Patents by Inventor Lincoln J. Alvord

Lincoln J. Alvord 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: 11547287
    Abstract: A tool comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion spaced apart by a shaft along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion includes a distal link and the proximal portion including a proximal link. The distal link and proximal link form a pair of links. The tool also comprises a set of tension load bearing members connecting the proximal link and the distal link and terminating at the links of the pair to transfer movement therebetween. The tool also comprises an articulation lock positioned between the distal portion and the proximal portion and configured to allow through passage of the set of tension load bearing members. The articulation lock is adjustable between an unlocked configuration in which the proximal and distal links are moveable and a locked configuration in which an effective length of the shaft is increased, creating a force to impede movement of the proximal and distal links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David E. Hegeman, Lincoln J. Alvord, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Publication number: 20190282314
    Abstract: A tool comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion spaced apart by a shaft along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion includes a distal link and the proximal portion including a proximal link. The distal link and proximal link form a pair of links. The tool also comprises a set of tension load bearing members connecting the proximal link and the distal link and terminating at the links of the pair to transfer movement therebetween. The tool also comprises an articulation lock positioned between the distal portion and the proximal portion and configured to allow through passage of the set of tension load bearing. The articulation lock is adjustable between an unlocked configuration in which the proximal and distal links are moveable and a locked configuration in which an effective length of the shaft is increased, creating a force to impede movement of the proximal and distal links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: David E. Hegeman, Lincoln J. Alvord, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Patent number: 10342626
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end, a first linking member coupled to a user interface positioned near the proximal end, a second linking member coupled to a clamp tool positioned near the distal end, an elongate shaft extending between the first and second linking members, and at least one cable set extending through the elongate shaft and coupling the first and second linking members such that movement of the first linking member causes corresponding movement in the second linking member. The user interface includes a handle having a first part connected to the first linking member, a second part pivotably connected to the first part, and a rotational element connected to the handle. The first linking member includes a first articulating portion and the second linking member includes a second articulating portion including a plurality of discrete links defining a plurality of lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, Lincoln J. Alvord, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Patent number: 9737365
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Publication number: 20170165018
    Abstract: Provided herein is a tool for use in surgical procedures. The tool includes a portion having distal links and a portion having proximal links, each link being movable in multiple degrees of freedom relative to an adjacent link The tool includes an articulation mechanism for manipulating the distal links of the distal portion, the articulation mechanism including pairs of links and tension load bearing members. The tool includes an articulation lock between the distal portion and the proximal portion, each set of tension load bearing members connecting the proximal link and corresponding distal link of one of the pairs of links The articulation lock has a disengaged state wherein the links move freely and an engaged state wherein the adjacent distal links are forced into frictional engagement and the adjacent proximal links are forced into frictional engagement to impede movement of the distal and proximal portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, Lincoln J. Alvord, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Publication number: 20150351854
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Patent number: 9072427
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Publication number: 20120095451
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Patent number: 8100824
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Patent number: 7862554
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Karrie S. Bertsch, Lincoln J. Alvord, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Publication number: 20080255421
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: David Elias Hegeman, David J. Danitz, Karrie S. Bertsch, Lincoln J. Alvord, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Patent number: 6941598
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Publication number: 20040139546
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 6668408
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 6581214
    Abstract: A system utilizing multiple spacer and shim elements that nest together to raise a closet ring to the height required for the particular floor being used in a given application for a toilet bowl installation. The nested spacer and shim elements are placed on the rough floor and receive the closet ring mounting flange. Bosses on an upper side of a lower spacer and shim element are received in detents in a lower side of a corresponding upper spacer and shim element so that the spacer and shim elements are held securely in their nested position so as to form a registered spacer/shim stack. The spacer and shim elements will typically be ¼″ thick. The spacer and shim elements further include breakaway mounting tabs positioned about an outer circumference of the main body of the spacer and shim elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Joe A. Love, Herman T. Charity, III, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Publication number: 20030051292
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 6438776
    Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Publication number: 20010029628
    Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: D474265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Joe A. Love, Herman T. Charity, III, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Patent number: D477658
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Joe A. Love, Herman T. Charity, III, Lincoln J. Alvord