Patents by Inventor Robert N. Ross

Robert N. Ross 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: 10935781
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes an outer tube with an internal cavity, an insert, first and second image forming assemblies, first and second optical fiber bundles, and a first adapter. The insert is positioned within the outer tube and has a first side and a second side each including a concave outer surface. The insert holds the first and second image forming assemblies in a parallel relationship. Each optical fiber bundle substantially fills a non-circular void in the outer tube defined as a cross- sectional area between a respective side of the insert and a respective portion of an inner surface of the outer tube. The first adapter is configured to connect at least one of the first optical fiber bundle and the second optical fiber bundle to an illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 10162146
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical assembly including a housing and an internally supported optical element, such as a lens, mounted along an axis. At least one of the housing and optical element includes a radially extending chamber. Adhesive disposed in the chamber interacts with the housing and the optical element to prevent axial motion between the optical element and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S Breidenthal, Richard Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N Forkey, Robert N Ross, Brian E Volk
  • Publication number: 20180329199
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a proximal main body, an outer tube extended to a distal end of the endoscope and a pair of optical train subassemblies. Distal and proximal inserts in the distal and proximal ends of the outer tube, respectively, support the optical train subassemblies. First and second optical fiber bundles substantially fill all of the voids between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surfaces of the inserts and the optical train subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 10031330
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a proximal main body, an outer tube extended to a distal end of the endoscope and a pair of optical train subassemblies. Distal and proximal inserts in the distal and proximal ends of the outer tube, respectively, support the optical train subassemblies. First and second optical fiber bundles substantially fill all of the voids between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surfaces of the inserts and the optical train subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 9696537
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical device, such as a lens cell, includes a housing having an axially extending chamber and an intermediate internal spacer that positions a sharp-edged lens in the chamber. The sharp-edged lens has first and second optical surfaces that intersect in a circumferential sharp edge. The housing positions an image sensor proximal to the sharp-edged lens for processing light therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operationas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard G. Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Publication number: 20150241688
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical device, such as a lens cell, includes a housing having an axially extending chamber and an intermediate internal spacer that positions a sharp-edged lens in the chamber. The sharp-edged lens has first and second optical surfaces that intersect in a circumferential sharp edge. The housing positions an image sensor proximal to the sharp-edged lens for processing light therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard G. Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 9036281
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical device, such as a lens cell, includes a housing having an axially extending chamber and an intermediate internal spacer that positions a sharp-edged lens in the chamber. The sharp-edged lens has first and second optical surfaces that intersect in a circumferential sharp edge. The housing positions an image sensor proximal to the sharp-edged lens for processing light therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S Breidenthal, Richard Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N Forkey, Robert N Ross, Brian E Volk
  • Publication number: 20140052618
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic receipt saver system for monetary transactions and return transactions comprising: a unique consumer access coded device having a kit including an individual card, a key fob, and software for personal computing devices. The consumer access coded device can be hosted on selected debit cards and credit cards. The electronic receipt saver system enables a consumer to archive monetary transactions into a single secured database accessible to the consumer via the computing devices to view and organize electronic receipts for financial records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Vadim Drozd, Robert N. Ross
  • Publication number: 20130301149
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical device, such as a lens cell, includes a housing having an axially extending chamber and an intermediate internal spacer that positions a sharp-edged lens in the chamber. The sharp-edged lens has first and second optical surfaces that intersect in a circumferential sharp edge. The housing positions an image sensor proximal to the sharp-edged lens for processing light therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Publication number: 20130301148
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical assembly including a housing and an internally supported optical element, such as a lens, mounted along an axis. At least one of the housing and optical element includes a radially extending chamber. Adhesive disposed in the chamber interacts with the housing and the optical element to prevent axial motion between the optical element and housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard Cyr, David Chambers, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Publication number: 20120212592
    Abstract: An adjustment system for use in a stereoscopic imaging system for adjusting the dipvergence and/or convergence of a displayed stereo image pair. A plano-plano window is mounted for tilting in one of the image paths thereby to enable the correction of dipvergence shifts, the adjustment of convergence or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Publication number: 20120212813
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a proximal main body, an outer tube extended to a distal end of the endoscope and a pair of optical train subassemblies. Distal and proximal inserts in the distal and proximal ends of the outer tube, respectively, support the optical train subassemblies. First and second optical fiber bundles substantially fill all of the voids between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surfaces of the inserts and the optical train subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Joseph N. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Publication number: 20120023785
    Abstract: A new wireless remote controlled massaging footwear system, adaptable to typical footwear for individuals to wear and massage their feet during their normal daily activity. Massaging functions including multiple modes of operation and sequencing of massaging components is controlled using a wireless remote control device by the user or by a caregiver. The new system comprises massaging devices including six or more vibration motors and one or more various types of heating elements per foot that are structurally supported in enclosures. Enclosed massaging devices can be repositioned in the sole of the footwear to massage particular areas of the foot. The new system includes accessories such as a lanyard to wear the remote control around the user's neck and a carry case for protecting and transporting the system. The carry case is particularly suitable for a hospice care provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Nathaniel Barnes, Robert N. Ross, John W. C. Moehring
  • Patent number: 7758498
    Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. First and second positioners associated with the optics subassembly and the outer housing subassembly, respectively, limit the transfer of axial forces from the proximal end of the endoscope to the tubular sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Ross, Richard E. Forkey
  • Patent number: 7715105
    Abstract: A lens structure and method for manufacture of such a lens. A lens element has multiple sawn planar faces between image forming surfaces so the lens element has a polygonal cross section. The manufacture includes the step of utilizing oversized conventional cylindrical lens elements and other optical elements formed into lens systems. The faces are sawn to reduce the overall size. The sawing can be applied to integral lens elements or assemblies or lens arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Forkey, Richard G. Cyr, Robert N. Ross, Joseph N. Forkey
  • Patent number: 7699773
    Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. A slow-curing adhesive material fills an annular gap between the optics and outer housing subassemblies. The adhesive material has a tear strength that seals and positions the optics subassembly for normal use and that enables the optics subassembly to be withdrawn from the outer housing subassembly for repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Forkey, William P. Barnes, Robert N. Ross, Joseph N. Forkey
  • Patent number: 7621868
    Abstract: A convergence prism assembly with a housing and a prism structure having a plurality of prisms mounted in a unitary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard G. Cyr, Christopher David, Joseph N. Forkey, Richard E. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 7392810
    Abstract: A new dental flossing system comprising; a.) Multiple compact floss dispensing cartridges having quick attachment means to a driver to advance floss contained within said floss dispensing cartridge, b.) A packaging container for multiple said compact floss dispensing cartridges and c.) Drive extension attachment means to configure new and existing dental drivers for use with said compact floss dispensing cartridges. The unique features built into said compact floss dispensing cartridge comprise; a plaque accumulator, containment of additive materials to the floss before use, and floss tension control. Novel system features built into said drive extension attachment means comprise; a self-locking gear train, auxiliary motion to said compact floss dispensing cartridge and quick attachment means to said compact floss dispensing cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Harvey Apotheker, Robert N. Ross
  • Patent number: 7385772
    Abstract: Optical devices which accurately position optical elements and methods for producing such optical devices. Each optical element is carried by a support on an axis that has portions plastically deformed to overlap portions of the faces of the optical element adjacent an intermediate peripheral surface. This configuration locks the optical element axially in the support and produces a positive rigid retaining structure for each optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Forkey, William P. Barnes, Robert N. Ross, Joseph N. Forkey
  • Patent number: 7116486
    Abstract: A lens assembly and method for manufacture. The lens assembly includes at least one lens element, with multiple sawn planar faces formed parallel to an optical axis and spaced equidistantly from the optical axis so the lens element has a polygonal cross section. Each lens element has a centered, rotationally symmetric characteristic so the overall assembly has a corresponding characteristic. The manufacture includes the step of utilizing oversized conventional cylindrical lens elements and other optical elements formed into lens systems. The faces are sawn to reduce the overall size. A circumscribing sheath provides a segmental lumen along each face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Forkey, Richard G. Cyr, Robert N. Ross