Patents by Inventor Tomas Melendez

Tomas Melendez 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).

  • Patent number: 8747427
    Abstract: The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomás Meléndez, Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Brian E. Tippett
  • Publication number: 20120184969
    Abstract: The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Tomas Meléndez, Clifford A. Oostman, Brian E. Tippett
  • Patent number: 8152827
    Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological unit delivery tools, particularly useful to facilitate robotic hair transplant procedures. A storage device includes a lower module having a plurality of receptacles for containing delivery tools, for example small tubular follicular unit implant needles. The receptacles may contain liquid for maintaining hydration of the biological unit. The lower module may be manipulated by an automated system which includes a pick and placed collet that handles the delivery tools one at a time in an implant procedure. An upper module registers with the lower module and provides guide bores leading to the delivery tools in the receptacles. A biological unit removal tool, such as a follicular unit harvesting needle, can be carried by the collet and used to deposit biological units through the guide bores and into each delivery tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Tomás Meléndez
  • Publication number: 20090178943
    Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological unit delivery tools, particularly useful to facilitate robotic hair transplant procedures. A storage device includes a lower module having a plurality of receptacles for containing delivery tools, for example small tubular follicular unit implant needles. The receptacles may contain liquid for maintaining hydration of the biological unit. The lower module may be manipulated by an automated system which includes a pick and placed collet that handles the delivery tools one at a time in an implant procedure. An upper module registers with the lower module and provides guide bores leading to the delivery tools in the receptacles. A biological unit removal tool, such as a follicular unit harvesting needle, can be carried by the collet and used to deposit biological units through the guide bores and into each delivery tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Tomas Melendez
  • Patent number: 6826977
    Abstract: A robot drive assembly for moving a working tool in x, y, z and theta directions comprising three independent, coaxially nested tubes, each tube being driven around a common central axis by drive belts attached to separate drive motors located in a mounting flange associated with the outermost tube. The motors, and the tubes which they drive, provide horizontal rotary motion to a robot arm attached to the upper end of the outer tube and the wrist and elbow of that arm. A fourth motor controls vertical motion of the whole assembly. The robot system also includes motor position adjustment structure and belt tension structure designed for ease of use and to eliminate movement of tensioned components once locked in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative Robotic Solutions
    Inventors: Gaylen Grover, Dennis Wightman, Tomas Melendez
  • Publication number: 20030159535
    Abstract: A robot drive assembly for moving a working tool in x, y, z and theta directions comprising three independent, coaxially nested tubes, each tube being driven around a common central axis by drive belts attached to separate drive motors located in a mounting flange associated with the outermost tube. The motors, and the tubes which they drive, provide horizontal rotary motion to a robot arm attached to the upper end of the outer tube and the wrist and elbow of that arm. A fourth motor controls vertical motion of the whole assembly. The robot system also includes motor position adjustment structure and belt tension structure designed for ease of use and to eliminate movement of tensioned components once locked in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Gaylen Grover, Dennis Wightman, Tomas Melendez
  • Patent number: 6601468
    Abstract: A robot drive assembly for moving a working tool in x, y, z and theta directions comprising three independent, coaxially nested tubes, each tube being driven around a common central axis by drive belts attached to separate drive motors located in a mounting flange associated with the outermost tube. The motors, and the tubes which they drive, provide horizontal rotary motion to a robot arm attached to the upper end of the outer tube and the wrist and elbow of that arm. A fourth motor controls vertical motion of the whole assembly. The robot system also includes motor position adjustment structure and belt tension structure designed for ease of use and to eliminate movement of tensioned components once locked in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Robotic Solutions
    Inventors: Gaylen Grover, Dennis Wightman, Tomas Melendez
  • Publication number: 20020078778
    Abstract: A robot drive assembly for moving a working tool in x, y, z and theta directions comprising three independent, coaxially nested tubes, each tube being driven around a common central axis by drive belts attached to separate drive motors located in a mounting flange associated with the outermost tube. The motors, and the tubes which they drive, provide horizontal rotary motion to a robot arm attached to the upper end of the outer tube and the wrist and elbow of that arm. A fourth motor controls vertical motion of the whole assembly. The robot system also includes motor position adjustment structure and belt tension structure designed for ease of use and to eliminate movement of tensioned components once locked in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Gaylen Grover, Dennis Wightman, Tomas Melendez