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).

  • Publication number: 20210282804
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    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
  • Patent number: 10966747
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    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
  • Patent number: 10667824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Richard P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
  • Publication number: 20200022724
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    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
  • Publication number: 20190209201
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10335183
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    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
  • Patent number: 10314638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Jacob S. Gee, David C. Groene, Nicholas G. Molitor, Emily H. Monroe
  • Patent number: 10201365
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    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
  • Publication number: 20170319213
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Richard P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
  • Publication number: 20170319228
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9782181
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor, Thomas W. Huitema, Robert L. Koch, Brian D. Bertke, Kevin A. Larson, Robert P. Fuchs, Mark A. Davison
  • Patent number: 9737326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    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
  • Publication number: 20160296268
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Jacob S. Gee, David C. Groene, Nicholas G. Molitor, Emily H. Monroe
  • Publication number: 20160106509
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    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
  • Patent number: 9198714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8915930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Brian D. Bertke, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor
  • Publication number: 20140303650
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8753356
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140114327
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20140005682
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: 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