Patents by Inventor John C. Meade
John C. Meade 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: 20240123449Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Andy H. Levine, John C. Meade, Neil Tischler, Jeffrey R. Chabot, Andrew McGillicuddy, Neil F. Duffy, JR.
-
Publication number: 20240050086Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Publication number: 20230248355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
-
Publication number: 20230081890Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Applicant: FREYJA HEALTHCARE, LLC.Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Patent number: 11490929Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Freyja Heathcare, LLC.Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Publication number: 20220226812Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Andy H. Levine, John C. Meade, Neil Tischler, Jeffrey R. Chabot, Andrew McGillicuddy, Neil F. Duffy, JR.
-
Publication number: 20220202413Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2022Publication date: June 30, 2022Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
-
Publication number: 20220160348Abstract: 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: January 2, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Patent number: 11253249Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
-
Patent number: 11253250Abstract: 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: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Patent number: 11172922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
-
Publication number: 20210298744Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: John C. Meade, Douglas M. MacArthur, Stephen M. Blinn, Christopher Saulnier, Brian R. Edwards, Gerald I. Brecher
-
Patent number: 11039829Abstract: 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: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Patent number: 11033262Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: John C. Meade, Douglas M. MacArthur, Stephen M. Blinn, Christopher Saulnier, Brian R. Edwards, Gerald I. Brecher
-
Publication number: 20210161522Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2020Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Patent number: 10881392Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle
-
Publication number: 20200360056Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: FREYJA HEALTHCARE, LLC.Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Publication number: 20200352603Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventor: John C. Meade
-
Publication number: 20200352557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: John C. Meade, Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco, Richard Clark
-
Patent number: 10792031Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gerald I. Brecher, John C. Meade, John Aho, Roger Baske, James H. Bleck, John F. Carlson, Thomas Eagan, Michael J. Helander, James W. Murray, Ashley Perkins, Wayne A. Shakal, Jonathan Towle