Patents by Inventor Bruce Robert Woodley
Bruce Robert Woodley 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).
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Patent number: 11803188Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) may move around a physical space performing various tasks. Most of the sensors on the AMD may be directed towards the front and sides of the AMD to facilitate autonomous navigation, interactions with users, and so forth. The AMD may return to a dock to recharge batteries, replenish consumables, transfer payload, and so forth. The AMD uses the sensors to approach the vicinity of the dock. Once in the vicinity, the AMD turns around and backs into the dock. This orientation allows the AMD to continue to operate the forward-facing sensors and interact with users while docked. The AMD uses inductive sensors to detect metallic targets located at particular positions in the dock. Output from the inductive sensors provides information about the relative position of the AMD with respect to the dock and is used to steer the AMD into a desired docked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Abhay Gupta, Ravi Yatnalkar, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20220287877Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Phillip Gooding, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Patent number: 11351060Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Phillip Gooding, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Patent number: 11204609Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) includes an active braking circuit able to quickly stop the movement of the AMD. For example, the device may stop to avoid an obstacle, upon determining a failure of an internal component, upon receipt of a command, and so forth. Responsive to a signal to stop, an active braking circuit uses sensor data from a driving motor moving with a first rotation to actively commutate that motor to an opposite rotation, bringing the AMD quickly to a stop. In some implementations, the active braking circuit may include an independent power source and motor drivers and operate as a backup to a primary braking system.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Benny Ng, Siddharth Gupta, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20190274878Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Phillip Gooding, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Patent number: 10292863Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: OPTIMEDICA CORPORATIONInventors: Phillip Gooding, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Patent number: 9357901Abstract: A system for graphically visualizing an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument is disclosed. The system includes an instrument having an elongate body. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The system also includes at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion, wherein the actuation of said at least one tensioning member results in an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion, and wherein said approximate y-bend and approximate x-bend define an approximate overall bend of said steerable distal portion. The system further includes a graphical user interface and an icon representing said approximate overall bend on said graphical user interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert Eno, Amir Belson, David Blaha, David Mintz, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20160151908Abstract: A steerable device may comprise an elongate, flexible body comprising a plurality of articulatable segments along at least part of a length of the body, a plurality of coil pipes extending in a spiral configuration along the articulatable segments, a plurality of tendons respectively received within the plurality of coil pipes, and an actuator coupled to the plurality of tendons, the actuator being configured to apply an actuation force to the tendons to selectively actuate articulation of the articulatable segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2015Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Joshua Oen, Aaron W. Brown, Christopher A. Julian, Keith P. Laby, Wade A. Keller, Lawrence Kerver, Marc S. Kriedler, Scott J. Reiner, Katherine Whitin
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Patent number: 9220398Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to the reduction or elimination of permanent and catastrophic herniations in Bowden cables or coil pipes in articulating devices or snake-like robots. More particularly, the present invention relates managing the coil pipes in a spiral pattern along the articulating device or snake-like robot to reduce or eliminate the necessity of the Bowden cables or coil pipes to slide along the length of the articulating device or snake-like robot. Reduction or elimination of the necessity for the Bowden cables or coil pipes to slide reduces or eliminates catastrophic herniations in articulating devices or snake-like robots undergoing one or more articulations.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Joshua Oen, Aaron Brown, Chris Julian, Keith P. Laby, Wade Keller, Lawrence Kerver, Marc Kreidler, Scott Reiner, Katherine Whitin
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Publication number: 20140128852Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Phillip Gooding, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20140094648Abstract: A system for graphically visualizing an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument is disclosed. The system includes an instrument having an elongate body. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The system also includes at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion, wherein the actuation of said at least one tensioning member results in an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion, and wherein said approximate y-bend and approximate x-bend define an approximate overall bend of said steerable distal portion. The system further includes a graphical user interface and an icon representing said approximate overall bend on said graphical user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Robert ENO, Amir BELSON, David BLAHA, David MINTZ, Bruce Robert WOODLEY
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Patent number: 8568299Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert Eno, Amir Belson, David Blaha, David Mintz, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20090099420Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to the reduction or elimination of permanent and catastrophic herniations in Bowden cables or coil pipes in articulating devices or snake-like robots. More particularly, the present invention relates managing the coil pipes in a spiral pattern along the articulating device or snake-like robot to reduce or eliminate the necessity of the Bowden cables or coil pipes to slide along the length of the articulating device or snake-like robot. Reduction or elimination of the necessity for the Bowden cables or coil pipes to slide reduces or eliminates catastrophic herniations in articulating devices or snake-like robots undergoing one or more articulations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: NeoGuide Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Joshua Oen, Aaron Brown, Chris Julian, Keith P. Laby, Wade Keller, Lawrence Kerver, Marc Kreidler, Scott Reiner, Katherine Whitin
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Publication number: 20070270650Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Robert Eno, Amir Belson, David Blaha, David Mintz, Bruce Robert Woodley
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Patent number: 6987784Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for synthesizing an electric field. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an electric field that changes across a distance in space is synthesized by applying voltage levels at several locations independently of one another. The independence in voltage levels allows the electric field that is synthesized to be made periodic or aperiodic. Such a synthesized electric field can be changed at any time for use in, for example, a tunable laser. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electric field is used to change the refractive index of an electro-optic substance in an optical filter. Such an optical filter can be used as part of, for example, a wavelength agile laser, an optical add drop multiplexer, an optical switch, or the like. Such an optical filter can also be used for dynamic power balancing, dynamic gain equalization, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: San Jose Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Neil MacKinnon
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Publication number: 20040062465Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for measuring optical power as a function of wavelength. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise a waveguide structure having at least one waveguide. The at least one waveguide is comprised of an electro-optic material. The at least one waveguide includes an input end for receiving a beam of optical energy and an output end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed in close proximity along a longitudinal axis of the at least one waveguide. The voltages on a sub-plurality of the plurality of electrodes are independently controlled to alter the index of refraction of the at least one waveguide at positions adjacent to each sub-plurality of electrodes to pass a selected portion of the beam of optical energy. The output end passes the selected portion of the beam of optical energy to, for example, an apparatus that measures incident optical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Neil MacKinnon
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Patent number: 6665322Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the length of a laser cavity comprises a laser diode that is configured to produce a beam of energy, the laser diode has a first end and an output end, the first end being in optical communication with a highly reflective mirror. A wave guide having a receiving end and a transmission end is also provided, with the wave guide being comprised of an electro-optical material, wherein the receiving end is in optical communication with the output end, and the transmission end is in optical communication with an output coupler. A plurality of electrodes are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the wave guide, wherein the voltage on each electrode is independently controlled to alter the index of refraction of the wave guide at a position adjacent each electrode. A polarizer is also provided with respect to the transmission end, with the polarizer configured to attenuate the beam of energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: San Jose Systems Inc.Inventor: Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20030179787Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the length of a laser cavity comprises a laser diode that is configured to produce a beam of energy, the laser diode has a first end and an output end, the first end being in optical communication with a highly reflective mirror. A wave guide having a receiving end and a transmission end is also provided, with the wave guide being comprised of an electro-optical material, wherein the receiving end is in optical communication with the output end, and the transmission end is in optical communication with an output coupler. A plurality of electrodes are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the wave guide, wherein the voltage on each electrode is independently controlled to alter the index of refraction of the wave guide at a position adjacent each electrode. A polarizer is also provided with respect to the transmission end, with the polarizer configured to attenuate the beam of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Bruce Robert Woodley
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Publication number: 20030053495Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for synthesizing an electric field. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an electric field that changes across a distance in space is synthesized by applying voltage levels at several locations independently of one another. The independence in voltage levels allows the electric field that is synthesized to be made periodic or aperiodic. Such a synthesized electric field can be changed at any time for use in, for example, a tunable laser. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electric field is used to change the refractive index of an electro-optic substance in an optical filter. Such an optical filter can be used as part of, for example, a wavelength agile laser, an optical add drop multiplexer, an optical switch, or the like. Such an optical filter can also be used for dynamic power balancing, dynamic gain equalization, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Bruce Robert Woodley, Neil MacKinnon