Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Nixon

Thomas R. Nixon 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: 20190083185
    Abstract: A system includes manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of an imaging device to a first manipulator of the manipulators, determine a first reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the first manipulator, control a tool relative to the first reference frame by controlling a relative position and orientation of a tip of the tool relative to the imaging device in the first reference frame by correlating movement of a master input control to movement of the tool in the first reference frame, detect mounting of the imaging device to a second manipulator of the manipulators, the second manipulator being different from the first manipulator, determine a second reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the second manipulator, and control the tool relative to the second reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Publication number: 20190038335
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including capturing camera images of a surgical site; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a first colored border portion in a first side and a second colored border in a second side opposite the first side; and overlaying the GUI onto the captured camera images of the surgical site for display on a display device of a surgeon console. The GUI provides information to a user regarding the first electrosurgical tool and the second tool in the surgical site that is concurrently displayed by the captured camera images. The first colored border portion in the GUI indicates that the first electrosurgical tool is controlled by a first master grip of the surgeon console and the second colored border portion indicates the tool type of the second tool controlled by a second master grip of the surgeon console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Salvatore J. Brogna
  • Publication number: 20190029766
    Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a teleoperational assembly having a plurality of motorized surgical arms configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes an input device configured to receive an input to move all the arms of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to a pre-established position. A processing system is configured to receive the input form the input device and output control signals to each arm of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to move each arm to the pre-established position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 10149729
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a telesurgical system are disclosed. In accordance with a method, a first tool connected to a first manipulator of the system, and a second tool connected to a second manipulator of the system, are controlled. A swap of the tools such that the first tool is connected to the second manipulator and the second tool is connected to the first manipulator is then detected. The first tool connected to the second manipulator and the second tool connected to the first manipulator are then controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Publication number: 20180338808
    Abstract: A system and method of aligning with a reference target includes a computer-assisted device. The computer-assisted device includes a link, one or more first joints coupled proximally to the link, an articulated arm comprising one or more second joints coupled distally to the link, the articulated arm configured to couple to an instrument, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to position or orient the link, using the one or more first joints, based on at least one reference of the instrument selected from the group consisting of a reference point associated with the instrument and a reference orientation of the instrument. The control unit is further configured to maintain, while positioning or orienting the link and by using the one or more second joints, a position or an orientation of the instrument relative to a workspace in accordance with the at least one reference of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Nitish Swarup, Paul G. Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Michael Hanuschik, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 10130436
    Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a teleoperational assembly having a plurlity of motorized surgical arms configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes an input device configured to receive an input to move all the arms of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to a pre-established position. A processing system is configured to receive the input form the input device and output control signals to each arm of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to move each arm to the pre-established position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G Griffiths, Brandon D Itkowitz, Thomas R Nixon
  • Publication number: 20180318023
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods include a teleoperated system including a kinematic structure having a joint, a drive or brake system for controlling the joint, and a computing unit coupled with the drive or brake system. The computing unit is configured to detect that the joint is between a software defined range of motion limit for the joint and a physical range of motion limit for the joint, the software defined range of motion limit being spaced a distance apart from the physical range of motion limit and delay for a duration of time, in response to detecting the joint between the software defined range of motion limit and the physical range of motion limit, applying the drive or brake system to stop motion of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon, Roman Devengenzo
  • Patent number: 10105726
    Abstract: A fluid flow sinker including a body having a generally cylindrical sidewall, a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending between the first and second ends; and a fluid passageway disposed on the first end and extending from the generally cylindrical sidewall to the aperture, wherein the fluid flow sinker is adapted to receive a tube in communication with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20180297206
    Abstract: An endoscope captures images of a surgical site for display in a viewing area of a monitor. When a tool is outside the viewing area, a GUI indicates the position of the tool by positioning a symbol in a boundary area around the viewing area so as to indicate the tool position. The distance of the out-of-view tool from the viewing area may be indicated by the size, color, brightness, or blinking or oscillation frequency of the symbol. A distance number may also be displayed on the symbol. The orientation of the shaft or end effector of the tool may be indicated by an orientation indicator superimposed over the symbol, or by the orientation of the symbol itself. When the tool is inside the viewing area, but occluded by an object, the GUI superimposes a ghost tool at its current position and orientation over the occluding object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, Thomas R. Nixon, David S. Mintz
  • Patent number: 10092344
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including capturing camera images of a surgical site; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a first colored border portion in a first side and a second colored border in a second side opposite the first side; and overlaying the GUI onto the captured camera images of the surgical site for display on a display device of a surgeon console. The GUI provides information to a user regarding the first electrosurgical tool and the second tool in the surgical site that is concurrently displayed by the captured camera images. The first colored border portion in the GUI indicates that the first electrosurgical tool is controlled by a first master grip of the surgeon console and the second colored border portion indicates the tool type of the second tool controlled by a second master grip of the surgeon console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Salvatore J. Brogna
  • Patent number: 10064689
    Abstract: A system and method of aligning with a reference target includes a computer-assisted medical device. The computer-assisted medical device includes an orientation platform, one or more first joints proximal to the orientation platform, one or more second joints distal to the orientation platform, one or more links distal to the orientation platform, a reference instrument coupled to the orientation platform by the second joints and the links; and a control unit coupled to the first joints and the second joints. The control unit determines a pose of the reference instrument. The pose includes a reference point and a reference orientation. The control unit further positions the orientation platform over the reference point using the first joints, rotates the orientation platform to align the orientation platform with the reference orientation using the first joints, and maintains the pose of the reference instrument using the second joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nitish Swarup, Paul G. Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Michael Hanuschik, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 10028793
    Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. In some embodiments, actively driven joints will move a platform structure that supports multiple manipulators in response to movement of one of the manipulators, facilitating and expediting the arrangement of the overall system by moving those multiple manipulators as a unit into alignment with the workspace. Systems and methods are also provided to keep one, some, or all joints of the kinematic chain off a hardstop or physical range of motion limit associated with the joint or to otherwise maintain a desired range of motion for one, some, or all joints of the kinematic chain when exiting a set-up mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon, Roman Devengenzo
  • Publication number: 20180185109
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20180148231
    Abstract: The present application is directed to cap assemblies and particularly, cap assembly for closing an opening in a vessel, the cap assembly including a stopper including an polymer body adapted to fit an opening of a vessel, the stopper also including a tubular portion which defines an internal passageway extending through the polymer body; and a rigid cap attached to and integral with the stopper, wherein the cap is adapted to engage the vessel and provide a sealing force between the stopper and the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Gerald Mark Pennington, Khoa D. Pham, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher Miller
  • Publication number: 20180049828
    Abstract: A user interface for a surgical system can include a display configured to output video images of a remote surgical site at which one or more electrosurgical instruments of the surgical system are deployed; and a graphical user interface configured to be output on the display with the video images. The graphical user interface may comprise a visual indication of a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments that indicates a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments being ready for activation to deliver energy or actively delivering energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. ROBINSON, Thomas R. NIXON, Michael HANUSCHIK, Randal P. GOLDBERG, Jason HEMPHILL, David Q. LARKIN, Paul MILLMAN
  • Publication number: 20180036087
    Abstract: A system for controlling a surgical instrument comprises an input device operably coupled to remotely control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to a computer-assisted surgical system; a first auxiliary input device configured to transmit an auxiliary function control signal to activate an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument in an operably coupled state of the first auxiliary input device and the surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Randal P. GOLDBERG, Michael HANUSCHIK, Paul MILLMAN, Paul W. MOHR, Thomas R. NIXON, David ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 9872737
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170340397
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a telesurgical system are disclosed. In accordance with a method, a first tool connected to a first manipulator of the system, and a second tool connected to a second manipulator of the system, are controlled. A swap of the tools such that the first tool is connected to the second manipulator and the second tool is connected to the first manipulator is then detected. The first tool connected to the second manipulator and the second tool connected to the first manipulator are then controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
  • Patent number: 9827059
    Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system may comprise a plurality of teleoperated surgical instruments; a user input device; and a controller operably coupled to the user input device and to the plurality of surgical instruments. The user input device may be configured to transmit an activation command to cause activation of a function of a first one of the plurality of surgical instruments in response to input at the user input device, the function being supported by remote-control supply equipment. The controller may be configured to output a feedback command to cause feedback to a user, the feedback indicating the first one of the plurality of surgical instruments is configured for activation in response to the activation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Jason Hemphill, David Q. Larkin, Paul Millman
  • Patent number: 9814536
    Abstract: A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a robotic surgical system may include detecting a first surgical instrument coupled to a first manipulator interface assembly of a teleoperated surgical system, the manipulator interface assembly being controlled by a first input device; detecting which one of a user's left and right hands operates the first input device; and assigning control of an auxiliary function of the first surgical instrument to a first auxiliary input device disposed in a left position relative to a second auxiliary input device if the user's left hand is detected to operate the first input device, or assigning control of an auxiliary function of the first surgical instrument to a second auxiliary input device disposed in a right position relative to the first auxiliary input device if the user's right hand is detected to operate the first input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal P Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David Robinson