Patents Assigned to Intuitive Surgical
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Patent number: 12293472Abstract: An exemplary object masking system is configured to mask a recognized object during an application of a synthetic element to an original image. For example, the object masking system accesses a model of a recognized object depicted in an original image of a scene. The object masking system associates the model with the recognized object. The object masking system then generates presentation data for use by a presentation system to present an augmented version of the original image in which a synthetic element added to the original image is, based on the model as associated with the recognized object, prevented from occluding at least a portion of the recognized object. In this way, the synthetic element is made to appear as if located behind the recognized object. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 6, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Maximilian H. Allan, Mahdi Azizian, A. Jonathan McLeod
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Patent number: 12285288Abstract: A contact detection system is configured to classify each pixel in a plurality of pixels included in an ultrasound image captured by an ultrasound probe located within a patient as either showing tissue or showing non-tissue; determine an average pixel classification representative of a number of pixels classified as showing tissue compared to a number of pixels classified as showing non-tissue; determine, if the average pixel classification is above a first contact state threshold, that the ultrasound probe is in a first contact state that indicates that the ultrasound probe is in operative physical contact with the tissue; and determine, if the average pixel classification is below a second contact state threshold lower than the first contact state threshold, that the ultrasound probe is in a second contact state that indicates that the ultrasound probe is not in operative physical contact with the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: A. Jonathan McLeod, Mahdi Azizian, Daniel Proksch, Azad Shademan, Pourya Shirazian
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Patent number: 12285161Abstract: A support apparatus for a medical device includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a flexible contact member. The first sleeve is configured to be coupled to a first tool member of an end effector assembly that includes the first tool member, a second tool member, and a clevis, in which the first and second tool members are each rotatably coupled to the clevis such that second tool member can be moved relative to the first tool member between a first and a second orientation. The second sleeve is configured to be coupled to the second tool member. The flexible contact member is coupled to the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and is configured be moved between a collapsed configuration when the second tool member is in the first orientation and an expanded configuration when the second tool member is in the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christina J. Shuh, Ralph Wadensweiler, Kyle R. Miller
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Patent number: 12285301Abstract: A system generally includes a surgical manipulator configured to control motion of a surgical tool, and a clamping apparatus having a mounting location configured to support the surgical manipulator and couple to a mounting structure. The clamping apparatus may include a body, a first jaw coupled to the body and configured to engage a first portion of the mounting structure, and a second jaw coupled to the body and configured to engage a second portion of the mounting structure. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw may be movably coupled to the body and configured to move along a non-linear path to clamp mounting structures of different sizes. A lever may be pivotably coupled to the body and may be movable between a unclamped position and a clamped position. Alternatively, a motor may be operable to attach the clamping apparatus to the mounting structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ryan C. Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez, John Ryan Steger
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Patent number: 12285153Abstract: An illustrative system may be configured to obtain a visual image of an anatomical scene that includes an imaging probe and to augment the visual image with a synthetic element that indicates, within the visual image, an area of the anatomical scene being imaged by the imaging probe. The synthetic element may include spatial markers. The visualization system may be further configured to direct a display device to display the augmented image. The visualization system may be further configured to direct the display device to display, at a position outside of the synthetic element, a probe image captured by the imaging probe.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Proksch, Mahdi Azizian, Pourya Shirazian
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Patent number: 12279920Abstract: Implementations relate to a configurable counterbalance mechanism. In some implementations, a counterbalance apparatus includes a spring, a tension element coupled between the spring and a mechanical ground, a base element coupled to a load, and a configurable arm rotatably coupled to the base element. A first pulley and a second pulley are rotatably coupled to the configurable arm, the second pulley orbitable about the first axis, and the tension element is at least partially wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley. The configurable arm is rotatably configurable at either a first orientation or a second orientation, where the first orientation is associated with a center of gravity of the load located on a first side of the counterbalance apparatus and the second orientation is associated with the center of gravity of the load located on a second side of the counterbalance apparatus opposite to the first side.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Timothy P. Haines
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Publication number: 20250120775Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable instrument portion and a disposable tip assembly. The disposable tip assembly includes an end effector assembly that in turn includes an end effector. The disposable tip assembly also includes a locking tip cover that locks the disposable tip assembly to a lock interface element of a tip interface of the reusable instrument portion. To facilitate mounting the disposable tip assembly on the tip interface of the reusable instrument portion, the disposable tip assembly includes a first quick connect/disconnect element and the tip interface includes a second quick connect/disconnect element. The second quick connect/disconnect element is coupled to a tendon. The tendon is also coupled to an actuator assembly that provides forces that push and pull (push/pull) the tendon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: William J. PARK
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Publication number: 20250120776Abstract: Implementations relate to actuated grips for a controller. In some implementations, a controller includes a central member, a grip member coupled to the central member and moveable in a grip degree of freedom, a shaft coupled to the grip member, and an actuator coupled to the shaft and operative to output an actuator force on the shaft. The actuator force causes a grip force to be applied via the shaft to the grip member in the grip degree of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Matthew CAVALIER, Brian LUPTAK, Gregory W. DACHS, II
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Patent number: 12268459Abstract: An exemplary system is configured to access image data representative of an image of an internal space of a patient, the image depicting a physical medical element positioned over an anatomical surface within the internal space, identify a region, within the image, that depicts a fiducial marker on the physical medical element, determine, based on the identified region, an affixation target location on the physical medical element, and assist, based on the determined affixation target location, an affixation process in which the physical medical element is affixed to the anatomical surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventor: Ryan W. Shaw
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Patent number: 12268469Abstract: An exemplary medical imaging system includes a visible light illumination system configured to selectively emit one of a first visible light biased to a first wavelength and a second visible light biased to a second wavelength, a fluorescence excitation illumination system configured to selectively emit one of a first fluorescence excitation illumination having a third wavelength and a second fluorescence excitation illumination having a fourth wavelength, and an illumination source control unit configured to selectively direct the visible light illumination system to emit the second visible light and the fluorescence excitation illumination system to emit the first fluorescence excitation illumination for use with a first fluorescence imaging agent, and selectively direct the visible light illumination system to emit the first visible light and the fluorescence excitation illumination system to emit the second fluorescence excitation illumination for use with a second fluorescence imaging agent.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Curtis W. Stith, Jeffrey M. DiCarlo
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Publication number: 20250107858Abstract: A computer-assisted system includes an instrument. The instrument includes a receive interface configured to couple with a drive interface, the receive interface including a first receive coupling with a set of first receive features disposed on the first receive coupling, each first receive feature in the set physically configured for mechanically engaging with a same first drive feature disposed on a first drive coupling of the drive interface, and a transmission element coupled with the first receive coupling such that mechanical energy transmitted by the first drive coupling to the first receive coupling is transmitted to the transmission element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2024Publication date: April 3, 2025Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel F. Brisson, Gregory W. Dachs, II
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Patent number: 12263583Abstract: Implementations relate to a counterbalance mechanism including a force transformation mechanism that provides a drive ratio. In some implementations, a counterbalance apparatus includes a spring, a first tension element, a second tension element, a force transformation mechanism coupled to the spring by the first tension element and coupled to the second tension element, and a plurality of counterbalance pulleys coupled to the second tension element. At least one of the counterbalance pulleys is coupled to a load that is moveable with reference to a mechanical ground, and a force provided by the spring is modified in magnitude by the force transformation mechanism and is applied to the load via the second tension element. The force transformation mechanism includes a plurality of elements and the modification of the force is based on a drive ratio of the elements of the force transformation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2024Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Hsien-Hsin Liao, Timothy P. Haines
