Patents by Inventor James Wittes

James Wittes 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: 20240095283
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a conceptual search and highlighting relevant portions of a content item are provided. The methods may include: receiving one or more input concepts from a user device; calculating concept scores for the one or more input concepts for one or more content items; based on the concept scores for the one or more content items, retrieving a set of content items; identifying one or more concept subsections of the content items in the set of content items, wherein a concept subsection is a subsection of a content item that corresponds to a particular input concept of the one or more input concepts; and causing the user device to display a particular content item in the set of content items, wherein the display of the particular content item includes visual indicators associated with the identified one or more concept subsections for the particular content item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan McGinty Hynes, Theo Van Wijk, Evan McAlpine, James A. Witte, JR.
  • Patent number: 11896335
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
  • Patent number: 11864849
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Erica Ding Chin, Spencer James Witte, Barry Nichols Gardiner
  • Patent number: 11857747
    Abstract: A dispenser actuator assembly (100) for actuating a dispenser (10) is disclosed. The dispenser (10) is in the form of a glass ampoule assembly (10) having a rupturable glass ampoule (12) containing a flowable material (M). The glass ampoule (12) is contained within an outer container (14) wherein the outer container (14) has a first open end (22) and a second closed end (24). The glass ampoule assembly (10) has an applicator (16) positioned in the first open end (22). The dispenser actuator assembly (100) has a base member (102) configured to mount on the outer container (14). The dispenser actuator assembly (100) also has an actuator assembly (104) operably connected to the base member (102) wherein the actuator assembly (104) has a first actuator arm (132a) and a second actuator arm (132b) each pivotally connected to the base member (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: James Alexander Corporation
    Inventors: James Wittes, Richard James May, Philip Blyskal, David Robinson, Jeffrey Rendano
  • Patent number: 11856481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: FITBIT, INC.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Andrew James Witte, Matthew David Hornyak, Eric Bernard Migicovsky, Mark Solomon
  • Patent number: 11826117
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 11806099
    Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft, an end effector arranged at a distal end of the shaft and including opposing first and second jaws, and an articulable wrist that interposes the end effector and the distal end, the wrist including a linkage providing one or more lateral arms receivable within a corresponding one or more grooves defined in the first and second jaws, wherein mounting the linkage to the first and second jaws at the corresponding one or more groove generates a jaw pivot where the first and second jaws pivot between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Eric N. Johnson, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Jason Alan Hill, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20230285729
    Abstract: A dispenser actuator assembly (100) for actuating a dispenser (10) is disclosed. The dispenser (10) is in the form of a glass ampoule assembly (10) having a rupturable glass ampoule (12) containing a flowable material (M). The glass ampoule (12) is contained within an outer container (14) wherein the outer container (14) has a first open end (22) and a second closed end (24). The glass ampoule assembly (10) has an applicator (16) positioned in the first open end (22). The dispenser actuator assembly (100) has a base member (102) configured to mount on the outer container (14). The dispenser actuator assembly (100) also has an actuator assembly (104) operably connected to the base member (102) wherein the actuator assembly (104) has a first actuator arm (132a) and a second actuator arm (132b) each pivotally connected to the base member (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: James Alexander Corporation
    Inventors: James Wittes, Richard James May, Philip J. Blyskal, David G Robinson, Jeffrey Rendano
  • Publication number: 20230210616
    Abstract: 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 surgical effector can be manipulated by actuating a first input controller to control a length of a first cable segment to move the surgical effector in at least one degree of freedom of movement and actuating a second input controller to control a length of a second cable segment to move the surgical effector in the at least one degree of freedom of movement. The surgical effector can be manipulated by moving a differential that couples the first and second input controllers together to conserve a length of cable between the first input controller and the second input controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Travis SCHUH, Edward J. MENARD, Bruce R. WOODLEY, Matthew Reagan WILLIAMS, Spencer James WITTE
  • Publication number: 20230129798
    Abstract: 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, and the end opening is configured to be positioned over an airway on a face of a patient. The housing further defines a connector segment having a receiver member. The connector member defines a top wall defining an outer periphery. The receiver member has a portion extending past the outer periphery. The receiving member has an opening in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The mask also has a sealing member operably connected to the housing proximate the end opening. The sealing member is configured to abut the face of the patient, and the receiver member is configured to be operably connected to a supply of breathing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Derek Lawrence Isenberg, James Wittes, Philip J. Blyskal
  • Patent number: 11589913
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer James Witte, Luis Andrade Baez, Jr., Christopher Allen Julian, Thomas R. Jenkins, Gregory Tse
  • Patent number: 11564759
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Schuh, Edward J. Menard, Bruce R. Woodley, Matthew Reagan Williams, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20220355056
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Derek Lawrence Isenberg, James Wittes, Philip J. Blyskal
  • Publication number: 20220226052
    Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft, an end effector arranged at a distal end of the shaft and including opposing first and second jaws, and an articulable wrist that interposes the end effector and the distal end, the wrist including a linkage providing one or more lateral arms receivable within a corresponding one or more grooves defined in the first and second jaws, wherein mounting the linkage to the first and second jaws at the corresponding one or more groove generates a jaw pivot where the first and second jaws pivot between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Eric N. JOHNSON, Benjamin D. DICKERSON, Jason Alan HILL, Spencer James WITTE
  • Publication number: 20220226056
    Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a handle providing a drive input, an elongate shaft extendable through the handle and having an end effector arranged at a distal end of the shaft, and an accumulator system housed within the handle and operatively coupled to the drive input such that actuation of the drive input operates the accumulator system. At least one drive cable is threaded through the accumulator system and extends distally along the shaft, wherein operation of the accumulator system acts on the at least one drive cable to operate the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. BECKMAN, Spencer James WITTE, Charles J. SCHEIB, Benjamin D. DICKERSON, Travis Michael SCHUH, Eric N. JOHNSON, Jason Alan HILL
  • Publication number: 20210176595
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Yoon Kean WONG, Andrew James WITTE, Matthew David HORNYAK, Eric Bernard MIGICOVSKY, Mark SOLOMON
  • Publication number: 20210068912
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Travis R. Marsot, Aren Calder Hill, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Publication number: 20210007819
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte, Alex J. Niswander
  • Publication number: 20200375678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Travis Michael Schuh, Spencer James Witte
  • Patent number: 10848910
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Andrew James Witte, Matthew David Hornyak, Eric Bernard Migicovsky, Mark Solomon