Patents by Inventor James Witte
James Witte 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).
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Publication number: 20230047756Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods and apparatus for firearm safety mechanisms, visual safety indicators, and related techniques. A firearm includes a handle comprising one or more buttons disposed at least partially within a surface of the handle, such that the one or more buttons can be in contact with an operator's hand when the operator grasps the handle; a safety mechanism in mechanical communication with the trigger. The safety mechanism comprises: a first position that blocks actuation of the trigger; and a second position that does not block actuation of the trigger; and at least one processor configured to: upon determining an input code matches a stored code, transmits a signal to the safety mechanism to change the safety mechanism from the first position to the second position so that the firearm can be fired by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Virginia Chandler, Robert Eugeniusz Regent, Katie Louise Schuelke, Michael James Witt, John Patrick Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 11564759Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20220355056Abstract: A nasal ventilation mask supplies breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The mask has a housing defining an internal cavity and having a peripheral end defining an end opening. The end opening is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The end opening is configured to be positioned over an airway on a face of the patient. A sealing member is connected to the housing proximate the end opening. The sealing member extends towards the internal cavity and is configured to abut the face of the patient and deflect towards the internal cavity. The housing further defines a connector assembly having an opening in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The connector assembly is configured to be operably connected to a supply of breathing gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Derek Lawrence Isenberg, James Wittes, Philip J. Blyskal
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Publication number: 20210068912Abstract: A medical instrument can include alignment and attachment mechanisms for aligning and attaching the medical instrument to another device, such as an adapter on an instrument drive mechanism. For example, a medical system can include a medical instrument having an instrument handle and an elongated body. The system can include an alignment mechanism configured to provide rotational alignment between the medical instrument and an adapter. The system can also include an attachment mechanism configured to secure the medical instrument to the adapter. The attachment mechanism can include at least three locking elements positioned circumferentially about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Travis R. Marsot, Aren Calder Hill, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20210007819Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
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Publication number: 20200375678Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
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Patent number: 10848910Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using contextual information to determine an appropriate response in a system that includes a device paired with an accessory device. The contextual information can be sourced from local sensors, received communications, and information stored on a device within the system. Stored parameters in the system allow flexibility and configurability in evaluating the contextual information. Using feedback obtained after actions taken based on the contextual information allows the system to adapt to better meet the needs of the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Andrew James Witte, Matthew David Hornyak, Eric Bernard Migicovsky, Mark Solomon
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Patent number: 10828118Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
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Patent number: 10820954Abstract: A medical instrument can include alignment and attachment mechanisms for aligning and attaching the medical instrument to another device, such as an adapter on an instrument drive mechanism. For example, a medical system can include a medical instrument having an instrument handle and an elongated body. The system can include an alignment mechanism configured to provide rotational alignment between the medical instrument and an adapter. The system can also include an attachment mechanism configured to secure the medical instrument to the adapter. The attachment mechanism can include at least three locking elements positioned circumferentially about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Travis R. Marsot, Aren Calder Hill, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20200305992Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
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Patent number: 10751140Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20200237423Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems, devices and techniques for vessel sealing and cutting. In particular, an instrument is provided that is capable of performing multiple functions, including sealing and cutting. The instrument can be robotically controlled, and can include a shaft, a multi-DOF wrist, and an end effector. The end effector is capable of generating and delivering heat via different energy modalities to perform the various functions at different temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Spencer James Witte, Luis Andrade Baez, JR., Christopher Allen Julian, Thomas R. Jenkins, Gregory Tse
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Patent number: 10682189Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20200093549Abstract: Provided is a robotic system that includes a surgical instrument with a wrist including an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a wrist extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft, and an end effector extending from the wrist. The end effector may include a first jaw and a second jaw, the first and second jaw being moveable between an open position in which ends of the jaws are separated from each other, and a closed position in which the ends of the jaws are closer to each other as compared to the open position. The surgical instrument may also include a tube extending through the elongate shaft and the wrist, the tube having an outlet in fluid communication with a passage formed by an interior of the first and second jaws when the jaws are in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Erica Ding Chin, Spencer James Witte, Barry Nichols Gardiner
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Publication number: 20200054408Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
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Publication number: 20190374297Abstract: A robotic system can include a high force instrument that amplifies input forces such that output forces are greater than input forces. The high force instrument can include an end effector. The high force instrument can further include a first pulley configured to rotate about a pulley axis and a first jaw member connected to the first pulley by a first drive pin. The high force instrument can also include a second pulley configured to rotate about the pulley axis and a second jaw member connected to the second pulley by a second drive pink. A link can provide a first pivot point about which the first jaw member can pivot and a second pivot point about which the second jaw member can pivot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
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Patent number: 10397743Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using contextual information to determine an appropriate response in a system that includes a device paired with an accessory device. The contextual information can be sourced from local sensors, received communications, and information stored on a device within the system. Stored parameters in the system allow flexibility and configurability in evaluating the contextual information. Using feedback obtained after actions taken based on the contextual information allows the system to adapt to better meet the needs of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: FITBIT, INC.Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Andrew James Witte, Matthew David Hornyak, Eric Bernard Migicovsky, Mark Solomon
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Publication number: 20180250083Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
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Patent number: 9962228Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Auris Surgical Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
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Publication number: 20180055583Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte