Patents by Inventor Francis J. DiFrancesco

Francis J. DiFrancesco 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).

  • Publication number: 20230248355
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20220202413
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 11253249
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 11172922
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20200352557
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20190029668
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20190015095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 10111654
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20180161029
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9962155
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9962153
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9962154
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9936944
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20170360433
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20170319196
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20170319198
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9808238
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9795377
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Patent number: 9795376
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
  • Publication number: 20170224328
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark