Patents by Inventor Christoph M. Pistor

Christoph M. Pistor 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: 11971130
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Patent number: 11934230
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220326731
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220325848
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220325845
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V. Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Patent number: 11071228
    Abstract: A rack system for one or more computing systems is described. The rack system may include support structures, or rack structures, and a housing affixed or un-affixed to the support structures. The rack system may include rails, including telescoping rails, affixed to the support structures and coupled to the computing system. When the rack system is in a closed position, the computing system is positioned within the housing. When the rack system is in an open position, the computing system is removed from the housing and the components of the computing system are accessible. In the open position, only components on one surface of the circuit board are accessible. However, the computing system can rotate, thereby placing the components on the opposing surface of the circuit board in an accessible position. Alternatively, the housing can be affixed to the computing system, and include modifications for access to the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Hershey, Christoph M. Pistor, Bartley K. Andre, Richard D. Kosoglow, Michael D. McBroom, Shravan Bharadwaj, Jonathan L. Berk, Houtan R. Farahani, James M. Cuseo, William R. Allan, II, David C. Parell, Eric A. Knopf, Seth G. McFarland
  • Patent number: 11039736
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument may comprise a flexible instrument comprising a steerable portion configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a shape sensing device comprising a first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The first resistance-changing flexible sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a first bend change in the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a controller in signal communication with the first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The controller may be logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the first resistance-changing flexible sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Amir Belson, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley
  • Publication number: 20200229683
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument may comprise a flexible instrument comprising a steerable portion configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a shape sensing device comprising a first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The first resistance-changing flexible sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a first bend change in the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a controller in signal communication with the first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The controller may be logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the first resistance-changing flexible sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Amir Belson, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley
  • Patent number: 10660509
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument comprises a flexible instrument. The flexible instrument comprises a steerable distal portion and a passive proximal portion. The steerable distal portion is configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a shape sensing device comprising an optical fiber that spirals around the steerable distal portion. The optical fiber is configured to provide a signal indicative of the shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a controller in signal communication with the optical fiber. The controller is logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable distal portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
  • Publication number: 20200100383
    Abstract: A rack system for one or more computing systems is described. The rack system may include support structures, or rack structures, and a housing affixed or un-affixed to the support structures. The rack system may include rails, including telescoping rails, affixed to the support structures and coupled to the computing system. When the rack system is in a closed position, the computing system is positioned within the housing. When the rack system is in an open position, the computing system is removed from the housing and the components of the computing system are accessible. In the open position, only components on one surface of the circuit board are accessible. However, the computing system can rotate, thereby placing the components on the opposing surface of the circuit board in an accessible position. Alternatively, the housing can be affixed to the computing system, and include modifications for access to the computing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel D. HERSHEY, Christoph M. PISTOR, Bartley K. ANDRE, Richard D. KOSOGLOW, Michael D. MCBROOM, Shravan BHARADWAJ, Jonathan L. BERK, Houtan R. FARAHANI, James M. CUSEO, William R. ALLAN, II, David C. PARELL, Eric A. KNOPF, Seth G. MCFARLAND
  • Publication number: 20170319049
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
  • Patent number: 9737198
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
  • Publication number: 20140330080
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith P. LABY, Robert M. OHLINE, Christoph M. PISTOR, Charles E. SWINEHART, Bruce R. WOODLEY, Amir BELSON
  • Patent number: 8784303
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
  • Publication number: 20100099951
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson