Patents by Inventor D. Black

D. Black 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: 11706311
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to cognitive automation-based engine processing to propagate data across multiple systems via a private network to overcome technical system, resource consumption, and architecture limitations. Data to be propagated can be manually input or extracted from a digital file. The data can be parsed by analyzing for correct syntax, normalized into first through sixth normal forms, segmented into packets for efficient data transmission, validated to ensure that the data satisfies defined formats and input criteria, and distributed into a plurality of data stores coupled to the private network, thereby propagating data without repetitive manual entry. The data may also be enriched by, for example, correcting for any errors or linking with other potentially related data. Based on data enrichment, recommendations of additional target(s) for propagation of data can be identified. Reports may also be generated. The cognitive automation may be performed in real-time to expedite processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ogrinz, Christine D. Black, Jayachandra Varma, Jinna Kim
  • Patent number: 11701139
    Abstract: A generator, ultrasonic device, and method for controlling a temperature of an ultrasonic blade are disclosed. A control circuit coupled to a memory determines an actual resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade by an ultrasonic waveguide. The actual resonant frequency is correlated to an actual temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit retrieves from the memory a reference resonant frequency of the ultrasonic electromechanical system. The reference resonant frequency is correlated to a reference temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit then infers the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the difference between the actual resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency. The control circuit controls the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the inferred temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Cameron R. Nott, Fergus P. Quigley, Amrita S. Sawhney, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Eric M. Roberson, Kristen G. Denzinger, Patrick J. Scoggins, Craig N. Faller, Madeleine C. Jayme, Jacob S. Gee
  • Patent number: 11701253
    Abstract: A vestibular neurostimulation device, which may include first and second electrodes; first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled, respectively, to first and second earpieces that are configured to be insertable into respective ear canals of a patient; and a controller comprising a waveform generator. The waveform generator may be is configured to deliver a modulated electric signal to the patient through galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using the first and second electrodes and to deliver a time varying thermal waveform to the patient through caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) using the first and second earpieces simultaneous with the delivery of the modulated electrical signal through GVS. The CVS and/or GVS may be configured to increase a passage of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) through a blood-brain-barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Scion NeuroStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11690642
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of deflecting an end effector include an acoustic waveguide with a proximal waveguide body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a distal waveguide body portion having an ultrasonic blade distally projecting therefrom, and an articulation body portion extending between the proximal and distal waveguide body portions. The articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is configured to flex a first direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a first plane. In addition, the articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is further configured to flex a second direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a second plane. The second direction is different than the first direction such that the second plane is different than the first plane for multiplanar deflection of the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brian D. Black, Morgan R. Hunter, Thomas B. Remm
  • Publication number: 20230200811
    Abstract: A powered treatment device for restructuring and revitalizing fascia tissue. The powered treatment device may include a housing, an actuator, and a tissue treatment assembly. The actuator may be configured to rotate and may be coupled to and disposed substantially within the housing. The tissue treatment assembly may include a panel and a plurality of finger members. The plurality of finger member may be fixedly coupled to the panel at a proximal end of the respective finger members. The finger members may be rigid and extend away from the panel. Each one of the finger members may have a respective central axis that extends from the proximal end to a distal end of the respective finger member. At least one of the central axes may extend at least partly along a radial direction and/or a circumferential direction of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Ashley D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230204080
    Abstract: In some examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member defining a first friction surface; an outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface; and an independent friction member positioned between the first friction surface of the inner cone member and the second friction surface of the outer cone member. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages a third friction surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages a fourth friction surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member via the friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 11684385
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section includes a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The rigidizing member is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the articulation section to thereby selectively provide rigidity to the articulation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Barry C. Worrell, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kristen L. D'Uva, Craig N. Faller, John B. Schulte, Kristen G. Denzinger, Joseph E. Hollo, Jason R. Sullivan, Brian D. Black, Frederick L. Estera, Stephen M. Leuck, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Gregory A. Trees, Gregory W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230175312
    Abstract: A light-weight unitary window assembly for recreational vehicles and trailers. The window assembly uses a two piece design that seats within the wall or door opening and incorporates a fixed window pane integrally molded into one of the polymer frame halves. The window assembly also uses a plurality of weep holes that extend through the frame halves to vacate water from the window assembly to the exterior of the vehicle or trailer wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the window assembly also includes a sliding window pane that slides along a peripheral track and securely seats in a closed position using a plurality of contact pads to prevent window “chatter.” The window assembly also includes an integrated latch mechanism to secure the sliding pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Gary A. Eck, John D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230172799
    Abstract: A treatment system for restructuring and revitalizing fascia tissue. The treatment system may include a base station that powers tissue treatment devices that are used to treat fascia or other tissue of patients. The tissue treatment devices may be powered devices, and include actuators that are used to move tissue treatment elements. The actuators may be motors that cause an effector inclusive of a support structure, such as a disc or other shaped structural member, on which the tissue treatment elements are connected or formed. In an embodiment, the effector may be a unitary piece, where a support structure and protrusions or fingers extend. Alternatively, the fingers may be detachably coupled to the support structure. The fingers may have a base that connects to or is integrated with the support structure, curved shafts, and rounded tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Ashley D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230112022
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin J. Danziger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brian D. Black, Cara L. Shapiro, Charles J. Scheib, Craig N. Faller, Daniel J. Mumaw, David J. Cagle, David T. Martin, David A. Monroe, Disha V. Estera, Foster B. Stulen, Frederick L. Estera, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory W. Johnson, Jacob S. Gee, Jason R. Sullivan, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jeffrey S. Swayze, John A. Hibner, John B. Schulte, Joseph E. Hollo, Kristen G. Denzinger, Kristen L. D'Uva, Matthew C. Miller, Michael R. Lamping, Richard W. Timm, Rudolph H. Nobis, Ryan M. Asher, Stephen M. Leuck, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William B. Weisenburgh, II, William A. Olson
  • Patent number: 11617597
    Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of an ultrasonic blade includes applying a power level to an ultrasonic transducer to achieve a desired temperature at an ultrasonic blade coupled to the transducer via an ultrasonic waveguide, inferring a temperature of the blade based on a voltage Vg(t) signal and a current Ig(t) signal applied to the transducer, comparing the inferred temperature of the blade to a predetermined temperature; and adjusting the power level to the transducer based on the comparison. In some aspects, the method includes measuring a phase angle ? between the voltage Vg(t) and the current Ig(t) and inferring the temperature of the blade from the phase angle ?. In some aspects, the method includes measuring an impedance Zg(t) equal to a ratio of the voltage Vg(t) to the current Ig(t) and inferring the temperature of the blade from the impedance Zg(t).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Amrita S. Sawhney, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Eric M. Roberson
  • Patent number: 11612408
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for determining the composition of tissue via an ultrasonic surgical instrument are disclosed. A control circuit can be configured to monitor the change in resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system of the ultrasonic surgical instrument as the ultrasonic blade oscillates against a tissue and determine the composition of the tissue accordingly. In some aspects, the control circuit can be configured to modify the operation of the ultrasonic electromechanical system or other operational parameters of the ultrasonic surgical instrument according to the detected tissue composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin L. Houser, John E. Brady, Gregory A. Trees, Patrick J. Scoggins, Madeleine C. Jayme, Kristen G. Denzinger, Cameron R. Nott, Craig N. Faller, Amrita S. Sawhney, Eric M. Roberson, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black
  • Patent number: 11612409
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of deflecting an end effector includes the end effector having an ultrasonic blade, a shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis, and a body assembly. The shaft assembly has an articulation section configured to articulate from a straight configuration to an articulated configuration and an acoustic waveguide with a flexible waveguide portion positioned within the articulation section. The body assembly proximally extends from the shaft assembly and includes a housing and a shiftable transducer. The shiftable transducer is secured to the acoustic waveguide and configured to generate an ultrasonic energy. In addition, the shiftable transducer assembly is movably mounted relative to the housing and configured to accommodate deflection of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brian D. Black, Morgan R. Hunter, Karl W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 11602364
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a body assembly. An ultrasonic blade connects to the ultrasonic waveguide. A clamp arm assembly of the surgical instrument is able to move from an opened position for receiving a tissue toward a closed position for clamping the tissue. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp body and a clamp pad facing the ultrasonic blade. A clamp arm actuator of the surgical instrument is able to move from a first position toward a second position to direct the clamp arm assembly from the opened position toward the closed position. A modular coupling of the surgical instrument connects to the clamp pad such that at least the clamp pad can be disconnected relative to the ultrasonic blade for replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Gregory D. Bishop, Brian D. Black, Chad P. Boudreaux, David J. Cagle, William E. Clem, Joseph Dennis, Kristen G. Denzinger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Kevin M. Fiebig, Ellen Burkart, Christina M. Hough, John V. Hunt, Cody R. Jackson, Cory G. Kimball, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Gabriel I. Myers, Ion V. Nicolaescu, William A. Olson, Candice Otrembiak, John K. Swain, Gregory A. Trees, John A. Weed, III, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Eitan T. Wiener, Barry C. Worrell, David C. Yates, Monica L. Zeckel
  • Patent number: 11603773
    Abstract: A heat management system for turbomachinery is provided. The heat management system includes a thermal delivery system configured to providing heating, cooling, or a combination thereof, to a turbomachinery. The thermal delivery system includes a first heat transfer conduit and a second heat transfer conduit. The second heat transfer conduit is disposed on the turbomachinery adjacent to the first heat transfer conduit. The heat management system additionally includes a controller operatively coupled to the thermal delivery system and configured to control the heating, the cooling, or the combination thereof, of the turbomachinery via the thermal delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Black, David M. Johnson, Brett Darrick Klinger, George Martin Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20230073715
    Abstract: In examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface; and an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface. The inner cone member and outer cone member may be selectively engaged and disengaged from another. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages the second friction surface of the outer cone member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member. The inner cone member includes at least one hole including an inlet near a front edge of the inner cone member and that extends through the inner cone member adjacent to the first friction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230074560
    Abstract: In some examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface, and an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engage and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages the second friction surface of the outer cone member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member. The inner surface of the inner cone member opposing the first friction surface includes at least one groove configured to receive a cooling fluid during operation of the cone clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230071969
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a rotating body, and a clamp arm movable between an open and a closed position. The shaft assembly extends along an axis and includes clamp arm clocking assembly and a clamp arm pivot assembly. The clamp arm clocking assembly can drive the rotating body and the clamp arm between a first clocked position and a second clocked position. The clamp arm pivot assembly includes an actuator body defining a track, where the actuator body can actuate to drive the clamp arm between the open position and the closed position while the actuator body is in a rotational position relative to the ultrasonic blade. The track houses a portion of the clamp arm in the first clocked position and the second clocked position while the actuator body is in the rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Morgan R. Hunter, Brian D. Black
  • Patent number: 11589888
    Abstract: A method for controlling an operation of an ultrasonic blade of an ultrasonic electromechanical system is disclosed. The method includes providing an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade via an ultrasonic waveguide; applying, by an energy source, a power level to the ultrasonic transducer; determining, by a control circuit coupled to a memory, a mechanical property of the ultrasonic electromechanical system; comparing, by the control circuit, the mechanical property with a reference mechanical property stored in the memory; and adjusting, by the control circuit, the power level applied to the ultrasonic transducer based on the comparison of the mechanical property with the reference mechanical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Kevin L. Houser, John E. Brady, Gregory A. Trees, Patrick J. Scoggins, Madeleine C. Jayme, Kristen G. Denzinger, Cameron R. Nott, Craig N. Faller, Amrita S. Sawhney, Eric M. Roberson, Stephen M. Leuck, Brian D. Black, Fergus P. Quigley, Tamara Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 11583439
    Abstract: A method of neurostimulation may include delivering an electrical signal to a plurality of electrodes connected to a patient. The electrical signal may include an amplitude and a carrier frequency. The method may include modulating the electrical signal based on an audio waveform. In some embodiments, the modulating may include modulating at least one of the amplitude and the carrier frequency based on the audio waveform to modulate the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Scion NeuroStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Lanty L. Smith, Leseo L. Rogers