Patents by Inventor Charles E. Swinehart
Charles E. Swinehart 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: 11504156Abstract: A surgical port feature may include a funnel portion, a tongue, a waist portion, and surgical instrument channels. The waist portion may be located between the funnel portion and the tongue. The surgical instrument channels may extend from the funnel portion through the waist portion. The surgical port feature may further include a second tongue, with the wait portion being located between the funnel portion, the tongue, and the second tongue.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Craig R. Gerbi, John Ryan Steger, Charles E. Swinehart
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Publication number: 20210386494Abstract: A teleoperational system receives a movement command in response to movement of an input device, in response to determining an instrument is being controlled based on the movement of the input device, maps the movement command to a first movement of the instrument in an instrument frame using a first mapping, and in response to determining a tissue probe is being controlled based on the movement of the input device, maps the movement command to a second movement of the tissue probe in a tissue probe frame using a second mapping. The first mapping maps motion in an input direction in the input frame to an instrument direction in the instrument frame. The second mapping maps motion in the input direction to a tissue probe direction in the tissue probe frame. The instrument direction corresponding with the input direction. The tissue probe direction not corresponding with the input direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Brian M. Crews, Craig R. Gerbi, Tyler J. Morrissette, Margaret M. Nixon, Joseph P. Orban, III, Theodore W. Rogers, Alain Sadaka, Charles E. Swinehart, Michael Turner, Kerry S. Wang
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Patent number: 11129683Abstract: A teleoperational medical system comprises an input device and a manipulator configured to couple with and move an instrument. The system also comprises a control system including one or more processors. In response to a determination that the instrument is inserted into an instrument workspace in a corresponding direction to a field of view of the workspace, the control system is configured to map movement of the input device to movement of the instrument according to a first mapping. In response to a determination that the instrument is inserted into the instrument workspace in a non-corresponding direction to the field of view, the control system is configured to map movement of the input device to movement of the instrument according to a second mapping. The second mapping includes an inversion of the first mapping for at least one direction of motion of the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Brian M. Crews, Craig R. Gerbi, Tyler J. Morrissette, Margaret M. Nixon, Joseph P. Orban, III, Theodore W. Rogers, Alain Sadaka, Charles E. Swinehart, Michael Turner, Kerry S. Wang
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Patent number: 11039736Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument may comprise a flexible instrument comprising a steerable portion configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a shape sensing device comprising a first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The first resistance-changing flexible sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a first bend change in the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a controller in signal communication with the first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The controller may be logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the first resistance-changing flexible sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Amir Belson, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley
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Publication number: 20210030260Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a first articulatable segment having a first diameter, and a second articulatable segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second articulatable segment is coupled to the first articulatable segment and extends in a distal direction past the first articulatable segment. The instrument may also comprise a first force transmission element coupled to the first articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the first articulatable segment to a first connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a first actuator, and a second force transmission element coupled to the second articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the second articulatable segment to a second connector portion, the second connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a second actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christopher A. JULIAN, Amir BELSON, Aaron W. BROWN, Mark HARASYM, Marc S. KREIDLER, Robert M. OHLINE, Scott J. REINER, Enrique ROMO, Charles E. SWINEHART, Katherine WHITIN
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Patent number: 10736490Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a first articulatable segment having a first diameter, and a second articulatable segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second articulatable segment is coupled to the first articulatable segment and extends in a distal direction past the first articulatable segment. The instrument may also comprise a first force transmission element coupled to the first articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the first articulatable segment to a first connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a first actuator, and a second force transmission element coupled to the second articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the second articulatable segment to a second connector portion, the second connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Amir Belson, Aaron W. Brown, Mark Harasym, Marc S. Kreidler, Robert M. Ohline, Scott J. Reiner, Enrique Romo, Charles E. Swinehart, Katherine Whitin
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Publication number: 20200229683Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument may comprise a flexible instrument comprising a steerable portion configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a shape sensing device comprising a first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The first resistance-changing flexible sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a first bend change in the steerable portion. The system may also comprise a controller in signal communication with the first resistance-changing flexible sensor. The controller may be logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the first resistance-changing flexible sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Amir Belson, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley
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Patent number: 10660509Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a remotely controlled steerable instrument comprises a flexible instrument. The flexible instrument comprises a steerable distal portion and a passive proximal portion. The steerable distal portion is configured to articulate to change a shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a shape sensing device comprising an optical fiber that spirals around the steerable distal portion. The optical fiber is configured to provide a signal indicative of the shape of the steerable distal portion. The system further comprises a controller in signal communication with the optical fiber. The controller is logically coupled to the flexible instrument and is configured to output a control signal to articulate the steerable distal portion of the flexible instrument in response to receiving at least the signal from the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
