Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Krause
Kenneth W. Krause 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: 6560513Abstract: A robotic system for a robot includes a programmable controller coupled to the robot and a teach pendant coupled to the programmable controller. The teach pendant is adapted to control the robot and includes a processor capable of operating the teach pendant and a display coupled to the processor. The teach pendant also includes a web browser. The web browser is adapted to accept input data in a standard format and display the input data on the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North AmericaInventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Donald D. DeMotte, Claude A. Dinsmoor, Judy A. Evans, Glenn F. Nowak, Gerald A. Ross, Gary J. Rutledge, Charles F. Slabe
-
Publication number: 20020045970Abstract: A robotic system for a robot includes a programmable controller coupled to the robot and a teach pendant coupled to the programmable controller. The teach pendant is adapted to control the robot and includes a processor capable of operating the teach pendant and a display coupled to the processor. The teach pendant also includes a web browser. The web browser is adapted to accept input data in a standard format and display the input data on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Donald D. DeMotte, Claude A. Dinsmoor, Judy A. Evans, Glenn F. Nowak, Gerald A. Ross, Gary J. Rutledge, Charles F. Slabe
-
Patent number: 6068604Abstract: An instrument and technique for measuring the compressive properties of a body (e.g., articular cartilage) are disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated probe, a biasing assembly for applying a pre-determined pre-load to the body to establish a measurement reference at the predetermined pre-load, an actuator to move the elongated probe to apply a compressive force to the body, and a measurement device which measures displacement of the elongated probe relative to the measurement reference.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Graham Smith
-
Patent number: 5882339Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5840060Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5804936Abstract: A surgical system, adapted to operate with at least one surgical device, has a handpiece containing a motor which is adapted to receive the surgical device. The surgical device is driven through a continuum of positions by the motor output shaft. A controller microprocessor controls the operation of the system. The motor has addressable switch assemblies for generating electrical state signals and the controller is responsive to the state signals for controlling the operation of the motor. The addressable switch assemblies are addressable Hall-effect circuit switches connected to the controller over a two wire switch bus. In connection with an arthroscopic device, the system enables the surgeon to control operation of the device from the handpiece. The surgical control system also provides a more linear relationship between the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated control signal and the resulting motor armature rotational velocity.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Brodsky, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5745647Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically associate a sensed mechanical parameter to a range of motor velocity for controlling the rotational velocity of a motor driving a medical instrument. The method and apparatus sense or measure the mechanical parameter whose value, controlled by a human operator, through for example, a footpad, can be measured and converted to a digital signal. The method and apparatus, in response to the measured sensed mechanical parameter, automatically scale the range of parameter values to a new range of motor velocity values thereby adjusting, to the mechanical displacement (force or distance) with which the user is most comfortable. The transformation also provides deadband values around the minimum and maximum motor velocities so that maximum motor velocity is not "chased" and minimum motor velocity is not sensitive to small perturbations due to thermal effects and other events which may affect the mechanical sensor output.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5707350Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a rigid outer member within which is disposed a hollow inner member having rigid proximal and distal ends and a region disposed between the rigid proximal and distal ends that is relieved to render such region relatively flexible. The flexible region is integral with a portion of the proximal end disposed adjacent to the flexible region. The inner member transmits force (such as torsion) applied to its proximal end to move a cutting implement disposed at its distal end and cause it to cut tissue admitted through an opening in the distal region of the outer member. In another aspect, a region of the inner member is weakened (e.g., by relieving an integral region of the member) with respect to the remainder of the inner member to cause this region to break if the force (e.g., torque) applied to the inner member exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Smith & Nephew Endoscopy Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Richard Crowell, Philip B. Sample
-
