Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Julian
Christopher A. Julian 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: 12076102Abstract: 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: July 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: 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: 10952594Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jay Gurusamy, Carson Jay Shellenberger, Christopher A. Julian, Joshua T. Oen
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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: 20200093352Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jay GURUSAMY, Carson Jay SHELLENBERGER, Christopher A. JULIAN, Joshua T. OEN
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Patent number: 10512392Abstract: One embodiment of present invention is a segmented instrument having braking capabilities that includes an elongate body having a plurality of links and a hinge connecting a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. There is also brake assembly coupled to each link in the pair of adjacent links and positioned to span the distance between the pair of adjacent links. Another embodiment of the present invention is a segmented instrument having a plurality of links and at least one lockable and articulatable joint positioned to connect a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. In addition, the at least one lockable and articulatable joint is adapted and configured to increase the number of frictional surfaces available between the pair of adjacent links. There are also provided methods for controlling a segmented instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jay Gurusamy, Carson Jay Shellberger, Christopher A. Julian, Joshua Oeh
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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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Publication number: 20180116735Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Christopher A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
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Patent number: 9381067Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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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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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
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Patent number: 8888688Abstract: 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 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: 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: 8870900Abstract: Devices, systems and methods related to endoscopic surgery, particularly related to robotic surgical operations, provide a tissue stabilizer for endoscopically stabilizing a target tissue within a patient's body. For stabilizing a beating heart during a closed-chest coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, a stabilizer is inserted through an endoscopic cannula and provides sufficient surface area to contact the heart and effectively stabilize the target tissue area. The stabilizer can straddle a blood vessel, such as a coronary artery, which is targeted for an anastomosis. Vessel occlusion fasteners may occlude the target blood vessel prior to the anastomosis procedure.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Michael Ikeda, Andris D. Ramans, Dean F. Hoornaert, Margaret M. Isaac
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Publication number: 20140200388Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for applying therapeutic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to at least one superficial cortical target brain region and at least one deep brain target so that the induced current points between the superficial cortical and deep brain targets. Systems may include two TMS electromagnets configured for treating a patient by stimulating at least one deep brain region with one TMS magnet at the same time that a second TMS magnet stimulates at least one superficial cortical brain region. Also described are positioners to secure at least two TMS magnets in a substantially fixed arrangement relative to the patient's head, while allowing for fine adjustment of position and orientation of each of the TMS magnets individually to conform them to the shape of the contact surface of the body and to direct the vector direction of the overall induced current from the magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: M. Bret Schneider, John W. Sadler, Ai-Ting Stephanie Yang, Christopher A, Julian
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Patent number: 8721530Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Christopher A. Julian
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Publication number: 20140018824Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 8551116Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, IncInventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20120259345Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 8182476Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill