Patents Assigned to Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11415264
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a display monitor to a support structure has a back plate configured to mount to the support structure; a back plate extension disposed along one side of the back plate; a front plate configured to mount to the display monitor; a front plate extension disposed along one side of the front plate; a contact surface formed by the front plate extension overlapping the back plate extension, the contact surface transferring a weight of the monitor to the support structure; and a volume at least partially enclosed by the front and back plates and extensions for housing an electronic component between the display monitor and the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Bullock, Thomas Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 10776737
    Abstract: A system for generating operational metrics data for a medical care facility includes a first camera and an operational metrics device. The first camera generates digital images of a first detection area. The operational metrics device includes an optical code detector, a medical object detector, and an operational metrics generator. The optical code detector generates optical code detection data indicative of the presence or absence of optical codes within each of the digital images. Each of the optical codes is disposed on a respective medical object. The medical object detector generates medical object detection data indicative the presence or absence of each medical object within the first detection area. For each medical object, the operational metrics generator generates operational metrics data based at least partially on a determined amount of time that each medical object was present within the first detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Lau
  • Patent number: 10560609
    Abstract: A system includes at least two capture devices, each switchable from a respective idle mode to a respective recording mode upon receipt of a trigger signal from a trigger via a network. A controller saves data packets generated by the capture devices during the respective idle modes to a short-term memory, and saves data packets generated during the respective recording modes to a long-term memory such that the data packets form respective saved data streams. The synchronizer sends a sync signal to the capture devices via the network. The compensator determines respective delay periods between sending of the sync signal by the synchronizer and receipt of the sync signal by each of the capture devices, and transfers from the short-term memory to the long-term memory any data packets generated during the respective delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Lau
  • Patent number: 10170205
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional surgical safety countermeasure system and method for using automated checklists to provide information to surgical staff in a surgical procedure. The system and method involve using checklists and receiving commands through the prompts of the checklists to update the information displayed on the display to guide the performance of a medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Curd, Mark Heinemeyer, Victor Culafic
  • Patent number: 9531699
    Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a data store having stored medical imaging data and a computer. The system may be in a medical treatment room and is adapted to receive and display imaging data from a medical procedure. The computer has a graphical user interface that receives authentication credentials. An authenticator alternately prevents or allows a user access by logging the user into the system using the authentication credentials. A file accessor receives received medical imaging data and stores it in the data store, and retrieves the stored medical imaging data and provides it to the graphical user interface for display. Documentation data is received through the graphical user interface and is stored in the data store without requiring the user to provide the authentication credentials or be logged into the system. The user cannot access the stored medical imaging data before providing the authentication credentials and being logged into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Carly A. Panchura, Michael Bressack
  • Patent number: 9417614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the central control of devices used during an operation, including a first control unit for control of the devices. The system is characterized in that a second control unit is provided which is connected to the first control unit for exchange of information. The first control unit may be embodied as closed system for control of at least those devices which carry out safety-related functions (safety-related devices), and the second control unit may be embodied as open system for control of the remaining devices which carry out non safety-related functions (non safety-related devices). The invention further relates to a method for the central control of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz-Werner Stiller, Pavel Novak, Klaus-Martin Irion
  • Patent number: 8069420
    Abstract: A system for controlling the communication of medical imaging data is disclosed generally comprising a computer, a plurality of sources of medical imaging data and a plurality of destinations of medical imaging data in communication with the computer, and a touchscreen for simultaneously displaying a plurality of source icons and a plurality of destination icons controlled by the computer. The source icons correspond to the plurality of sources to allow a user to select a particular source of imaging data, and the destination icons correspond to the plurality of destinations to allow the user to select at least one particular destination for the imaging data. In certain embodiments, the touchscreen includes a display window for displaying medical images generated from the imaging data supplied by the presently selected source. In some embodiments, the touchscreen includes a set of controls associated with the presently selected source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Roderick Plummer
  • Patent number: 6723109
    Abstract: A surgical clamp system including a clamp, a delivery/retrieval device, and an actuator is provided. The clamp includes a pair of jaws actuatable relative to each other from a fully open to a fully closed position. The delivery/retrieval device is detachably connected to the clamp, and is operable by a surgeon to deploy the clamp, retrieve the clamp, or both. The actuator cooperates with the delivery/retrieval device and engages the clamp, and is operable by the surgeon to open and close the jaws of the clamp. The delivery/retrieval device and the actuator are operable to securely lock the jaws of the clamp in any position between the fully open and the fully closed positions, both during and after being detached from the delivery/retrieval device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Solingen
