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).
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Patent number: 8123764Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
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Patent number: 7938839Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device having an interlocking trigger assembly for preventing premature needle deployment. The suturing device comprises a handle assembly that includes a movable handle interlocking with a trigger. The suturing device further comprises an end effector having an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a needle/suture mechanism. The motion of the movable handle causes the upper jaw to move relative to the lower jaw. The activation of the trigger causes deployment of the needle/suture mechanism. The interlocking mechanism ensures that the needle/suture is deployed only when the upper jaw is below a maximum allowable distance from the lower jaw.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Symmetry Medical New Bedford, IncInventors: Francis J. DiFrancesco, Jerry R. Griffiths
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Patent number: 7862572Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes an elongated barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated barrel; 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 elongated barrel, 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 elongated barrel to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: EndoEvolution, LLCInventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco
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Patent number: 7776065Abstract: Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Symmetry Medical New Bedford IncInventors: Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco
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Publication number: 20100152751Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
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Publication number: 20090157104Abstract: An endoscopic surgical rotary capture instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for closing a gastric band having a buckle end a free end. The rotary capture instrument includes a pusher end that has a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is actuated by rotary motion of an inner shaft. The jaws are used to gasp securely and push the tube end of the gastric band after it has been threaded through the buckle end of the band. A hook instrument is used to hold the buckle end securely while the rotary capture instrument is used to push the free end of the gastric band.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: SYMMETRY MEDICAL TNCOInventors: DANIEL B. JONES, JERRY R. GRIFFITHS, FRANCIS J. DIFRANCESCO
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Publication number: 20080255590Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes an elongated barrel having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated barrel; 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 elongated barrel, 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 elongated barrel to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco
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Publication number: 20080234725Abstract: Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: SYMMETRY MEDICAL TNCOInventors: JERRY R. GRIFFITHS, FRANCIS J. DIFRANCESCO
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Publication number: 20040254605Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device having an interlocking trigger assembly for preventing premature needle deployment. The suturing device comprises a handle assembly that includes a movable handle interlocking with a trigger. The suturing device further comprises an end effector having an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a needle/suture mechanism. The motion of the movable handle causes the upper jaw to move relative to the lower jaw. The activation of the trigger causes deployment of the needle/suture mechanism. The interlocking mechanism ensures that the needle/suture is deployed only when the upper jaw is below a maximum allowable distance from the lower jaw.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Francis J. DiFrancesco, Jerry R. Griffiths
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Patent number: 6019780Abstract: A miniature articulating tip for an endoscopic instrument comprising a jaw with a curved slot through which two pivot lugs pass and are anchored in or integral to a fixed outer tip. The two pivot lugs guide the jaw over a path defined by the curved slot and provide stops at the ends of the curve.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: TNCO, Inc.Inventors: Giuseppe Lombardo, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Brian W. Gilman, Roger M. Burke
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Patent number: 5868786Abstract: A articulating tip structure with a pivot lug and a rotatable jaw with a pivot seat which wraps around the lug in normal operation and provides a gap for disengagement of the lug to allow disassembly and assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: TNCO, Inc.Inventor: Francis J. DiFrancesco
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Patent number: 5849021Abstract: A handle for endoscopic surgical instruments with an elongated thumb loop optimized for providing support and driving force in endoscopic surgery.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: TNCO, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. DiFrancesco, Clive B. Reay-Young
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Patent number: 5727428Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. LeMaire, III, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Paul DiCarlo, Peter D. Naugler, George J. Sikora
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Patent number: 5695522Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Acufex Microsurgical, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. LeMaire, III, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Paul DiCarlo, Peter D. Naugler, George J. Sikora
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Patent number: 5590570Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Acufex Microsurgical, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. LeMaire, III, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Paul DiCarlo, Peter D. Naugler, George J. Sikora
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Patent number: 5366477Abstract: A link, and assembly and instrument using same, for transmitting actuating forces from an actuating member to a work member. The link includes a link body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the link body is movably interconnected with the work member by a distal interconnection element such as an arcuate groove-and-flange assembly, and is interconnected at its proximal end to an actuating member by a proximal pivotal interconnection element. The proximal element transmits a first actuating force from the actuating member to the work member. A shoulder, disposed on the link body preferably between the distal and proximal elements for interconnecting, engages the actuating member when a second, greater actuating force is applied to the actuating member in a direction opposite to that of the first actuating force. The greater force is thereby transmitted fully to the work member. The link assembly preferably includes a spacer member to assist positioning of the actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1991Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: American Cyanamid CompanyInventors: Norman J. LeMarie, III, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Paul DiCarlo, Peter D. Naugler, George J. Sikora