Patents by Inventor Akhil Madhani

Akhil Madhani has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160096120
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a puppet device. The apparatus also comprises a control mechanism operably connected to the puppet device to control movement of the puppet device. The control mechanism comprises a material having a material index of refraction that substantially matches a fluid index of refraction of a fluid in which the puppet device and the control device are positioned such that the control mechanism is rendered substantially invisible. Further, another apparatus comprises an object. The apparatus also comprises an actuator that is operably connected to the object and moves in a fluid environment based upon movement of a control mechanism that interacts with the actuator in the fluid environment, the control mechanism comprising a material having a material index of refraction that substantially matches a fluid index of refraction to render the control mechanism substantially invisible in the fluid environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Trowbridge, Akhil Madhani
  • Publication number: 20080077159
    Abstract: An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical INC.
    Inventors: Akhil Madhani, J. Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20070021032
    Abstract: In one aspect, a supported walking system is disclosed, comprising a robotic walking figure and a wheeled support that at least partially supports the robotic walking figure. The supported walking system may be driven and controlled by a human operator. Computer algorithms automatically control the robot's walking functions so that it may step forwards, backwards, and sideways in synchronicity with the movements of the cart while driving and turning at varying speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Tye, Akhil Madhani
  • Publication number: 20070021031
    Abstract: In one aspect, a supported walking system is disclosed, comprising a robotic walking figure and a wheeled support that at least partially supports the robotic walking figure. The supported walking system may be driven and controlled by a human operator. Computer algorithms automatically control the robot's walking functions so that it may step forwards, backwards, and sideways in synchronicity with the movements of the cart while driving and turning at varying speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Akhil Madhani, Bryan Tye
  • Publication number: 20060030841
    Abstract: An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Akhil Madhani, J. Kenneth Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20050153624
    Abstract: A system for producing motions for an animatronic figure is disclosed. The system is configured to produce different types of motions in real-time and in a life-like manner. The motion software module forms a composite motion by combining the user-inputted motion with user-selected fixed sequences and/or with algorithmically calculated motion. The motions of the animatronic figure can further be filtered to produce motions that are life-like. Combined motions are formed by superimposing, modulating, or modifying component motions. Motions ark filtered based on user-inputted commands and commands determined from a stimulus and filtered to create a life-like motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Alexis Wieland, Akhil Madhani, Holger Irmler
  • Publication number: 20050043718
    Abstract: A robotic apparatus has eight actuators (M0-M7) and a linkage (LINK 0-LINK 5) that actuates an end effector. Three serial macro freedoms have large ranges of motion and inertias. Four serial micro freedoms have small ranges of motion and inertias. Translation of the end effector in an y direction is actuated by at least one micro joint and at least one macro joint. The apparatus can be part of a master and slave combination, providing force feedback without any explicit force sensors. The slave is controlled with an Inverse Jacobian controller, and the mater with a Jacobian Transpose controller. A slave having more degrees of freedom (DOFs) than the master can be controlled. A removable effector unit actuates its DOFs with cables. Beating heart surgery can be accomplished by commanding the slave to move with a beating heart and cancelling out any such motion in the motions perceived by the master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Akhil Madhani, J. Salisbury, Gunter Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 6587750
    Abstract: An input device for robotic surgery mechanically transmits a grip signal across a first joint coupling a handle to a linkage supporting the handle. The handle is removable and replaceable, allows unlimited rotation about the joint, and may optionally include a touch sensor to inhibit movement of a surgical end effector when the hand of the surgeon is not in contact with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Richard Gerbi, Eugene F. Duval, Don Minami, Bob Hager, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Akhil Madhani, John Stern, Gary S. Guthart
  • Publication number: 20030060927
    Abstract: An input device for robotic surgery mechanically transmits a grip signal across a first joint coupling a handle to a linkage supporting the handle. The handle is removable and replaceable, allows unlimited rotation about the joint, and may optionally include a touch sensor to inhibit movement of a surgical end effector when the hand of the surgeon is not in contact with the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Richard Gerbi, Eugene F. Duval, Don Minami, Robert F. Hagen, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Akhil Madhani, John Stern, Gary S. Guthart