Patents by Inventor John Ryan Steger

John Ryan Steger 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: 11974826
    Abstract: A computer-assisted teleoperated surgical system includes one or more manipulator devices and other components. A manipulator device includes a first link, a second link coupled to a distal end of the first link, a third link coupled to the second link, and an instrument actuator coupled to the third link. A joint that couples the second link to the first link defines a yaw axis. A joint that couples the third link to the second link defines a pitch axis. The instrument actuator defines an insertion axis. The yaw, pitch, and insertion axes are fixed in relation to each other and intersect at a remote center of motion. The instrument actuator may insert a surgical instrument along the insertion axis roll and may roll the surgical instrument around the insertion axis. The proximal end of the first link may be coupled to a repositionable setup structure, which may optionally be mechanically grounded to an operating room table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Ryan Charles Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez
  • Patent number: 11974827
    Abstract: A computer-assisted medical system includes robotic manipulators, a user input system operable to generate signals to control the manipulators, and a controller configured to execute instructions to perform operations. A portion of the user input system is movable relative to the plurality of manipulators. The operations include, in a pairing mode, associating a first manipulator of the plurality of manipulators with the portion of the user input system based on movement of the portion of the user input system relative to the first manipulator, and, in a following mode, controlling motion of the first manipulator in accordance with an indication generated by the user input system in response to operation of the portion of the user input system by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Gomez, Ian E. McDowall, Govinda Payyavula, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11950869
    Abstract: A system for providing on-demand functionality during a medical procedure includes an instrument, an accessory, and a mounting device attached to one or more of the instrument and the accessory. The instrument includes an instrument body and an end effector. The end effector providing a first functionality. The accessory providing a second functionality. The mounting device removably couples the accessory to the instrument to augment the first functionality with the second functionality. In one example, the end effector includes jaws to provide a surgical functionality, and the first accessory includes a camera to provide a complementary monitoring functionality. In another example, the mounting device includes a mechanical mechanism and/or a magnetic mechanism for removably coupling the accessory to the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hazelton, Kayla Keifer Anderson, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20240033005
    Abstract: A system comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive an image of a medical environment and identify a medical component in the image of the medical environment. The medical component may be disposed in a first configuration. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor also cause the system to receive kinematic information about the medical component and generate virtual guidance based on the kinematic information. The virtual guidance may include a virtual image of the medical component disposed in a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Prasad V. Upadrasta, Simon P. DiMaio, Govinda Payyavula, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20240029858
    Abstract: A system may comprise a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the system to generate a procedure plan for performing a procedure with a robot-assisted manipulator. The procedure plan may be based on a first plurality of procedure inputs. The system may also generate a performance metric from the implementation of the procedure, evaluate the implemented procedure based on the performance metric to generate procedure evaluation information, and store the procedure evaluation information. The system may also generate a second procedure plan based on the stored procedure evaluation information and a second plurality of procedure inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Prasad V. Upadrasta, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20240016556
    Abstract: A system includes a control means for receiving an input from a user, a manipulator means configured to support a tool having a tool frame, and processing means configured to perform a method. The method involves receiving, from an image capturing system with an image frame, one or more images. The tool is visible in the one or more images. The method further involves determining an estimated frame transform based on the one or more images. The estimated frame transform is used in defining an unknown frame transform between the image frame and the tool frame. The method also involves determining, in response to the input received at the control means, an output movement for the tool based on the estimated frame transform, and causing movement of the tool based on the output movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, John Ryan Steger, David Q. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20240013901
    Abstract: A system may comprise a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the system to receive spatial information for of a medical environment; determine a component for use in the medical environment; receive an indicator for a mode of operation of the component; receive a set of operation constraints for the component for the mode of operation; and generate an environment preparation plan based on the set of operation constraints and the spatial information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Prasad V. Upadrasta, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20230301738
    Abstract: Implementations relate to a master control device. In some implementations, a master control device includes a control body comprising a proximal end, a thumb grip portion, and a finger grip portion. The control body has a length configured to engage the proximal end of the control body in the palm of a hand of the user while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with a thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with a finger of the hand. The control body is configured to allow the proximal end of the control body to be selectively engaged by the palm of the hand and selectively disengaged from the palm of the hand while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with the thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with the finger of the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. THOMPSON, Grant M. KADOKURA, John Ryan STEGER
  • Publication number: 20230290495
    Abstract: A manipulator device management system can include a manipulator device comprising a plurality of manipulator arms and a control system. The control system can have one or more processors configured to perform operations comprising: selecting, for a first manipulator arm of the plurality of manipulator assemblies, a first assignment from a plurality of assignments available to the first manipulator arm; and causing the first manipulator arm to adopt the first assignment. The first assignment can be available to at least two manipulator arms of the plurality of manipulator arms. The first assignment can designate at least one operating parameter selected from the group consisting of a location for the first manipulator arm and a type of instrument to be used with the first manipulator arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bram Gilbert Antoon LAMBRECHT, John Ryan STEGER
  • Publication number: 20230285096
    Abstract: A device management system can include a device comprising a drive assembly configured to removably couple with an instrument. The drive assembly can include a plurality of drive elements configured to cause movement of the instrument by driving a plurality of input elements of the instrument. A control system can include a processor configured select, for a first drive element of the plurality of drive elements, a first assignment from a plurality of assignments, the first assignment being available to at least two drive elements of the plurality of drive elements. The first assignment can be associated with a first pairing of the first drive element with a first input element of the plurality of input elements. The processor can be configured to cause the first drive element to adopt the first assignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bram Gilbert Antoon LAMBRECHT, John Ryan STEGER
  • Patent number: 11744563
    Abstract: A mechanical interface for a robotic medical instrument permits engagement of the instrument and a drive system without causing movement of an actuated portion of the instrument. An instrument interface can include a symmetrical, tapered or cylindrical projection on one of a medical instrument or a drive system and a complementary bore in the other of the drive system or the medical instrument. Symmetry of the projection and the bore allows the projection to be compression fit to the bore regardless of the rotation angle of the drive system relative to the medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11717368
    Abstract: A medical system includes a medical instrument and first and second manipulators. The medical instrument includes a tendon that extends from an interface at a proximal portion of the medical instrument to an actuated element at a distal portion of the medical instrument. The first manipulator is configured to actively engage the tendon at a first location on the tendon to provide a preload tension. The second manipulator is configured to actively engage the tendon at a second location on the tendon to actuate the actuated element. One of the first manipulator or the second manipulator is configured to pull the tendon along a longitudinal axis of the tendon and the other of the first manipulator or the second manipulator is configured to deflect the tendon laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11712314
    Abstract: Implementations relate to a master control device. In some implementations, a master control device includes a control body comprising a proximal end, a thumb grip portion, and a finger grip portion. The control body has a length configured to engage the proximal end of the control body in the palm of a hand of the user while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with a thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with a finger of the hand. The control body is configured to allow the proximal end of the control body to be selectively engaged by the palm of the hand and selectively disengaged from the palm of the hand while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with the thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with the finger of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Grant M. Kadokura, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20230210584
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to deliver electrical energy to energize an end effector coupled via a clevis to a shaft of a medical instrument comprises an electrical transmission conduit configured to extend along the shaft from a proximal portion to a distal portion and configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector, and a connector assembly configured to couple to the end effector. The connector assembly comprises an electrically conductive contact portion configured to electrically couple the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, the electrically conductive contact portion defining a pivot surface about which the end effector is rotatable in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector; and an electrically insulating member configured to electrically insulate the end effector from the clevis in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel T. CREWS, John Ryan STEGER
  • Publication number: 20230149103
    Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure provides surgical instruments and instrument drive systems for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery that are structured and operated to negate the effects of cable stretch within the surgical instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Ryan Charles Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez, Amy Kerdok, Ian E. McDowall, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20230112200
    Abstract: A computer-assisted teleoperated surgical system includes one or more manipulator devices and other components. A manipulator device includes a first link, a second link coupled to a distal end of the first link, a third link coupled to the second link, and an instrument actuator coupled to the third link. A joint that couples the second link to the first link defines a yaw axis. A joint that couples the third link to the second link defines a pitch axis. The instrument actuator defines an insertion axis. The yaw, pitch, and insertion axes are fixed in relation to each other and intersect at a remote center of motion. The instrument actuator may insert a surgical instrument along the insertion axis roll and may roll the surgical instrument around the insertion axis. The proximal end of the first link may be coupled to a repositionable setup structure, which may optionally be mechanically grounded to an operating room table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Ryan Charles Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20230067930
    Abstract: A medical puncture device system includes a puncture device, a sensor, and an indicator system. The puncture device is configured to create a puncture through patient tissue and into an internal patient cavity to enable a medical tool to be inserted through the puncture into the cavity. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of motion of the puncture device through the tissue into the cavity. The indicator system is operable by a controller to produce human-perceptible feedback in response to the signal generated by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Brett Myers Page, Simon Peter DiMaio, Brandon Itkowitz, Goran Adrian Lynch, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 11589938
    Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure provides surgical instruments and instrument drive systems for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery that are structured and operated to negate the effects of cable stretch within the surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Charles Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez, Amy Kerdok, Ian E. McDowall, John Ryan Steger
  • Publication number: 20230046962
    Abstract: A method comprises grasping material between a pair of jaw members of a medical instrument; sensing light transmitted from the material grasped between the pair of jaw members to a location exterior to the pair of jaw members; and altering a grasping force exerted by the pair of jaw members on the material being grasped based on the sensing of the light transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Natalie BURKHARD, John Ryan STEGER
  • Patent number: 11564760
    Abstract: A computer-assisted teleoperated surgical system includes one or more manipulator devices and other components. A manipulator device includes a first link, a second link coupled to a distal end of the first link, a third link coupled to the second link, and an instrument actuator coupled to the third link. A joint that couples the second link to the first link defines a yaw axis. A joint that couples the third link to the second link defines a pitch axis. The instrument actuator defines an insertion axis. The yaw, pitch, and insertion axes are fixed in relation to each other and intersect at a remote center of motion. The instrument actuator may insert a surgical instrument along the insertion axis roll and may roll the surgical instrument around the insertion axis. The proximal end of the first link may be coupled to a repositionable setup structure, which may optionally be mechanically grounded to an operating room table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ryan Steger, Ryan Charles Abbott, Daniel H. Gomez