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).

  • Patent number: 12076102
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10952594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Gurusamy, Carson Jay Shellenberger, Christopher A. Julian, Joshua T. Oen
  • Publication number: 20210030260
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 10736490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20200093352
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay GURUSAMY, Carson Jay SHELLENBERGER, Christopher A. JULIAN, Joshua T. OEN
  • Patent number: 10512392
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Gurusamy, Carson Jay Shellberger, Christopher A. Julian, Joshua Oeh
  • Publication number: 20190069763
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 10105036
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180116735
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Christopher A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 9381067
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
  • Publication number: 20160151908
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20150133858
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8888688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8870900
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Michael Ikeda, Andris D. Ramans, Dean F. Hoornaert, Margaret M. Isaac
  • Publication number: 20140200388
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: M. Bret Schneider, John W. Sadler, Ai-Ting Stephanie Yang, Christopher A, Julian
  • Patent number: 8721530
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140018824
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8551116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20120259345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8182476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: 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