  • Patent number: 5347992
    Abstract: A single axis three way valve for endoscopes. The valve has a repose, closed setting and two active settings. In one active setting, a common port to the endoscope is connected to suction, and in the other active setting it is connected to a source of irrigation liquids. The valve has two spools, one of which is connected to a finger pad for actuation, and which is spring-loaded to a closed position. The other spool is spaced from the first, and also is spring-loaded closed . The first valve is opened by initial movement. Further movement closes its port and abuts the other spool to open its respective port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy America, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall B. Pearlman, Eric M. Jones
  • Patent number: 5207494
    Abstract: A dimmer for variably adjusting light transmitted through it to a fiber optic bundle from a light source whose own intensity is not to be adjusted. A body has an axial passage for light to pass through. A plurality of opaque vanes is symetrically arranged in the passage. They meet at an apex located on the axis. Each vane has an axis of rotation in a plane normal to the axis and are rotatable to vary the amount of light which is transmitted. These vanes are coordinated for simultaneous and identical rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Jones
  • Patent number: 5108391
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency generator with automatic power control for tissue cutting and for coagulating in high-frequency surgery. The power control in the "cutting" mode of operation is effected with an arc control system for keeping the arc burning between the surgical probe and the tissue constant. The high-frequency generator contains a voltage-limiting circuit, which limits the output voltage to a preset maximum value if the arc control system were to adjust a higher voltage.The advantage of the invention lies is a reduction of the mean power delivered to the patient as compared with a high-frequency generator that contains only an arc control system. The cutting quality is not adversely influenced by the power reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Flachenecker, Karl Fastenmeier, Heinz Lindenmeier
  • Patent number: 5009658
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for laser lithotripsy by subjecting calcified matter in the mammalian body, especially the human body, to two spatially and temporally overlapping pulsed laser light beams in the 300-450 and 600-900 nanometer wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignees: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., Allied-Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: Karsten Damgaard-Iversen, Robert C. Morris, Timothy C. Chin, Jerry W. Kuper
  • Patent number: 5006965
    Abstract: A dimmer for adjustably attenuating light to a fiber optic bundle. An opaque vane has a movement axis with a band on each side. One band has a substantially opaque portion which blocks about 50% of the light of a spot directed against the vane, and an opaque portion for passing about 50%. The other band has transmission slots interspaced between opaque bars, proportioned and arranged to pass varying amounts of light, all as a function of the position of the vane. The light passed by the bands is additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Jones
  • Patent number: 4818954
    Abstract: A high-frequency generator having automatic power-control for use in high-frequency surgery. The frequency of a high-frequency generator is adjustable by electronic circuit brought by a control circuit to a value such that at the output of the power amplifier there is an optimal phase relation between output voltage and output current, i.e., generally a phase shift of zero. The signal necessary for the control of the output power is obtained from harmonic oscillations generated by the arc at the surgical probe. A harmonic-measuring device to obtain the harmonic oscillations generated by the arc at the surgical probe has a phase-controlled rectifier which is controlled by the oscillator of the high-frequency generator. A simple filter is used at the output of the power amplifier, and the measurement filter used before the harmonic-measuring device can either be completely eliminated or need only be very simple in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Flachenecker, Karl Fastenmeier, Heinz Lindenmeier
  • Patent number: 4195331
    Abstract: A lamp changing module for totally enclosing a lamp when the module is withdrawn from a support such as an illuminator cabinet, and permitting exposure of the lamp when properly installed and connected to the support. A potentially explosive lamp is thereby contained within the module when it is removed so that even if it explodes it will not harm nearby personnel. It also protects personnel from burn hazards associated with lamp changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric. M. Jones
  • Patent number: 4184492
    Abstract: In a surgical system for high frequency electrical cutting and cauterizing circuitry to prevent stray currents from harming the surgeon or the patient. This circuitry provides a preferred path for undesirable currents, and to indicate to a surgeon when the undesirable currents are too intense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans H. Meinke, Gerhard Flachenecker, Karl Fastenmeier, Friedrich Landstorfer, Heinz Lidenmeier
  • Patent number: 4114623
    Abstract: A device and system for the cutting and/or coagulation of human tissue with the use of high frequency currents. This invention is used to cut materials similar to the human tissue which can emit steam or gassy products when sufficiently heated. It controls the extent of the arc generated during the cutting operation, and controls the heat generated during the coagulating operation, both of these for the purpose of minimizing formation of harmful forms of albumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Heinrich Meinke, Gerhard Flachenecker, Karl Fastenmeier, Friedrich Landstorfer, Heinz Lindenmeier
  • Patent number: D757935
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Solingen, Doug Allen
  • Patent number: RE47044
    Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: KARL STORZ ENDOSCOPY-AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Juergen Rudischhauser, Klaus Renner, Markus Kupferschmid
  • Patent number: RE48363
    Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jürgen Rudischhauser, Klaus Renner, Markus Kupferschmid