep 2020 B2
10783634 Nye et al. Sep 2020 B2
10786298 Johnson Sep 2020 B2
10786317 Zhou et al. Sep 2020 B2
10786327 Anderson et al. Sep 2020 B2
10792038 Becerra et al. Oct 2020 B2
10792118 Prpa et al. Oct 2020 B2
10792422 Douglas et al. Oct 2020 B2
10799304 Kapadia et al. Oct 2020 B2
10803977 Sanmugalingham Oct 2020 B2
10806445 Penna et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806454 Kopp Oct 2020 B2
10806506 Gaspredes et al. Oct 2020 B2
10806532 Grubbs et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813638 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813703 Swayze et al. Oct 2020 B2
10818383 Sharifi Sedeh et al. Oct 2020 B2
10828028 Harris et al. Nov 2020 B2
10828030 Weir 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
10842473 Scheib et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842490 DiNardo et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842492 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842522 Messerly et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842523 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842575 Panescu et al. Nov 2020 B2
10842897 Schwartz et al. Nov 2020 B2
D904612 Wynn et al. Dec 2020 S
10849697 Yates et al. Dec 2020 B2
10849700 Kopp et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856768 Osadchy et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856867 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856868 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10856870 Harris et al. Dec 2020 B2
10863984 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10864037 Mun et al. Dec 2020 B2
10864050 Tabandeh et al. Dec 2020 B2
10872684 McNutt et al. Dec 2020 B2
10898256 Yates et al. Jan 2021 B2
10902944 Casey et al. Jan 2021 B1
10905418 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2021 B2
10905420 Jasemian et al. Feb 2021 B2
D914878 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 S
10932784 Mozdzierz et al. Mar 2021 B2
10950982 Regnier et al. Mar 2021 B2
10959729 Ehrenfels et al. Mar 2021 B2
11000276 Shelton, IV et al. May 2021 B2
11051817 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 B2
11058501 Tokarchuk et al. Jul 2021 B2
20020049551 Friedman et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020052616 Wiener et al. May 2002 A1
20020072746 Lingenfelder et al. Jun 2002 A1
20020138642 Miyazawa et al. Sep 2002 A1
20030009111 Cory et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030018329 Hooven Jan 2003 A1
20030069573 Kadhiresan et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030093503 Yamaki et al. May 2003 A1
20030114851 Truckai et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030130711 Pearson et al. Jul 2003 A1
20030210812 Khamene et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030223877 Anstine et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040078236 Stoodley et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040199180 Knodel et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040199659 Ishikawa et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040206365 Knowlton Oct 2004 A1
20040243148 Wasielewski Dec 2004 A1
20040243435 Williams Dec 2004 A1
20050020909 Moctezuma de la Barrera et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050023324 Doll et al. Feb 2005 A1
20050063575 Ma et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050065438 Miller Mar 2005 A1
20050131390 Heinrich et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050143759 Kelly Jun 2005 A1
20050149001 Uchikubo et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050149356 Cyr et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050165390 Mauti et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050192633 Montpetit Sep 2005 A1
20050203384 Sati et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050203504 Wham et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050222631 Dalal et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050228425 Boukhny et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050236474 Onuma et al. Oct 2005 A1
20050251233 Kanzius Nov 2005 A1
20050277913 McCary Dec 2005 A1
20060020272 Gildenberg Jan 2006 A1
20060025816 Shelton Feb 2006 A1
20060059018 Shiobara et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060079874 Faller et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060116908 Dew et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060136622 Rouvelin et al. Jun 2006 A1
20060184160 Ozaki et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060241399 Fabian Oct 2006 A1
20070010838 Shelton et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070016235 Tanaka et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070027459 Horvath et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070049947 Menn et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070078678 DiSilvestro et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070084896 Doll et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070167702 Hasser et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070168461 Moore Jul 2007 A1
20070173803 Wham et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070175955 Shelton et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070179482 Anderson Aug 2007 A1
20070191713 Eichmann et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070203744 Scholl Aug 2007 A1
20070225556 Ortiz et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070225690 Sekiguchi et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070244478 Bahney Oct 2007 A1
20070249990 Cosmescu Oct 2007 A1
20070270660 Caylor et al. Nov 2007 A1
20070282195 Masini et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070282321 Shah et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070282333 Fortson et al. Dec 2007 A1
20070293218 Meylan et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080013460 Allen et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080015664 Podhajsky Jan 2008 A1
20080015912 Rosenthal et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080033404 Romoda et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080040151 Moore Feb 2008 A1
20080059658 Williams Mar 2008 A1
20080077158 Haider et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080083414 Messerges Apr 2008 A1
20080114350 Park et al. May 2008 A1
20080129465 Rao Jun 2008 A1
20080140090 Aranyi et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080177258 Govari et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080177362 Phillips et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080200940 Eichmann et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080255413 Zemlok et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080262654 Omori et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080272172 Zemlok et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080281301 DeBoer et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080281678 Keuls et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080296346 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080306759 Ilkin et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080312953 Claus Dec 2008 A1
20090017910 Rofougaran et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090030437 Houser et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090036750 Weinstein et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090036794 Stubhaug et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090043253 Podaima Feb 2009 A1
20090046146 Hoyt Feb 2009 A1
20090048589 Takashino et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090076409 Wu et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090090763 Zemlok et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090099866 Newman Apr 2009 A1
20090182577 Squilla et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090206131 Weisenburgh, II et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090217932 Voegele Sep 2009 A1
20090234352 Behnke et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090259149 Tahara et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090259221 Tahara et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090299214 Wu et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090307681 Armado et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090326321 Jacobsen et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090326336 Lemke et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100057106 Sorrentino et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100065604 Weng Mar 2010 A1
20100069939 Konishi Mar 2010 A1
20100069942 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 A1
20100070417 Flynn et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100120266 Rimborg May 2010 A1
20100132334 Duclos et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100137845 Ramstein et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100137886 Zergiebel et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100168561 Anderson Jul 2010 A1
20100179831 Brown et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100191100 Anderson et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100198200 Horvath Aug 2010 A1
20100198248 Vakharia Aug 2010 A1
20100217991 Choi Aug 2010 A1
20100234996 Schreiber et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100235689 Tian et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100250571 Pierce et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100292535 Paskar Nov 2010 A1
20100292684 Cybulski et al. Nov 2010 A1
20110022032 Zemlok et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110071530 Carson Mar 2011 A1
20110077512 Boswell Mar 2011 A1
20110087238 Wang et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110105895 Kornblau et al. May 2011 A1
20110118708 Burbank et al. May 2011 A1
20110119075 Dhoble May 2011 A1
20110125149 El-Galley et al. May 2011 A1
20110152712 Cao et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110163147 Laurent et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110166883 Palmer et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110196398 Robertson et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110237883 Chun Sep 2011 A1
20110264000 Paul et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110273465 Konishi et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110278343 Knodel et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110290024 Lefler Dec 2011 A1
20110295270 Giordano et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110306840 Allen et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120022519 Huang et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120029354 Mark et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120046662 Gilbert Feb 2012 A1
20120059684 Hampapur et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120078247 Worrell et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120080336 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120083786 Artale et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120116265 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116381 Houser et al. May 2012 A1
20120116394 Timm et al. May 2012 A1
20120130217 Kauphusman et al. May 2012 A1
20120145714 Farascioni et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120172696 Kallback et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120190981 Harris et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120191091 Allen Jul 2012 A1
20120191162 Villa Jul 2012 A1
20120197619 Namer Yelin et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120203785 Awada Aug 2012 A1
20120211542 Racenet Aug 2012 A1
20120245958 Lawrence et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120253329 Zemlok et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120265555 Cappuzzo et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120292367 Morgan et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120319859 Taub et al. Dec 2012 A1
20130024213 Poon Jan 2013 A1
20130046182 Hegg et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130046279 Niklewski et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130066647 Andrie et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130090526 Suzuki et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130093829 Rosenblatt et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130096597 Anand et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130116218 Kaplan et al. May 2013 A1
20130144284 Behnke, II et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130165776 Blomqvist Jun 2013 A1
20130178853 Hyink et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130206813 Nalagatla Aug 2013 A1
20130214025 Zemlok et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130253480 Kimball et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130256373 Schmid et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130267874 Marcotte et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130268283 Vann et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130277410 Fernandez et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130317837 Ballantyne et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130321425 Greene et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130325809 Kim et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130331873 Ross et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130331875 Ross 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
20140006132 Barker Jan 2014 A1
20140006943 Robbins et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140009894 Yu Jan 2014 A1
20140013565 MacDonald et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140029411 Nayak et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140033926 Fassel et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140035762 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140066700 Wilson et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140073893 Bencini Mar 2014 A1
20140074076 Gertner Mar 2014 A1
20140081255 Johnson et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140081659 Nawana et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140084949 Smith et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140087999 Kaplan et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140092089 Kasuya et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140107697 Patani et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140108035 Akbay et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140108983 William et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140148729 Schmitz et al. May 2014 A1
20140166724 Schellin et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140187856 Holoien et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140188440 Donhowe et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140194864 Martin et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140204190 Rosenblatt, III et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140226572 Thota et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140243799 Parihar Aug 2014 A1
20140243809 Gelfand et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140246475 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140249557 Koch et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140252064 Mozdzierz et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263541 Leimbach et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140263552 Hall et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140276749 Johnson Sep 2014 A1
20140303660 Boyden et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303990 Schoenefeld et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140364691 Krivopisk et al. Dec 2014 A1
20150006201 Pait et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150025549 Kilroy et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150032150 Ishida et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150051452 Ciaccio Feb 2015 A1
20150051617 Takemura et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150053737 Leimbach et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150057675 Akeel et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150066000 An et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150070187 Wiesner et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150108198 Estrella Apr 2015 A1
