Patents by Inventor KWOK WAI SAMUEL AU
KWOK WAI SAMUEL AU 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: 20230248417Abstract: A surgical device (600) includes an articulating portion (604) for navigating the device within a bodily cavity. The articulating portion (604) includes an articulating sheath (1000) and an articulating torque transmission wrist within the articulating sheath (1000). The articulating sheath (1000) may define one degree of freedom or two or more degrees of freedom. The articulating portion (604) may be part of a surgical device shaft (602) connected to an end effector (603) rotated by an internal torque transmission shaft including the articulating torque transmission wrist. The articulating portion (604) may be articulated while the torque transmission shaft is being rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2021Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Kwok Wai Samuel AU, Yan WANG, Hoi Wut Yip
-
Publication number: 20220167958Abstract: Robotic organ retraction systems, devices (200), and methods. Organ retraction devices (200) may include compliant retractor tips, articulating joints (702), integrated force sensors (408, 410), and automatic retraction capability to enable safe and efficient organ retraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Kwok Wai Samuel AU, Hoi Wut Yip, Tsz Yin Chung, Stuart Moran
-
Patent number: 11278433Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
-
Patent number: 11273060Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Publication number: 20200298425Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of controlling movement of a host mechanical system using inertial forces imparted by an augmentable or morphable appendage. Such appendages are attached to the host mechanical system such that augmentation or morphing of the appendage to move a mass of the appendage from an extended to a retracted configuration imparts inertial forces to the supporting structure. Augmentation/morphing is controlled and coordinated such that imparted inertial forces facilitate a desired movement of the mechanical system. The imparted forces can include translation forces and/or rotational forces along one or more axes. The augmentation or morphing of the appendage can be performed concurrently with separately controlled coordinated movement of the appendage to facilitate a desired movement of the mechanical system. Such appendages can include, but are not limited to, telescoping and/or folding designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Kwok Wai Samuel AU, Jiajun An, Xiangyu Chu, Tsz Yin Chung, Chun Ho Lo, Hoi Wut Yip, Carlos Ma
-
Publication number: 20190321201Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Patent number: 10342681Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Publication number: 20190175365Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
-
Patent number: 10137011Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
-
Publication number: 20160338857Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Patent number: 9452276Abstract: A medical system includes a catheter and a vision probe that can be removed from the catheter and replaced with a medical probe. The vision probe can thus be used to steer and pose the catheter, and then be removed and replaced with the medical probe when a medical task such as a lung biopsy is performed. A sensor system in the catheter at least partly measures a pose of the catheter, and control logic controls actuation of the catheter to maintain the desired working configuration when the medical probe is used. A small diameter catheter can thus provide vision and biopsy functionality.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Vincent Duindam, Catherine J. Mohr, Carolyn M. Fenech, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Caitlin Q. Donhowe
-
Patent number: 9339397Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Publication number: 20140257519Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Patent number: 8734528Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
-
Publication number: 20140088729Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
-
Publication number: 20130096377Abstract: A medical system includes a catheter and a vision probe that can be removed from the catheter and replaced with a medical probe. The vision probe can thus be used to steer and pose the catheter, and then be removed and replaced with the medical probe when a medical task such as a lung biopsy is performed. A sensor system in the catheter at least partly measures a pose of the catheter, and control logic controls actuation of the catheter to maintain the desired working configuration when the medical probe is used. A small diameter catheter can thus provide vision and biopsy functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: VINCENT DUINDAM, CATHERINE J. MOHR, CAROLYN M. FENECH, GIUSEPPE MARIA PRISCO, KWOK WAI SAMUEL AU, CAITLIN Q. DONHOWE