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Publication number: 20200078109Abstract: A teleoperational medical system comprises an input device and a manipulator configured to couple with and move an instrument. The system also comprises a control system including one or more processors. In response to a determination that the instrument is inserted into an instrument workspace in a corresponding direction to a field of view of the workspace, the control system is configured to map movement of the input device to movement of the instrument according to a first mapping. In response to a determination that the instrument is inserted into the instrument workspace in a non-corresponding direction to the field of view, the control system is configured to map movement of the input device to movement of the instrument according to a second mapping. The second mapping includes an inversion of the first mapping for at least one direction of motion of the instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2017Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Brian M. Crews, Craig R. Gerbi, Tyler J. Morrisette, Margaret M. Nixon, Joseph P. Orban, III, Theodore W. Rogers, Alain Sadaka, Charles E. Swinehart, Michael Turner, Kerry S. Wang
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Publication number: 20190192132Abstract: A surgical port feature may include a funnel portion, a tongue, a waist portion, and surgical instrument channels. The waist portion may be located between the funnel portion and the tongue. The surgical instrument channels may extend from the funnel portion through the waist portion. The surgical port feature may further include a second tongue, with the wait portion being located between the funnel portion, the tongue, and the second tongue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore W. ROGERS, Craig R. GERBI, John Ryan STEGER, Charles E. SWINEHART
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Patent number: 10245069Abstract: A surgical port feature may include a funnel portion, a tongue, a waist portion, and surgical instrument channels. The waist portion may be located between the funnel portion and the tongue. The surgical instrument channels may extend from the funnel portion through the waist portion. The surgical port feature may further include a second tongue, with the wait portion being located between the funnel portion, the tongue, and the second tongue.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Craig R. Gerbi, John Ryan Steger, Charles E. Swinehart
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Publication number: 20190094084Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes an elongated shaft; an end effector located at the distal end of the shaft includes first and second jaws having opposing working faces and a pivot axis; at least one of the first and second jaws is mounted to rotatably pivot about the pivot axis. A fluid filled sac includes a first bladder portion and a second bladder portion and a tube portion extending between the first and second bladder portions; the first bladder portion is located at a working face of the first jaw; a sensor is operatively coupled to the second bladder portion to produce a sensor signal indicative of fluid pressure within the fluid filled sac.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Charles E. Swinehart, John Ryan Steger
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Publication number: 20190069763Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a first articulatable segment having a first diameter, and a second articulatable segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second articulatable segment is coupled to the first articulatable segment and extends in a distal direction past the first articulatable segment. The instrument may also comprise a first force transmission element coupled to the first articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the first articulatable segment to a first connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a first actuator, and a second force transmission element coupled to the second articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the second articulatable segment to a second connector portion, the second connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a second actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christopher A. JULIAN, Amir BELSON, Aaron W. BROWN, Mark HARASYM, Marc S. KREIDLER, Robert M. OHLINE, Scott J. REINER, Enrique ROMO, Charles E. SWINEHART, Katherine WHITIN
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Patent number: 10105036Abstract: A connector assembly for controllable articles is described herein. The connector assembly engages force transmission elements used to transmit force from one or more force generators with the force transmission elements used to manipulate a controllable article. Additionally, the connector assembly provides organization thereby simplifying the process of connecting a plurality of elements, usually with a quick, single movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Amir Belson, Aaron W. Brown, Mark Harasym, Marc S. Kreidler, Robert M. Ohline, Scott J. Reiner, Enrique Romo, Charles E. Swinehart, Katherine Whitin
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Patent number: 9814527Abstract: A cannula mounting fixture may include a base, a first arm with a first cannula mounting bracket and a second arm with a second cannula mounting bracket. The first arm may be coupled to the base so that a first cannula mounted at the first mounting bracket is positioned within an opening in a patient's body. The second arm may be coupled to the base and includes a joint that allows a second cannula mounted at the second mounting bracket to be inserted through the opening. A cannula stabilizing fixture may include a base and a repositionable arm. The base may be configured to be securely and removably coupled to a first cannula that extends into an opening in a patient's body. The repositionable arm may include a first cannula holder coupled to the base and is configured to support a second cannula that extends into the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger, Charles E. Swinehart
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Publication number: 20170319049Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
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Patent number: 9737198Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Keith P. Laby, Robert M. Ohline, Christoph M. Pistor, Charles E. Swinehart, Bruce R. Woodley, Amir Belson
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Patent number: 9687302Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a cannula and a surgical instrument. The cannula includes a curved longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its length. The surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and an end effector coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. At least a portion of the end effector is configured to contact an inner surface of the cannula during insertion of the surgical instrument into the curved cannula. A threshold galling stress between the portion of the end effector and an inner surface of the curved cannula is at least 10,000 pounds per square inch.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Samuel T. Crews, Andrew Crews, Edward P. Donlon, Craig Gerbi, Kenneth L. Gong, Karnarnadakala D. Krishnanand, Peling Lee, Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger, Charles E. Swinehart
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Patent number: 9492347Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a belt cartridge to a belt drive platform. A clip attached to the belt is inserted into a slot in the drive spool of the belt drive platform. The cover plate of the belt cartridge fits into a channel beam in the housing of the belt drive platform, thereby securing the cartridge to the housing. Belt guards, for protecting the cartridge, belt drive platform, patient and rescuer, are rotatably attached to the cover plate and are secured around spindles disposed on the sides of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.Inventors: Reynaldo J. Quintana, Paul Q. Escudero, Charles E. Swinehart
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Publication number: 20150133858Abstract: A connector assembly for controllable articles is described herein. The connector assembly engages force transmission elements used to transmit force from one or more force generators with the force transmission elements used to manipulate a controllable article. Additionally, the connector assembly provides organization thereby simplifying the process of connecting a plurality of elements, usually with a quick, single movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christopher A. JULIAN, Amir BELSON, Aaron W. BROWN, Mark HARASYM, Marc S. KREIDLER, Robert M. OHLINE, Scott J. REINER, Enrique ROMO, Charles E. SWINEHART, Katherine WHITIN