Patents by Inventor Chris Julian
Chris Julian 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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Publication number: 20050149003Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information maybe stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2004Publication date: July 7, 2005Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL , INC.Inventors: Michael Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen Blumenkranz, Gary Guthart, Robert Younge
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Patent number: 6866671Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Patent number: 6858005Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Neo Guide Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Chris A. Julian
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Publication number: 20030083673Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Chris A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Publication number: 20030045778Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Chris A. Julian
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Patent number: 6491701Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Publication number: 20020072736Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert C. Younge
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Publication number: 20020032451Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Chris A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Publication number: 20020032452Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Patent number: 6331181Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Chris A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Patent number: 5489225Abstract: A terminal for detachably connecting an electrical lead connector pin to an electrical device is disclosed. The terminal includes an outer sleeve and a movable collet for movement between first and second positions relative to the outer sleeve. The collet has a plurality of fingers thereon that are movable relatively toward and away from one another between a first spaced apart position less than the diameter of the electrical lead connector pin and a second spaced apart position greater than the diameter of the electrical lead connector pin for receiving and releasing the lead in the second spaced apart position and for gripping the lead in the first spaced apart position. The terminal further includes a spring and a push button release means for moving the collet between its first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1993Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Ventritex, Inc.Inventor: Chris A. Julian
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Patent number: D438617Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz
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Patent number: D441076Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz
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Patent number: D441862Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz
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Patent number: D444555Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz