Patents by Inventor Nicholas G. Molitor
Nicholas G. Molitor 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: 20210282804Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 10966747Abstract: A surgical control system is disclosed including a controller, a feedback device operably coupled to the controller, and a user interface operably coupled to the controller. The user interface is configured to provide an input to the controller. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to a robotic surgical system to control a function of the robotic surgical system, receive a feedback signal from the robotic surgical system, and provide the feedback signal to the feedback device. The feedback device is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user in response to the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
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Patent number: 10667824Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Richard P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Publication number: 20200022724Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Publication number: 20190209201Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph C. Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
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Patent number: 10335183Abstract: A control system for a surgical robot is disclosed. The control system includes a controller, a sensor, a feedback device, a first socket, and a stand-alone input device. The handheld user interface may control a function of a robotic surgical system and is coupled to the sensor and the controller. The sensor is coupled to the controller. The feedback device is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user. The controller is communicatively coupleable to the robotic surgical system and is configured to send robot control signals to the robotic surgical system, to receive feedback signals from the robotic surgical system, and to send feedback control signals to the feedback device to control the feedback provided to the user. The controller is configured to couple to a stand-alone input device through the first socket.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
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Patent number: 10314638Abstract: A surgical instrument is presented that may include a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector and an articulation joint coupled to the shaft assembly and the end effector. The surgical instrument also may include an articulation control mechanism configured to: control movement of the articulation joint between a first and second maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; provide a first indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle; and provide a second indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Jacob S. Gee, David C. Groene, Nicholas G. Molitor, Emily H. Monroe
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Patent number: 10201365Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
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Publication number: 20170319213Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Richard P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Publication number: 20170319228Abstract: A control system for a surgical robot is disclosed. The control system includes a controller, a sensor, a feedback device, a first socket, and a stand-alone input device. The handheld user interface may control a function of a robotic surgical system and is coupled to the sensor and the controller. The sensor is coupled to the controller. The feedback device is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user. The controller is communicatively coupleable to the robotic surgical system and is configured to send robot control signals to the robotic surgical system, to receive feedback signals from the robotic surgical system, and to send feedback control signals to the feedback device to control the feedback provided to the user. The controller is configured to couple to a stand-alone input device through the first socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 9782181Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Ethicon LLCInventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 9737326Abstract: A surgical robot control system including a controller, a coupling system, a sensor, and a feedback device is disclosed. The coupling system is configured to couple a handheld surgical user interface to the controller. The handheld user interface may control a function of a robotic surgical system. The sensor is coupled to the controller and the coupling system and is configured to detect actuation of the handheld user interface and to communicate detected actuations to the controller. The feedback device is coupled to the controller and is configured to provide feedback associated with the robotic surgical system to a user. The controller is communicatively coupleable to the robotic surgical system and is configured to send robot control signals to the robotic surgical system, to receive feedback signals from the robotic surgical system, and to send feedback control signals to the feedback device to control the feedback provided to the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLCInventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
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Publication number: 20160296268Abstract: A surgical instrument is presented that may include a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector and an articulation joint coupled to the shaft assembly and the end effector. The surgical instrument also may include an articulation control mechanism configured to: control movement of the articulation joint between a first and second maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; provide a first indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle; and provide a second indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Jacob S. Gee, David C. Groene, Nicholas G. Molitor, Emily H. Monroe
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Publication number: 20160106509Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux
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Patent number: 9198714Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder
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Patent number: 8915930Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Brian D. Bertke, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor
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Publication number: 20140303650Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Patent number: 8753356Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
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Publication number: 20140114327Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to surgical instruments with visual feedback. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument with visual feedback comprises an end effector. The end effector has a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one sensor is coupled to the end effector. The at least one sensor is configured convert at least one state of the end effector to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is corresponding to the at least one state of the end effector. The feedback signal may be transmitted to a display to render a visual representation of the at least one state of the end effector. The surgical instrument may further comprise an instrument mounting portion to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion comprises an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory W. Johnson, Kristen T. Shoger, Nicholas G. Molitor, Randolph Stewart, Gregory A. Trees, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Shawn C. Snyder, Jonathan T. Batross, Megan A. O'Connor
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Publication number: 20140005682Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory A. Trees, Jonathan T. Batross, Nicholas G. Molitor, Kristen T. Shoger, David K. Norvell, Michael J. Andreyko, Gregory W. Johnson, Shawn C. Snyder, Chad P. Boudreaux