Patents by Inventor Chris Zimmer

Chris Zimmer 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: 20220401128
    Abstract: A trocar is provided that is adapted to insert a lighting attachment into a body cavity. The trocar connects at its distal end to the lighting attachment such that it can be pushed into the body cavity. An endoscope may then be inserted through the trocar into the body cavity. The lighting attachment is configured to detach from the trocar and attach to the endoscope head to provide additional lighting to the endoscope. The lighting attachment includes foldable lighting panels that expand when in use in order to light a wider field of view. The lighting attachment may be powered by induction coil from the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel LIETZ, George DUCKETT, Chris ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10133013
    Abstract: An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer, Carolyn Finney
  • Patent number: 10130241
    Abstract: A first connector for a medical instrument has one or more first channels extending through a first surface, and terminating at respective ends. A second connector has opposing second channels for coupling with the first channels. A first power transfer element is mounted on the first connector, and defines a first cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more first channels and has a first central axis extending through the first surface. A second power transfer element on the second connector defines a second cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more second channels and has a second central axis extending through the second surface. The first power transfer element may instead be on a side surface of the first connector, and may couple with a paired element on a receptacle or extension of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Helga Schemm, Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10039438
    Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier. The communication and power transfer may allow rotation of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Helga Schemm, Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer, George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20170336579
    Abstract: An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer, Carolyn Finney
  • Publication number: 20170332888
    Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier. The communication and power transfer may allow rotation of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion while in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Helga Schemm, Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer, George E. Duckett, III
  • Publication number: 20170332884
    Abstract: A first connector for a medical instrument has one or more first channels extending through a first surface, and terminating at respective ends. A second connector has opposing second channels for coupling with the first channels. A first power transfer element is mounted on the first connector, and defines a first cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more first channels and has a first central axis extending through the first surface. A second power transfer element on the second connector defines a second cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more second channels and has a second central axis extending through the second surface. The first power transfer element may instead be on a side surface of the first connector, and may couple with a paired element on a receptacle or extension of the second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Helga Schemm, Joseph Sanandajifar, Mark Belding, Chris Zimmer