Patents Assigned to Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11727827
    Abstract: Implementations relate to anatomical models and surgical training. In some implementations, an anatomical training model includes a base portion and a top portion that form a hollow space between the base portion and top portion. A plurality of holes are positioned in the top portion. The model includes a plurality of cannula supports, where each cannula support is aligned with one or more corresponding holes in the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Jarc, Christopher J. Sanchez, Timothy V. White, Eugene T. Nagel
  • Patent number: 11726559
    Abstract: A method comprises displaying an image of an environment on a graphical user interface, the environment including personnel elements visible in the image, detecting a gaze of a user directed at an image of a first personnel element corresponding to a first information conveyor of a plurality of information conveyors, changing a state of the first information conveyor corresponding to the first personnel element from a passive state to a listening state in response to detecting that the gaze is directed at the image of the first personnel element, wherein the first information conveyor includes a first audio output device, receiving audio information through an audio input device, and when the state of the first information conveyor is changed to the listening state, controlling an output operation, wherein the output operation includes directing the received audio information as an audio output through the first audio output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Joseph M. Arsanious, Christopher R. Burns, Heath Feather
  • Patent number: 11723661
    Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments include mechanisms for identifying and/or deactivating stapler cartridge for use with the instruments. The stapling instrument includes a drive member for actuating a staple cartridge and a locking member movable from a disabled position permitting distal translation of the drive member through a staple firing stroke, to a locking position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge may include a switch for maintaining the locking member in the disabled position. The switch may be further configured to operate as a reload detection mechanism for determining the type of reload present in the surgical stapling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wixey, Atal Patel, Babak D. Jasemian, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 11723742
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments for a computer-assisted, remote procedure can include a base and a support structure extending from the base and adjustable to different configurations, the support structure being configured to support one or more instruments to perform a remote procedure. The cart can further include a steering interface configured to be grasped by a user and a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface. The cart also can include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and information about a configuration of the support structure, the control module operably coupled to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism and the information about the configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11723524
    Abstract: A family of endoscopes includes a non-zero degree endoscope and a zero degree endoscope. The zero degree endoscope includes a first image capture unit mounted in a distal portion of the zero degree endoscope with a lengthwise axis of the first image capture unit substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of that distal portion. The non-zero degree endoscope includes a second image capture unit mounted in a distal portion of the non-zero degree endoscope with a lengthwise axis of the second image capture unit intersecting a lengthwise axis of that distal portion at a non-zero angle. The first and second image capture units have substantially identical non-folded optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian E. McDowall
  • Patent number: 11723606
    Abstract: A medical system includes an interventional instrument and a control system including one or more processors. The control system is configured to: receive a pose dataset for a point on the instrument retained in compliant movement with a cyclically moving patient anatomy for a plurality of time parameters during a cyclical anatomical motion; determine a set of pose differentials for the identified point with respect to a reference point at each time parameter; identify a periodic signal for the anatomical motion from the set of pose differentials; generate a command signal indicating an intended movement of the instrument relative to the patient anatomy; adjust the command signal to include an instruction for a cyclical instrument motion based on a phase of the anatomical motion; and cause the intended movement of the instrument relative to the patient anatomy based on the adjusted command signal to compensate for the anatomical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Prashant Chopra, Vincent Duindam, Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Tao Zhao, Timothy D. Soper, Federico Barbagli
  • Patent number: 11723735
    Abstract: A surgical manipulator assembly comprises a manipulator movably supporting a tool holder and an indicator section operably coupled to the manipulator for indicating state or identity information. The indicator section includes a multiple-color light emitting diode (LED) and a first fastener for operably coupling a second fastener of a sterile drape used to substantially cover the surgical manipulator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, David S. Mintz, Tracey A. Morley, Theodore C. Walker
  • Patent number: 11726106
    Abstract: An accelerometer is included within the confined space and limited volume of a distal portion of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end component, a joint coupled to the end component, a shaft coupled to the joint, and a force transducer and accelerometer apparatus. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus is coupled between the joint and the shaft. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus includes a force sensor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes an optic fiber having a Fiber Bragg Grating. Information acquired from the Fiber Bragg Grating is used to drive a vibro-tactile haptic feedback output device coupled to a master control arm surgeon grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Lawton N. Verner
  • Patent number: 11723734
    Abstract: A system for controlling a user interface of a teleoperated surgical system, the system comprises a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system; and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display a graphical user interface; and wherein the first master controller is configured to transmit a first input signal to an interface controller, the first input signal caused by manual manipulation of the first master controller, the interface controller to use the first input signal to update a graphical user interface presented by the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwinram Suresh, Joey Chau
  • Patent number: 11723733
    Abstract: Techniques for limiting motion of a first structure include a manipulator supported by the first structure, a second structure supporting the first structure, and a processor. The processor is configured to, in response to entering a first mode, determine, relative to the first structure, a first position of a reference location on entry into the first mode, the reference location being associated with a link of the manipulator; and while in the first mode: detect a manual movement of the reference location to a second position relative to the first structure, wherein a difference between the first and second positions comprises a displacement having first and second components in respective different first and second directions; and, in response, command the second structure to move relative to the reference location in the first direction so as to reduce the first component while not changing the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Nitish Swarup, Michael Costa, David Q. Larkin, Thomas G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11717370
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a proximal control mechanism. The proximal control mechanism has an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a locking surface of a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism. The resilient latch arm is contained entirely within the proximal control mechanism when engaged. A release channel extends from an outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism to the resilient latch arm entrance opening. The release channel provides a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and provides a fulcrum for the release tool where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism. The surgical instrument can be released by prying the resilient latch arm away from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure with the release tool used as a lever on the fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory W. Dachs, II
  • Patent number: 11717375
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes receiving images of a site captured at a same time by a camera, generating, based one or more of the images, a monochromatic image, generating, based on one or more of the images, an alternate image representative of an alternate imaging characteristic of the site, and displaying the displaying the monochromatic image combined with the alternate image, the alternate image being highlighted relative to the monochromatic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian E. McDowall, Christopher J. Hasser
  • Patent number: 11717290
    Abstract: Surgical instruments operable to apply a grasping force to a tissue include a cable driven actuation mechanism. A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a first actuation mechanism. The end effector includes an end effector base, an articulated jaw pivotally coupled to the end effector base, and an opposing jaw. The first actuation mechanism includes a first pulley and a first cable segment. The first pulley is mounted for rotation relative to the end effector base. The first cable segment is interfaced with a sector of the first pulley. The first cable segment is coupled to the articulated jaw. The first actuation mechanism is operable to retract the first cable segment to cause the articulated jaw to apply a grasping force to a tissue disposed between the articulated jaw and the opposing jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Burbank
  • Patent number: 11717368
    Abstract: A medical system includes a medical instrument and first and second manipulators. The medical instrument includes a tendon that extends from an interface at a proximal portion of the medical instrument to an actuated element at a distal portion of the medical instrument. The first manipulator is configured to actively engage the tendon at a first location on the tendon to provide a preload tension. The second manipulator is configured to actively engage the tendon at a second location on the tendon to actuate the actuated element. One of the first manipulator or the second manipulator is configured to pull the tendon along a longitudinal axis of the tendon and the other of the first manipulator or the second manipulator is configured to deflect the tendon laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11717357
    Abstract: A medical robotic assembly configured to support, insert, retract, and actuate a surgical instrument. The medical robotic assembly includes a surgical instrument carriage configured for detachably mounting a surgical instrument to the surgical instrument carriage. The surgical instrument carriage includes a motor housing, a first output assembly in the motor housing, a second output assembly in the motor housing, a first sensor assembly configured to sense a rotational orientation of a first output drive coupling, and a second sensor assembly configured to sense a rotational orientation of a second output drive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Michael Schena, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Todd Solomon
  • Patent number: 11717365
    Abstract: A LUS robotic surgical system is trainable by a surgeon to automatically move a LUS probe in a desired fashion upon command so that the surgeon does not have to do so manually during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A sequence of 2D ultrasound image slices captured by the LUS probe according to stored instructions are processable into a 3D ultrasound computer model of an anatomic structure, which may be displayed as a 3D or 2D overlay to a camera view or in a PIP as selected by the surgeon or programmed to assist the surgeon in inspecting an anatomic structure for abnormalities. Virtual fixtures are definable so as to assist the surgeon in accurately guiding a tool to a target on the displayed ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hasser, Russell H. Taylor, Joshua Leven, Michael Choti
  • Publication number: 20230240775
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew CAVALIER, Brian LUPTAK, Gregory W. DACHS, II
  • Patent number: 11712312
    Abstract: A method for determining a shape of a lumen in an anatomical structure comprises reading information from a plurality of strain sensors disposed substantially along a length of a flexible medical device when the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen. When the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen, the flexible medical device conforms to the shape of the lumen. The method further comprises computationally determining, by a processing system, the shape of the lumen based on the information from the plurality of strain sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, David C. Shafer
  • Patent number: 11712314
    Abstract: Implementations relate to a master control device. In some implementations, a master control device includes a control body comprising a proximal end, a thumb grip portion, and a finger grip portion. The control body has a length configured to engage the proximal end of the control body in the palm of a hand of the user while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with a thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with a finger of the hand. The control body is configured to allow the proximal end of the control body to be selectively engaged by the palm of the hand and selectively disengaged from the palm of the hand while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with the thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with the finger of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Grant M. Kadokura, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11716455
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for a stereo endoscope includes receiving electromagnetic radiation through an inner protective window; focusing the electromagnetic radiation with a left optical component toward a left pixel array of a stereo image sensor along an optical axis of the left optical component parallel with but offset from a center axis of the left pixel array; and focusing the electromagnetic radiation with a right optical component toward a right pixel array of the stereo image sensor along an optical axis of the right optical component parallel with but offset from a center axis of the right pixel array. The left pixel array and the right pixel array are offset from the center optical axis of the stereo endoscope to provide stereo image convergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Scott, David C. Shafer, Dominique Brichard, Peter M. Herzlinger