Patents by Inventor Michael J. Helander

Michael J. Helander 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: 11986179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: 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: 11984661
    Abstract: An electronic device may include first and second phased antenna arrays and a triplet of first, second, and third ultra-wideband antennas. An antenna module in the device may include a dielectric substrate. The first and second arrays and the triplet may be formed on the dielectric substrate. The third and second ultra-wideband antennas may be separated by a gap. The first array may be laterally interposed between the third and second ultra-wideband antennas within the gap. The third ultra-wideband antenna may be laterally interposed between the first phased antenna array and at least some of the second array. An integrated circuit may be mounted to the dielectric substrate using an interposer. The antenna module may occupy a minimal amount of space within the device and may be less expensive to manufacture relative to scenarios where the arrays and the ultra-wideband antennas are formed on separate substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Jiang, Jiangfeng Wu, Siwen Yong, Hao Xu, Ana Papio Toda, Carlo di Nallo, Michael D. Quinones, Mattia Pascolini, Amin Tayebi, Aaron J. Cooper, Per Jakob Helander, Johan Avendal
  • Publication number: 20240050086
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: 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: 20210161522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: 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: 10881392
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: 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: 10792031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: 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: 20190209161
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: 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: 20180256156
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: 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: 9962151
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: 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: 9775600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: 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: 20170265855
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: 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: 9675339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: 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: 20170105723
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: 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: 20120143248
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: 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: 7993354
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: 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