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: 20170305016
    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 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, Thomas R. Nixon, David S. Mintz
  • Patent number: 9782230
    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: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    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: 20170265948
    Abstract: A slave manipulator manipulates a medical device in response to operator manipulation of an input device through joint control systems. The stiffness and strength of the slave manipulator are adjustable according to criteria such as the mode of operation of the slave manipulator, the functional type of the medical device currently being held by the slave manipulator, and the current phase of a medical procedure being performed using the slave manipulator by changing corresponding parameters of the control system. For safety purposes, such changes are not made until it is determined that it can be done in a smooth manner without causing jerking of the medical device. Further, an excessive force warning may be provided to surgery staff when excessive forces are being commanded on the slave manipulator for more than a specified period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Hubert Stein, Paul Millman, David W. Bailey, William C. Nowlin, Thomas R. Nixon, Gregory K. Toth
  • Publication number: 20170210012
    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: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, David S. Mintz, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170209232
    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: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, David S. Mintz, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170188792
    Abstract: A medical imaging system comprises a teleoperational assembly and a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured for receiving a roll position indicator for an imaging instrument coupled to the teleoperational assembly. The imaging instrument has a view angle greater than 0° relative (e.g., 30 degrees) to an optical axis of the imaging instrument. The processing unit is further configured for obtaining first image data from the imaging instrument coupled to the teleoperational assembly at a first roll position and for obtaining subsequent image data from the imaging instrument coupled to the teleoperational assembly at a second roll position. The processing unit is further configured for coordinating a roll movement of the imaging instrument between the first and second roll positions with a transition between presentation of the first image data and the subsequent image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Ian E. McDowall, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Niels Samby
  • Publication number: 20170181805
    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: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170172670
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nitish SWARUP, Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Brandon D. ITKOWITZ, Michael HANUSCHIK, Thomas R. NIXON
  • Publication number: 20170167652
    Abstract: A sanitary fluid transport coupling can include a plurality of fluid conduits, each fluid conduit having a distal end and a proximal end, a support element adapted to secure a spaced relationship between the plurality of second conduits at the distal end of the plurality of fluid conduits, and an overmolded element disposed adjacent the support element. The overmolded element can form a fitting that can form a fluid connection with another fluid conduit, fluid container, or isolated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Mitchell L. SNYDER, Bryan L. Cassiday, Nicolas Nadenoff, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 9663750
    Abstract: A manufacturing article adapted for use in the production of pharmaceuticals comprising a tray comprising a base having a top surface; and a manifold extending from the top surface of the base, the manifold comprising a sidewall and an upper surface, the upper surface further comprising a channel, wherein, when viewed from the top surface, the base has an area, AB, the upper surface of the manifold has an area AM, and AB>AM, and wherein the base is adapted to support a plurality of vessels each adapted to contain a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170112580
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon, Roman Devengenzo
  • Patent number: 9586220
    Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer is disclosed and can include a paint reservoir assembly. The paint reservoir assembly can include a paint reservoir and a cap configured to engage the paint reservoir. The paint reservoir assembly further includes a structural element for engaging a paint spray gun to form a tactile feedback mechanism. The tactile feedback mechanism can provide a tactile indication to a user as the paint reservoir assembly is engaged with the paint spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC., SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS
    Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20170035519
    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: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
  • Publication number: 20170000575
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Paul G Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 9533806
    Abstract: The present application is directed to closure assemblies, and particularly closure assemblies for closing an opening in a vessel. In particular embodiments, the closure assemblies described herein can have a first ring having a top surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises threading, wherein the first ring comprises a first flange having a top surface extending radially inward from the inner surface of the first ring a distance of FL, and wherein the top surface of the first flange is spaced apart from the top surface of the first ring by a distance FH, and wherein a ratio of FH:FL is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ran Ding, Nicolau S. Cabral, Mohammad Falaki, Robert J. Post, Gerald M. Pennington, Brandon J. Pennock, Michael J. McCabe, Khoa D. Pham, Frank P. Jackson, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 9504527
    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: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Publication number: 20160338786
    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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    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: 20160242859
    Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
  • Patent number: D787088
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: D791339
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon