Patents by Inventor David Stephens

David Stephens 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).

  • Controllers for robotically-enabled teleoperated systems
    Patent number: 11179213
    Abstract: A robotically enabled teleoperated system can include a controller and an instrument capable of manipulation by the controller. The instrument can be a medical instrument. The controller can include a handle configured for actuation by an operator. The handle can be attached to a gimbal configured to allow manipulation of the handle in multiple rotational degrees of freedom. The gimbal can include a load cell. The gimbal can be configured for impedance control. The controller can also include a positioning platform coupled to the gimbal and configured to allow manipulation of the handle in multiple positional degrees of freedom. The controller can be configured for admittance control based at least in part on an output signal of the load cell in the gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanan Huang, Colin Allen Wilson, David Stephen Mintz, Jason Tomas Wilson
  • Cover apparatus and methods of assembling same
    Patent number: 11166567
    Abstract: A first cover segment has top and bottom edge portions that have the same first predefined length. A second cover segment is coupled to the first cover segment to enable the cover apparatus to at least partially enclose a fixture element therein. The second cover segment includes first and second side portions such that top and bottom edge portions for the second cover segment are formed. The first side portion includes a first edge piece and the second side portion includes a second edge piece that is configured to extend at an angle with respect to an endpoint of the first edge piece such that, when the first side portion and the second side portion are coupled together, the bottom edge portion of the second cover segment has a second predefined length that is different than the first predefined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Keeco, LLC
    Inventor: David Stephen Roshberg
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 11134814
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • SYSTEM WITH EMULATOR MOVEMENT TRACKING FOR CONTROLLING MEDICAL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20210304639
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to robotically controlling a medical device to utilize manual skills and techniques developed by surgeons. The system can include an emulator representing a medical device. The system can include at least one detector configured to track the emulator. The system can also include an imaging device configured to track the medical device. The system may be configured to move the medical device to reduce an alignment offset between the location of the emulator and the location of the medical device, to move the imaging device based on the translational movement of the emulator, and/or to move the medical device based on data indicative of an orientation of the emulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Shyh-Yen HO, David Stephen MINTZ, Edward Joseph MENARD, Mark A. LOWN, Jason Thomas WILSON, Yanan HUANG
  • WORKSPACE OPTIMIZATION FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY
    Publication number: 20210298851
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for optimizing the configuration of a robotic system by moving the links of the system in a null space to minimize a cost function. The null space being defined by the desired set of end effector pose. The cost function may be evaluated by computing the distance of the links from various avoidance zones. The avoidance zones are associated with collisions and joint limit conditions. The systems and techniques may specifically relate to a system wherein the optimization includes movement of an arm support. The system may be employed pre-operatively or intraoperatively to minimize collisions and joint limit event during the course of a procedure. The system may be used at intervals. The system may be used each time the end effectors are commanded into a new pose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Yanan Huang, Caitlin M. Romanczyk, Ryan J. Murphy, David Stephen Mintz, Nicholas J. Eyre
  • MEDICAL ROBOTICS SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTING AXIS CONSTRAINTS DURING ACTUATION OF ONE OR MORE MOTORIZED JOINTS
    Publication number: 20210290324
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for medical robotic systems that leverage a versatile, open kinematic chain together with a set of medical-procedure-specific software-controlled actuation constraints in order to perform a variety of medical procedures. The robotic system can be operated in a first mode by identifying a remote center and constraining the actuation of motorized joints to maintain intersection of at least an insertion axis with the remote center. The robotic system can be operated in a second mode by identifying a virtual rail position and constraining the actuation of motorized joints to maintain alignment of the insertion axis along the virtual rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: David Stephen MINTZ, Bruce R. WOODLEY, Travis Michael SCHUH, Yanan HUANG, Matthew Reagan WILLIAMS
  • In-memory storage of aggregated data for real-time event tracking
    Patent number: 11080110
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure track and monitor automated system events, user-initiated events, and outcomes associated with system events and user-initiated events for providing real-time or near real-time measurements and insights. According to examples, a system is provided that is operative or configured to collect specific events and associated data associated with events that occur within various systems and products. The data is captured, aggregated, and stored in in-memory data storage. Accordingly, the data can be represented and displayed in a dashboard interface in real-time or near real-time. Accordingly, inefficient polling, long-running queries, and scheduled tasks can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Experian Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmond Chase Pilkington, David Stephen Phoebus, Gregory Scott MacKenzie, Michael Peter Ochs, Jason Harrison Wallis, Kassandra Marie Kurth
