Patents by Inventor James H. Bleck
James H. Bleck 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).
-
Publication number: 20170296165Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9775600Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Publication number: 20170265855Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Patent number: 9743925Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9743923Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9737296Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9730688Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215868Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215874Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215873Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215877Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215878Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170215875Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9717495Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9717493Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Publication number: 20170192536Abstract: An adjustable mouse includes a base and a thumb adjustment assembly coupled to the base. The thumb adjustment assembly is configured to move a thumb rest portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The adjustable mouse further may include a palm rest portion hingedly attached to the base by a hinge adjacent an outer edge of the base. The palm rest portion may have several fingers configured to expand in vertical and lateral directions. Embodiments of the adjustable mouse are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Steven Wang, Hanning Lu, ZhiJian Huang, Changjun Zhao, James H. Bleck, William D. Chura, Thomas Eagan, James Saunders, Scott H. Wakefield, Jonathan N. Towle
-
Patent number: 9693770Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one separated tissue segment forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ENDOEVOLUTION, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughry, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck
-
Patent number: 9684387Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for an adjustable pointing device. The adjustable pointing device includes a base and an adjustable arm connecting a portion of the base with an input control portion. The input control portion includes at least one input control. A first end of the adjustable arm, which is distal from the base, allows for and independently maintains changes to various orientations of the input control portion. In other words, after the user adjusts the input control portion to be set at a new orientation, the first end of the adjustable arm maintains the input control portion at the new orientation as the user interacts with the adjustable pointing device. In addition, a second end of the adjustable arm, proximal to the base, also allows for and independently maintains changes in a distance between the input control portion and the base itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: CONTOUR DESIGN, INC.Inventors: Steven Wang, Scott H. Wakefield, William D. Chura, James H. Bleck, Chad C. Terry, Thomas Eagan, John M. Aho, Jonathan N. Towle, Les Scenna
-
Patent number: 9675339Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Patent number: 9642617Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle rotation drive capable of releasably engaging the cartridge and rotating the suturing needle about the axis; and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle rotation drive to rotate the needle rotation drive. A method for suturing tissue comprising placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span separated tissue segments; activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the separated tissue segments; and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the separated tissue segments forming a stitch.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Niall G. Deloughery, Gerald I. Brecher, James H. Bleck