Patents by Inventor Spencer James

Spencer James 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: 20210103846
    Abstract: A computing device including memory storing a quantum computing device model. The quantum computing device model may include a plurality of quantum computing device components having a respective plurality of actual boundaries. The computing device may further include a processor configured to generate a first discretized model of the quantum computing device model. The first discretized model may indicate a respective estimated boundary for each quantum computing device component. The processor may be further configured to solve a first differential equation discretized with the first discretized model. The processor may be further configured to generate a second discretized model of a focus region of the quantum computing device model. In the second discretized model, the focus region may have the estimated boundary computed for the focus region in the first discretized model. The processor may be further configured to solve a second differential equation discretized with the second discretized model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Philipp GUKELBERGER, Spencer James PETERS, John King GAMBLE, IV
  • Publication number: 20210068912
    Abstract: A medical instrument can include alignment and attachment mechanisms for aligning and attaching the medical instrument to another device, such as an adapter on an instrument drive mechanism. For example, a medical system can include a medical instrument having an instrument handle and an elongated body. The system can include an alignment mechanism configured to provide rotational alignment between the medical instrument and an adapter. The system can also include an attachment mechanism configured to secure the medical instrument to the adapter. The attachment mechanism can include at least three locking elements positioned circumferentially about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Travis R. Marsot, Aren Calder Hill, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20210007819
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
  • Publication number: 20200375678
    Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 10828118
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
  • Patent number: 10820954
    Abstract: A medical instrument can include alignment and attachment mechanisms for aligning and attaching the medical instrument to another device, such as an adapter on an instrument drive mechanism. For example, a medical system can include a medical instrument having an instrument handle and an elongated body. The system can include an alignment mechanism configured to provide rotational alignment between the medical instrument and an adapter. The system can also include an attachment mechanism configured to secure the medical instrument to the adapter. The attachment mechanism can include at least three locking elements positioned circumferentially about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis R. Marsot, Aren Calder Hill, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20200305992
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 10751140
    Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20200237423
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems, devices and techniques for vessel sealing and cutting. In particular, an instrument is provided that is capable of performing multiple functions, including sealing and cutting. The instrument can be robotically controlled, and can include a shaft, a multi-DOF wrist, and an end effector. The end effector is capable of generating and delivering heat via different energy modalities to perform the various functions at different temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Spencer James Witte, Luis Andrade Baez, JR., Christopher Allen Julian, Thomas R. Jenkins, Gregory Tse
  • Patent number: 10682189
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 10667661
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body, a front agitator and a rear agitator, each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator, and a surface agitating edge located between the front agitator and the rear agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Mark Iles, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Scott Andrew Maguire
  • Patent number: 10627900
    Abstract: An electronic system tracks a user's gaze to rapidly transport a cursor to a location within a focal region of the user's eye. The electronic system transports the cursor from an initial location across one or more displays to a new location in response to detecting one or more saccadic and/or vergence movements of the user's eye or in response to a signal indicating that the user desires to move the cursor to a new location within a focal region of the user's eye or eyes. In some embodiments, the electronic system moves the cursor to the new location along a trajectory wherein the cursor is visible along at least a portion of the trajectory, enabling the user to find the cursor more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Nelson G. Publicover, Lewis James Marggraff, Spencer James Connaughton
  • Patent number: 10620700
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discerning the intent of a device wearer primarily based on movements of the eyes. The system can be included within unobtrusive headwear that performs eye tracking and controls screen display. The system can also utilize remote eye tracking camera(s), remote displays and/or other ancillary inputs. Screen layout is optimized to facilitate the formation and reliable detection of rapid eye signals. The detection of eye signals is based on tracking physiological movements of the eye that are under voluntary control by the device wearer. The detection of eye signals results in actions that are compatible with wearable computing and a wide range of display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Nelson George Publicover, Lewis James Marggraff, Eliot Francis Drake, Spencer James Connaughton
  • Publication number: 20200093549
    Abstract: Provided is a robotic system that includes a surgical instrument with a wrist including an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a wrist extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft, and an end effector extending from the wrist. The end effector may include a first jaw and a second jaw, the first and second jaw being moveable between an open position in which ends of the jaws are separated from each other, and a closed position in which the ends of the jaws are closer to each other as compared to the open position. The surgical instrument may also include a tube extending through the elongate shaft and the wrist, the tube having an outlet in fluid communication with a passage formed by an interior of the first and second jaws when the jaws are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Erica Ding Chin, Spencer James Witte, Barry Nichols Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20200054408
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
  • Patent number: 10564714
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for discerning the intent of a device wearer primarily based on movements of the eyes. The system may be included within unobtrusive headwear that performs eye tracking and controls screen display. The system may also utilize remote eye tracking camera(s), remote displays and/or other ancillary inputs. Screen layout is optimized to facilitate the formation and reliable detection of rapid eye signals. The detection of eye signals is based on tracking physiological movements of the eye that are under voluntary control by the device wearer. The detection of eye signals results in actions that are compatible with wearable computing and a wide range of display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Lewis James Marggraff, Nelson George Publicover, Spencer James Connaughton, Nathan Lord, Peter Milford, Ivan Maleev
  • Publication number: 20190374297
    Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 10481682
    Abstract: An electronic system generates at a display virtual writing corresponding to tracked motion of the tip of a pointer with respect to a surface based on proximity of the tip of the pointer to the surface and the gaze of a user's eye. The electronic system determines the location and motion of the tip of the pointer with respect to the surface based on images captured by scene cameras, and determines the focus and gaze direction of the user's eye based on images captured by a user-facing camera. By generating virtual writing at the display corresponding to tracked motion of the tip of the pointer based on proximity of the tip of the pointer to the surface and based on the focus and gaze direction of the user's eye, the electronic system can enable virtual writing and associated collaboration services without the need for a specialized writing surface or pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Lewis James Marggraff, Nelson G. Publicover, Spencer James Connaughton
  • Publication number: 20190131777
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of high voltage power line insulators, and more specifically, to a tool for installing high voltage power line insulators and a method of use. The installation tool includes a feature that allows a lineworker to safely install high voltage power line insulators of different shapes and sizes using the same installation tool. In particular, the installation tool comprises differently sized sockets that correspond to the distinct head size dimensions of different types of high voltage power line insulators. A purpose of the invention is to provide a tool for installing high voltage power line insulators and a method of use that minimizes risk of injury to the lineworker during installation, is easy to use, and cost-effective to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Spencer James Schenk, Hadan Sybrant
  • Publication number: 20180275753
    Abstract: An electronic system tracks a user's gaze to rapidly transport a cursor to a location within a focal region of the user's eye. The electronic system transports the cursor from an initial location across one or more displays to a new location in response to detecting one or more saccadic and/or vergence movements of the user's eye or in response to a signal indicating that the user desires to move the cursor to a new location within a focal region of the user's eye or eyes. In some embodiments, the electronic system moves the cursor to the new location along a trajectory wherein the cursor is visible along at least a portion of the trajectory, enabling the user to find the cursor more easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Nelson G. Publicover, Lewis James Marggraff, Spencer James Connaughton