Patents by Inventor Matthew R. Wrona
Matthew R. Wrona 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: 12349898Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery includes a state indicator coupled to a portion of a needle. When the needle displaces between a first needle position and a second needle position along a needle axis in a first actuation cycle, the needle rotates about the needle axis from a first rotational position to a second rotational position such that the state indicator transitions from a first visual indication to a second visual indication. When the needle displaces between the first needle position and the second needle position along the needle axis in a second actuation cycle, the needle rotates about the needle axis from the second rotational position to a third rotational position, and the state indicator transitions from the second visual indication to a third visual indication.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2023Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20240164766Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, MD, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 11918204Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20230414214Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery includes a state indicator coupled to a portion of a needle. When the needle displaces between a first needle position and a second needle position along a needle axis in a first actuation cycle, the needle rotates about the needle axis from a first rotational position to a second rotational position such that the state indicator transitions from a first visual indication to a second visual indication. When the needle displaces between the first needle position and the second needle position along the needle axis in a second actuation cycle, the needle rotates about the needle axis from the second rotational position to a third rotational position, and the state indicator transitions from the second visual indication to a third visual indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, MD, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20220240926Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 11337688Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20190150915Abstract: A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, MD, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 9377619Abstract: A compact wide-angle optical beam steering device includes a first rotor with a first mirror surface and a second rotor with a second mirror surface. The rotors are arranged to rotate about an axis in response to frictionally coupled vibration motors. Drive circuits are coupled to the vibration motors and a control device is coupled to the drive circuits. The control device is configured to execute programmed instructions comprising generating and providing one or more driving signals to the vibration motors to drive the rotors to an angular position about the axes. A light source is positioned to emit a beam directed to the first mirror surface. The beam is reflected from the first mirror and contacts the second mirror. The second mirror is positioned to reflect the beam to exit the steering device at a pointing direction determined by the angular position of the mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: New Scale Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David A. Henderson, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20150219892Abstract: A compact wide-angle optical beam steering device includes a first rotor with a first mirror surface and a second rotor with a second mirror surface. The rotors are arranged to rotate about an axis in response to frictionally coupled vibration motors. Drive circuits are coupled to the vibration motors and a control device is coupled to the drive circuits. The control device is configured to execute programmed instructions comprising generating and providing one or more driving signals to the vibration motors to drive the rotors to an angular position about the axes. A light source is positioned to emit a beam directed to the first mirror surface. The beam is reflected from the first mirror and contacts the second mirror. The second mirror is positioned to reflect the beam to exit the steering device at a pointing direction determined by the angular position of the mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: New Scale Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David A. Henderson, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 7824289Abstract: The differential steering drive for a tracked vehicle includes a drive differential interconnecting the drive shafts for the tracks and a steering differential for superimposing additive and subtractive rotations to the tracks for steering and pivot turning. In the preferred embodiment for high speed tracked vehicles, the drive differential is an all-gear no-clutch type limited-slip differential, and the steering differential is an unlimited-slip differential. The differentials are arranged to provide no-slip track operation traveling in straight paths or when steering so long as at least one track has traction. In another embodiment for pivot-turning slow-moving off-road vehicles, both the drive differential and the steering differential are all-gear no-clutch type limited-slip differentials.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Torvec, Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Gleasman, James Y. Gleasman, Donald Gabel, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 7635255Abstract: Smaller and lighter hydraulic pump/motors provide remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. A plurality of respective lubricating channels form a single, continuous lubricating passageway entirely within the cylinder block and not connected by either fluid “input” or fluid “output” passageways, being replenished solely by a minimal flow of fluid to and from the valve end of each cylinder and passing between each respective cylindrical wall of each cylinder and the axial cylindrical body of each respective piston. Several embodiments are disclosed in combination with various spring-biased hold-down assemblies. The preferred embodiment includes a fixed cylinder block, a roller bearing mounting between the wobbler and rotor of a split-swash plate, with piston shoes contacting the wobbler directly without any intermediary apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Torvec, Inc.Inventors: Vernon E. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20090077960Abstract: The transmission includes an orbital gear complex in combination with a variable hydraulic pump and motor. The input to the transmission is increased in speed by the orbital gearing such that, when the pump and motor are not operating, the orbiter is stationary, and the orbital gearing produces an overdrive condition. A gear reduction is accomplished by rotating the web with the web-rotating device, providing a high gear reduction. The pump and motor are preferably long-piston hydraulic machines with infinitely variable swash plates. The hydraulic machines preferably have wobblers stabilized by full gimbals and hold-down plates with elongated holes for the long pistons to eliminate possible impacts between the hold-down plates and the head ends of the long pistons when the swash-plates are at or near their maximum angle of inclination.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: TORVEC, INC.Inventors: Matthew R. Wrona, James A. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman
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Publication number: 20090077959Abstract: The transmission includes an orbital gear complex in combination with a variable hydraulic pump and motor. The input to the transmission is increased in speed by the orbital gearing such that, when the pump and motor are not operating, the orbiter is stationary, and the orbital gearing produces an overdrive condition. A gear reduction is accomplished by rotating the web with the web-rotating device, providing a high gear reduction. The pump and motor are preferably long-piston hydraulic machines with infinitely variable swash plates. The hydraulic machines preferably have wobblers stabilized by full gimbals and hold-down plates with elongated holes for the long pistons to eliminate possible impacts between the hold-down plates and the head ends of the long pistons when the swash-plates are at or near their maximum angle of inclination.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: TORVEC, INC.Inventors: Matthew R. Wrona, James A. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman
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Patent number: 7475617Abstract: The transmission includes an orbital gear complex in combination with a variable hydraulic pump and motor. The input to the transmission is increased in speed by the orbital gearing such that, when the pump and motor are not operating, the orbiter is stationary, and the orbital gearing produces an overdrive condition. A gear reduction is accomplished by rotating the web with the web-rotating device, providing a high gear reduction. The pump and motor are preferably long-piston hydraulic machines with infinitely variable swash plates. The hydraulic machines preferably have wobblers stabilized by full gimbals and hold-down plates with elongated holes for the long pistons to eliminate possible impacts between the hold-down plates and the head ends of the long pistons when the swash-plates are at or near their maximum angle of inclination.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Torvec, Inc.Inventors: James Y. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20080276609Abstract: The modular transmission uses only a pair of small and light hydraulic machines of remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. The two hydraulic machines operate in a closed loop, one being used as a pump driven by the vehicle's engine, and the other used as a motor. Each machine has a fully articulatable swash plate. By computer control, the angles of the swash plates of the two machines are infinitely varied to provide an appropriate optimum ratio of engine/wheel speed for all conditions from start-up, city driving, hill climbing varied according to load and steepness, and over-drive for highway. This complete vehicle operation is attained while the vehicle's engine continues to operate at relatively constant speeds and relatively low RPM.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: TORVEC, INC.Inventors: Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 7416045Abstract: The modular transmission uses only a pair of small and light hydraulic machines of remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. The two hydraulic machines operate in a closed loop, one being used as a pump driven by the vehicle's engine, and the other used as a motor. Each machine has a fully articulatable swash plate. By computer control, the angles of the swash plates of the two machines are infinitely varied to provide an appropriate optimum ratio of engine/wheel speed for all conditions from start-up, city driving, hill climbing varied according to load and steepness, and over-drive for highway. This complete vehicle operation is attained while the vehicle's engine continues to operate at relatively constant speeds and relatively low RPM.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Torvec, Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20080103011Abstract: The differential steering drive for a vehicle includes a drive differential and a steering differential. The vehicle includes respective left and right driving traction elements, a propulsion engine with an engine crankshaft, and a steering wheel rotatable by an operator to indicate an intended direction of travel. At least one of the drive differential and the steering differential includes an all-gear limited slip differential. In another embodiment, both the drive differential and the steering differential include an all-gear limited slip differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: TORVEC, INC.Inventors: Keith E. Gleasman, James Y. Gleasman, Donald Gabel, Matthew R. Wrona
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Patent number: 6983680Abstract: Smaller and lighter hydraulic pump/motors provide remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. A plurality of respective lubricating channels form a single, continuous lubricating passageway entirely within the cylinder block and not connected by either fluid “input” or fluid “output” passageways, being replenished solely by a minimal flow of fluid to and from the valve end of each cylinder and passing between each respective cylindrical wall of each cylinder and the axial cylindrical body of each respective piston. Several embodiments are disclosed in combination with various spring-biased hold-down assemblies. The preferred embodiment included a fixed cylinder block, a roller bearing mounting between the wobbler and rotor of a split-swash plate, with piston shoes contacting the wobbler directly without any intermediary apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Torvec, Inc.Inventors: Vernon E. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20040168567Abstract: Smaller and lighter hydraulic pump/motors provide remarkably improved volumetric efficiency with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. A plurality of respective lubricating channels, formed circumferentially and radially transecting the walls of each cylinder, are each positioned to be almost completely closed at all times by the axial cylindrical body of each respective piston during its entire stroke. Each lubricating channel is interconnected, one to another, to form a single, continuous lubricating passageway entirely within the cylinder block and not connected by either fluid “input” or fluid “output” passageways, being replenished solely by a minimal flow of fluid entering from the valve end of each cylinder and passing between each respective cylindrical wall of each cylinder and the axial cylindrical body of each respective piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Vernon E. Gleasman, Keith E. Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona
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Publication number: 20040042910Abstract: Smaller and lighter hydraulic pump/motors are provided with pistons having body portions substantially as long as the axial length of the respective cylinders in which they reciprocate. A plurality of respective lubricating channels, formed circumferentially and radially transecting the walls of each cylinder, is each positioned to be closed at all times by the axial cylindrical body of each respective piston during its entire stroke. Each lubricating channel is interconnected, one to another, to form a single, continuous lubricating passageway entirely within the cylinder block and not connected by either fluid “input” or fluid “output” passageways, being replenished solely by blow-by entering from the valve end of each cylinder. A plurality of sealing members, each located near the open end of each cylinder, substantially eliminates blow-by from this lubricating passageway, thereby significantly increasing volumetric efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Vernon E. Gleasman, Keith E Gleasman, Matthew R. Wrona