Patents by Inventor Steven J. Fleck

Steven J. Fleck 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).

  • Patent number: 11963827
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20240041554
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 11793591
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20230165657
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20210369387
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 11116598
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20210259800
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 11090129
    Abstract: A system and method for performing package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having a circuit and an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner further including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20200315732
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 10736709
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. McElhinny, Steven J. Fleck, Joshua J. Hill
  • Patent number: 10729510
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20190000582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Michael T. McElhinny, Steven J. Fleck, Joshua J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180366810
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an antenna coupler mechanism. The antenna coupler mechanism includes a first tuning leg, a second tuning leg, and a bottom plate. The first tuning leg includes a first inductive circuit element, the first tuning leg being configured to accept a radio frequency device in series with the first inductive circuit element. The second tuning leg includes a second inductive circuit element and a capacitive circuit element connected in series, the second tuning leg being connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg. In addition, the bottom plate includes a third inductive circuit element connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg and connected electrically in parallel with the second tuning leg, the bottom plate being configured to couple energy into a nearby structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Stryker Combo L.L.C.
    Inventors: Regis J. Nero, JR., Steven J. Fleck
  • Patent number: 10084227
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an antenna coupler mechanism. The antenna coupler mechanism includes a first tuning leg, a second tuning leg, and a bottom plate. The first tuning leg includes a first inductive circuit element, the first tuning leg being configured to accept a radio frequency device in series with the first inductive circuit element. The second tuning leg includes a second inductive circuit element and a capacitive circuit element connected in series, the second tuning leg being connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg. In addition, the bottom plate includes a third inductive circuit element connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg and connected electrically in parallel with the second tuning leg, the bottom plate being configured to couple energy into a nearby structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker Combo L.L.C.
    Inventors: Regis J. Nero, Jr., Steven J. Fleck
  • Patent number: 10064680
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker Combo L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael T. McElhinny, Steven J. Fleck, Joshua J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180243044
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Stryker Combo L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 9974625
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER COMBO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20170224437
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Stryker Combo L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Patent number: 9672397
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER COMBO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven J. Fleck, David Szakelyhidi, Gautam Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20170062903
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an antenna coupler mechanism. The antenna coupler mechanism includes a first tuning leg, a second tuning leg, and a bottom plate. The first tuning leg includes a first inductive circuit element, the first tuning leg being configured to accept a radio frequency device in series with the first inductive circuit element. The second tuning leg includes a second inductive circuit element and a capacitive circuit element connected in series, the second tuning leg being connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg. In addition, the bottom plate includes a third inductive circuit element connected electrically in parallel with the first tuning leg and connected electrically in parallel with the second tuning leg, the bottom plate being configured to couple energy into a nearby structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Regis J. Nero, Steven J. Fleck