Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Schena

Bruce M. Schena 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: 11919154
    Abstract: A method includes moving a stabilization device comprising a stabilization surface relative to a base of a surgical cart, wherein the moving comprises moving the stabilization device from a retracted position in which the stabilization surface is spaced from the ground surface to a deployed position in which the stabilization surface is in contact with the ground surface, and wherein the moving comprises overcoming a biasing force biasing the stabilization device toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20230363840
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes a body configured to receive a portion of a cannula in a mounted state at the cannula mount; a pair of clamping components coupled to the body and configured to clamp the portion of the cannula in the mounted state of the cannula; and a latch assembly pivotably coupled to the body and slidably coupled to a clamping component of the pair of clamping components. At least one of the pair of clamping components is pivotable relative to the body to move the pair of clamping components between a first state to unclamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount and a second state to clamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount. Pivoting motion of the latch assembly relative to the body causes a portion of the latch assembly to slide along the clamping component and change a state of the pair of clamping components from an unlocked state to a locked state in the second state of the pair of clamping components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20230301736
    Abstract: A system includes first and second manipulating means, and a means for detecting mounting of an imaging means to the first manipulating means, a means for determining a first reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the first manipulating means, a means for controlling a tool means relative to the first reference frame by maintaining a position and orientation of a distal portion of the tool means relative to the imaging means in the first reference frame based on a position and orientation of an input means relative to a display means, a means for detecting mounting of the imaging means to the second manipulating means, a means for determining a second reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the second manipulating means, and a means for controlling the tool means relative to the second reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
  • Patent number: 11766303
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a processor and a linkage having a first link, a second link, and a damper coupling the second link to the first link. The processor is configured to receive a movement command for moving the linkage; determine one or more first vibrations expected to occur in the linkage as a result of performing the movement command; determine a movement profile for moving the linkage to reduce the one or more first vibrations; and drive, using a drive component, the linkage to move according to the movement profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11696804
    Abstract: Methods and systems for damping vibrations in a surgical system are disclosed herein. The damping of these vibrations can increase the precision of surgery performed using the surgical system. The surgical system can include one or several moveable set-up linkages. A damper can be connected with one or several of the set-up linkages. The damper can be a passive damper and can mitigate a vibration arising in one or more of the set-up linkages. The damper can additionally prevent a vibration arising in one of the linkages from affecting another of the set-up linkages. In some embodiments the damper is a squeeze film damper. In some embodiments, the squeeze film damper includes an insert having a plurality of first protrusions, a cup configured to receive the insert, and the cup having a having a plurality of second protrusions interdigitated with the plurality of first protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11690689
    Abstract: Inter-operative switching of tools in a robotic system includes a system with a plurality of manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of a first imaging device to a first manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the first imaging device having a first reference frame; in response to detecting the mounting of the first imaging device, control a tool relative to the first reference frame using a second manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the tool being mounted to the second manipulator; detect mounting of a second imaging device to a third manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the second imaging device having a second reference frame; and in response to detecting the mounting of the second imaging device, control the tool relative to the second reference frame using the second manipulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Patent number: 11678945
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes pivotable clamping arm with a first feature configured to engage a second feature of the cannula positioned in the cannula mount. The clamping arm comprises a cam follower surface. The cannula mount further comprises a latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the latch member comprises a cam surface. On the condition that the latch member is in the first position, the cam surface engages the cam follower surface of the clamping arm to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the first feature engages the second feature. On the condition the cam member is in the second position, the clamping arm is free to move to an open position in which the first feature does not engage the second feature. Devices and methods relate to cannula mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20230114914
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a processor and a linkage having a first link, a second link, and a damper coupling the second link to the first link. The processor is configured to receive a movement command for moving the linkage; determine one or more first vibrations expected to occur in the linkage as a result of performing the movement command; determine a movement profile for moving the linkage to reduce the one or more first vibrations; and drive, using a drive component, the linkage to move according to the movement profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Roman L. DEVENGENZO, Bruce M. SCHENA, David W. ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20230044844
    Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Bruce M. Schena, Randal P. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11547506
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a base, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a processor. A proximal end of the first linkage is coupled to the base. The first linkage is configured to support a first instrument. The first linkage includes a first link, a second link, and a first damper coupling the second link to the first link. A proximal end of the second linkage is coupled to the base. The second linkage is configured to support a second instrument. The second linkage incudes a third link, a fourth link, and a second damper coupling the fourth link to the third link. The processor is configured to detect a movement or vibration of the first linkage caused by motion of the second linkage and control the second linkage to mitigate the detected movement or vibration of the first linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11534251
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart
  • Patent number: 11452545
    Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Bruce M. Schena, Randal P. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11382493
    Abstract: An instrument connector comprises a housing, a first connector, and a second connector. The housing includes a proximal face at a proximal end of the instrument connector, and the proximal face is coincident with a reference plane. The first connector extends proximally away from the proximal face and includes a rod and a first interface for a first transmission channel. The rod is configured to mate with a first socket of a console connector. The second connector is recessed within the housing, includes a second interface for a second transmission channel, and is configured to mate with a second socket of the console connector. The proximal end of the second connector is distal to the reference plane. The rod is configured to engage with the first socket to at least partially align the second connector with the second socket before the second connector engages with the second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20220117685
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a base, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a processor. A proximal end of the first linkage is coupled to the base. The first linkage is configured to support a first instrument. The first linkage includes a first link, a second link, and a first damper coupling the second link to the first link. A proximal end of the second linkage is coupled to the base. The second linkage is configured to support a second instrument. The second linkage incudes a third link, a fourth link, and a second damper coupling the fourth link to the third link. The processor is configured to detect a movement or vibration of the first linkage caused by motion of the second linkage and control the second linkage to mitigate the detected movement or vibration of the first linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Roman L. DEVENGENZO, Bruce M. SCHENA, David W. ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20220079695
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes pivotable clamping arm with a first feature configured to engage a second feature of the cannula positioned in the cannula mount. The clamping arm comprises a cam follower surface. The cannula mount further comprises a latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the latch member comprises a cam surface. On the condition that the latch member is in the first position, the cam surface engages the cam follower surface of the clamping arm to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the first feature engages the second feature. On the condition the cam member is in the second position, the clamping arm is free to move to an open position in which the first feature does not engage the second feature. Devices and methods relate to cannula mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. THOMPSON, Randal P. GOLDBERG, Dean F. HOORNAERT, Tyler J. MORRISSETTE, Bruce M. SCHENA
  • Publication number: 20220039893
    Abstract: A device to regulate tension of an actuation element for actuating movement of a surgical instrument includes an elastically deformable body configured to be coupled to the actuation element. The deformable body is configured to elastically deform in response to a state of slack occurring in the actuation element. As slack occurs in the actuation element, the deformable body is configured to divert a path of the actuation element to accommodate the slack so the path of the actuation element differs from an axis the actuation element follows prior to the actuation element developing slack. A force transmission mechanism for a teleoperated surgical instrument includes a chassis, an actuation input mechanism, an actuation element, and a tension regulator coupled to the actuation element to compensate for slack of the actuation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William A. BURBANK, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Bruce M. SCHENA
  • Patent number: 11234782
    Abstract: Active and semi-active damping of systems include a first link supported by a base, a second link, a damper coupling the first link to the second link, the damper having a variable damping coefficient, and a processor. The processor is configured to predict an acceleration or a vibration of the second link expected to result from a commanded movement of the second link and adjust the variable damping coefficient of the damper based on the predicted acceleration or the predicted vibration to reduce vibration in the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11197729
    Abstract: A cannula sterile adaptor for a surgical system includes a first portion comprising a rigid material and a second portion comprising a compliant material. one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a depression arranged to receive a clamping arm of a cannula mount of the surgical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 11185380
    Abstract: A device to regulate tension of an actuation element for actuating movement of a surgical instrument includes an elastically deformable body configured to be coupled to the actuation element. The deformable body is configured to elastically deform in response to a state of slack occurring in the actuation element. As slack occurs in the actuation element, the deformable body is configured to divert a path of the actuation element to accommodate the slack so the path of the actuation element differs from an axis the actuation element follows prior to the actuation element developing slack. A force transmission mechanism for a teleoperated surgical instrument includes a chassis, an actuation input mechanism, an actuation element, and a tension regulator coupled to the actuation element to compensate for slack of the actuation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20210346107
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart