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: 9795440
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. The inner member further defines a pair of electrode channels within which the electrodes are positioned. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. An irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device to the electrode channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9782220
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9775672
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a sleeve member, a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member extends distally of the sleeve member and has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. An irrigation annulus is formed about the electrodes. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9770261
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. 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 and the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a closed radiused distal tip. 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: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty, Chad LaMar
  • Patent number: 9737648
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9504247
    Abstract: A cooling system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier, Mick Trompen
  • Patent number: 9387010
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly is described that includes an outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator. 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, wherein the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member. 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. The outer sheath further includes a gripping member, wherein the gripping member includes at least one retaining notch formed on an outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20160128720
    Abstract: A holding arrangement for a surgical access assembly is disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a holder member and a support member configured to engage with the holder member. The support member supports an outer sheath of a surgical assembly. The support member is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging device. Another holding arrangement includes a holder member configured to hold a medical or diagnostic device such as a catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20160066944
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A fluid supply sleeve is disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9279751
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device is described that may include 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: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Publication number: 20150374222
    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: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Adam Furore, Mick Trompen
  • Publication number: 20150351615
    Abstract: Adapters for properly positioning a portion of a medical instrument that is positioned within an endoscope at site of interest is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9161820
    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: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Adam Furore
  • Patent number: 9144372
    Abstract: Adapters for properly positioning a portion of a medical instrument that is positioned within an endoscope at site of interest is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Chad LaMar
  • Publication number: 20150150583
    Abstract: A tissue removal device is disclosed. In one arrangement, the tissue removal device comprises a cutting member operatively connected to an actuator assembly and a fixed member. The cutting member is configured to slide with respect to the fixed member in a reciprocating manner. The fixed member includes an upwardly extending foot plate that defines a contact surface that is configured with an uneven texture that serves as a grip to operatively retain material to be cut when the cutting member is moved toward the foot plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8986334
    Abstract: A tissue removal device is disclosed. In one arrangement, the tissue removal device includes a cutting member operatively connected to an actuator assembly and a fixed member. The cutting member is configured to slide with respect to the fixed member in a reciprocating manner. The fixed member includes an upwardly extending foot plate that defines a contact surface that is configured with an uneven texture that serves as a grip to operatively retain material to be cut when the cutting member is moved toward the foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20140163547
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20140066930
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a sleeve member, a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member extends distally of the sleeve member and has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. An irrigation annulus is formed about the electrodes. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20140066929
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20130237753
    Abstract: Surgical interfaces and adaptors for properly positioning a portion of a medical instrument within an endoscope at a site of interest is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty