Patents by Inventor Robert M. Trusty

Robert M. Trusty 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: 11925355
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230338032
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230338033
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230338031
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20230020780
    Abstract: A surgical visualization system comprises: (a) an endoscope comprising: (i) a shaft comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a patient, (ii) a camera positioned at the distal end of the shaft for visualizing a first structure below a tissue surface within the cavity when the distal end is inserted into the cavity, wherein the camera defines a line of sight, wherein the camera is configured to be swept over the first structure; and (b) a processor in operative communication with the camera of the endoscope, wherein the processor is configured to: (i) monitor at least one sweep parameter when the camera is swept over the first structure, and (ii) estimate a depth of the first structure below the tissue surface based on the monitored at least one sweep parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Dillon C. Karg
  • Publication number: 20230009892
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 11266413
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20210272482
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for a surgical training tool that drives movement of an organ in order to reproduce a movement of that organ to mimic the conditions of a live surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon MCHALE, Frank M. FAGO, Matthew MONTI, Robert M. TRUSTY, John WESLEY, Jeffrey Paul SITES, Eric S. NORMAN
  • Patent number: 11062626
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for a surgical training tool that drives movement of an organ In order to reproduce a movement of that organ to mimic the conditions of a live surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon McHale, Frank Fago, Matthew Monti, Robert M. Trusty, John Wesley, Jeffrey Paul Sites, Eric S. Norman
  • Publication number: 20200222055
    Abstract: An example system for applying an occlusion clip to an anatomical structure may include a visualization tool configured to allow visualization of an anatomical structure using a scope; a clip applier configured to apply an occlusion clip on the anatomical structure; an introducer connectable to the clip applier and configured to aid in positioning the clip applier; and a positioner configured to apply at least one of a linear force and a torsional force to at least one of the clip applier and the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, Dwight P. Morejohn, Matthew Monti, Kenneth L. Miller, Michael J. Banchieri, Brian Flores, Ara Stephanian, Kimberly Gray, Robert M. Trusty, Stefan Stefanov, Anthony Sticca
  • Publication number: 20160008001
    Abstract: An occlusion clip comprising: (a) a spring; (b) a first runner including a first open top and a first open end adjacent the first open top, the first runner including a first interior camming surface partially delineating a first interior cavity that is open by way of the first open top and the first open end; (c) a second runner including a second open top and a second open end adjacent the second open top, the second runner including a second interior camming surface partially delineating a second interior cavity that is open by way of the second open top and the second open end, where the spring is configured to be coupled to the first runner and the second runner, where the first interior cavity is configured to receive a first portion of the spring, where the second interior cavity is configured to receive a second portion of the spring, where the first camming surface is configured to engage a first cam of the spring, and where the second camming surface is configured to engage a second cam of the sprin
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Kenneth Lance Miller, Matthew Monti, Todd Frangolis, Nicholas Bailey, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 9125552
    Abstract: A module for attachment to a medical instrument to scan the anatomy with a beam of radiation. The module comprising a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to a medical instrument, an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy, and a collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs, Randal T. Byrum, Jane A. Sheetz, Sean P. Conlon, David C. Youmans, Robert M. Trusty, Kurt R. Bally, Gary L. Long, Paul G. Ritchie, Michael S. Cropper, Thomas W. Huitema, Bradley E. White
  • Patent number: 8986199
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a lens, or one or more lenses, of an endoscopic camera while the endoscope is deployed in a patient during a medical procedure, such as a minimally invasive procedure, or a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a conduit having a fluid delivery port, an alignment system, and a flexible supply tube to fluidly connect the conduit to one or both of a source of a fluid and a suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Rudolph H. Nobis, David B. Griffith, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 8828031
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, for forming an anastomosis between first and second lumens in a patient, includes a first catheter, a second catheter, a hollow needle, a guide wire, an inflatable member, and a hollow sleeve. The first catheter includes at least one first opening, which may be configured to slidably receive the hollow needle and the guide wire, which may be disposed within the hollow portion of the needle, and at least one second opening. The hollow needle includes a rotary needle. The inflatable member is mounted near the distal end of the first catheter and is in fluid communication with the second opening. The magnet is polarized such that magnetic attraction occurs perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical body. The hollow sleeve is configured to retain at least a portion of the inflatable member, the guide wire, the hollow needle, and the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Fox, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20140121678
    Abstract: Interface systems for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments include at least one surgical tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide tube system. The surgical tool docking assembly may comprise a cable drive assembly that is operably couplable to the cable-controlled guide system for applying control motions thereto. The surgical tool docking assembly may further comprise at least one tool docking station that is configured to support an endoscopic surgical instrument therein for selective pivotal travel about a first axis and a second axis. The tool docking stations cooperate with corresponding drive shafts for imparting rotary drive motions to the cable drive assembly. Various docking arrangements are disclosed for coupling the cable drive assembly to the cable-controlled guide tube assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Omar J. Vakharia, Gregory J. Bakos, Kory A. Gunnerson, Jayson G. Moore
  • Patent number: 8603078
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for allowing a surgical instrument to be supported by a surgical support system configured to controllably guide the instrument to a desired position at surgical site. A surgical support system is provided that includes a guide port defining a pivot point about which a surgical instrument advance therethrough can pivot. The guide port, and hence the pivot point, can be located a distance above a tissue surface through which the instrument is advanced. Methods and devices are also provided for allowing insufflation of a body cavity without introduction of an insufflation fluid therein. A mechanical insufflation device is provided that includes an expandable distal member configured to selectively expand and unexpand to mechanically insufflate a body cavity. The mechanical insufflation device can optionally be used with the surgical support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stefanchik, James T. Spivey, Robert M. Trusty, Peter K. Shires, Michael J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 8529435
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for manipulating scoping devices, surgical tools, and/or tissue. An exemplary system for manipulating a scoping device can include a scoping device having a working channel, a tether extending through the working channel, and an internal coupling member attached to the tether and positioned adjacent to a distal end of the scoping device. The internal coupling member can be magnetically coupled to an external coupling member. An exemplary method for manipulating a scoping device can include inserting at least a portion of a scoping device into a body cavity and positioning an external coupling member proximate to an external surface of tissue such that the external coupling member magnetically couples through the tissue to an internal coupling member disposed within the body cavity and attached to a tether passed through at least one working channel of the scoping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Linenkugel, Robert M. Trusty
  • Publication number: 20130217970
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a lens, or one or more lenses, of an endoscopic camera while the endoscope is deployed in a patient during a medical procedure, such as a minimally invasive procedure, or a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a conduit having a fluid delivery port, an alignment system, and a flexible supply tube to fluidly connect the conduit to one or both of a source of a fluid and a suction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Rudolph H. Nobis, David B. Griffith, Robert M. Trusty
  • Patent number: 8496574
    Abstract: A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Trusty, Gregory J. Bakos, James T. Spivey, Omar J. Vakharia, Dashiell A. Birnkrant, John J. Elliott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8457718
    Abstract: Medical apparatus is described including a fiducial component and a position sensor. The component is recognizable as at least a part of a fiducial when appearing in image data of a patient. The component is attachable to the patient. The sensor is attachable to the component at a predetermined location and orientation on the component or is capable of being positioned adjacent the fiducial component without attachment thereto at a predetermined location and orientation. A storage medium is described containing a program which instructs the computer to recognize a predetermined shape of each of at least one portion of a position sensor as at least a part of a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient. The position sensor is adapted to provide position data. Medical apparatus which includes the position sensor and the storage medium is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Voegele, Robert M. Trusty