Patent number: 5672945Abstract: A surgical system, adapted to operate with at least one surgical device, has a handpiece containing a motor which is adapted to receive the surgical device. The surgical device is driven through a continuum of positions by the motor output shaft. A controller microprocessor controls the operation of the system. The motor has sensors for generating electrical position signals and the controller is responsive to input signals for defining both a stop position and a reversal position for the surgical device. As a result, the controller initiates operation of the surgical device at the so called stop position and stops operation of the surgical device so that it comes to rest substantially at the stop position. In an oscillatory mode of operation, the controller also forces reversals to occur at a reversal position dictated by the system, under the control of the user, unless a stall condition is sensed, in which case the reversal takes place as soon as possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5662611Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5643302Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5643203Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5630799Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5630798Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics Inc.Inventors: David G. Beiser, Steven B. Woolfson, Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5602449Abstract: A surgical system, adapted to operate with at least one surgical device, has a handpiece containing a motor which is adapted to receive the surgical device. The surgical device is driven through a continuum of positions by the motor output shaft. A controller microprocessor controls the operation of the system. The motor has sensors for generating electrical position signals and the controller is responsive to input signals for defining both a stop position and a reversal position for the surgical device. As a result, the controller initiates operation of the surgical device at the so called stop position and stops operation of the surgical device so that it comes to rest substantially at the stop position. In an oscillatory mode of operation, the controller also forces reversals to occur solely at a reversal position dictated by the system, under the control of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Douglas D. Sjostrom
-
Patent number: 5563481Abstract: A wholly digital motor-control system for surgical instruments is disclosed. The signal processor and drive-controller communicate digitally through optical fibers. The system provides fail-safe shutdown in the event that communication ceases for longer than a predetermined time, torque limitation and control of complex movement patterns.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5510070Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a rigid outer member within which is disposed a hollow inner member having rigid proximal and distal ends and a region disposed between the rigid proximal and distal ends that is relieved to render such region relatively flexible. The flexible region is integral with a portion of the proximal end disposed adjacent to the flexible region. The inner member transmits force (such as torsion) applied to its proximal end to move a cutting implement disposed at its distal end and cause it to cut tissue admitted through an opening in the distal region of the outer member. In another aspect, a region of the inner member is weakened (e.g., by relieving an integral region of the member) with respect to the remainder of the inner member to cause this region to break if the force (e.g., torque) applied to the inner member exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Richard Crowell, Philip B. Sample
-
Patent number: 5322505Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a rigid outer member within which is disposed a hollow inner member having rigid proximal and distal ends and a region disposed between the rigid proximal and distal ends that is relieved to render such region relatively flexible. The flexible region is integral with a portion of the proximal end disposed adjacent to the flexible region. The inner member transmits force (such as torsion) applied to its proximal end to move a cutting implement disposed at its distal end and cause it to cut tissue admitted through an opening in the distal region of the outer member. In another aspect, a region of the inner member is weakened (e.g., by relieving an integral region of the member) with respect to the remainder of the inner member to cause this region to break if the force (e.g., torque) applied to the inner member exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Richard Crowell, Philip B. Sample
-
Patent number: 5270622Abstract: An all-digital control system for a brushless, three-phase, DC motor includes a main signal processor in direct digital communication with a drive controller. The controller generates a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle established by the command signal. A three-phase bridge generates a two-state control signal in response to the pulse width modulated signal. The control signal has an on-state which lasts for the duty cycle. A digital tachometer signal indicative of motor speed or position is thereupon processed and reported back to the main processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth W. Krause
-
Patent number: 5152744Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a rigid outer member within which is disposed a hollow inner member having rigid proximal and distal ends and a region disposed between the rigid proximal and distal ends that is relieved to render such region relatively flexible. The flexible region is integral with a portion of the proximal end disposed adjacent to the flexible region. The inner member transmits force (such as torsion) applied to its proximal end to move a cutting implement disposed at its distal end and cause it to cut tissue admitted through an opening in the distal region of the outer member. In another aspect, a region of the inner member is weakened (e.g., by relieving an integral region of the member) with respect to the remainder of the inner member to cause this region to break if the force (e.g., torque) applied to the inner member exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Smith & Nephew DyonicsInventors: Kenneth W. Krause, Richard Crowell, Philip B. Sample