Patents by Inventor John Gearheart

John Gearheart 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: 20230372000
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical unit electrically coupled to a surgical retractor. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output and an RF return. The surgical retractor includes a return pad electrically coupled to the RF return of the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical device, such as an electrosurgical device configured in a monopolar mode. A controller is configured to determine an impedance in tissue at a surgical area electrically disposed between the RF output and the and the RF return. The surgical retractor includes a handle and a blade configured to interface with tissue. The blade includes a return electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Jesse Smith, David Hubelbank, John Gearheart
  • Patent number: 11751934
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical unit electrically coupled to a surgical retractor. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output and an RF return. The surgical retractor includes a return pad electrically coupled to the RF return of the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical device, such as an electrosurgical device configured in a monopolar mode. A controller is configured to determine an impedance in tissue at a surgical area electrically disposed between the RF output and the and the RF return. The surgical retractor includes a handle and a blade configured to interface with tissue. The blade includes a return electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Smith, David Hubelbank, John Gearheart
  • Patent number: 11717373
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to illuminated electrosurgical devices and related systems and methods. An electrosurgical device can include an electrosurgical blade having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a plurality of light elements. A plurality of separation walls and a plurality of apertures can be arranged relative to the plurality of light elements to guide light from the plurality of light elements to illuminate an area around the distal end of the electrosurgical blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Roger Greeley, Peter Goodwin, John Gearheart, Ethan Carter, Kevin McElwee, Jonathan Barry
  • Publication number: 20220000552
    Abstract: Systems, such as an electrosurgical unit, and method for use with an active electrode and a plurality of return electrodes are disclosure. An electrosurgical treatment is provided to tissue via the active electrode at a treatment site and a first return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at the treatment site. An impedance measurement is received or determined of an impedance in the tissue between the active electrode at the treatment site and a second return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at a site remote from the treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: John Gearheart, David Hubelbank, Jesse Smith, Vini Podany
  • Patent number: 11147618
    Abstract: Systems, such as an electrosurgical unit, and method for use with an active electrode and a plurality of return electrodes are disclosure. An electrosurgical treatment is provided to tissue via the active electrode at a treatment site and a first return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at the treatment site. An impedance measurement is received or determined of an impedance in the tissue between the active electrode at the treatment site and a second return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at a site remote from the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: John Gearheart, David Hubelbank, Jesse Smith, Vini Podany
  • Publication number: 20190380805
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to illuminated electrosurgical devices and related systems and methods. An electrosurgical device can include an electrosurgical blade having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising a plurality of light elements. A plurality of separation walls and a plurality of apertures can be arranged relative to the plurality of light elements to guide light from the plurality of light elements to illuminate an area around the distal end of the electrosurgical blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Roger Greeley, Peter Goodwin, John Gearheart, Ethan Carter, Kevin McElwee, Jonathan Barry
  • Publication number: 20190059982
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical unit electrically coupled to a surgical retractor. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output and an RF return. The surgical retractor includes a return pad electrically coupled to the RF return of the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical device, such as an electrosurgical device configured in a monopolar mode. A controller is configured to determine an impedance in tissue at a surgical area electrically disposed between the RF output and the and the RF return. The surgical retractor includes a handle and a blade configured to interface with tissue. The blade includes a return electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Smith, David Hubelbank, John Gearheart
  • Publication number: 20180193092
    Abstract: Systems, such as an electrosurgical unit, and method for use with an active electrode and a plurality of return electrodes are disclosure. An electrosurgical treatment is provided to tissue via the active electrode at a treatment site and a first return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at the treatment site. An impedance measurement is received or determined of an impedance in the tissue between the active electrode at the treatment site and a second return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at a site remote from the treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: John Gearheart, David Hubelbank, Jesse Smith, Vini Podany