Patents by Inventor Brian C. Dougherty

Brian C. Dougherty 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: 12648826
    Abstract: A medical device for accessing soft tissue of the brain may include a delivery sleeve assembly including a sheath configured to receive a surgical access device and mate with a socket arrangement of a cranial burr hole device arranged on a patient, and a depth stop arranged on the sheath of the delivery sleeve assembly configured to be selectively adjusted along the sheath to an incremental depth marker associated with the location of a surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brian C. Dougherty, Joseph L Mark
  • Patent number: 12636039
    Abstract: A surgical access system is disclosed that includes an outer sheath, an introducer, and a navigational stylet. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a distal tip. The navigational stylet is configured to be selectively fixed to the obturator and is configured to indicate the location of the obturator within a patient during use. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 12594094
    Abstract: Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Chad Lamar
  • Publication number: 20260020873
    Abstract: A tissue disrupter assembly includes an outer cannula and an inner member arranged at least partially within the outer cannula. The outer cannula is selectively movable along the inner member to expose a tissue disrupter fixed to and extending from a distal end of the inner member. The tissue disrupter when exposed is configured to enter an expanded configuration for dislodging tissue at a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20250387112
    Abstract: A soft tissue cuff apparatus for subcortical surgery of the brain includes a cuff body. The cuff body forms a ring-like shape in an expanded position and is formed of a flexible material. The cuff body extends between a first lip and a second lip, thereby forming a concave outer periphery where, during use, the cuff body is configured to contact and cradle at least a portion of the cortex. The first and second lips are configured to form a hold on to the cortex such that the soft tissue cuff apparatus creates a stable fit within the cortex to form a surgical corridor and allow access to a surgical site under the cortex without subjecting the surrounding soft tissue to further manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 12498303
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Patent number: 12414791
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly may include an outer sheath defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and including a hollow body portion therebetween, and a flexible tool delivery device having a hub and a guide tube, the hub configured to selectively secure to a rim at the proximal end of the outer sheath, and the guide tube configured to extend at least partially into the outer sheath and provide a flexible tool proximate to a tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Inder Jarial, Ethan Elijah Mahn
  • Patent number: 12376741
    Abstract: An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Adam Furore, Mick Trompen
  • Patent number: 12369936
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device is disclosed that allows for in-plane rotation of a distal end to avoid gross movements during surgical procedures. In one exemplary arrangement, the tissue cutting device comprises a housing, an outer cannula, and an inner cannula. The outer cannula is mounted for rotation to the handpiece. The inner cannula is mounted within the outer cannula and mounted for rotation with the outer cannula. Both the inner and outer cannula are provided with relieving cuts that are offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20240390100
    Abstract: A tissue removal system may include a tissue removal device including a handpiece and an upper housing, and configured with an outer cannula having an outer cannula opening for severing tissue, an inner cannula disposed in the outer cannula and reciprocal within the outer cannula, an illumination device having a sleeve arranged at least partially on the outer cannula, and a fiber optic channel defining an opening and arranged offset from the sleeve, and a light source arranged within the channel and configured to supply light from the opening to a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY
  • Publication number: 20240074779
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device is disclosed that allows for in-plane rotation of a distal end to avoid gross movements during surgical procedures. In one exemplary arrangement, the tissue cutting device comprises a housing, an outer cannula, and an inner cannula. The outer cannula is mounted for rotation to the handpiece. The inner cannula is mounted within the outer cannula and mounted for rotation with the outer cannula. Both the inner and outer cannula are provided with relieving cuts that are offset from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY
  • Publication number: 20230329824
    Abstract: A medical device for accessing soft tissue of the brain may include a delivery sleeve assembly including a sheath configured to receive a surgical access device and mate with a socket arrangement of a cranial burr hole device arranged on a patient, and a depth stop arranged on the sheath of the delivery sleeve assembly configured to be selectively adjusted along the sheath to an incremental depth marker associated with the location of a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Joseph L. MARK
  • Patent number: 11759259
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A delivery sleeve may be selectively provided that is configured to be disposed about the outer cannula for delivery of a variety of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20230204471
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Alexandra SCHWIER
  • Publication number: 20230128530
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of a burner flame using flame rectification are shown and described. A conductive flame sensor is positioned to conduct electricity to a burner flame when the burner is lit. The flame provides a conductive path to the burner conductive body and when operatively connected to an alternating current source, half-wave rectifies the current flowing to the sensor. A flame sensing circuit provides an output signal that is conditioned for use as an input to a flame indicator and/or a controller that is configured to shut off gas flow to the burner when no flame is present after an attempt at igniting the burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Jack A. Shindle, Brian C. Dougherty, James Kelley, Zhan Chen
  • Patent number: 11609160
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: NICO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Publication number: 20230045431
    Abstract: An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Adam FURORE, Mick TROMPEN
  • Publication number: 20230037285
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, BRIAN C. DOUGHERTY, Alexandra SCHWIER
  • Patent number: D1034468
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: NICO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Inder Jarial, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: D1045075
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: NICO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty