Patents Examined by McDieunel Marc
  • Patent number: 12042238
    Abstract: Manipulator devices are used for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery. In some embodiments, the manipulator devices described herein include an arm with a proximal end that is configured to releasably couple with a set-up structure of a computer-assisted tele-operated surgery system. A first ring is rotatably coupled to a distal end portion the arm and is rotatably driven by a first gear motor within the arm. A second ring that is concentric with the first ring is also rotatably coupled to the distal end portion of the arm. Rotations of the second ring are driven by a second gear motor within the arm. An instrument actuator coupling is pivotably coupled to the second ring. The instrument actuator coupling is configured to releasably couple with a computer-assisted tele-operated surgical instrument actuator, and defines a surgical instrument insertion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Charles Abbott
  • Patent number: 12029518
    Abstract: To easily acquire an image of a tip end portion of a surgical instrument attached to a manipulator arm even when the surgical instrument is bent, a surgical system includes manipulator arms, a manipulation unit, and a controller. The manipulator arms include: a first manipulator arm including an instrument holder holding a first surgical instrument including an instrument bendable portion; and a second manipulator arm including an instrument holder holding an endoscope assembly including an endoscope bendable portion and a camera at a tip end portion of the endoscope assembly. A method of controlling the surgical system controls the endoscope assembly such that the endoscope assembly is bent so as to follow bending of the first surgical instrument that is bent based on an operating command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Toshiyuki Homma
  • Patent number: 12030752
    Abstract: There is provided a crane control method whereby shaking of a load is suppressed when automatically transporting the load along a set transport path using a crane; and a crane that is controllable by this control method. The control method includes: calculating a target transport time (Ti) of a load (W), transported by a crane (1), in a section defined by two passing points adjacent in a passing order; calculating, from a distance between the passing points and the target transport time (Ti), a target speed signal of the load (W) in the section; converting a stepped target speed signal, which connects the target speed signal of the section and a target speed signal of another section adjacent to the section, to a non-stepped target speed signal using a target value filter (F); and carrying out control on the basis of the non-stepped target speed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Minami
  • Patent number: 12029522
    Abstract: Various user input device (UID) disengagement-detection techniques based on real-time time-series data processing and deep learning. More specifically, various UID disengagement-detection techniques include training a long short-term memory (LSTM) network-based classifier based on the acquired time-series data of UID motions including both surgical motions and docking motions. The trained deep-learning classifier can then be used during teleoperation sessions to monitor the movements of UIDs, and continuously classify the real-time UID motions as either teleoperation motions or docking motions. The disengagement-detection techniques can immediately disengage the UIDs from the surgical tools as soon as the monitored UID motions are classified as docking motions by the trained classifier, thereby preventing unintended surgical tool motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.
    Inventor: Meysam Torabi
  • Patent number: 12030198
    Abstract: A method of controlling a component handler includes acquiring and using calibration data. The component handler includes a calibrated actuator comprising a stationary part, a movable part, coil(s), and an actuating member, and a component holder comprising a distal end and an elastic member. The component holder is actuable from a resting to an extended position by the actuating member and in reverse by the elastic member. The calibration data is acquired by: bringing the actuating member into contact with an actuable portion of the component holder, moving the component holder in a position within the resting and extended position, measuring a required current in the coil(s) to maintain or move the component holder in the position, and determining the calibration data from the current, which is used to control the actuator such that the distal end applies a predetermined force on the component in a pick-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: ETEL S.A.
    Inventor: Herve Staempfli
  • Patent number: 12031299
    Abstract: Provided is a work vehicle capable of attaining a maximum vehicle speed specification value set in advance for each vehicle body even in the case where a device constituting an HST traveling drive system has deteriorated over time. In a wheel loader 1 equipped with an HST traveling drive system, a controller 5 is configured to, in the case where a detection pressure value P is equal to or less than a switching pressure value Ps corresponding to a switching point in the HST motor 42 between a maximum displacement volume qmax and a minimum displacement volume qmin, and a detection vehicle speed value V is less than an upper limit vehicle speed specification value Vmaxs, limit the minimum displacement volume qmin of the HST motor 42 to a first minimum displacement volume value qmin1 less than a minimum displacement volume specification value qmins that is associated with the upper limit vehicle speed specification value Vmaxs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Yasunori Miyamoto, Masaki Nukii
  • Patent number: 12017348
    Abstract: A robot is provided with driving wheels, a battery, a charging terminal, a charging terminal mounter in which the charging terminal is disposed, a first spring elastically supporting the charging terminal in an outward direction, a switch switched by the charging terminal mounter when the charging terminal mounter retreats, and a processor for stopping the driving wheels when the switch is switched by the charging terminal mounter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hoseong Kang, Iljae Lee, Sunho Yang
  • Patent number: 12017609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a functionality limiting system (110) for a motorized vehicle (100) provided with a motion system, comprising: first sensor means (101) adapted to sense if the power is on and providing a first sensing signal; second sensor means (102a-102d) adapted to sense one or several operational parameters relative to at least one part of the vehicle (100) and providing a second sensing signal; deactivation means (103) adapted to verify if a deactivation condition is met and providing a deactivation signal; a control unit (104) in communication with the first and second sensor means (101; 102a-102d) and the deactivation means (103), the control unit (104) receiving said first and second sensing signals and said deactivation signal, the control unit (104) being adapted to control the speed and/or the power supplied by the motion system in response to said first and second sensing signals and said deactivation signal, in such a manner that said speed and/or said power is limited in an activated mo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Martin, Thomas Partarrieu, Cedric Mazaufroy, Philemon Chavrier
  • Patent number: 12006654
    Abstract: A work machine capable of saving works by an operator during traveling is provided. The work machine includes a vehicular main body including a traveling unit, a work implement attached to the vehicular main body, and a controller that automatically controls operations by the work implement. The controller cancels automatic control of operations by the work implement based on a traveling state of the traveling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Mura, Haruki Nishiguchi, Hayato Hisa, Hiromu Dambayashi, Akihiko Teramura, Kazuki Takehara, Katsuhiro Ikegami
  • Patent number: 12005568
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a robot that performs a task has an independent mode that causes the robot to work separately and a collaborative mode that causes the robot to work in collaboration with a worker. The control device causes the robot to operate in the independent mode or the collaborative mode. The control device is configured to determine whether a first predetermined condition is satisfied, based on a position of the worker, and to switch from the independent mode to the collaborative mode when the first predetermined condition is satisfied during the independent mode. The control device is configured to determine whether a second predetermined condition is satisfied, based on the position of the worker, and to switch from the collaborative mode to the independent mode when the second predetermined condition is satisfied during the collaborative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: JOHNAN Corporation
    Inventors: Kozo Moriyama, Shin Kameyama, Truong Gia Vu, Lucas Brooks
  • Patent number: 12004828
    Abstract: A multi-joint type surgical device, and more particularly, to a multi-joint type surgical device capable of being mounted on a robot arm or operated manually for use in laparoscopic surgery or various surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: LIVSMED INC.
