Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.

Covidien LP

Micromotion Gmbh

Allen Honegger

Michael B Lyons

David J Van Tol

An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide defining a blade at a distal end portion thereof. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. At least one lumen is defined at least partially through the blade. The at least one lumen establishes a flow path through the blade extending from a first open end on one surface of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on a different surface of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one lumen is configured to urge fluid through the blade along the flow path from the one surface to the different surface.

Energy-based surgical instruments incorporating cooling features

A method of assembling an end effector for a surgical instrument includes: assembling first and second jaw members within a clevis disposed at a distal end of an outer drive shaft of a surgical instrument; inserting an end of a pivot pin including a stop on the opposite end thereof through a hole defined in a first outer wall of the clevis, through pivot bores defined within the first and second jaw members, and through a hole defined in a second outer wall of the clevis to expose a portion of the end of the pivot pin relative to the clevis; and melting the exposed portion of the end of the pivot pin to form a second stop and secure the first and second jaw members within the clevis.

Method of assembling an end effector for a surgical instrument

A partially bonded brace bar assembly is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. A vibrating element adapted to vibrate about a bending axis (W, W') is provided. The vibrating element has a high stress region (). A brace bar () is bonded to the vibrating element using a partial bond (). The partial bond () is formed only in the high stress region ().

Brace bar with a partial bond

A final closure sealing member and a method for hermetically sealing an opening, such as an electrolyte fill opening in an electrochemical cell or a battery, are disclosed. After a cell is fully assembled and filled with electrolyte, the present sealing member is force-fit into sealing registry with the electrolyte fill opening to form a secondary seal for the cell. Preferably, an outwardly facing portion of the sealing member is flush or slightly recessed with the side wall surrounding the fill opening. Then, the outwardly facing portion is welded to the opening side wall to form a primary hermetic seal.

Container having a hermetic seal

A final closure sealing member and a method for hermetically sealing an opening, such as an electrolyte fill opening in an electrochemical cell or a battery, are disclosed. After a cell is fully assembled and filled with electrolyte, the present sealing member is force-fit into sealing registry with the electrolyte fill opening to form a secondary seal for the cell. PreferablY, an outwardly facing portion of the sealing member is flush or slightly recessed with the side wall surrounding the fill opening. Then, the outwardly facing portion is welded to the opening side wall to form a primary hermetic seal.

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Berthoud, CO, United States of America

Allen Honegger