Patents by Inventor Earl Downey

Earl Downey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8080004
    Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, the laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising: (a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a handle grip; (b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by a finger and supported by the handle, the actuating mechanism comprising an actuator shaft and a gearing assembly operable to displace the actuator shaft with a mechanical advantage upon actuation of a trigger by the surgeon; (c) a locking mechanism configured to lock the actuating mechanism in one of a plurality of positions, the locking mechanism comprising a release located in an anthropometrically correct position; and (d) a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with the actuator shaft, the working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by the surgeon via the handle and the actuating mechanism to pe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Earl Downey, Stephen B. Carter, Kenneth A. Gross, Darrin I. Schmuckle, Robson L. Splane, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070093790
    Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, the laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising: (a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a handle grip; (b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by a finger and supported by the handle, the actuating mechanism comprising an actuator shaft and a gearing assembly operable to displace the actuator shaft with a mechanical advantage upon actuation of a trigger by the surgeon; (c) a locking mechanism configured to lock the actuating mechanism in one of a plurality of positions, the locking mechanism comprising a release located in an anthropometrically correct position; and (d) a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with the actuator shaft, the working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by the surgeon via the handle and the actuating mechanism to pe
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Earl Downey, Stephen Carter, Kenneth Gross, Darrin Schmuckle, Robson Splane
  • Publication number: 20060190027
    Abstract: A surgical device 10 with an ergonomic handle 12 and, an elongated tubular portion 18 extending from the ergonomic handle 12 to a functional end 22. The elongated tubular portion 18 has a longitudinal axis 19, and a finger actuator 16 is positioned substantially in line with this axis. Furthermore, the surgical device 10 may also include a rod 20 functionally disposed within the tubular portion 18 along the longitudinal axis 19. The rod 20 may be coupled proximally to the finger actuator 16 and distally to the functional end 22, such that bidirectional pressure applied by the user's finger to the finger actuator 16 along the longitudinal axis 19 manipulates the functional end 22 in a bidirectional manner in response to or in a common direction to the bidirectional pressure. The surgical device 10 may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism 24 to lock the finger actuator 16 in a fixed position, thus locking the functional end 22 in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventor: Earl Downey