    Inventors: Youngjae Song, Jung Joo Lee, Heejin Kim, Dongkyu Jang
  • Patent number: 12005576
    Abstract: A teaching system configured to teach operation to a plurality of robots includes a first controlling device which determines whether a first robot and a second robot are in an enabled state where the first and second robots are permitted to operate, and when the first controlling device determines as in the enabled state, the first controlling device transmits an enable signal indicative of permitting the second robot to operate and enables the first robot to be taught the operation when a teaching terminal specifies the first robot. When a second controlling device receives the enable signal from the first controlling device and the teaching terminal specifies the second robot, the second controlling device enables the second robot to be taught the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoki Kato, Tsuyoshi Tagashira, Atsushi Kameyama, Masao Aramoto
  • Patent number: 12001975
    Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more first directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to transport a first end user; receiving, while the transportation vehicle unit is en route to or is transporting the first end user, one or more second directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport a second end user while transporting the first end user, the transportation vehicle unit having been determined to be able to accommodate transport of the second end user while transporting the first end user; and verifying that compliance with the one or more second directives will not conflict with one or more obligations to transport the first end user by the transportation vehicle unit. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 12000753
    Abstract: Techniques are described for testing whether an end effector, or component thereof, is correctly or incorrectly installed to a manipulation system. A manipulation system can include a manipulator arm configured to receive an end effector having a first moveable jaw, a transducer configured to provide first effort information of the end effector as the end effector moves, and a processor configured to provide a command signal to effect a first test move of the first moveable jaw, and to provide an installation status of the of the end effector using the first effort information of the first test move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicola Diolaiti, Benjamin S. Flamm
  • Patent number: 11992955
    Abstract: A spearing end effector for a robotic spearing device capturing and sorting a selected item from a mass of items and having a robotic manipulator with the spearing end effector mounted at an end thereof. The robotic spearing device comprises: a spearing end effector body; a spike; a linear actuator having the spike mounted thereon; and a propeller. The spike is configurable between a retracted configuration where it is entirely located inside the spearing end effector body and an extended configuration where it extends outwardly from therefrom. The spike is engageable to the selected item when configured in the extended configuration. The linear actuator is movable to configure the spike between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The propeller is selectively activatable to propel the selected item in a propelling direction during an ejection of the selected item from the spearing end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Waste Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Camirand, Michel Laforest, Pier Grenon, Nicolas Belanger, Jean-Pierre Thibodeau, Frederic Martin
  • Patent number: 11992941
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for high accuracy molded navigation arrays. In a first embodiment, a navigation array is formed by molding, as a single component, an array having a plurality of marker regions. The marker regions include a reflective layer disposed thereon. In other embodiments, a navigation array is formed by molding over a frame having a plurality of marker elements. In still other embodiments, a navigation array is formed by molding over individual marker elements. In certain embodiments, a navigation array is formed by molding a frame with a plurality of voids and subsequently molding marker elements into each void where the marker elements include a reflective layer disposed thereon. In some embodiments, a navigation array is formed by molding a plurality of marker elements on a frame and disposing a reflective layer on the marker elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company
    Inventor: Hervé Collet
  • Patent number: 11986963
    Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication are proved. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Daniel Szafir, Michael E. Walker, Hooman Hedayati
  • Patent number: 11986967
    Abstract: The inventive concept provides a substrate treating apparatus. The substrate treating apparatus includes a plurality of treating chambers performing a respective treatment on a substrate therein; a transfer chamber having a robot transferring the substrate between the plurality of treating chambers; a detection unit mounted on the robot and configured to detect a substrate state; and a controller for controlling the detection unit, wherein the detection unit comprises: an imaging member for imaging the substrate; and a driving member for moving the imaging member, and wherein the controller controls the detection unit to image and store an image of the substrate at an optimal position and determines whether an image of the substrate is a normal state based on the image obtained in the optimal position, the optimal position determined based on a process variable of the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Kyung Kong, Jin Sung Sun
  • Patent number: 11981218
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for requesting a battery to be unlocked from an e-vehicle using an application for authorizing a user to unlock the battery. A request is received at a cloud-based server, to unlock the battery from the micro mobility vehicle. Authorisation data is provided, by the cloud-based server, if the user making the request is permitted to unlock the battery at the e-vehicle. Further, methods and apparatus for controlling a self-serviced battery swap station by a cloud-based server are described. In one example battery data may be obtained from a cloud-connected battery swap station and used to generate battery charging control data. In one example, the battery charging control data is sent to the battery swap station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: PUSHME BIKES LIMITED
    Inventors: Georgios Kalligeros, Christos Grivas
  • Patent number: 11975607
    Abstract: During an at least partially autonomous driving operation of a motor vehicle, an arrangement and mode of action of environmental sensors of the motor vehicle, the sensor data of which are used in the at least partially autonomous driving operation, is visualized by use of a display device arranged in the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a data interface for wirelessly transmitting data to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Marcus Kühne