20150133945 Dushyant et al. May 2015 A1
20150140982 Postrel May 2015 A1
20150145682 Harris May 2015 A1
20150148830 Stulen et al. May 2015 A1
20150173673 Toth et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150173756 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150196295 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150199109 Lee Jul 2015 A1
20150208934 Sztrubel et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150237502 Schmidt et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150238355 Vezzu 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
20150272694 Charles Oct 2015 A1
20150297200 Fitzsimmons et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297222 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297228 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297233 Huitema et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150297311 Tesar Oct 2015 A1
20150302157 Collar et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150310174 Coudert et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150313538 Bechtel et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150317899 Dumbauld et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150324114 Hurley et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150328474 Flyash et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150332003 Stamm et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150332196 Stiller et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150335344 Aljuri et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150359536 Cropper et al. Dec 2015 A1
20160000437 Giordano et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160001411 Alberti Jan 2016 A1
20160015471 Piron et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160034648 Mohlenbrock et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160038253 Piron et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160066913 Swayze et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160078190 Greene et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160106516 Mesallum Apr 2016 A1
20160106934 Hiraga et al. Apr 2016 A1
20160121143 Mumaw et al. May 2016 A1
20160158468 Tang et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160174998 Lal et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160180045 Syed Jun 2016 A1
20160184054 Lowe Jun 2016 A1
20160192960 Bueno et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160206202 Frangioni Jul 2016 A1
20160224760 Petak et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160225551 Shedletsky Aug 2016 A1
20160228204 Quaid et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160235303 Fleming et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160249910 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160278841 Panescu et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160287253 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287312 Tegg et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160287912 Warnking Oct 2016 A1
20160296246 Schaller Oct 2016 A1
20160302210 Thornton et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160310055 Zand et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160314716 Grubbs Oct 2016 A1
20160314717 Grubbs Oct 2016 A1
20160321400 Durrant et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160323283 Kang et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160324537 Green et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160331460 Cheatham, III et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160342753 Feazell Nov 2016 A1
20160342916 Arceneaux et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160345857 Jensrud et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160345976 Gonzalez et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160350490 Martinez et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160361070 Ardel et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160367247 Weaner Dec 2016 A1
20160367305 Hareland Dec 2016 A1
20160374665 DiNardo et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160374723 Frankhouser et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160374762 Case et al. Dec 2016 A1
20160379504 Bailey et al. Dec 2016 A1
20170000516 Stulen et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170000553 Wiener et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170027603 Pandey Feb 2017 A1
20170042604 McFarland et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170068792 Reiner Mar 2017 A1
20170079730 Azizian et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086829 Vendely et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170086930 Thompson et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170105754 Boudreaux et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170116873 Lendvay et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170127499 Unoson et al. May 2017 A1
20170132374 Lee et al. May 2017 A1
20170132785 Wshah et al. May 2017 A1
20170143284 Sehnert et al. May 2017 A1
20170143442 Tesar et al. May 2017 A1
20170156076 Eom et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170164997 Johnson et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170165012 Chaplin et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170172565 Heneveld Jun 2017 A1
20170172614 Scheib et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170177807 Fabian Jun 2017 A1
20170196583 Sugiyama Jul 2017 A1
20170196637 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202591 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202595 Shelton, IV Jul 2017 A1
20170202607 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202608 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170224332 Hunter et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170224334 Worthington et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170224428 Kopp Aug 2017 A1
20170231627 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170231628 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170245809 Ma et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170249432 Grantcharov Aug 2017 A1
20170262604 Francois Sep 2017 A1
20170265864 Hessler et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170265943 Sela et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170273715 Piron 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
20170303984 Malackowski Oct 2017 A1
20170304020 Ng et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170312456 Phillips Nov 2017 A1
20170325813 Aranyi et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170325876 Nakadate et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170325878 Messerly et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170360439 Chen et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170360499 Greep et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367583 Black et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367695 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367697 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367754 Narisawa Dec 2017 A1
20170367771 Tako et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367772 Gunn et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170370710 Chen et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180008359 Randle Jan 2018 A1
20180011983 Zuhars et al. Jan 2018 A1
20180042659 Rupp et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180050196 Pawsey et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180055529 Messerly et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180065248 Barral et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180078170 Panescu et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180098816 Govari et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180110523 Shelton, IV Apr 2018 A1
20180116662 Shelton, IV et al. May 2018 A1
20180116735 Tierney et al. May 2018 A1
20180122506 Grantcharov et al. May 2018 A1
20180125590 Giordano et al. May 2018 A1
20180132895 Silver May 2018 A1
20180144243 Hsieh et al. May 2018 A1
20180153574 Faller et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180153628 Grover et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180153632 Tokarchuk et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180154297 Maletich et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180161716 Li 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
20180168586 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168590 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168592 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168593 Overmyer et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168597 Fanelli et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168598 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168601 Bakos et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168603 Morgan et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168605 Baber et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168606 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
20180168621 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168622 Shelton, IV Jun 2018 A1
20180168623 Simms et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168625 Posada et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168627 Weaner et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168628 Hunter et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168632 Harris 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
20180168651 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168715 Strobl Jun 2018 A1
20180177383 Noonan et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180199995 Odermatt et al. Jul 2018 A1
20180206884 Beaupre Jul 2018 A1
20180206905 Batchelor et al. Jul 2018 A1
20180214025 Homyk et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180221005 Hamel et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180221598 Silver Aug 2018 A1
20180228557 Darisse et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180233222 Daley et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180235719 Jarc Aug 2018 A1
20180235722 Baghdadi et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180242967 Meade Aug 2018 A1
20180263710 Sakaguchi et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180263717 Kopp Sep 2018 A1
20180268320 Shekhar Sep 2018 A1
20180271520 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180271603 Nir et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180296286 Peine et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180303552 Ryan et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180304471 Tokuchi Oct 2018 A1
20180310935 Wixey Nov 2018 A1
20180310986 Batchelor et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180315492 Bishop et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180317826 Muhsin et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180317915 McDonald, II Nov 2018 A1
20180333207 Moctezuma De la Barrera Nov 2018 A1
20180351987 Patel et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360449 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360452 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360454 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360456 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180368930 Esterberg et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180369511 Zergiebel et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190000446 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000448 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000478 Messerly et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000530 Yates et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000565 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000569 Crawford et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190001079 Zergiebel et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190005641 Yamamoto Jan 2019 A1
20190006047 Gorek et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190025040 Andreason et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190029712 Stoddard et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190036688 Wasily et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190038335 Mohr et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190038364 Enoki Feb 2019 A1
20190046198 Stokes et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190053801 Wixey et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190053866 Seow et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190069949 Vrba et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190069964 Hagn Mar 2019 A1
20190069966 Petersen et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190070550 Lalomia et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190070731 Bowling et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190083190 Graves et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190087544 Peterson Mar 2019 A1
20190090969 Jarc et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190104919 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190110828 Despatie Apr 2019 A1
20190110855 Barral et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190115108 Hegedus 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
20190125337 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125338 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125339 Shelton, IV 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
20190125383 Scheib et al. May 2019 A1
20190125384 Scheib et al. May 2019 A1
20190125385 Scheib et al. May 2019 A1
20190125386 Shelton, IV 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
20190133703 Seow et al. May 2019 A1
20190142449 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190142535 Seow et al. May 2019 A1
20190145942 Dutriez et al. May 2019 A1
20190150975 Kawasaki et al. May 2019 A1
20190159778 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190162179 O'Shea et al. May 2019 A1
20190167296 Tsubuku et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192157 Scott 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
20190200980 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200981 Harris et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200984 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200985 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200986 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200987 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200988 Shelton, IV Jul 2019 A1
20190200996 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200997 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200998 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201020 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201021 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
20190201036 Nott et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201037 Houser et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201038 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201039 Widenhouse et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201040 Messerly et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201041 Kimball et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201042 Nott et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201043 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201044 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
20190201073 Nott et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201074 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201075 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201077 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201079 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201080 Messerly et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201081 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201082 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201083 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201084 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201085 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201086 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201087 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201088 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201090 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201091 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201092 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201102 Shelton, IV 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
