Patents by Inventor Christopher A. ZIMMER

Christopher A. 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: 20240108204
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable optical image stabilization and image sensor alignments. By enabling image sensors to be adjusted based on identified misalignments, users of the systems and methods disclosed herein can adjust imaging during the course of a surgery or surgical procedure, without needing to stop the surgery or surgical procedure to manually realign optical components. The optical image stabilization allows for adjustment of sensor components to compensate for shifts or other movement of imaging devices and to maintain focus on a target object. The optical image stabilization also includes digital masks that can be overlaid on an image to block distracting mask shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20240057854
    Abstract: A filter assembly is configured to optically couple a camera head to an endoscope. The filter assembly includes a first end adapted to be removably coupled to the camera head and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, the second end adapted to be removably coupled to the endoscope. The filter assembly includes an optic housing disposed between the first end and the second end, the optic housing includes an optical path length maximizer and a first window. The first window has a first surface that is angled with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optic housing so as to minimize a narcissus reflection within the optic housing and an optical filter to reject laser irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Meyer, Christopher Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20240047113
    Abstract: An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oslie, Christopher Zimmer, Maxim J. Skender, Mark Gregory Belding
  • Patent number: 11839357
    Abstract: A filter assembly is configured to optically couple a camera head to an endoscope. The filter assembly includes a first end adapted to be removably coupled to the camera head and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, the second end adapted to be removably coupled to the endoscope. The filter assembly includes an optic housing disposed between the first end and the second end, the optic housing includes an optical path length maximizer and a first window. The first window has a first surface that is angled with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optic housing so as to minimize a narcissus reflection within the optic housing and an optical filter to reject laser irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Meyer, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11830615
    Abstract: A risk management system (RMS) device includes a RMS database and a RMS processor. The RMS processor includes a prescriber module to receive a request to enroll a patient in a RMS program of a therapeutic agent associated with multiple indications. The request includes a specification of at least one indication, and a confirmation of a diagnostic test conducted on the patient. The RMS processor also includes a patient module configured to generate a patient profile. The RMS processor also includes a database module configured to store the patient profile in the RMS database. The RMS processor also includes an authorization module configured to generate an authorization code indicating whether the patient is authorized to receive the therapeutic agent. The RMS processor also includes a communication module configured to transmit the authorization code to a pharmacy or a prescriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank S. Czerwiec, Amy Freedman, Keith Friend, Elaine A. O'Hara, Craig Ostroff, Marcelo De Freitas Santoro, Charles Shiner, Takeshi Watanabe, Miho Yamamoto, Christopher A. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11823835
    Abstract: An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oslie, Christopher Zimmer, Maxim J. Skender, Mark Gregory Belding
  • Publication number: 20230009228
    Abstract: An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oslie, Christopher Zimmer, Maxim J. Skender, Mark Gregory Belding
  • Publication number: 20220110509
    Abstract: A filter assembly is configured to optically couple a camera head to an endoscope. The filter assembly includes a first end adapted to be removably coupled to the camera head and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, the second end adapted to be removably coupled to the endoscope. The filter assembly includes an optic housing disposed between the first end and the second end, the optic housing includes an optical path length maximizer and a first window. The first window has a first surface that is angled with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optic housing so as to minimize a narcissus reflection within the optic housing and an optical filter to reject laser irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Meyer, Christopher Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20210326989
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, disaster location data indicating a location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of a natural disaster may be received, and a location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of a risk (such as a property or home) may be determined. A distance between the location of the natural disaster and the location of the risk may be calculated. It may be determined that the risk is, or is not, insurable at least in part by comparing the calculated distance to a threshold distance. In response to determining that the property is, or is not, insurable, a user interface may be caused to provide an indication that the risk is, or is not, insurable, respectively. When a property is determined to be insurable, the method may facilitate providing property insurance covering properties that otherwise would not be eligible or qualify for insurance as a result of the natural disaster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitaker, John Anthony Argenziano, Christopher Holman, Mark Durbin, Christopher Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20190349375
    Abstract: A risk management system (RMS) device includes a RMS database and a RMS processor. The RMS processor includes a prescriber module to receive a request to enroll a patient in a RMS program of a therapeutic agent associated with multiple indications. The request includes a specification of at least one indication, and a confirmation of a diagnostic test conducted on the patient. The RMS processor also includes a patient module configured to generate a patient profile. The RMS processor also includes a database module configured to store the patient profile in the RMS database. The RMS processor also includes an authorization module configured to generate an authorization code indicating whether the patient is authorized to receive the therapeutic agent. The RMS processor also includes a communication module configured to transmit the authorization code to a pharmacy or a prescriber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank S. CZERWIEC, Amy FREEDMAN, Keith FRIEND, Elaine A. O'HARA, Craig OSTROFF, Marcelo DE FREITAS SANTORO, Charles SHINER, Takeshi WATANABE, Miho YAMAMOTO, Christopher A. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10417914
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a user interface that warns a driver that a vehicle is located within or is near a geographical area (and/or intersection) associated with a higher than average risk of animal-vehicle and/or vehicle-vehicle collisions are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access a database that identifies a plurality of high risk areas, including areas associated with prior vehicle accidents. The electronic device may display a virtual road map, as well as an icon indicating the vehicle's current location and a plurality of visual indications of high-risk areas. When the electronic device detects that the current location of the vehicle is within and/or approaching a high-risk area, the electronic device may then warn the driver about the higher than average risk of experiencing a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Matthew E. Vose, Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10412089
