Patents by Inventor John W. Hill
John W. Hill 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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Patent number: 9381067Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20140018824Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 8551116Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, IncInventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20120259345Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 8182476Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20110060346Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SRI International, Inc.Inventors: Joel F. Jensen, Philip S. Green, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20100198215Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 7722599Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederick H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 7125403Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Intuitive SurgicalInventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 6620174Abstract: The present invention provides a method of performing an endoscopic surgical procedure on a target site within a body cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, the method comprises operatively coupling moveable actuator pins of a surgical instrument with a driver of a robotic arm to releasably couple the surgical instrument to the robotic arm. A distal portion of said surgical instrument is introduced through a percutaneous penetration into the body cavity within the patient. The surgical instrument can be pivoted about the percutaneous penetration by moving a proximal portion of said instrument outside the body cavity with a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement using the robotic arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20030130648Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 6461372Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20020120254Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20020111635Abstract: The invention is directed to mainpulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) by fixable by means of passive or power driven positioning devices to a s surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is serarable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20020084082Abstract: A method and apparatus for core extracting plug aerator comprises a main frame, a draw bar coupled to the main frame and configured to couple a motorized device to the main frame, and pivoting side supports coupled to the main frame, wherein the side supports pivot between and are secured in a moving position and an aerating position. The plug aerator further comprises rotating wheels coupled to the side supports and a longitudinal support system coupled to the main frame, the longitudinal support system comprises a plugger system comprising articulating tines.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: John W. Hill, Elmer J. Chatin
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Patent number: 6413264Abstract: The invention is directed to manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) by fixable by means of passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Publication number: 20020042620Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 6309397Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignees: SRI International, Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Julian, Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Dean F. Hoornaert, David J. Rosa, John G. Freund, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 6080181Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 5814038Abstract: The invention is directed to manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) by fixable by means of passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, John W. Hill