20190201119 Harris et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201120 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201123 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201124 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201125 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201126 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201127 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201128 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201129 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201130 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
20190201144 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201145 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201146 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201158 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201159 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201594 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201597 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190204201 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190205001 Messerly et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190205441 Shelton, IV 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
20190206216 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206542 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206551 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206555 Morgan et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206556 Shelton, IV 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
20190206576 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190207773 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190207857 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190207911 Wiener et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190208641 Yates et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190224434 Silver et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190254759 Azizian Aug 2019 A1
20190261984 Nelson et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190269476 Bowling et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190272917 Couture et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274662 Rockman et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274705 Sawhney et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274706 Nott et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274707 Sawhney et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274708 Boudreaux Sep 2019 A1
20190274709 Scoggins Sep 2019 A1
20190274710 Black Sep 2019 A1
20190274711 Scoggins et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274712 Faller et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274713 Scoggins et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274714 Cuti et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274716 Nott et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274717 Nott et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274718 Denzinger et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274719 Stulen Sep 2019 A1
20190274720 Gee et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274749 Brady et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274750 Jayme et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190274752 Denzinger et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190278262 Taylor et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190282311 Nowlin et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190290389 Kopp Sep 2019 A1
20190298340 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298341 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298342 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298343 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298346 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298347 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298350 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190298351 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
20190298464 Abbott Oct 2019 A1
20190298481 Rosenberg et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190307520 Peine et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190311802 Kokubo et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314015 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314016 Huitema et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190314081 Brogna Oct 2019 A1
20190321117 Itkowitz et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190333626 Mansi et al. Oct 2019 A1
20190343594 Garcia Kilroy et al. Nov 2019 A1
20190374140 Tucker et al. Dec 2019 A1
20200000470 Du et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200000509 Hayashida et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200038120 Ziraknejad et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200046353 Deck et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054317 Pisarnwongs 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
20200054326 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054327 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054328 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200054330 Harris et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200078070 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078071 Asher Mar 2020 A1
20200078076 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078077 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078078 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078079 Morgan et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078080 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078081 Jayme et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078082 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078089 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078096 Barbagli et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078106 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078110 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078111 Oberkircher et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078112 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078113 Sawhney et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078114 Asher et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078115 Asher et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078116 Oberkircher et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078117 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078118 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078119 Henderson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200078120 Aldridge et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200081585 Petre et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200090808 Carroll et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200100825 Henderson et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200100830 Henderson et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200106220 Henderson et al. Apr 2020 A1
20200162896 Su et al. May 2020 A1
20200168323 Bullington et al. May 2020 A1
20200178760 Kashima et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200178971 Harris et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200214699 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200237372 Park Jul 2020 A1
