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).

  • Control Wheel With Haptic Feedback
    Publication number: 20130038431
    Abstract: A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Springer, Alexander Jasso, Steven P. Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena
  • Control wheel with haptic feedback
    Patent number: 8364342
    Abstract: A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Springer, Alexander Jasso, Steven P. Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena
  • HAPTIC INTERFACE FOR TOUCH SCREEN EMBODIMENTS
    Publication number: 20120235942
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • GUIDE TUBE CONTROL OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20120203271
    Abstract: A telemanipulatively controlled guide tube acts as a wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument that extends through the guide tube. The instrument may be removed and replaced with another instrument. In some aspects the instruments are commercial, off the shelf minimally invasive surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: DAVID Q. LARKIN, Bruce M. Schena, Catherine J. Mohr
  • ROBOTIC ARM WITH FIVE-BAR SPHERICAL LINKAGE
    Publication number: 20120184968
    Abstract: A robotic arm for a minimally invasive surgical system includes a parallel spherical five-bar linkage adapted to spherically rotationally move a robotic surgical tool coupled to the parallel five-bar spherical linkage about a remote center of spherical rotation. The five-bar spherical linkage is posed in only a range of compact poses. A compact pose is one in which a first pair of links and a second pair of links in the parallel five-bar spherical linkage have only a same handedness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Sterile surgical adaptor
    Patent number: 8216250
    Abstract: A sterile drape with integrated sterile adaptor, a telerobotic surgical system, and method of use are provided for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Orban, III, S. Christopher Anderson, Roman Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, Michael Prindiville, Thomas G. Cooper, William A. Burbank
  • Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
    Patent number: 8188981
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback
    Patent number: 8188989
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D Levin, Kenneth M Martin, Bruce M Schena, Adam C Braun, Louis B Rosenberg
  • Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices
    Patent number: 8169402
    Abstract: Vibrotactile haptic feedback devices are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a device includes: a mass, an actuator configured to vibrate the mass, and a coupling disposed between the actuator and the mass or between the mass and a housing, the coupling having a first configuration with a compliance and a second configuration with a compliance, the compliance of the coupling in the first configuration being different from the compliance of the coupling in the second configuration, the actuator being configured to output haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling and haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling, the haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling being different from the haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J Shahoian, Kenneth M Martin, Bruce M Schena, David F Moore
  • Center robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage for endoscopic camera
    Patent number: 8167872
    Abstract: A robotic arm including a parallel spherical five-bar linkage with a remote center of spherical rotation. The robotic arm movably supports an endoscopic camera. Two outboard links are pivotally coupled together. At least one of the two outboard links supports the endoscopic camera. Two inboard links are respectively pivotally coupled to the two outboard links such that the two inboard links are able to cross over one another. The two inboard links moveably support the two outboard links. A ground link is pivotally coupled to the two inboard links. The ground link moveably supports the two inboard links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Center robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage for endoscopic camera
    Patent number: 8167873
    Abstract: A robotic arm including a parallel spherical five-bar linkage with a remote center of spherical rotation. The robotic arm movably supports an endoscopic camera. Two outboard links are pivotally coupled together. At least one of the two outboard links supports the endoscopic camera. Two inboard links are respectively pivotally coupled to the two outboard links such that the two inboard links are able to cross over one another. The two inboard links moveably support the two outboard links. A ground link is pivotally coupled to the two inboard links. The ground link moveably supports the two inboard links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage
    Patent number: 8162926
    Abstract: A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is pivotally coupled to one of the inboard links at the intermediate axis. The two outboard links are pivotally coupled together at an outboard axis. A constraint limits the rotation of a first one of the outboard links about the intermediate axis of the coupled inboard link such that a maximum angle between the links is substantially less than 180°. A second one of the outboard links and the coupled inboard link are constructed and assembled such that the two intermediate axes are on the same side of a plane including the outboard axis and one of the axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage
    Patent number: 8142420
    Abstract: A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is pivotally coupled to one of the inboard links at the intermediate axis. The two outboard links are pivotally coupled together at an outboard axis. A constraint limits the rotation of a first one of the outboard links about the intermediate axis of the coupled inboard link such that a maximum angle between the links is substantially less than 180°. A second one of the outboard links and the coupled inboard link are constructed and assembled such that the two intermediate axes are on the same side of a plane including the outboard axis and one of the axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • RETROGRADE INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20120046669
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument includes a U-turn mechanism that transmits actuating forces around a U-turn. The U-turn mechanism is coupled between segments of the instrument and has a bend radius that is smaller than flexible arms having a similar cross section diameter. The actuating forces transmitted by the U-turn mechanism are used to move distal components of the instrument, such as an end effector and a wrist mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Duval, David C. Shafer, Bruce M. Schena
  • Method and apparatus for compensating for position slip in interface devices
    Patent number: 8103472
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for position slip in interface devices that may occur between a manipulandum and a sensor of the device due to a mechanical transmission. A device position delta is determined from a sensed position of a manipulandum of an interface device. It is determined if position slip has occurred caused by a change in position of the manipulandum that was not sensed by a sensor of the interface device, typically caused by a mechanical transmission between sensor and manipulandum. If position slip has occurred, an error in the sensed position caused by the position slip is corrected by adjusting the sensed position to take into account the position slip. The adjusted position delta is used as the position of the manipulandum and the display of objects controlled by the interface device are accordingly compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Adam C Braun, Kollin M Tierling, Kenneth M Martin, Bruce M Schena
  • Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
    Patent number: 8063892
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Retrograde instrument
    Patent number: 8062211
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument includes a U-turn mechanism that transmits actuating forces around a U-turn. The U-turn mechanism is coupled between segments of the instrument and has a bend radius that is smaller than flexible arms having a similar cross section diameter. The actuating forces transmitted by the U-turn mechanism are used to move distal components of the instrument, such as an end effector and a wrist mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Duval, David C. Shafer, Bruce M. Schena
  • Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
    Patent number: 8059104
    Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Bruce M. Schena, Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Software Center and Highly Configurable Robotic Systems for Surgery and Other Uses
    Publication number: 20110276059
    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 n 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 method for their use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart
  • Software Center and Highly Configurable Robotic Systems for Surgery and Other Uses
    Publication number: 20110270271
    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 n 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 method for their use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart