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).
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Publication number: 20140276950Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
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Publication number: 20140188131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
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Publication number: 20140081455Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Randal P. GOLDBERG, Michael HANUSCHIK, Paul MILLMAN, Paul W. MOHR, Thomas R. NIXON, David ROBINSON
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Patent number: 8638057Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, John W. Zabinski, David Robinson, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David W. Bailey
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Patent number: 8634957Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
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Publication number: 20130231681Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David ROBINSON, Thomas R. NIXON, Michael HANUSCHIK, Randal P. GOLDBERG, Jason HEMPHILL, David LARKIN, Paul MILLMAN
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Patent number: 8508173Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, John W. Zabinski, David Robinson, David W. Weir, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David W. Bailey
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Publication number: 20130168468Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer is disclosed and includes a cap, a paint reservoir formed with an air inlet port, and a valve assembly disposed within the paint reservoir and engaged with the air inlet, wherein the valve assembly is configured to be operable from a closed configuration, in which air flow through the air inlet port is prevented, and an open configuration, in which air flow through the air inlet port is permitted, upon actuation of a spray gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Thomas R. Nixon, Clemens E. Zoellner
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Patent number: 8473031Abstract: A medical robotic system has functionality to determine and display information of a distance indicated by movement of one or more tools being robotically manipulated by an operator. The distance is determined using sensed robotic manipulation of the one or more tools. Information of the distance is displayed on the monitor so as to be visually associated with the movement and/or positions of the tools, such as a virtual tape measure that extends along with or between images of the one or more tools on the monitor or as a virtual ruler with the distance being indicated by a pointer. Alternatively, information of the distance may simply be indicated on a digital read-out shown on the monitor that is displayed and continually updated with the movement of the one or more tools.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Nixon, Margaret M. Nixon, William C. Nowlin
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Patent number: 8423182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Jason Hemphill, David Q. Larkin, Paul Millman
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Patent number: 8418073Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Salvatore J. Brogna
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Publication number: 20130001322Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon
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Publication number: 20120280062Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer can include a cap formed with an external rim and a plurality of threads adjacent to the external rim and a paint reservoir configured to engage the cap. The paint reservoir can include a distal end formed with a hub having threads configured to engage the threads on the cap. Moreover, a seal can be disposed between the external rim of the cap and the distal end of the paint reservoir. The seal can be compressed between the external rim of the cap and the distal end of the paint reservoir as the paint reservoir is threaded around the cap. Further, the seal can prevent air infiltration into the paint reservoir as paint is withdrawn from the paint reservoir by a spray gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Ronald J. Cuccia
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Publication number: 20120279887Abstract: A paint cup assembly for a paint sprayer is disclosed and includes a cap and a paint liner configured to engage cap. The paint liner includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is closed and the distal end is open. Further, the paint liner comprises a plurality of indicia spaced apart along a length of the paint liner and each of the indicia represent an incremental change in an internal volume of the paint liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon
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Publication number: 20120283745Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Mike Hanuschik, Paul Millman, John W. Zabinski, David Robinson, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David W. Bailey
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Publication number: 20120280063Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton
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Publication number: 20120279613Abstract: A paint cup assembly filling station includes an upper paint cup tray formed with at least one upper hole configured to receive a paint cup assembly, a lower paint cup tray formed with at least one lower hole configured to receive a paint cup assembly, and a housing separating the upper paint cup tray from the lower paint cup tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Ronald J. Cuccia
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Publication number: 20120279970Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton
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Publication number: 20120283876Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, John W. Zabinski, David Robinson, David W. Weir, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David W. Bailey
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Publication number: 20120279609Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFS, SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC.Inventors: Biagio P. Pellegrino, Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher J. Chilton