Most cited inventors
Patents are valuable assets for innovators, enabling them to safeguard their intellectual property against unauthorized use or infringement. Additionally, patents allow inventors to monetize their ideas and inventions.
A patent’s forward citation count is a vital metric for evaluating the impact of a patent, measuring the number of times other patents have referenced the original patent. Forward citations are widely recognized as a significant factor in assessing the value of a patent.
Let’s recognize the most cited inventors with more than 100k patent citations. This metric came from analyzing utility patent data between January 1, 2002, and May 30, 2023.
Frederick E. Shelton, IV
He spent more than 21 years engineering cutting-edge innovations to help propel medicine forward.
Shelton’s invented everything from a surgical staple innovation to surgery equipment. Ethicon itself, significantly due to him, is miles ahead of anyone in generating the world’s most individually valuable patents, too.
His inventions and patents have served to help potentially save thousands of lives and helped to lift millions of people globally from their pain.
Shelton’s primary areas of investigation include Surgical instruments, Robot end effectors, Cartridges, Mechanical engineering and Surgical stapling. His work is dedicated to discovering how Surgical instruments, Computer hardware are connected with robots and Executable and other disciplines.
Most cited patents:
2,386 citations – Surgical stapling instrument having a single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing. This innovative surgical instrument revolutionizes laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures by combining tissue cutting and stapling capabilities in a single device. Its unique design, including the E-beam firing bar and integrated wedge, allows for efficient and precise surgical interventions, while the lockout mechanism ensures the safety and reliable performance.
2,314 citations – Articulating surgical stapling instrument incorporating a two-piece E-beam firing mechanism. This surgical device is a versatile tool designed for laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures, providing a combination of tissue clamping, cutting, and stapling functionalities; providing surgeons with a reliable and efficient tool. Within the instrument, tissue is clamped between two opposing components—an end effector and an anvil. To precisely sever the tissue and secure it with staples, an E-beam firing bar is utilized.
Most recently, he’s delved into digital surgery. This futuristic platform combines robotics, advanced instrumentation and data analytics which guarantees surgeons more precision and patients less invasive surgery.
Jerome R. Morgan
Mr. Morgan is an academic researcher from Ethicon Inc. His primary areas of study are Surgical instruments, Robot end effectors, Mechanical engineering, Biomedical engineering and Computer hardware.
Most cited patents:
This remarkable instrument comprises three main components: an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly, and a gear drive train.
From the movable cutting instrument to the gear drive train and tactile position feedback system, each component works together harmoniously to deliver accurate and controlled cutting actions. With this instrument in hand, surgeons can perform procedures with enhanced precision and confidence.
2,095 citations – Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with loading force feedback.
With an end effector, main drive shaft assembly, and a handle housing a gear drive train and motor, this instrument revolutionizes procedures. The firing trigger, directly connected to the gear drive train, activates the motor for swift action. The unique feature allows surgeons to sense and adjust the force applied during cutting, ensuring precise and controlled surgical outcomes.
Jeffrey S. Swayze
He is Sr. Principal Engineer at J&J Surgical Robotics. His primary areas of investigation include a Robot end effector, Surgical instrument, Cartridge, Mechanical engineering and Surgical stapling.
Most cited patents:
2,259 citations – Motor-driven surgical cutting fastening instrument with tactile position feedback.
This instrument features an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly, and a gear drive train. The end effector houses a movable cutting instrument for precise object cutting. With a main motor and firing trigger, the instrument is easily activated. What sets it apart is the tactile position feedback system, allowing surgeons to sense the cutting instrument’s position through the firing trigger.
2,247 citations – Electronic lockouts and surgical instrument including same.
The instrument includes an end effector and a handle. Its end effector, equipped with a movable cutting instrument and a staple cartridge, seamlessly integrates cutting and stapling functionalities. The handle, powered by a motor, ensures precise control over the cutting action. With the added safety measure of the first interlock circuit, surgeons can confidently perform surgical procedures with enhanced precision.
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About The Author
Angelina Kushnarova
Angelina Kushnarova (Sverediuk) was born in Ukraine. She graduated from Ternopil Medical University with a specialization in Medicine and completed an internship in Radiology at Lviv University. She worked as a Radiologist, while also working as a web developer.