Patents by Inventor Ashley Lynne Wellman

Ashley Lynne Wellman 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).

  • Patent number: 11806034
    Abstract: Techniques for grasp adjustment include a computer-assisted device comprising a repositionable structure configured to support an end effector and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more images of the end effector; determine, based on the one or more images, at least one of a first length between a proximal end of jaws of the end effector and a proximal end of a grasping zone, a second length corresponding to a length of the grasping zone, a third length between a distal end of the grasping zone and the distal end of the at least one jaw; or an angle between the jaws of the end effector; and adjust a force or a torque magnitude limit used to limit actuation of the end effector based on at least one of the first length, the second length, the third length, or the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne Wellman, David W. Weir, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Publication number: 20230067515
    Abstract: Techniques for grasp adjustment include a computer-assisted device comprising a repositionable structure configured to support an end effector and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more images of the end effector; determine, based on the one or more images, at least one of a first length between a proximal end of jaws of the end effector and a proximal end of a grasping zone, a second length corresponding to a length of the grasping zone, a third length between a distal end of the grasping zone and the distal end of the at least one jaw; or an angle between the jaws of the end effector; and adjust a force or a torque magnitude limit used to limit actuation of the end effector based on at least one of the first length, the second length, the third length, or the angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne WELLMAN, David W. WEIR, Matthew A. WIXEY
  • Patent number: 11523839
    Abstract: Systems and methods for grasp adjustment based on grasp properties include a computer-assisted device. The device includes a two-jawed end effector located at a distal end of the device, a drive unit for operating the two-jawed end effector, and an image processing unit. The image processing unit is configured to receive imaging data of the end effector and recognize the end effector and a material grasped by the end effector in the received imaging data. The device is configured to adjust a force magnitude limit or a torque magnitude limit of the drive unit based on the received imaging data. In some embodiments, the image processing unit is further configured to determine one or more of a position, an orientation, a size, or a shape of the material based on the received imaging data. In some embodiments, at least one jaw of the end effector includes fiducial indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne Wellman, David W. Weir, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Publication number: 20190298398
    Abstract: Systems and methods for grasp adjustment based on grasp properties include a computer-assisted device. The device includes a two-jawed end effector located at a distal end of the device, a drive unit for operating the two-jawed end effector, and an image processing unit. The image processing unit is configured to receive imaging data of the end effector and recognize the end effector and a material grasped by the end effector in the received imaging data. The device is configured to adjust a force magnitude limit or a torque magnitude limit of the drive unit based on the received imaging data. In some embodiments, the image processing unit is further configured to determine one or more of a position, an orientation, a size, or a shape of the material based on the received imaging data. In some embodiments, at least one jaw of the end effector includes fiducial indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne Wellman, David W. Weir, Matthew A. Wixey