  • SURGICAL ROBOTICS SYSTEMS WITH IMPROVED ROBOTIC ARMS
    Publication number: 20210205034
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system can include one or more adjustable arm supports that support one or more robotic arms. The adjustable arm supports and/or robotic arms can be configured to be deployed from low mount positions, for example, from positions below the surface of the table. The robotic arms can include a plurality of joints providing a plurality of degrees of freedom. The joints may be grouped into a proximal shoulder, an elbow, and a distal wrist. The robotic arms can include one or more redundant degrees of freedom. An insertion mechanism, associated with the robotic arm and configured for providing insertion of an instrument along an assertion axis, can be provided at a distal end of the robotic arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Eyre, Aren Calder Hill, Sven Wehrmann, Colin Allen Wilson, Yanan Huang, Jason Tomas Wilson, David Stephen Mintz
  • Ingestion manager for analytics platform
    Patent number: 11055303
    Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment comprises an ingestion manager, a plurality of ingestion engines associated with the ingestion manager, and an analytics platform configured to receive data from the ingestion engines under the control of the ingestion manager. The ingestion manager is configured to interact with one or more of the ingestion engines in conjunction with providing data to a given one of a plurality of analytics workspaces of the analytics platform. For example, the analytics workspaces of the analytics platform are illustratively configured to receive data from respective potentially disjoint subsets of the ingestion engines under the control of the ingestion manager. Additionally or alternatively, the ingestion manager may be configured to implement data-as-a-service functionality for one or more of the analytics workspaces of the analytics platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: David Stephen Reiner, Nihar Nanda, Timothy Bruce
  • Medical robotics systems implementing axis constraints during actuation of one or more motorized joints
    Patent number: 11026758
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for medical robotic systems that leverage a versatile, open kinematic chain together with a set of medical-procedure-specific software-controlled actuation constraints in order to perform a variety of medical procedures. The robotic system can be operated in a first mode by identifying a remote center and constraining the actuation of motorized joints to maintain intersection of at least an insertion axis with the remote center. The robotic system can be operated in a second mode by identifying a virtual rail position and constraining the actuation of motorized joints to maintain alignment of the insertion axis along the virtual rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stephen Mintz, Bruce R. Woodley, Travis Michael Schuh, Yanan Huang, Matthew Reagan Williams
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 11000165
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10993595
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10993594
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10980378
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10966580
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10966579
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR KINEMATIC OPTIMIZATION WITH SHARED ROBOTIC DEGREES-OF-FREEDOM
    Publication number: 20210068909
    Abstract: Systems and methods for kinematic optimization with shared robotic degrees-of-freedom are provided. In one aspect, a robotic medical system includes a base, an adjustable arm support coupled to the base, and at least one robotic arm coupled to the adjustable arm support. The at least one robotic arm is further configured to be coupled to a medical tool that is configured to be delivered through an incision or natural orifice of a patient. The system further includes a processor configured to adjust a position of the adjustable arm support and the at least one robotic arm while maintaining a remote center of movement of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Eyre, Sean Patrick Kelly, Sven Wehrmann, Yoichiro Dan, Travis C. Covington, Yanan Huang, David Stephen Mintz
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 10939786
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • CLEANING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20210045595
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys JAMES, Michael James DOUGLAS, David Stephen CLARE, Chris PINCHES, Nicholas James SARDAR, Hugh James CROGGON, Damian LEE
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING REMOTE CENTER DISTANCES IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES
    Publication number: 20210030501
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting remote center distances in medical procedures are provided. In one aspect, a robotic medical system includes a first robotic arm including a first instrument driver, wherein the first instrument driver is configured to manipulate a first tool that passes through a first cannula, and a second robotic arm including a second instrument driver, wherein the second instrument driver is configured to manipulate a second tool that passes through a second cannula. The first tool is configured to rotate about a first remote center of motion and the second tool is configured to rotate about a second remote center of motion. A first remote center distance between the first robotic arm and the first remote center of motion is different from a second remote center distance between the second robotic arm and the second remote center of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Eyre, Alexander Tarek Hassan, David Stephen Mintz, Travis R. Marsot