Patents by Inventor Cameron D. Hinman
Cameron D. Hinman 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: 8992427Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Patent number: 8920429Abstract: Articulating mechanisms, link systems, and components thereof, useful for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the remote manipulation of instruments such as surgical or diagnostic instruments or tools are provided. The link systems include links wherein at least two adjacent links are pivotable relative to one another around two distinct pivot points. Mechanisms for locking the links are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Patent number: 8728118Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, Karrie S. Bertsch
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Publication number: 20140073911Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Gynesonics, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Publication number: 20140073910Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: GYNESONICS, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Patent number: 8562640Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. The tool may also include other features. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Cameron D. Hinman
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Publication number: 20130239734Abstract: An articulating mechanism is provided with at least one pair of spherical joints interconnected by a set of tension members. Each joint includes a ball member, a socket member configured to pivotably receive at least a portion of the ball member, and at least one tension member extending through both the ball and socket members parallel to and offset from a central longitudinal axis of the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Cameron D. Hinman
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Patent number: 8409244Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body: In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, Karrie S. Bertsch
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Publication number: 20130060239Abstract: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Publication number: 20120323070Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
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Patent number: 8323297Abstract: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Patent number: 8277375Abstract: A flexible segment system including: a first link; a first flexible hinge integral to the first link; and a second link integral to and continuing from the first flexible hinge.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
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Publication number: 20120095451Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
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Patent number: 8100824Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
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Publication number: 20110087071Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: DAVID J. DANITZ, Cameron D. Hinman
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Patent number: 7862554Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Karrie S. Bertsch, Lincoln J. Alvord, Cameron D. Hinman
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Publication number: 20100234831Abstract: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Patent number: 7785252Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Novare Surgical Systems, Inc.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
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Patent number: 7678117Abstract: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Novare Surgical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
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Publication number: 20080262538Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations. The articulating mechanisms may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Novare Surgical Systems, Inc.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman