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: 20210266517
    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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Derek C. Liou, Ian E. McDowall, Jonathan D. Halderman, Doris Lin, John A Barton, Bruce M. Schena, Kierstin Gray Parrish
  • Publication number: 20210122067
    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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: 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: 20210113284
    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: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Patent number: 10959793
    Abstract: A surgical instrument support arm of a teleoperated patient side cart may include a first arm portion including a first connector end and a second a second arm portion including a second connector end. The second arm portion may be removably connectable to the first arm portion via mating engagement of the first and second connector ends. The first and second connector ends may each include complementary mechanical connections and complementary electrical connections. At least one of the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends may include electrical shielding to protect against electrical interference in a position in which the electrical connections are matingly engaged. The electrical shielding may be configured to axially compress when the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends are matingly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Alan W. Petersen, Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20210030500
    Abstract: Active and semi-active damping of systems include a first link supported by a base, a second link, a damper coupling the first link to the second link, the damper having a variable damping coefficient, and a processor. The processor is configured to predict an acceleration or a vibration of the second link expected to result from a commanded movement of the second link and adjust the variable damping coefficient of the damper based on the predicted acceleration or the predicted vibration to reduce vibration in the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Roman L. DEVENGENZO, Bruce M. SCHENA, David W. ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 10905507
    Abstract: A system includes 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, determine a first reference frame for the first imaging device based on the mounting of the first imaging device to the first manipulator, detect mounting of a second imaging device to a second manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, select the first imaging device as a reference imaging device, and in response to selecting the first imaging device as the reference imaging device, control the second imaging device relative to the first reference frame. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to select the first imaging device as the reference imaging device in response to the first imaging device being mounted prior to the second imaging device operator selection or based on a type of the first imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    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: 10899021
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion; a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion; a column extending vertically from the base portion; a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column; a stabilization device coupled to the base portion, the stabilization device moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuation device to cause movement of the stabilization device between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a biasing element coupled to the stabilization device, the biasing element exerting a biasing force to bias the stabilization device toward the retracted position. The stabilization device may comprise a stabilization surface, the stabilization surface contacting the ground surface on which the surgical cart assembly is supported in the deployed position of the stabilization device, and the stabilization surface spaced from the ground surface in the retracted position of the stabilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    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: 20200360099
    Abstract: A system includes 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, determine a first reference frame for the first imaging device based on the mounting of the first imaging device to the first manipulator, detect mounting of a second imaging device to a second manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, select the first imaging device as a reference imaging device, and in response to selecting the first imaging device as the reference imaging device, control the second imaging device relative to the first reference frame. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to select the first imaging device as the reference imaging device in response to the first imaging device being mounted prior to the second imaging device operator selection or based on a type of the first imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Patent number: 10779902
    Abstract: A surgical system includes methods and systems for damping vibrations. The surgical system can include one or several moveable set-up linkages. A passive, active, or semi-active damper can be connected with one or several of the set-up linkages. The damper can mitigate a vibration arising in one of the set-up linkages and the damper can prevent a vibration arising in one of the linkages from affecting another of the set-up linkages. The active and semi-active dampers can be controlled with a feedback or a feed-forward model. In some embodiments, the system includes a first link supported by a base, a second link, a damper having a variable portion coupling the first link to the second link, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a movement or a vibration of the second link and adjust the variable portion of the damper based on the detected movement or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman L. Devengenzo, Bruce M. Schena, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10779711
    Abstract: A robotic arm including a parallel spherical five-bar linkage with a remote center of spherical rotation. The robotic arm movably supports an endoscopic camera. Two outboard links are pivotally coupled together. At least one of the two outboard links supports the endoscopic camera. Two inboard links are respectively pivotally coupled to the two outboard links such that the two inboard links are able to cross over one another. The two inboard links moveably support the two outboard links. A ground link is pivotally coupled to the two inboard links. The ground link moveably supports the two inboard links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20200275826
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and control console include connectors that provide coupling for at least two operational channels for the surgical instrument. By incorporating discrete engagement elements for each operational channel in a single connector housing, robust, reliable, and efficient connections can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 10743953
    Abstract: A system includes manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of an imaging device to a first manipulator of the manipulators, determine a first reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the first manipulator, control a tool relative to the first reference frame by controlling a relative position and orientation of a tip of the tool relative to the imaging device in the first reference frame by correlating movement of a master input control to movement of the tool in the first reference frame, detect mounting of the imaging device to a second manipulator of the manipulators, the second manipulator being different from the first manipulator, determine a second reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the second manipulator, and control the tool relative to the second reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
  • Publication number: 20200253672
    Abstract: A surgical flux transmission conduit comprises a data signal transmission pathway; a surgical flux transmission pathway; and a connector interface. The connector interface comprises a data signal transmission terminal feature in communication with the data signal transmission pathway, and a surgical flux transmission terminal feature in communication with the surgical flux transmission pathway. The connector interface of the surgical flux transmission conduit is configured to selectively mate with a first device connector interface having at least one device surgical flux transmission terminal feature and at least one device data signal terminal feature, and with a second device connector interface having at least one device surgical flux transmission terminal feature and without a device data signal transmission terminal feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory W. DACHS, II, Bruce M. SCHENA, Paul MILLMAN, Paul W. MOHR
  • Publication number: 20200254633
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion; a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion; a column extending vertically from the base portion; a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column; a stabilization device coupled to the base portion, the stabilization device moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuation device to cause movement of the stabilization device between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a biasing element coupled to the stabilization device, the biasing element exerting a biasing force to bias the stabilization device toward the retracted position. The stabilization device may comprise a stabilization surface, the stabilization surface contacting the ground surface on which the surgical cart assembly is supported in the deployed position of the stabilization device, and the stabilization surface spaced from the ground surface in the retracted position of the stabilization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 10682191
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, Pushkar Hingwe, Paul Millman, Bruce M. Schena, Roman L. Devengenzo, Scott Luke
  • Patent number: 10668633
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion. The base portion also includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion and arranged to permit wheeled movement of the surgical cart assembly. The cart also includes a column extending vertically from the base portion, and a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column opposite to a location of the base portion. The cart further comprises a stabilization assembly coupled to the base portion, the stabilization assembly may include a piston assembly moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an actuation device operably coupled to the piston assembly to actuate the piston assembly between the retracted position and the deployed position. The piston assembly in the retracted position is retracted away from a ground surface on which the cart assembly is supported, and the piston assembly in the deployed position is in contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    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: 20200155130
    Abstract: A system comprises an instrument carriage configured to support an instrument. The instrument comprises a joint output and an input coupling configured to move the joint output. The instrument carriage comprises an actuating element. The actuating element comprises a drive input and an actuator coupled to drive the drive input. The drive input is configured to engage the input coupling. The system also comprises a control system configured to drive the drive input with the actuator and determine whether the drive input has engaged the input coupling based on a determination of whether the actuator experiences a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 10631939
    Abstract: A method of supplying flux may include receiving first data at a control system identifying which of a plurality of remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of flux supply pathways and receiving second data at the control system identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of kinematic support structures. A system for supplying flux may include a plurality of flux supply pathways, a plurality of remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures, and a control system receiving first data identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of the flux supply pathways and receiving second data identifying which of the remotely-controllable kinematic flux delivery structures is operationally coupled to which of a plurality of kinematic support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Dachs, II, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 10631713
    Abstract: A medical device comprises an end effector for performing a medical procedure, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector comprises a housing, a first interface, and a second interface. The first interface is coupled to the housing and includes a rod through which a first operational channel extends. The second interface is coupled to the housing and includes a second operational channel. The second connector comprises a housing, a first socket, and a second socket. The housing comprises a cavity bounded by an inner surface including a back surface. The first socket is sized and shaped to receive the rod; the second socket is sized and shaped to receive the second interface and projects from the back surface. The rod engages with the first socket to at least partially align the second interface with the second socket before the second interface engages with the second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Schena
  • Publication number: 20200107896
    Abstract: A cannula sterile adaptor for a surgical system includes a first portion comprising a rigid material and a second portion comprising a compliant material. one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a depression arranged to receive a clamping arm of a cannula mount of the surgical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. THOMPSON, Randal P. GOLDBERG, Dean F. HOORNAERT, Tyler J. MORRISSETTE, Bruce M. SCHENA