Patents Assigned to Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11684439
    Abstract: A drape includes a first drape portion configured to receive a manipulator arm of a surgical system and a pocket coupled to a distal portion of the first drape portion. The pocket is configured to receive a manipulator of the surgical system. The pocket includes a flexible membrane positionable between an output of the manipulator and an input of a surgical instrument mountable to the manipulator. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is located at a distal end of the pocket. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is configured to allow an actuating force to be transmitted from the output of the manipulator to the input of the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the pocket provides a sterile barrier between the manipulator and the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the drape further includes a rotatable seal configured to couple a proximal opening of the pocket to the first drape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony K. McGrogan, Jeffrey D. Brown, Thomas G. Cooper, Eugene F. Duval, Daniel H. Gomez, Robert E. Holop, Craig R. Ramstad
  • Publication number: 20230190398
    Abstract: A medical device includes a link, a first tool member, a second tool member and a third tool member, which each have a proximal end portion movably coupled to the link and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the first tool member can engage a first object and be associated with a first medical function, the distal end portion of the second tool member can engage a second object and be associated with a second medical function, and the distal end portion of the third tool member can engage the first object or the second object and be associated with the first and/or second medical function. Each of the first, second and third tool members can move relative to the link independent of movement of the each of the other tool members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. LIMON, Grant DUQUE
  • Publication number: 20230190246
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of sample retrieval, grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member and a retention member movably coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a cutting portion configured to cut a target sample when moved, and defines an internal volume within which at least a portion of the target sample can be received. The retention member includes an engagement portion configured to move between a first position and a second position when the retention member is actuated. The engagement portion is configured to extend within the internal volume to exert a force on the target sample within the internal volume when the engagement portion is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason DEARDEN, Jared BRUTON, Trent ZIMMERMAN, Clayton GRAMES, Amelia Mariah PARKINSON, Brian D. JENSEN, Spencer P. MAGLEBY, Larry L. HOWELL
  • Patent number: 11678945
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes pivotable clamping arm with a first feature configured to engage a second feature of the cannula positioned in the cannula mount. The clamping arm comprises a cam follower surface. The cannula mount further comprises a latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the latch member comprises a cam surface. On the condition that the latch member is in the first position, the cam surface engages the cam follower surface of the clamping arm to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the first feature engages the second feature. On the condition the cam member is in the second position, the clamping arm is free to move to an open position in which the first feature does not engage the second feature. Devices and methods relate to cannula mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 11682319
    Abstract: Artificial blood compositions for use in simulated surgery, and kits including the compositions, are disclosed. Tissues, organs, and organ blocks which include dissolvable clots are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for carrying out simulated surgical procedures using the compositions, tissues, organs, organ blocks, and kits described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: W. Andrew Grubbs, John Alexander
  • Patent number: 11678788
    Abstract: The following describes various applications and uses for a controllably rigidizable flexible device or sheath. Such rigidizing mechanisms can allow for a transition between a rigid state and a flexible state of a sheath. Rigidization can be applied along an entire length of a flexible sheath or along select portions of the sheath, and the rigidization can be of varying stiffness. Rigidization can be user controlled or automatically controlled using computer processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bogusky, Kyle R. Miller, Randall L. Schlesinger, Serena H. Wong
  • Patent number: 11679499
    Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator including a serial chain comprising a first joint, a second joint, and a first link. The system further includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to receive first link data from a first sensor system located at the first link, generate a first joint state estimate of the first joint based on the first link data, and generate a second joint state estimate of the second joint. The processing unit is further configured to apply a first weight to the first joint state estimate to generate a first weighted joint state estimate, apply a second weight to the second joint state estimate to generate a second weighted joint state estimate, and control the first and second joints based on the first weighted joint state estimate and second weighted joint state estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Dinesh Rabindran, Simon P. DiMaio, Kollin M. Tierling
  • Patent number: 11678813
    Abstract: A method and medical system for estimating the deformation of an anatomic structure that comprises generating a first model of at least one anatomical passageway from anatomical data describing a patient anatomy and determining a shape of a device positioned within the branched anatomical passageways. The method and medical system also comprise generating a second model of the plurality of branched anatomical passageways by adjusting the first model relative to the determined shape of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Duindam, Prashant Chopra, Tao Zhao
  • Publication number: 20230184313
    Abstract: A force transmission mechanism includes a chassis that supports a rotatable arm, which includes a slot. A rotatable lever is supported by the chassis. A protrusion at an end of the lever engages the slot. A sliding drive element is supported by the chassis. A proximal termination of the drive element engages a second end of the lever. The chassis may support an elongate tube with an end effector fixed to the tube. The drive element may extend through the elongate tube. The elongate tube may rotate relative to the chassis. The drive element may rotate in unison with the elongate tube with the proximal termination rotating relative to the fork. The drive element may be a tube that provides a fluid passage to the end effector. The lever may be a bell crank with arms at a right angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan C. ABBOTT
  • Patent number: 11672618
    Abstract: A computer-assisted device includes a first articulated arm and a control unit coupled to the first articulated arm. The first articulated arm is configured to support an end effector. The control unit is configured to determine a virtual coordinate frame, the virtual coordinate frame being of an imaging device for capturing images of a workspace of the end effector, and the virtual coordinate frame being detached from an actual imaging coordinate frame of the imaging device; receive, from an input control configured to be manipulated by a user, a first instrument motion command to move the end effector; and drive the first articulated arm to move the end effector relative to the virtual coordinate frame based on the first instrument motion command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Paul G. Griffiths, Nitish Swarup, Kamyar Ziaei
  • Patent number: 11672621
    Abstract: An example medical device may include a first component including an interface, a light feature surrounding at least part of the interface, and a controller coupled to the light feature and including a memory in which are stored instructions for the controller causing a first illumination state of the light a feature corresponding to a first state of the interface, and the controller causing a second illumination state of the Sight feature corresponding to a second state of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Hulford, Christopher B. Allenby, Lauren L. Argo, Russell L. E. Blanchard, Roman Lapaev
  • Patent number: 11672606
    Abstract: Methods and system perform tool tracking during minimally invasive robotic surgery. Tool states are determined using triangulation techniques or a Bayesian filter from either or both non-endoscopically derived and endoscopically derived tool state information, or from either or both non-visually derived and visually derived tool state information. The non-endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from sensor data provided either by sensors associated with a mechanism for manipulating the tool, or sensors capable of detecting identifiable signals emanating or reflecting from the tool and indicative of its position, or external cameras viewing an end of the tool extending out of the body. The endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from image data provided by an endoscope inserted in the body so as to view the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Hoffman, David Q. Larkin, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Guanghua G. Zhang, Rajesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 11672619
    Abstract: A teleoperated system includes a master grip and a ratcheting system coupled to the master grip. The ratcheting system is configured to align the master grip with a slave instrument commanded by the master grip by determining grip rotation values describing an orientation of the master grip, determining instrument rotation values describing an orientation of the instrument, determining an orientation error between an orientation of the master grip and the orientation of the instrument based on the grip rotation values and the instrument rotation values, and reducing the orientation error by low pass filtering the grip rotation values or the instrument rotation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Simon P. DiMaio, William C. Nowlin, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David S. Mintz
  • Patent number: 11672412
    Abstract: A medical device includes a flexible elongate instrument, an actuator for inserting and retracting the instrument, and a control unit configured to determine at least one of a force being exerted by the actuator or an amount of force applied at a proximal end of the instrument. The control unit is configured to determine a force exerted by the instrument on tissue of a patient based on a shape of the instrument and at least one of the force exerted by the actuator or the force applied at the proximal end. A method of operating a medical device includes: determining a shape of a flexible elongate instrument and at least one of a first force exerted by an actuator or a second force applied to a proximal end; and determining a third force, exerted on tissue, based on the shape and at least one of the first or second forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicola Diolaiti, Federico Barbagli, Samuel Y. Chang, Vincent Duindam
  • Patent number: 11672616
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a teleoperational system and control thereof are provided. An exemplary system includes a first manipulator configured to support an instrument moveable within an instrument workspace, the instrument having an instrument frame of reference, and includes an operator input device configured to receive movement commands from an operator. The system further includes a control system to implement the movement commands by comparing an orientation of the instrument with an orientation of a field of view of the instrument workspace to produce an orientation comparison. When the comparison does not meet certain criteria, the control system causes instrument motion in a first direction relative to the instrument frame in response to a movement command. When the comparison meets the criteria, the control system causes instrument in a second direction relative to the instrument frame in response to the movement command. The second direction differs from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nicola Diolaiti
  • Publication number: 20230172680
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, a wrist, a mechanical structure, a first cable, and a second cable. The wrist is coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. The mechanical structure is coupled to a proximal end portion of the shaft and includes a capstan assembly. The capstan assembly includes a first cable drum having a first radius and a second cable drum having a second, different radius. The first cable is routed along the shaft. A distal end portion of the first cable is coupled to the wrist and a proximal end portion of the first cable is wrapped about the first cable drum. The second cable is routed along the shaft. A distal end portion of the second cable is coupled to the wrist and a proximal end portion of the second cable is wrapped about the second cable drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. REID, Justin D. KROM
  • Publication number: 20230173692
    Abstract: A wrist joint comprises first and second joint features, the first joint feature having a first end surface profile defining a central protrusion, a first outer protrusion, a second outer protrusion, a first recess, and a second recess, wherein the first recess and the second recess are on opposite sides of the central protrusion and between the first outer protrusion and the second outer protrusion, and the second joint feature having a second end surface profile defining a central recess, a first outer recess, a second outer recess, a first protrusion between the central recess and the first outer recess, and a second protrusion between the central recess and the second outer recess, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion have an end surface profile different from the end surface profile of the first outer protrusion, the second outer protrusion, and the central protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. SARALIEV, Gabriel F. BRISSON, Matthew R. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 11666402
    Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system is provided that includes a surgical instrument that includes an end effector mounted for rotation about a slave pivot axis; a master control input includes a mount member, first and second master grip rotatably secured at the mount member for rotation about a master pivot axis; sensor to produce a sensor signal indicative of a slave grip counter-force about the slave pivot axis; one or more motors to impart a shear force to the mount member, perpendicular to the master pivot axis; one or more processors to convert the sensor signal to motor control signals to cause the motors to impart the feedback shear force to the first and second master grip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant M. Kadokura
  • Patent number: 11666400
    Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a teleoperational assembly having a plurality of motorized surgical arms configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes an input device configured to receive an input to move all the arms of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to a pre-established position. A processing system is configured to receive the input form the input device and output control signals to each arm of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to move each arm to the pre-established position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon
  • Patent number: D989299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Rumen Deyanov, Yifei Zha