Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Ulrich

Daniel J. Ulrich 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: 20240390024
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 11998230
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20220226014
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, IV, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 11266430
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 10285695
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a housing, a shaft assembly, and an end effector is disclosed. The housing comprises a plurality of electric motors. The shaft assembly comprises a plurality of rotatable shafts. The electric motors are simultaneously coupled to the rotatable shafts as the shaft assembly is connected to the housing. The shaft assembly further comprises an articulation joint including an electrically conductive articulation joint conductor that traverses the articulation joint, an electrically conductive shaft conductor in communication with the articulation joint conductor, and a distal coupler. The end effector is releasably connectable to the distal coupler and comprises an electrically conductive end effector conductor. The distal coupler comprises an electrically conductive coupler pathway from the end effector conductor to the articulation joint conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Jaworek, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Michael D. Auld, John S. Kimsey, Daniel L. Baber, Richard L. Leimbach, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 10226249
    Abstract: A cover for an articulation joint that is supported in an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical instrument that is operably coupled to a surgical end effector that includes at least one end effector conductor therein. The cover includes at least one electrically conductive pathway that extends from the distal end of the cover to form an electrically conductive pathway from the end effector conductor to a shaft conductor on the elongate shaft assembly while facilitating operation of the articulation joint. Various conductor arrangements facilitating the passage of electrical current between an end effector to a control system across the articulation joint are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Jaworek, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Michael D. Auld, John S. Kimsey, Daniel L. Baber, Richard L. Leimbach, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20180146976
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for end effector control and calibration are described. The method may include detecting a signal in response to movement of a first tube relative to a second tube, the first tube driving movement of a clamp arm of the end effector. The method may further include determining a clamp arm position of the end effector relative to a ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the signal. The method may also include adjusting a power output to the ultrasonic blade of the end effector based on the clamp arm position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip H. Clauda, Cameron Nott, John F. Cummings, David J. Cagle, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 9554794
    Abstract: In various forms, the modular motor control system may comprise one or more motor controllers each having an associated motor. The one or more motor controllers may be in communication with a master controller. The master controller is configured to provide control signals to the motor controllers to control the associated motors. In some forms, the one or more motor controllers and the associated motors may be located within a surgical module. The surgical module may provide a communications interface between the master controller and the one or more motor controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Richard L. Leimbach, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20140246478
    Abstract: In various forms, the modular motor control system may comprise one or more motor controllers each having an associated motor. The one or more motor controllers may be in communication with a master controller. The master controller is configured to provide control signals to the motor controllers to control the associated motors. In some forms, the one or more motor controllers and the associated motors may be located within a surgical module. The surgical module may provide a communications interface between the master controller and the one or more motor controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Baber, Richard L. Leimbach, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7538659
    Abstract: A bed monitoring system that remotely monitors a patient bed. The bed monitoring system comprises a bed status system and a master station. The bed status system is coupled to the patient bed and is configured to monitor at least one condition of the bed, and to generate a bed message indicating the status of the monitored condition. The master station, remote from the patient bed, is operatively coupled to the bed status system to receive bed status information. The bed message can include a bed identifier, bed type identifier, patient exit detection signal, bed occupied signal, or various other status signals. The system can also include locating stations that receive the bed messages from any beds within its monitored location, and generates a station message including information from the bed messages. The master station receives the station messages and can determine the status and location of any bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Matthew W. Weismiller, Thomas E. Scott, Robert J. Jennings, Julie E. Myers, Joseph H. Novak
  • Patent number: 7409735
    Abstract: A person support surface comprises a multitude of inflatable cells. The cells are inflated and deflated to adjust an interface pressure between the person support surface and a person supported by the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, John P. Biondo, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, Douglas E. Borgman, John D. Miller, David J. Ulrich, Daniel J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7242308
    Abstract: A bed monitoring system that remotely monitors a patient bed. The bed monitoring system comprises a bed status system and a master station. The bed status system is coupled to the patient bed and is configured to monitor at least one condition of the bed, and to generate a bed message indicating the status of the monitored condition. The master station, remote from the patient bed, is operatively coupled to the bed status system to receive bed status information. The bed message can include a bed identifier, bed type identifier, patient exit detection signal, bed occupied signal, or various other status signals. The system can also include locating stations that receive the bed messages from any beds within its monitored location, and generates a station message including information from the bed messages. The master station receives the station messages and can determine the status and location of any bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Matthew W. Weismiller, Tom Scott, Bob Jennings, Julie Myers, Joe Novak
  • Patent number: 6897780
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Matthew W. Weismiller, Tom Scott, Bob Jennings, Julie Myers, Joe Novak
  • Patent number: 6825763
    Abstract: A system is provided for locating and tracking tags within an area. Each tag includes a transmitter configured to transmit a unique identifier periodically. Location messages are received and processed by at least one monitoring system to determine whether a tag has changed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Michael Edward Wagener, Sanjeev Patel, Joseph James Schmid, Robert J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20030030569
    Abstract: A system is provided for locating and tracking tags within an area. Each tag includes a transmitter configured to transmit a unique identifier periodically. Location messages are received and processed by at least one monitoring system to determine whether a tag has changed location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Michael Edward Wagener, Sanjeev Patel, Joseph James Schmid, Robert J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20020151990
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Matthew W. Weismiller, Tom Scott, Bob Jennings, Julie Myers, Joe Novak
  • Patent number: 6462656
    Abstract: A system is provided for locating and tracking tags within an awareness area including a first sub-awareness area and a second sub-awareness area. Each tag includes a transmitter configured to transmit a unique identifier periodically, and at least one tag is assigned to the first sub-awareness area. The system includes a first monitoring system associated with the first sub-awareness area and a second monitoring system associated with the second sub-awareness area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Michael Edward Wagener, Sanjeev Patel, Joseph James Schmid, Robert J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6362725
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Matthew W. Weismiller, Tom Scott, Bob Jennings, Julie Myers, Joe Novak
  • Patent number: 6344794
    Abstract: A personnel and asset tracking system for locating and tracking objects throughout an awareness area comprises a communication network, a central server connected to said communication network maintaining an awareness area database, a plurality of receiver nodes, and a plurality of tags. Each tag is associated with an object to be tracked and has a transmitter which periodically transmits a tag transmission including a unique object identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignees: Hill-Rom, Inc., Arial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Michael Edward Wagener, Sanjeev Patel, Joseph J. Schmid, Robert J. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20010000958
    Abstract: A system is provided for locating and tracking tags within an awareness area including a first sub-awareness area and a second sub-awareness area. Each tag includes a transmitter configured to transmit a unique identifier periodically, and at least one tag is assigned to the first sub-awareness area. The system includes a first monitoring system associated with the first sub-awareness area and a second monitoring system associated with the second sub-awareness area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ulrich, Michael Edward Wagener, Sanjeev Patel, Joseph James Schmid, Robert J. Jennings