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Patent number: 12262868Abstract: An exemplary operation management system is configured to obtain, from a depth sensor included in an imaging device, depth data representative of a depth map for an internal space of a patient, obtain auxiliary sensor data from an auxiliary sensor not included in the imaging device, and perform, based on the depth data and the auxiliary sensor data, an operation associated with a computer-assisted surgical system configured to perform a procedure within the internal space of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Stricko, III, Jacob L. Divone, Glenn C. Stante
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Patent number: 12262938Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Scott E. Manzo, William A. Burbank, Richard D. Gresham
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Patent number: 12262951Abstract: A system is provided that includes a Q3D endoscope disposed to image a field of view and a processor that produces a Q3D model of a scene and identifies target instruments and structures. The processor is configured to display the scene from a virtual field of view of an instrument, to determine a no fly zone around targets, to determine a predicted path for said instruments or to provide 3D tracking of said instruments.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Dorin Panescu, Daniel H Jones, Christopher B. Allenby
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Publication number: 20250099172Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of energy treatment to a tissue site. The systems, apparatuses, and methods may include designs with features for efficiently deploying and adjusting electrodes at a tissue site for treatment and for facilitating retraction of the electrodes back into a housing after completion of treatment for removal. The systems, apparatuses, and methods may further include an expansion member for radially expanding the flexible substrate to aid in positioning the electrodes adjacent the tissue to facilitate treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan COPE, Ryan C. ABBOTT, William CAMISA, David JOHNSON, Kollin TIERLING
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Patent number: 12262123Abstract: An illustrative apparatus may determine a color-skew metric for an image frame captured by an image capture system. The color-skew metric may be indicative of an extent to which the image frame skews to a particular color. Based on the color-skew metric and an adaptive target control function, the apparatus may determine a frame auto-exposure target. Based on the frame auto-exposure target, the apparatus may update one or more auto-exposure parameters for use by the image capture system to capture an additional image frame. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing auto-exposure of image frames are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Zhen He, Jeffrey M. DiCarlo
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Patent number: 12257014Abstract: A medical device comprises an end effector, a mechanical structure, a connector, and a force sensor unit. The connector extends from a drive component of the mechanical structure to the end effector. Motion of the drive component produces a tension force within the connector, which is associated with an end effector torque or force exerted by the end effector. The force sensor unit comprises a body, and the body is coupled in-line with the connector so that strain in the connector is imparted to the body. A strain sensor measures the strain on the body as an indication of strain in the connector, which is an indication of torque or force at the end effector. The connector may be continuous, and coupled to the body with a slack relief portion of the connector within the body. Alternatively, the connector may be discontinuous and coupled to opposite ends of the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Lizmarie Comenencia Ortiz, Jason Miao, David Moreira Ridsdale, Harsukhdeep S. Ratia, Sharathchandra Somayaji, Zhou Ye
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Publication number: 20250090212Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of energy treatment to a tissue site. The systems, apparatuses, and methods may include medical instrument designs with features for retaining a flexible substrate with an electrode array in position against an expandable member during delivery to the tissue site, treatment, and retraction from the tissue site. The medical instrument further includes features for retaining the flexible substrate in a compact, stowed configuration during delivery and for retracting the flexible substrate post-deployment to facilitate retraction of the medical instrument after completion of treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2024Publication date: March 20, 2025Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan COPE, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Kenneth AYCOCK, William CAMISA, David JOHNSON, Miles JOSEPH, Chris JULIAN, Caleb RINGKOB, Zhaoyi ZENG
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Patent number: 12251088Abstract: A low-friction medical device includes a first link, a second link, and a tension member. The first link is coupled to an instrument shaft and a first guide path is defined in the first link. The second link is rotatable relative to the first link through an angular range. A distal end portion of the second link is rotatably coupled to a tool member. A curved guide path is defined within the second link between the tool member and the first guide path. A curved guide surface of the second link defines a portion of the second guide path. A first portion of the tension member is parallel to a centerline of the first guide path, and a second portion is coupled to the tool member. A third portion of the tension member between the first and second portions is in contact with the curved guide surface throughout a portion of the angular range.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Zhou Ye, Harsukhdeep Ratia, Alain Sadaka