20200261075 Boudreaux et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261076 Boudreaux et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261077 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261078 Bakos et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261080 Bakos et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261082 Boudreaux et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261083 Bakos et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261084 Bakos et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261085 Boudreaux et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261086 Zeiner et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261087 Timm et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261088 Harris et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200261089 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2020 A1
20200275928 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200275930 Harris et al. Sep 2020 A1
20200281665 Kopp Sep 2020 A1
20200305924 Carroll Oct 2020 A1
20200305945 Morgan et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200314569 Morgan et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200405375 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2020 A1
20210000555 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210007760 Reisin Jan 2021 A1
20210015568 Liao et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210022731 Eisinger Jan 2021 A1
20210022738 Weir et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210022809 Crawford et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210059674 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210068834 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210128149 Whitfield et al. May 2021 A1
20210153889 Nott et al. May 2021 A1
20210169516 Houser et al. Jun 2021 A1
20210176179 Shelton, IV Jun 2021 A1
20210177452 Nott et al. Jun 2021 A1
20210177489 Yates et al. Jun 2021 A1
20210192914 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2021 A1
20210201646 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205020 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205021 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205028 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205029 Wiener et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205030 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210205031 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212602 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212694 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212717 Yates et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212719 Houser et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212770 Messerly et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212771 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212774 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212775 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210212782 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210219976 DiNardo et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210220058 Messerly et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210240852 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210241898 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210249125 Morgan et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210251487 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210259697 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210259698 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210282780 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2021 A1
20210282781 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2021 A1
20210315579 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210315580 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210315581 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210315582 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322014 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322015 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322017 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322018 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322019 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
20210322020 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2021 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (66)
Number Date Country
2015201140 Mar 2015 AU
2795323 May 2014 CA
101617950 Jan 2010 CN
104490448 Mar 2017 CN
206097107 Apr 2017 CN
108652695 Oct 2018 CN
2037167 Jul 1980 DE
3016131 Oct 1981 DE
3824913 Feb 1990 DE
4002843 Apr 1991 DE
102005051367 Apr 2007 DE
102016207666 Nov 2017 DE
0000756 Oct 1981 EP
0408160 Jan 1991 EP
0473987 Mar 1992 EP
0929263 Jul 1999 EP
1214913 Jun 2002 EP
2732772 May 2014 EP
2764838 Aug 2014 EP
2942023 Nov 2015 EP
2954854 Dec 2015 EP
3047806 Jul 2016 EP
3056923 Aug 2016 EP
3095399 Nov 2016 EP
3120781 Jan 2017 EP
3135225 Mar 2017 EP
3141181 Mar 2017 EP
2838234 Oct 2003 FR
2509523 Jul 2014 GB
S5373315 Jun 1978 JP
2001029353 Feb 2001 JP
2007123394 May 2007 JP
2017513561 Jun 2017 JP
20140104587 Aug 2014 KR
101587721 Jan 2016 KR
WO-9734533 Sep 1997 WO
WO-0024322 May 2000 WO
WO-0108578 Feb 2001 WO
WO-0112089 Feb 2001 WO
WO-0120892 Mar 2001 WO
WO-03079909 Oct 2003 WO
WO-2007137304 Nov 2007 WO
WO-2008053485 May 2008 WO
WO-2008056618 May 2008 WO
WO-2008069816 Jun 2008 WO
WO-2008147555 Dec 2008 WO
WO-2011112931 Sep 2011 WO
WO-2013143573 Oct 2013 WO
WO-2014031800 Feb 2014 WO
WO-2014071184 May 2014 WO
WO-2014134196 Sep 2014 WO
WO-2015129395 Sep 2015 WO
WO-2016100719 Jun 2016 WO
WO-2016206015 Dec 2016 WO
WO-2017011382 Jan 2017 WO
WO-2017011646 Jan 2017 WO
WO-2017058617 Apr 2017 WO
WO-2017058695 Apr 2017 WO
WO-2017151996 Sep 2017 WO
WO-2017189317 Nov 2017 WO
WO-2017205308 Nov 2017 WO
WO-2017210499 Dec 2017 WO
WO-2017210501 Dec 2017 WO
WO-2018116247 Jun 2018 WO
WO-2018152141 Aug 2018 WO
WO-2018176414 Oct 2018 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (55)
Entry
US 10,504,709 B2, 12/2019, Karancsi et al. (withdrawn)
Engel et al. “A safe robot system for craniofacial surgery”, 2013 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA); May 6-10, 2013; Karlsruhe, Germany, vol. 2, Jan. 1, 2001, pp. 2020-2024.
Miller, et al., “Impact of Powered and Tissue-Specific Endoscopic Stapling Technology on Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy Procedures: A Retrospective, Observational Study,” Article, Apr. 2018, pp. 707-723, vol. 35 (Issue 5), Advances in Therapy.
Slocinski et al., “Distance measure for impedance spectra for quantified evaluations,” Lecture Notes on Impedance Spectroscopy, vol. 3, Taylor and Francis Group (Jul. 2012)—Book Not Attached.
Zoccali, Bruno, “A Method for Approximating Component Temperatures at Altitude Conditions Based on CFD Analysis at Sea Level Conditions,” (white paper), www.tdmginc.com, Dec. 6, 2018 (9 pages).
Flores et al., “Large-scale Offloading in the Internet of Things,” 2017 IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications Workshops (PERCOM Workshops), IEEE, pp. 479-484, Mar. 13, 2017.
Kalantarian et al., “Computation Offloading for Real-Time Health-Monitoring Devices,” 2016 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EBMC), IEEE, pp. 4971-4974, Aug. 16, 2016.
Yuyi Mao et al., “A Survey on Mobile Edge Computing: The Communication Perspective,” IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, pp. 2322-2358, Jun. 13, 2017.
Khazaei et al., “Health Informatics for Neonatal Intensive Care Units: An Analytical Modeling Perspective,” IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, vol. 3, pp. 1-9, Oct. 21, 2015.
Benkmann et al., “Concept of iterative optimization of minimally invasive surgery,” 2017 22nd International Conference on Methods and Models in Automation and Robotics (MMAR), IEEE pp. 443-446, Aug. 28, 2017.
Trautman, Peter, “Breaking the Human-Robot Deadlock: Surpassing Shared Control Performance Limits with Sparse Human-Robot Interaction,” Robotics: Science and Systems XIIII, pp. 1-10, Jul. 12, 2017.
Miksch et al., “Utilizing temporal data abstraction for data validation and therapy planning for artificially ventilated newborn infants,” Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 543-576 (1996).
Horn et al., “Effective data validation of high-frequency data: Time-point-time-interval-, and trend-based methods,” Computers in Biology and Medic, New York, NY, vol. 27, No. 5, pp. 389-409 (1997).
Stacey et al., “Temporal abstraction in intelligent clinical data analysis: A survey,” Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 1-24 (2006).
Yang et al., “A dynamic stategy for packet scheduling and bandwidth allocation based on channel quality in IEEE 802.16e OFDMA system,” Journal of Network and Computer Applications, vol. 39, pp. 52-60, May 2, 2013.
Hsiao-Wei Tang, “ARCM”, Video, Sep. 2012, YouTube, 5 screenshots, Retrieved from internet: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UldQaxb3fRw&feature=youtu.be>.
Giannios, et al., “Visible to near-infrared refractive properties of freshly-excised human-liver tissues: marking hepatic malignancies,” Article, Jun. 14, 2016, pp. 1-10, Scientific Reports 6, Article No. 27910, Nature.
Vander Heiden, et al., “Understanding the Warburg effect: the metabolic requirements of cell proliferation,” Article, May 22, 2009, pp. 1-12, vol. 324, Issue 5930, Science.
Hirayama et al., “Quantitative Metabolome Profiling of Colon and Stomach Cancer Microenvironment by Capillary Electrophoresis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry,” Article, Jun. 2009, pp. 4918-4925, vol. 69, Issue 11, Cancer Research.
Cengiz, et al., “A Tale of Two Compartments: Interstitial Versus Blood Glucose Monitoring,” Article, Jun. 2009, pp. S11-S16, vol. 11, Supplement 1, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics.
Shen, et al., “An iridium nanoparticles dispersed carbon based thick film electrochemical biosensor and its application for a single use, disposable glucose biosensor,” Article, Feb. 3, 2007, pp. 106-113, vol. 125, Issue 1, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Science Direct.
IEEE Std No. 177, “Standard Definitions and Methods of Measurement for Piezoelectric Vibrators,” published May 1966, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., New York, N.Y.
CRC Press, “The Measurement, Instrumentation and Sensors Handbook,” 1999, Section VII, Chapter 41, Peter O'Shea, “Phase Measurement,” pp. 1303-1321, ISBN 0-8493-2145-X.
“ATM-MPLS Network Interworking Version 2.0, af-aic-0178.001” ATM Standard, The ATM Forum Technical Committee, published Aug. 2003.
IEEE Std 802.3-2012 (Revision of IEEE Std 802.3-2008, published Dec. 28, 2012.
Bonaci et al., “To Make a Robot Secure: An Experimental Analysis of Cyber Security Threats Against Teleoperated Surgical Robots,” May 13, 2015. Retrieved from the Internet: URL:https://arxiv.org/pdf/1504.04339v2.pdf [retrieved on Aug. 24, 2019].
Homa Alemzadeh et al., “Targeted Attacks on Teleoperated Surgical Robots: Dynamic Model-Based Detection and Mitigation,” 2016 46th Annual IEEE/IFIP International Conference on Dependable Systems and Networks (DSN), IEEE, Jun. 28, 2016, pp. 395-406.
Harold I. Brandon and V. Leroy Young, Mar. 1997, Surgical Services Management vol. 3 No. 3. retrieved from the internet <https://www.surgimedics.com/Research%20Articles/Electrosurgical%20Plume/Characterization%20And%20Removal%20Of%20Electrosurgical%20Smoke.pdf> (Year: 1997).
Marshall Brain, How Microcontrollers Work, 2006, retrieved from the internet <https://web.archive.org/web/20060221235221/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/microcontroller.htm/printable> (Year: 2006).
Staub et al., “Contour-based Surgical Instrument Tracking Supported by Kinematic Prediction,” Proceedings of the 2010 3rd IEEE RAS & EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, Sep. 1, 2010, pp. 746-752.
Phumzile Malindi, “5. QoS in Telemedicine,” “Telemedicine,” Jun. 20, 2011, IntechOpen, pp. 119-138.
Allan et al., “3-D Pose Estimation of Articulated Instruments in Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery,” IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, vol. 37, No. 5, May 1, 2018, pp. 1204-1213.
Kassahun et al., “Surgical Robotics Beyond Enhanced Dexterity Instrumentation: A Survey of the Machine Learning Techniques and their Role in Intelligent and Autonomous Surgical Actions.” International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, vol. 11, No. 4, Oct. 8, 2015, pp. 553-568.
Weede et al. “An Intelligent and Autonomous Endoscopic Guidance System for Minimally Invasive Surgery,” 2013 IEEE International Conference on Robotics ad Automation (ICRA), May 6-10, 2013. Karlsruhe, Germany, May 1, 2011, pp. 5762-5768.
Altenberg et al., “Genes of Glycolysis are Ubiquitously Overexpressed in 24 Cancer Classes,” Genomics, vol. 84, pp. 1014-1020 (2004).
Jiang, “‘Sound of Silence’: a secure indoor wireless ultrasonic communication system,” Article, 2014, pp. 46-50, Snapshots of Doctoral Research at University College Cork, School of Engineering—Electrical & Electronic Engineering, UCC, Cork, Ireland.
Li, et al., “Short-range ultrasonic communications in air using quadrature modulation,” Journal, Oct. 30, 2009, pp. 2060-2072, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, vol. 56, No. 10, IEEE.
Salamon, “AI Detects Polyps Better Than Colonoscopists” Online Article, Jun. 3, 2018, Medscape Medical News, Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2018: Presentation 133.
Misawa, et al. “Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Polyp Detection for Colonoscopy: Initial Experience,” Article, Jun. 2018, pp. 2027-2029, vol. 154, Issue 8, American Gastroenterolgy Association.
Dottorato, “Analysis and Design of the Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antennas for TM0n0 operating mode,” Article, Oct. 8, 2010, pp. 1-9, Microwave Journal.
Takahashi et al., “Automatic smoke evacuation in laparoscopic surgery: a simplified method for objective evaluation,” Surgical Endoscopy, vol. 27, No. 8, pp. 2980-2987, Feb. 23, 2013.
Shi et al., An intuitive control console for robotic syrgery system, 2014, IEEE, p. 404-407 (Year: 2014).
Choi et al., A haptic augmented reality surgeon console for a laparoscopic surgery robot system, 2013, IEEE, p. 355-357 (Year: 2013).
Xie et al., Development of stereo vision and master-slave controller for a compact surgical robot system, 2015, IEEE, p. 403-407 (Year: 2015).
Sun et al., Innovative effector design for simulation training in robotic surgery, 2010, IEEE, p. 1735-1759 (Year: 2010).
Anonymous, “Internet of Things Powers Connected Surgical Device Infrastructure Case Study”, Dec. 31, 2016 (Dec. 31, 2016), Retrieved from the Internet: URL:https://www.cognizant.com/services-resources/150110_IoT_connected_surgical_devices.pdf.
Draijer, Matthijs et al., “Review of laser pseckle contrast techniques for visualizing tissue perfusion,” Lasers in Medical Science, Springer-Verlag, LO, vol. 24, No. 4, Dec. 3, 2008, pp. 639-651.
Roy D Cullum, “Handbook of Engineering Design”, ISBN: 9780408005586, Jan. 1, 1988 (Jan. 1, 1988), XP055578597, ISBN: 9780408005586, 10-20, Chapter 6, p. 138, right-hand column, paragraph 3.
“Surgical instrumentation: the true cost of instrument trays and a potential strategy for optimization”; Mhlaba et al.; Sep. 23, 2015 (Year: 2015).
Nabil Simaan et al, “Intelligent Surgical Robots with Situational Awareness: From Good to Great Surgeons”, DOI: 10.1115/1.2015-Sep-6 external link, Sep. 2015 (Sep. 2015), p. 3-6, Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://memagazineselect.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/data/journals/meena/936888/me-2015-sep6.pdf XP055530863.
Anonymous: “Titanium Key Chain Tool 1.1, Ultralight Multipurpose Key Chain Tool, Forward Cutting Can Opener—Vargo Titanium,” vargooutdoors.com, Jul. 5, 2014 (Jul. 5, 2014), retrieved from the internet: https://vargooutdoors.com/titanium-key-chain-tool-1-1.html.
Anonymous: “Screwdriver—Wikipedia”, en.wikipedia.org, Jun. 23, 2019, XP055725151, Retrieved from the Internet: URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Screwdriver&oldid=903111203 [retrieved on Mar. 20, 2021].
Nordlinger, Christopher, “The Internet of Things and the Operating Room of the Future,” May 4, 2015, https://medium.com/@chrisnordlinger/the-internet-of-things-and-the-operating-room-of-the-future-8999a143d7b1, retrieved from the internet on Apr. 27, 2021, 9 pages.
Screen captures from YouTube video clip entitled “Four ways to use the Lego Brick Separator Tool,” 2 pages, uploaded on May 29, 2014 by user “Sarah Lewis”. Retrieved from internet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucKiRD6U1LU (Year: 2014).
Sorrells, P., “Application Note AN680. Passive RFID Basics,” retrieved from http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00680b.pdf on Feb. 26, 2020, Dec. 31, 1998, pp. 1-7.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20200261081 A1 Aug 2020 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62866208 Jun 2019 US