Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Schena

Bruce M. Schena 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: 20250064538
    Abstract: Teleoperated control includes commanding, in response to a first input to move a tool while an imaging device is mounted to a first manipulator and a tool is mounted to a second manipulator, actuator(s) of the second manipulator to move the tool with a first motion relative to a first reference frame that corresponds with a first movement of an input device relative to a display, the first reference frame defined based on the imaging device mounted to the first manipulator; and commanding, in response to receiving a second input to move the tool while the imaging device is mounted to the third manipulator, the actuator(s) to move the tool with a second motion relative to a second reference frame that corresponds with a second movement of the input device relative to the display, the second reference frame defined based on the imaging device being mounted to the third manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
  • Publication number: 20250057527
    Abstract: Implementations of suturing needles, suturing devices, and related methods are provided. An illustrative suturing needle includes a needle body having a leading end and a trailing end. The needle body includes an outer tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end configured to pierce tissue, and at least one at least one elongate inner body made of superelastic material disposed within and operably coupled to the outer tubular body. The outer tubular body deforms from a first configuration into a second configuration in response to the application of force by the at least one elongate inner body on the outer tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20250047824
    Abstract: An illustrative apparatus includes an objective lens system mounted in a distal end of the apparatus, the objective lens system having a lengthwise axis; and a window mounted in a distal face of the apparatus, the window having a surface oriented at an angle to the lengthwise axis of the objective lens system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Derek C. Liou, Ian E. McDowall, Jonathan D. Halderman, Doris Lin, John A. Barton, Bruce M. Schena, Kierstin Gray Parrish
  • Publication number: 20250025249
    Abstract: A surgical cannula includes a bowl section; a tube; and an attachment portion extending from the bowl section. The attachment portion is configured to engage with at least one of a cannula sterile adaptor and a cannula mount of a surgical system. The attachment portion extends from the bowl section along a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cannula. The attachment portion tapers in a direction away from the bowl section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 12171517
    Abstract: A system includes first and second manipulating means, and a means for detecting mounting of an imaging means to the first manipulating means, a means for determining a first reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the first manipulating means, a means for controlling a tool means relative to the first reference frame by maintaining a position and orientation of a distal portion of the tool means relative to the imaging means in the first reference frame based on a position and orientation of an input means relative to a display means, a means for detecting mounting of the imaging means to the second manipulating means, a means for determining a second reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the second manipulating means, and a means for controlling the tool means relative to the second reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Patent number: 12155810
    Abstract: An image capture unit has mounted in a frame: a first imaging assembly, a first circuit board, a second imaging assembly, and a second circuit board. The first imaging assembly is mounted on the first circuit board. The second imaging assembly is mounted on the second circuit board. A portion of the first circuit board and a portion of the second circuit board have a stacked configuration with the portion of the first circuit board being approximately parallel to the portion of the second circuit board. An end of another portion of the first circuit board is adjacent to an end of another portion of the second circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek C. Liou, Ian E. McDowall, Jonathan D. Halderman, Doris Lin, John A Barton, Bruce M. Schena, Kierstin Gray Parrish
  • Patent number: 12137935
    Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Bruce M. Schena, Randal P. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20240358232
    Abstract: A system may comprise a flexible delivery device including a tool channel extending therethrough and an elongated instrument configured to extend within the tool channel. The elongated instrument may include a flexible section and a rigidizable section. The system may also include a selective rigidization system at least partially extending within the elongated instrument and a sensor system configured to determine position information for the rigidizable section relative to a distal portion of the delivery device. The selective rigidization system, responsive to the position information, may be configured to transition a portion of the rigidizable section of the instrument from a bendable state to a rigid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Miles S. Joseph, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 12053252
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes a body configured to receive a portion of a cannula in a mounted state at the cannula mount; a pair of clamping components coupled to the body and configured to clamp the portion of the cannula in the mounted state of the cannula; and a latch assembly pivotably coupled to the body and slidably coupled to a clamping component of the pair of clamping components. At least one of the pair of clamping components is pivotable relative to the body to move the pair of clamping components between a first state to unclamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount and a second state to clamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount. Pivoting motion of the latch assembly relative to the body causes a portion of the latch assembly to slide along the clamping component and change a state of the pair of clamping components from an unlocked state to a locked state in the second state of the pair of clamping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 12029513
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart
  • Patent number: 11919154
    Abstract: A method includes moving a stabilization device comprising a stabilization surface relative to a base of a surgical cart, wherein the moving comprises moving the stabilization device from a retracted position in which the stabilization surface is spaced from the ground surface to a deployed position in which the stabilization surface is in contact with the ground surface, and wherein the moving comprises overcoming a biasing force biasing the stabilization device toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20230363840
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes a body configured to receive a portion of a cannula in a mounted state at the cannula mount; a pair of clamping components coupled to the body and configured to clamp the portion of the cannula in the mounted state of the cannula; and a latch assembly pivotably coupled to the body and slidably coupled to a clamping component of the pair of clamping components. At least one of the pair of clamping components is pivotable relative to the body to move the pair of clamping components between a first state to unclamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount and a second state to clamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount. Pivoting motion of the latch assembly relative to the body causes a portion of the latch assembly to slide along the clamping component and change a state of the pair of clamping components from an unlocked state to a locked state in the second state of the pair of clamping components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20230301736
    Abstract: A system includes first and second manipulating means, and a means for detecting mounting of an imaging means to the first manipulating means, a means for determining a first reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the first manipulating means, a means for controlling a tool means relative to the first reference frame by maintaining a position and orientation of a distal portion of the tool means relative to the imaging means in the first reference frame based on a position and orientation of an input means relative to a display means, a means for detecting mounting of the imaging means to the second manipulating means, a means for determining a second reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the second manipulating means, and a means for controlling the tool means relative to the second reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
  • Patent number: 11766303
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a processor and a linkage having a first link, a second link, and a damper coupling the second link to the first link. The processor is configured to receive a movement command for moving the linkage; determine one or more first vibrations expected to occur in the linkage as a result of performing the movement command; determine a movement profile for moving the linkage to reduce the one or more first vibrations; and drive, using a drive component, the linkage to move according to the movement profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11696804
    Abstract: Methods and systems for damping vibrations in a surgical system are disclosed herein. The damping of these vibrations can increase the precision of surgery performed using the surgical system. The surgical system can include one or several moveable set-up linkages. A damper can be connected with one or several of the set-up linkages. The damper can be a passive damper and can mitigate a vibration arising in one or more of the set-up linkages. The damper can additionally prevent a vibration arising in one of the linkages from affecting another of the set-up linkages. In some embodiments the damper is a squeeze film damper. In some embodiments, the squeeze film damper includes an insert having a plurality of first protrusions, a cup configured to receive the insert, and the cup having a having a plurality of second protrusions interdigitated with the plurality of first protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11690689
    Abstract: Inter-operative switching of tools in a robotic system includes a system with a plurality of manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of a first imaging device to a first manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the first imaging device having a first reference frame; in response to detecting the mounting of the first imaging device, control a tool relative to the first reference frame using a second manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the tool being mounted to the second manipulator; detect mounting of a second imaging device to a third manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the second imaging device having a second reference frame; and in response to detecting the mounting of the second imaging device, control the tool relative to the second reference frame using the second manipulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230114914
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a processor and a linkage having a first link, a second link, and a damper coupling the second link to the first link. The processor is configured to receive a movement command for moving the linkage; determine one or more first vibrations expected to occur in the linkage as a result of performing the movement command; determine a movement profile for moving the linkage to reduce the one or more first vibrations; and drive, using a drive component, the linkage to move according to the movement profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Roman L. DEVENGENZO, Bruce M. SCHENA, David W. ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20230044844
    Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Bruce M. Schena, Randal P. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11547506
    Abstract: Techniques for active and semi-active damping include a system including a base, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a processor. A proximal end of the first linkage is coupled to the base. The first linkage is configured to support a first instrument. The first linkage includes a first link, a second link, and a first damper coupling the second link to the first link. A proximal end of the second linkage is coupled to the base. The second linkage is configured to support a second instrument. The second linkage incudes a third link, a fourth link, and a second damper coupling the fourth link to the third link. The processor is configured to detect a movement or vibration of the first linkage caused by motion of the second linkage and control the second linkage to mitigate the detected movement or vibration of the first linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson