Patents by Inventor Richard P. Fleenor
Richard P. Fleenor 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).
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Publication number: 20200237428Abstract: An improved hand-held electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an electrosurgical electrode, supportably interconnected to and extending from a distal end of the housing in a first direction, at least one light source supportably interconnected to the housing for emitting light in the first direction, and a light tunnel member extending away from the distal end of the housing in the first direction and defining a light tunnel therethrough for receiving and directing light emitted by the light source(s) through the light tunnel and out of a distal end of the light tunnel member. The light tunnel member yields improved tissue site illumination. The electrosurgical electrode may extend through and beyond the distal end of the light tunnel member, wherein the light tunnel extends along at least a majority of a length of the electrosurgical electrode that extends distally from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Patent number: 10561459Abstract: An improved hand-held electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an electrosurgical electrode, supportably interconnected to and extending from a distal end of the housing in a first direction, at least one light source supportably interconnected to the housing for emitting light in the first direction, and a light tunnel member extending away from the distal end of the housing in the first direction and defining a light tunnel therethrough for receiving and directing light emitted by the light source(s) through the light tunnel and out of a distal end of the light tunnel member. The light tunnel member yields improved tissue site illumination. The electrosurgical electrode may extend through and beyond the distal end of the light tunnel member, wherein the light tunnel extends along at least a majority of a length of the electrosurgical electrode that extends distally from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Patent number: 10136960Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Publication number: 20180147002Abstract: An improved hand-held electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an electrosurgical electrode, supportably interconnected to and extending from a distal end of the housing in a first direction, at least one light source supportably interconnected to the housing for emitting light in the first direction, and a light tunnel member extending away from the distal end of the housing in the first direction and defining a light tunnel therethrough for receiving and directing light emitted by the light source(s) through the light tunnel and out of a distal end of the light tunnel member. The light tunnel member yields improved tissue site illumination. The electrosurgical electrode may extend through and beyond the distal end of the light tunnel member, wherein the light tunnel extends along at least a majority of a length of the electrosurgical electrode that extends distally from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Publication number: 20160278874Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Patent number: 9237922Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Inventors: Robert L. Bromley, Richard P. Fleenor
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Publication number: 20150157390Abstract: A hand-held instrument is provided for smoke evacuation at a tissue site. The instrument may include a housing sized for hand-held use and defining at least a portion of an internal volume of the instrument. An inlet port and an outlet port are provided for gas passage in to and out of the internal volume, wherein an impeller is disposed within the internal volume between the inlet port and the outlet port. In some embodiments, an on-board motor may be disposed within the internal volume to rotate the impeller and induce gas flow in to the inlet port and out of the outlet port. A filter may be located at the outlet port for filtering gas flowing out of the outlet port. In some embodiments, an energy emission component (e.g., an electrosurgical electrode) may be integrated into the hand-held instrument. Additionally, some embodiments may include one or a plurality of light emitters for emitting light in a direction distal to a distal end of the hand-held instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2014Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Publication number: 20120221000Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Robert L. Bromley, Richard P. Fleenor
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Publication number: 20120109185Abstract: An improved percutaneous tissue grasping apparatus and method provide for reduced trauma to tissue associated with the insertion and advancement of the apparatus. In one aspect, the percutaneous tissue grasping apparatus may include a blunt nose that is flush with or extends beyond a distal end of an outer tubular member. As such, when advanced into and through tissue, tissue is prevented from advancing proximally into the outer member. As such, the trauma attendant with advancement of such apparatus into tissue of a patent may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: PARE Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, Robert L. Bromley
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Publication number: 20100274278Abstract: An improved endoscopic tissue grasping apparatus and method provide for enhanced tissue retention. In one separate aspect, an endoscopic tool may include an improved handle comprising a rachet interface for retaining first and second jaw members at in a closed position at a distal end of the tool. In another separate aspect, a tissue grasper is provided in which opposing first and second jaw members may be effectively locked in a closed position by virtue of an articulating linkage arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Pare Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, Robert L. Bromley
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Patent number: 7367971Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson, Paul R. Borgmeier
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Patent number: 7166102Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson, Paul R. Borgmeier
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Publication number: 20040127915Abstract: A suturing needle is provided that includes a selectively extendable grasping member disposed within an internal passageway for engaging suture material and holding that suture material relative to the needle during suturing procedures. In this regard, suture material may be grasped relative to a needle, inserted through tissue and released from the needle upon which the needle may be retracted leaving the suture material disposed through the patient tissue. In one embodiment the grasping member is disposable through a side aperture of the needle. In a further embodiment, the grasping member is operable to form a suture engaging loop relative to an outside surface of the needle. In another embodiment, the size of this suture engaging loop is adjustable to provide enhanced suturing capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, Robert L. Bromley
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Patent number: 6666859Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgery. Through selection of impedance characteristics for the materials of the principal body of the electrode, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise to prevent patient trauma. The return electrode includes a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000&OHgr;.cm and one or more connectors for making electrical connection to the sheet. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. Configuration of the return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery. Through employment of washable surface areas, the electrode is made readily cleanable, disinfectable, sterilizable, and reusable.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson
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Patent number: 6582424Abstract: A capacitive reusable electrosurgical return electrode pad for use with electrosurgery. Through selection of the electrode geometries and the impedance characteristics of the electrode, the electrode is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The electrosurgical return electrode can include a connector and a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 100,000 &OHgr;·cm. The electrode can have a working surface area from about 11 to about 1,500 square inches (or about 70 to about 10,000 square centimeters). The electrode can be disposed on the working surface of an operating table or dentist's chair immediately underlying a patient during electrosurgery. This very large working surface area eliminates the need for direct contact or contact through conducting gels and by employing washable surface areas, it is made readily cleanable and reusable.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson, Paul R. Borgmeier
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Patent number: 6554845Abstract: In one embodiment of a suturing apparatus a needle member is provided with a suture material having a pre-tied knot disposed about a distal end of the needle member. The suturing apparatus further includes a first member, wherein the first member and needle member are disposed to permit selective relative movement therebetween. Upon such movement, the first member is positionable to engage and position the pre-tied knot beyond the distal end of the needle member. Such an arrangement facilitates internal suture stitching and knot placement. An advanceable/retractable grasping member may be advantageously included in the suturing apparatus for selectively retaining/releasing an end of the suture material. The grasping member may be defined by a spring-loaded hoop member that may be selectively deployed out of a hollow piercing tip comprising the needle member. In the deployed state the grasping member may be positioned about the end of the suture material (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: PARÉ Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, Robert L. Bromley
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Patent number: 6544258Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures. The electrode can include a pad and a conductive element that collectively has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the electrode arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof of both the pad and the conductive element. Through the selection of the impedance characteristics for the electrode materials, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. Additionally, the selection of materials and electrode geometries can prevent the creation of pressure sore or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Mega-Dyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson, Paul R. Borgmeier
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Publication number: 20030040741Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Mega-Dyne Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Fleenor, David B. Kieda, James D. Isaacson, Paul R. Borgmeier
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Patent number: D761962Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor
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Patent number: D797933Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventor: Richard P. Fleenor