Patents by Inventor James C. Easley
James C. Easley 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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Publication number: 20240000471Abstract: A forceps includes a forceps tip including a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first grasping platform including a first arcuate inner engagement surface. The second arm includes a second grasping platform including a second arcuate inner engagement surface. Each of the first and second engagement surfaces is arcuate about a transverse axis extending between the first and second engagement surfaces and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a forceps handle. The first and second grasping platforms are configured to initially contact one another only at their respective distal ends along the first and second engagement surfaces when actuated from an open position to a closed position, and are configured to deflect such that a contact area between the first and second engagement surfaces increases as the first and second grasping platforms move towards the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventor: James C. Easley
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Patent number: 11826033Abstract: A scleral depressor assembly includes a scleral depressor, an optical fiber, and a reflector. The scleral depressor includes an elongate body and a head disposed at a distal end of the elongate body. The scleral depressor defines an internal lumen extending through the elongate body and terminating within the head. The optical fiber is disposed within the lumen and includes a distal end positioned within the head. The optical fiber distal end includes a beveled end face that is obliquely oriented with respect to a central axis of the internal lumen. The reflector is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber and is configured to reflect light emitted from the optical fiber distal end along a light path out of the scleral depressor head in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the central axis of the internal lumen.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: XRV-IP, LLCInventors: James C. Easley, Matthew LaConte
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Patent number: 11752034Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices, such as an ophthalmologic medical device.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: XRV-IP, LLCInventors: James C. Easley, Douglas R. Parr
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Patent number: 11696852Abstract: A probe tip assembly includes an optical fiber for channeling light energy and a straightening tube circumscribing at least a portion of the optical fiber. The straightening tube is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tip assembly also includes a guiding member circumscribing the optical fiber and the straightening tube. The guiding member includes a curvable portion configurable between a pre-formed curved state and a straightened state, wherein, as the straightening tube is retracted from the first position to the second position, the guiding member transitions from its straightened state to its pre-formed curved state. An external surface of the straightening tube contacts an internal surface of the guiding member when the straightening tube is in the first position and the guiding member is in the straightened state.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: XRV-IP, LLCInventors: James C. Easley, Matt LaConte
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Publication number: 20230084104Abstract: A scleral depressor assembly includes a scleral depressor, an optical fiber, and a reflector. The scleral depressor includes an elongate body and a head disposed at a distal end of the elongate body. The scleral depressor defines an internal lumen extending through the elongate body and terminating within the head. The optical fiber is disposed within the lumen and includes a distal end positioned within the head. The optical fiber distal end includes a beveled end face that is obliquely oriented with respect to a central axis of the internal lumen. The reflector is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber and is configured to reflect light emitted from the optical fiber distal end along a light path out of the scleral depressor head in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the central axis of the internal lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: James C. Easley, Matthew LaConte
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Patent number: 11382657Abstract: Surgical devices and methods of using the surgical devices are disclosed. The surgical devices generally include a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Synergetics USA, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Paul LaConte, James C. Easley, Jason Stroisch
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Publication number: 20210069015Abstract: A probe tip assembly includes an optical fiber for channeling light energy and a straightening tube circumscribing at least a portion of the optical fiber. The straightening tube is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tip assembly also includes a guiding member circumscribing the optical fiber and the straightening tube. The guiding member includes a curvable portion configurable between a pre-formed curved state and a straightened state, wherein, as the straightening tube is retracted from the first position to the second position, the guiding member transitions from its straightened state to its pre-formed curved state. An external surface of the straightening tube contacts an internal surface of the guiding member when the straightening tube is in the first position and the guiding member is in the straightened state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: James C. Easley, Matt LaConte
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Patent number: 10874554Abstract: A probe tip assembly includes an optical fiber for channeling light energy and a straightening tube circumscribing at least a portion of the optical fiber. The straightening tube includes a first metallic material and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tip assembly also includes a guiding member circumscribing the optical fiber and the straightening tube. The guiding member includes a second metallic material and a curvable portion configurable between a pre-formed curved state defining a radius of curvature and a straightened state. The guiding member also includes a plurality of notches, wherein, as the straightening tube is retracted from the first position to the second position, the guiding member transitions from its straightened state to its pre-formed curved state.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: XRV-IP, LLCInventors: James C. Easley, Matt LaConte
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Publication number: 20200246186Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices, such as an ophthalmologic medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: James C. Easley, Douglas R. Parr
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Patent number: 10660793Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices, such as an ophthalmologic medical device.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Vortex SurgicalInventors: James C. Easley, Douglas R. Parr
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Publication number: 20190380869Abstract: A probe tip assembly includes an optical fiber for channeling light energy and a straightening tube circumscribing at least a portion of the optical fiber. The straightening tube includes a first metallic material and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tip assembly also includes a guiding member circumscribing the optical fiber and the straightening tube. The guiding member includes a second metallic material and a curvable portion configurable between a pre-formed curved state defining a radius of curvature and a straightened state. The guiding member also includes a plurality of notches, wherein, as the straightening tube is retracted from the first position to the second position, the guiding member transitions from its straightened state to its pre-formed curved state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2018Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: James C. Easley, Matt LaConte
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Patent number: 10485577Abstract: A surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device includes a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Synergetics USA, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Paul LaConte, James C. Easley, Jason Stroisch
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Publication number: 20190083129Abstract: Surgical devices and methods of using the surgical devices are disclosed. The surgical devices generally include a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Matthew Paul LaConte, James C. Easley, Jason Stroisch
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Patent number: 10219941Abstract: A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: SYNERGETICS, INC.Inventor: James C. Easley
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Publication number: 20190046354Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices, such as an ophthalmologic medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: James C. Easley, Douglas R. Parr
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Publication number: 20180193085Abstract: Disposable, bipolar electrosurgical forceps are designed to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips of the forceps and include a pair of electrode arms having lengths with opposite proximal and distal ends, with thin layers of biocompatible metal on the forceps arm distal ends and bipolar electrical conductors permanently secured to the forceps arm proximal ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: Stryker CorporationInventors: Matthew A. Hanlon, James C. Easley, Robert F. Spetzler
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Publication number: 20170238961Abstract: A surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device includes a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Matthew Paul LaConte, James C. Easley, Jason Stroisch
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Publication number: 20160270957Abstract: A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventor: James C. Easley
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Patent number: 9381113Abstract: A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Synergetics, Inc.Inventor: James C. Easley
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Publication number: 20140128771Abstract: A biopsy system includes a cutting probe including a suction port, a suction line connected to the suction port, and a biopsy chamber fluidly connected to the cutting probe by the suction line. The biopsy chamber is positioned proximate the cutting probe such that the biopsy chamber is configured to receive and store a biological sample free from irrigation fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Matthew Paul LaConte, Carl C. Awh, James C. Easley, Matthew A. Hanlon