John F Willis

US Patent:

20120112687, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Oct 18, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/275514

Inventors:

Kevin L. Houser - Springboro OH, US
Gavin M. Monson - Oxford OH, US
Foster B. Stulen - Mason OH, US
Daniel W. Price - Loveland OH, US
Ashvani K. Madan - Mason OH, US
John W. Willis - Cincinnati OH, US
Donna L. Korvick - Maineville OH, US
Aron O. Zingman - Cambridge MA, US
David C. Yates - West Chester OH, US
Timothy G. Dietz - Terrace Park OH, US
Jerome R. Morgan - Cincinnati OH, US
Jeffrey L. Aldridge - Lebanon OH, US
Bret W. Smith - Kings Mills OH, US
Hitesh Jain - Chittorgarh, IN

International Classification:

H02J 7/00
G08B 21/00

US Classification:

320107, 340540, 3406361, 340635

Abstract:

An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.

US Patent:

20120116263, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Oct 17, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/274507

Inventors:

Kevin L. Houser - Springboro OH, US
Matthew C. Miller - Cincinnati OH, US
Cory G. Kimball - Cincinnati OH, US
John W. Willis - Cincinnati OH, US
Timothy G. Dietz - Terrace Park OH, US
Foster B. Stulen - Mason OH, US

International Classification:

A61N 7/00

US Classification:

601 2

Abstract:

A surgical instrument is separable into a transducer unit and a lower body portion. The lower body portion includes a waveguide and a casing. The transducer unit includes a transducer and a geared mechanism operable to couple the transducer to the waveguide. In some versions the geared mechanism includes bevel gears coupled to a rack and pinion such that linear motion may be used to rotatably couple a transducer to a waveguide. The rack gear may further include a handle extending out of the transducer unit casing to be actuatable by a user. The rack gear may also be flexible or rigid. In other versions, the bevel gears may be coupled to a threaded shaft that is operable to translate the transducer into the waveguide to form an interference fit. The transducer unit may also include a slide lock mechanism to couple to the casing of the lower body portion.

US Patent:

20120116265, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Oct 18, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/275495

Inventors:

Kevin L. Houser - Springboro OH, US
David C. Yates - West Chester OH, US
John W. Willis - Cincinnati OH, US
Aron O. Zingman - Cambridge MA, US
Donna L. Korvick - Maineville OH, US
Ashvani K. Madan - Mason OH, US

International Classification:

A61B 18/12
A61N 7/00
A61B 18/18
A61B 17/00

US Classification:

601 2, 606 1, 606 33, 606 34

Abstract:

A surgical instrument includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source is configured to deliver power to a surgical instrument at a first rate of discharge. The second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source at a second rate of discharge. The first power source and the second power source are positioned within the surgical instrument. The first power source and the second power source are further configured to communicate with a control module. The control module may rely on power from the first power source to drive an end effector of the surgical instrument. The end effector may comprise a harmonic/ultrasonic blade, RF electrosurgical electrodes, powered cutting/stapling features, and/or various other types of components.

US Patent:

20120116367, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Oct 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/276725

Inventors:

Kevin L. Houser - Springboro OH, US
Foster B. Stulen - Mason OH, US
Timothy G. Dietz - Terrace Park OH, US
John W. Willis - Cincinnati OH, US
Donna L. Korvick - Maineville OH, US
Ashvani K. Madan - Mason OH, US
Aron O. Zingman - Cambridge MA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/00

US Classification:

606 1

Abstract:

A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a lower portion with a hingedly attached end piece. When open, the end piece allows for receipt of a data card in a lower portion aperture. When closed, the end piece covers the aperture. In another version, the aperture is configured to receive a data card and battery pack assembly. Information is readable from and to the data card to measure a number of minutes the instrument was used during a procedure. Such information is communicated via wired or wireless communication to another device to determine a payment for the number of minutes used. Minutes are buyable from the device and writable onto the data card prior to insertion of the card into the instrument. In another version, a testing sequence is used in saline or via a tissue proxy to test the functionality of an instrument prior to a procedure.

US Patent:

20140163549, Jun 12, 2014

Filed:

Dec 10, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/709420

Inventors:

- Cincinnati OH, US
Kevin L. Houser - Springboro OH, US
Aron O. Zingman - Cambridge MA, US
Donna L. Korvick - Maineville OH, US
Ashvani K. Madan - Mason OH, US
John W. Willis - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

A61B 18/04

US Classification:

606 41

Abstract:

An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body, a lip in communication with the body, and at least one electrode also in communication with the body. The body is able to mechanically couple with a portion of an end effector, which may be controlled by a user through a handpiece. The lip is configured to grip a portion of the end effector. The at least one electrode is configured to provide sufficient electrical energy to weld at least a portion of tissue. In some versions, a temperature sensitive material may be positioned on a portion of the end effector. Additionally, in some versions, the handpiece of the end effector may comprise feedback features able to convey information to the user.