Patents by Inventor Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant 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: 10751051Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system used with a motor assembly and a clamping device is presented, the system adjusting torque limits in the motor assembly according to conditions, for example operating temperature of the motor assembly and aging of the clamping device and the motor assembly. The clamping device can be, for example, a stapler or a vessel sealer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Gabriel F. Brisson, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Publication number: 20190261988Abstract: Systems include an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw, a motor system configured to actuate the end effector, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a maximum tip deflection for the end effector, determine a torque limit based on the maximum tip deflection, and operate, subject to the torque limit, the end effector using the motor system. In some embodiments, the maximum tip deflection is determined based a type of staple cartridge being used by the end effector. In some embodiments, the type of staple cartridge identifies a length of staples fired by the end effector. In some embodiments, the firing of the staples is stalled when an applied torque exceeds the torque limit. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to fire staples subject to the torque limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Publication number: 20190222099Abstract: A motor assembly and method of operating the motor assembly include a motor, a memory to store calibrated parameters of the motor, and electronics coupled to the memory and the motor. The electronics are configured to retrieve the calibrated parameters from the memory, provide the calibrated parameters to an external system, and receive control signals for driving the motor from the external system. The control signals are based on the calibrated parameters. The calibrated parameters include a motor speed versus no-load current relationship for the motor determined by a procedure that includes performing an initial calibration of the motor, wearing in the motor after performing the initial calibration, performing a final calibration of the motor after wearing in the motor, and storing the calibrated parameters in the memory based on the initial calibration and the final calibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Patent number: 10327773Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamping device with calibrated parameters and a calibration process for the clamping device is presented. A method of calibrating a clamping instrument can include acquiring a data set of clamping torque as a function of tip deflection data for the clamping instrument; determining a torque limit from the data set; and storing the torque limit in the clamping instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Patent number: 10277097Abstract: A motor assembly is presented. A motor assembly can include at least one motor; a memory to store calibrated parameters related to the at least one motor; and electronics coupled to the memory, the at least one motor, the electronics including interfaces to couple with a clamping device and a system to control the operation of the at least one motor. The calibrated parameters are determined for the at least one motor with a procedure that includes performing an initial calibration of the at least one motor; wearing in the at least one motor; performing a final calibration of the at least one motor; and storing calibration data in the memory. In some embodiments, the at least one motor can include a clamping motor and/or a firing motor. In some embodiments, lifetime parameters are stored in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Publication number: 20180325606Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an end effector include a first jaw, a second jaw, a first actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first jaw and the second jaw toward each other with a first force, and a second actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first jaw and the second jaw toward each other with a second force greater than the first force. The second actuation mechanism is different from the first actuation mechanism. In some embodiments, the first actuation mechanism includes a first pull cable configured to increase an angle between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second pull cable configured to decrease the angle between the first jaw and the second jaw. In some embodiments, the second actuation mechanism includes a lead screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: David W. Weir, Grant Duque, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, Margaret M. Nixon, David W. Robinson, John W. Zabinski
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Patent number: 9999472Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Weir, Grant Duque, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, Margaret M. Nixon, David Robinson, John Zabinski
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Publication number: 20180098766Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling staple firing include an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw holding staples, a drive system configured to apply a force or torque to cause staple firing to occur, and a processor. The processor is configured to monitor the applied force or torque and control application of the force or torque by the drive system based on a comparison of the applied force or torque to an acceptable range of force or torque. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine one or more of a position of the first jaw and the second jaw or a displacement of the drive system and control application of the force or torque by the drive system based on one or more of the position of the first jaw and the second jaw or the displacement of the drive system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: David W. Weir, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, David W. Robinson
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Patent number: 9877718Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting failure in clamping of a material and/or firing of a staple into a clamped material and indicating such failure to a user on a user interface. The system and methods are particularly suited for use with end effectors having closing and/or firing mechanisms coupled to an actuator. By monitoring a driving parameter of an actuator that effects the clamping and/or firing, the systems and methods provide an indication of failure in response to the monitored drive parameter. In some embodiments, an indication of failure is output when the monitored drive parameter is outside an acceptable range of desired driving parameters during clamping and/or firing. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Weir, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, David Robinson
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Patent number: 9814530Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Weir, Grant Duque, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, Margaret M. Nixon, David Robinson, John Zabinski
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Publication number: 20170251905Abstract: A method for determining a shape of a bendable instrument can include placing the bendable instrument in a neutral position; moving a first control element a first amount until slack is removed from the first control element; moving a second control element a second amount until slack is removed from the second control element; sensing a position of the first control element after moving the first control element the first amount, the sensed position of the first control element being defined as a first control element calibration position; sensing a position of the second control element after moving the second control element the second amount, the sensed position of the second control element being defined as a second control element calibration position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kevin DURANT, David S. MINTZ, Robert M. OHLINE
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Publication number: 20170224340Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system used with a motor assembly and a clamping device is presented, the system adjusting torque limits in the motor assembly according to conditions, for example operating temperature of the motor assembly and aging of the clamping device and the motor assembly. The clamping device can be, for example, a stapler or a vessel sealer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: DAVID W. WEIR, MELODY WU, GABRIEL F. BRISSON, KEVIN DURANT, GRANT DUQUE
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Patent number: 9675354Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system used with a motor assembly and a clamping device is presented, the system adjusting torque limits in the motor assembly according to conditions, for example operating temperature of the motor assembly and aging of the clamping device and the motor assembly. The clamping device can be, for example, a stapler or a vessel sealer.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Gabriel F. Brisson, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Patent number: 9662177Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaws, measuring the separation parameter between the jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Weir, Grant Duque, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, Margaret M. Nixon, David Robinson, John Zabinski
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Publication number: 20170071679Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: DAVID WEIR, Grant Duque, Kevin Durant, Patrick Flanagan, Margaret M. Nixon, David Robinson, John Zabinski
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Publication number: 20170055995Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamping device with calibrated parameters and a calibration process for the clamping device is presented. A method of calibrating a clamping instrument can include acquiring a data set of clamping torque as a function of tip deflection data for the clamping instrument; determining a torque limit from the data set; and storing the torque limit in the clamping instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Patent number: 9522003Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamping device with calibrated parameters and a calibration process for the clamping device is presented. A method of calibrating a clamping instrument can include acquiring a data set of clamping torque as a function of tip deflection data for the clamping instrument; determining a torque limit from the data set; and storing the torque limit in the clamping instrument.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
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Publication number: 20160324588Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical instrument comprising an end effector may comprise detecting a first signal indicating that an end effector component of a surgical instrument is positioned between a first position and a second position; and automatically controlling operation of the end effector component when a second signal is not detected within a predetermined delayed response time period after detecting the first signal, wherein the second signal indicates that the end effector component is in one of the first position or the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kevin DURANT, Gabriel F. BRISSON, Scott E. MANZO, William A. BURBANK
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Patent number: 9408668Abstract: A medical device may include a surgical instrument and a controller. The surgical instrument may include an end effector component configured to move from a first position to a second position and the controller may be operatively coupled to control movement of the end effector component. The controller may further be configured to command the end effector component to move from the first position toward the second position, and automatically oscillate the end effector component if the controller has not received a signal indicating the end effector has reached a preset location within a predetermined time period after the controller commands the end effector component to move from the first position toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Durant, Gabriel F. Brisson, Scott E. Manzo, William A. Burbank
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Publication number: 20160074036Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting failure in clamping of a material and/or firing of a staple into a clamped material and indicating such failure to a user on a user interface. The system and methods are particularly suited for use with end effectors having closing and/or firing mechanisms coupled to an actuator. By monitoring a driving parameter of an actuator that effects the clamping and/or firing, the systems and methods provide an indication of failure in response to the monitored drive parameter. In some embodiments, an indication of failure is output when the monitored drive parameter is outside an acceptable range of desired driving parameters during clamping and/or firing. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: David WEIR, Kevin DURANT, Patrick FLANAGAN, David ROBINSON