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: 20160195208
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid connection including a plurality of flexible polymeric tubes; an integral fluid connector coupled to and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of tubes; and a shell disposed over and encapsulating the fluid connector. The fluid connection surprisingly exhibiting significant increases in the working pressure, particularly in biopharmaceutical fluid transfer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Bryan L. Cassiday, Mitchell L. Snyder, David Damzyn, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20160192998
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Randal P. GOLDBERG, Michael HANUSCHIK, Paul MILLMAN, Paul W. MOHR, Thomas R. NIXON, David ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 9375288
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    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: 9345546
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
  • Patent number: 9335198
    Abstract: A method of using a paint cup assembly with a paint sprayer includes filling a paint cup assembly with paint, closing the paint cup assembly, inverting the paint cup assembly, and engaging the paint cup assembly with the paint sprayer. The paint cup assembly includes a spring loaded valve to prevent paint from leaking from the paint cup assembly when the paint cup assembly is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc., Saint-Gobain Abrasifs
    Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton
  • Patent number: 9301811
    Abstract: A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a robotic surgical system can include automatically assigning an auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating another input device operably coupled to control movement of the surgical instrument. A system for controlling a surgical instrument may include an input device of a surgical system that is operably coupled to generate and transmit an input control signal to control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to the surgical system. The system may further include an auxiliary input device, and a control system operably coupling the auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of the surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Randal P Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150368012
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20150329812
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20150306619
    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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 9145241
    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: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    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: 9138297
    Abstract: A method comprises generating a command to move a surgical robotic manipulator to a predetermined safety configuration and locking the robotic manipulator in the safety configuration in response to receiving the command. The method further comprises detecting if a mock instrument has been mounted on the robotic manipulator when the robotic manipulator is in the safety configuration. If the mock instrument is detected, an override command is generated to unlock the robotic manipulator from the safety configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gabriel F. Brisson, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20150173849
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: 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: 8998018
    Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer is disclosed and can include a cap, a paint liner defining a closed proximal end and an open distal end, and a ring configured to fit around the paint liner. The ring can engage the cap and secure the paint liner to the cap. Further, the ring can include an axial extension that can extend toward the proximal end of the paint liner such that the ring can be configured to allow a user to grasp the paint cup assembly without collapsing the paint liner during attachment with a paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc., Saint-Gobain Abrasifs
    Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton
  • Patent number: 8944351
    Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer is disclosed and can include a paint reservoir, a cap configured to engage the paint reservoir, and a valve assembly disposed within the cap. The cap can include an outlet and the valve assembly can be operable from a closed configuration in which fluid flow through the outlet is prevented to an open configuration in which fluid flow through the outlet is permitted upon engagement with a paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc., Saint-Gobain Abrasifs
    Inventors: Biagio P Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton
  • Publication number: 20150012134
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    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: 20140367354
    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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    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: 8862268
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Jason Hemphill, David Larkin, Paul Millman
  • Publication number: 20140276950
    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: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Patent number: D741495
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PER.PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: D749749
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PER.PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Snyder, Thomas R. Nixon