    Abstract: A risk management system (RMS) device includes a RMS database and a RMS processor. The RMS processor includes a prescriber module to receive a request to enroll a patient in a RMS program of a therapeutic agent associated with multiple indications. The request includes a specification of at least one indication, and a confirmation of a diagnostic test conducted on the patient. The RMS processor also includes a patient module configured to generate a patient profile. The RMS processor also includes a database module configured to store the patient profile in the RMS database. The RMS processor also includes an authorization module configured to generate an authorization code indicating whether the patient is authorized to receive the therapeutic agent. The RMS processor also includes a communication module configured to transmit the authorization code to a pharmacy or a prescriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Frank S. Czerwiec, Amy Freedman, Keith Friend, Elaine A. O'Hara, Craig Ostroff, Marcelo De Freitas Santoro, Charles Shiner, Takeshi Watanabe, Miho Yamamoto, Christopher A. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10192445
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a user interface that warns a driver that a vehicle is located within or is near a geographical area (and/or intersection) associated with a higher than average risk of animal-vehicle and/or vehicle-vehicle collisions are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access a database that identifies a plurality of high risk areas, including areas associated with prior vehicle accidents. The electronic device may display a virtual road map, as well as an icon indicating the vehicle's current location and a plurality of visual indications of high-risk areas. When the electronic device detects that the current location of the vehicle is within and/or approaching a high-risk area, the electronic device may then warn the driver about the higher than average risk of experiencing a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Matthew E. Vose, Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10166916
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing environment data to determine whether a vehicle operator is at an elevated risk for an animal collision are provided. According to certain aspects, an insurance provider may assess elevated risk according to various factors and, if it is determined that the vehicle operator is at an elevated risk for an animal collision, the insurance provider may generate a warning and wirelessly communicate the warning to the vehicle operator. The factors analyzed may include past accident, driver characteristic, weather, calendar, time of day, animal, seasonal, and/or other information. The vehicle operator may be notified of the risk and optionally presented with tips to mitigate the risk. The vehicle operator may be notified of the risk by a mobile device and/or the vehicle, such as from a vehicle communication and control system. Animal collision avoidance functionality may be used to adjust insurance premiums, rates, or rewards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10055796
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a user interface that warns a driver that a vehicle is located within or is near a geographical area (and/or intersection) associated with a higher than average risk of animal-vehicle and/or vehicle-vehicle collisions are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access a database that identifies a plurality of high risk areas, including areas associated with prior vehicle accidents. The electronic device may display a virtual road map, as well as an icon indicating the vehicle's current location and a plurality of visual indications of high-risk areas. When the electronic device detects that the current location of the vehicle is within and/or approaching a high-risk area, the electronic device may then warn the driver about the higher than average risk of experiencing a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew E. Vose, Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9922374
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a user interface that warns a driver that a vehicle is located within or is near a geographical area (and/or intersection) associated with a higher than average risk of animal-vehicle and/or vehicle-vehicle collisions are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access a database that identifies a plurality of high risk areas, including areas associated with prior vehicle accidents. The electronic device may display a virtual road map, as well as an icon indicating the vehicle's current location and a plurality of visual indications of high-risk areas. When the electronic device detects that the current location of the vehicle is within and/or approaching a high-risk area, the electronic device may then warn the driver about the higher than average risk of experiencing a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew E. Vose, Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9656606
    Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a user interface that warns a driver that a vehicle is located within or is near a geographical area (and/or intersection) associated with a higher than average risk of animal-vehicle and/or vehicle-vehicle collisions are provided. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access a database that identifies a plurality of high risk areas, including areas associated with prior vehicle accidents. The electronic device may display a virtual road map, as well as an icon indicating the vehicle's current location and a plurality of visual indications of high-risk areas. When the electronic device detects that the current location of the vehicle is within and/or approaching a high-risk area, the electronic device may then warn the driver about the higher than average risk of experiencing a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew E. Vose, Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20160335411
    Abstract: A risk management system (RMS) device includes a RMS database and a RMS processor. The RMS processor includes a prescriber module to receive a request to enroll a patient in a RMS program of a therapeutic agent associated with multiple indications. The request includes a specification of at least one indication, and a confirmation of a diagnostic test conducted on the patient. The RMS processor also includes a patient module configured to generate a patient profile. The RMS processor also includes a database module configured to store the patient profile in the RMS database. The RMS processor also includes an authorization module configured to generate an authorization code indicating whether the patient is authorized to receive the therapeutic agent. The RMS processor also includes a communication module configured to transmit the authorization code to a pharmacy or a prescriber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank S. CZERWIEC, Amy FREEDMAN, Keith FRIEND, Elaine A. O'HARA, Craig OSTROFF, Marcelo DE FREITAS SANTORO, Charles SHINER, Takeshi WATANABE, Miho YAMAMOTO, Christopher A. ZIMMER
  • Publication number: 20150343947
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing environment data to determine whether a vehicle operator is at an elevated risk for an animal collision are provided. According to certain aspects, an insurance provider may assess elevated risk according to various factors and, if it is determined that the vehicle operator is at an elevated risk for an animal collision, the insurance provider may generate a warning and wirelessly communicate the warning to the vehicle operator. The factors analyzed may include past accident, driver characteristic, weather, calendar, time of day, animal, seasonal, and/or other information. The vehicle operator may be notified of the risk and optionally presented with tips to mitigate the risk. The vehicle operator may be notified of the risk by a mobile device and/or the vehicle, such as from a vehicle communication and control system. Animal collision avoidance functionality may be used to adjust insurance premiums, rates, or rewards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Bernico, Milton Mowery, Tim G. Sanidas, Christopher Zimmer