Patents by Inventor Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston 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: 20240360581
    Abstract: A thermal cutting element for a surgical instrument includes a substrate, a Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coating disposed on the substrate, and a heating element disposed on the PEO coating and including first and second end portions adapted to connect to different potentials of electrical energy to heat the heating element. A jaw member of a surgical instrument includes a structural frame including a proximal flange portion and a distal body portion, a jaw housing surrounding the distal body portion of the structural frame, a tissue-treating plate disposed atop the jaw housing and defining a longitudinal slot therethrough along at least a portion of a length thereof, and the thermal cutting element disposed within the longitudinal slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: William Robinson, James D. Allen, IV, Mark A. Johnston, Brendan J. Heinig, Hector A. MacPherson
  • Publication number: 20240293166
    Abstract: A controller for an electrosurgical generator includes an RF inverter, a signal processor, a software compensator, a hardware compensator, and an RF inverter controller. The RF inverter generates an electrosurgical waveform and the signal processor outputs a measured value of at least one of a voltage, a current, or power of the electrosurgical waveform. The software compensator generates a desired value for at least one of the voltage, the current, or the power of the electrosurgical waveform, and the hardware compensator generates a phase shift based on the measured value and the desired value. The RF inverter controller generates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal based on the phase shift to control the RF inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Edward L. Brannan, William D. Faulkner, Mark A. Johnston, Aaron G. Mattmiller, Donald L. Tonn
  • Patent number: 12049706
    Abstract: A thermal cutting element for a surgical instrument includes a substrate, a Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coating disposed on the substrate, and a heating element disposed on the PEO coating and including first and second end portions adapted to connect to different potentials of electrical energy to heat the heating element. A jaw member of a surgical instrument includes a structural frame including a proximal flange portion and a distal body portion, a jaw housing surrounding the distal body portion of the structural frame, a tissue-treating plate disposed atop the jaw housing and defining a longitudinal slot therethrough along at least a portion of a length thereof, and the thermal cutting element disposed within the longitudinal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William Robinson, James D. Allen, IV, Mark A. Johnston, Brendan J. Heinig, Hector A. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 11969201
    Abstract: A controller for an electrosurgical generator includes an RF inverter, a signal processor, a software compensator, a hardware compensator, and an RF inverter controller. The RF inverter generates an electrosurgical waveform and the signal processor outputs a measured value of at least one of a voltage, a current, or power of the electrosurgical waveform. The software compensator generates a desired value for at least one of the voltage, the current, or the power of the electrosurgical waveform, and the hardware compensator generates a phase shift based on the measured value and the desired value. The RF inverter controller generates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal based on the phase shift to control the RF inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Edward L. Brannan, William D. Faulkner, Mark A. Johnston, Aaron G. Mattmiller, Donald L. Tonn
  • Publication number: 20240032987
    Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes clamping tissue between an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member and simultaneously: transmitting ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade to vibrate the ultrasonic blade at a first blade velocity thereby heating the clamped tissue; and supplying electrosurgical energy, at a constant voltage, to the jaw member and the ultrasonic blade at different potentials such that the electrosurgical energy is conducted therebetween and through the clamped tissue to heat the clamped tissue. An impedance of the clamped tissue is monitored and the simultaneous transmission of ultrasonic energy and supply of electrosurgical energy is terminated and/or a notification is output once the clamped tissue is sealed, as indicated by the impedance of the clamped tissue being equal to or greater than a threshold impedance. Surgical instruments and end effectors thereof for treating tissue in this manner are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Michael B. Lyons, James E. Dunning, Kristen P. Bradley, David J. Van Tol, Christopher T. Tschudy, Keith W. Malang, Donald L. Tonn, Mark A. Johnston, James R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 11784598
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quasi-sensorless adaptive control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM). The method comprises the steps of: applying a voltage pulse to an inactive phase winding and measuring current response in each inactive winding. Motor index pulses are used for speed calculation and to establish a time base. Slope of the current is continuously monitored which allows the shaft speed to be updated multiple times and to track any change in speed and fix the dwell angle based on the shaft speed. The apparatus for quasi-sensorless control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM) comprises a switched-reluctance motor having a stator and a rotor, a three-phase inverter controlled by a processor connected to the switched-reluctance motor, a load and a converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Turntide Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor A. Creary, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Piyush C. Desai, Mark Johnston, Timothy Knodel
  • Patent number: 11682995
    Abstract: The present embodiment is a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) which provides a plurality of combinations of the number of rotor poles Rn and number of stator poles Sn utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula, Rn=2Sn?Fp, when Sn=m×Fp, wherein Fp is the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned, and m is the number of phases. The mathematical formulation provides an improved noise performance and design flexibility to the machine. The mathematical formulation further provides a specific number of stator and rotor poles for a chosen m and Fp. The HRSRM can be designed with varying number of phases. The HRSRM provides a smoother torque profile due to a high number of strokes per revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Turntide Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Trevor Creary, Piyush Desai, Mark Johnston
  • Publication number: 20230107792
    Abstract: A switched reluctance machine comprising at least one rotor comprising a set of rotor poles arranged about a central axis, at least one stator positioned concentric to and radially outward from the central axis and the rotor, the stator having an outer surface and an outer surface active zone; a housing having a sleeve positioned only radially outward from the stator outer surface active zone; at least one housing endplate coupled to an end of said housing; wherein said stator has no direct connection to said housing, and wherein the number of rotor poles Rn and number of stator poles Sn utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula, Rn=2Sn?Fp, when Sn=m×Fp, wherein Fp is the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned, and m is the number of phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Piyush Desai, Tim Knodel, Bryan Knodel, Earl Fairall, Mark Johnston, Mahesh Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20230108257
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device including a pair of opposing jaw members movable between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position, a main switch, a button configured to actuate the main switch, and a secondary switch configured to actuate based on the thickness of the grasped tissue. The system also includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical device, the electrosurgical generator is configured to generate an electrosurgical output in response to actuation of the main switch and the secondary switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Lewis R. Puterbaugh, Mark A. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20220387093
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device having: a main switch, a button configured to actuate the main switch, at least one secondary switch, and a movable component configured to actuate the second switch. The system also includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical device, the electrosurgical generator is configured to generate an electrosurgical output in response to actuation of the main switch and the at least one secondary switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Mark A. Johnston, Lewis R. Puterbaugh
  • Patent number: 11365490
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal cutting element for a surgical instrument includes manufacturing a substrate, coating at least a portion of the substrate via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), and disposing a heating element on at least a portion of the PEO-coated substrate. The method may further include attaching the thermal cutting element to a jaw member of a surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William Robinson, James D. Allen, IV, Mark A. Johnston, Brendan J. Heinig, Hector A. MacPherson
  • Publication number: 20220190766
    Abstract: The present embodiment is a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) which provides a plurality of combinations of the number of rotor poles Rn and number of stator poles Sn utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula, Rn=2Sn?Fp, when Sn=m×Fp, wherein Fp is the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned, and m is the number of phases. The mathematical formulation provides an improved noise performance and design flexibility to the machine. The mathematical formulation further provides a specific number of stator and rotor poles for a chosen m and Fp. The HRSRM can be designed with varying number of phases. The HRSRM provides a smoother torque profile due to a high number of strokes per revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: MAHESH KRISHNAMURTHY, TREVOR CREARY, PIYUSH DESAI, MARK JOHNSTON
  • Publication number: 20220190765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quasi-sensorless adaptive control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM). The method comprises the steps of: applying a voltage pulse to an inactive phase winding and measuring current response in each inactive winding. Motor index pulses are used for speed calculation and to establish a time base. Slope of the current is continuously monitored which allows the shaft speed to be updated multiple times and to track any change in speed and fix the dwell angle based on the shaft speed. The apparatus for quasi-sensorless control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM) comprises a switched-reluctance motor having a stator and a rotor, a three-phase inverter controlled by a processor connected to the switched-reluctance motor, a load and a converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Trevor A. Creary, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Piyush C. Desai, Mark Johnston, Timothy Knodel
  • Patent number: 11277061
    Abstract: A high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) employs an axial and radial mirroring concept and is represented by a first Multiple Rotor Pole (MRP) formula and second Multiple Stator Pole (MSP) formula. A multiple rotor HRSRM comprises at least two rotors each having a plurality of rotor poles and at least two stators having a plurality of stator poles. The at least two rotors and the at least two stators are positioned about a central axis with the stator placed between the rotors. In other embodiments, the number of stators equals the number of rotors and effectively operate as a single stator and rotor. In yet another embodiment, the effective single stator and rotor type high rotor pole switched reluctance machine is realized as single stator and rotor positioned concentrically around a central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Turntide Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Mark Johnston, Trevor Creary, Piyush Desai
  • Patent number: 11271509
    Abstract: The present embodiment is a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) which provides a plurality of combinations of the number of rotor poles Rn and number of stator poles Sn utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula, Rn=2Sn?Fp, when Sn=m×Fp, wherein Fp is the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned, and m is the number of phases. The mathematical formulation provides an improved noise performance and design flexibility to the machine. The mathematical formulation further provides a specific number of stator and rotor poles for a chosen m and Fp. The HRSRM can be designed with varying number of phases. The HRSRM provides a smoother torque profile due to a high number of strokes per revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Turntide Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Trevor Creary, Piyush Desai, Mark Johnston
  • Patent number: 11264932
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quasi-sensorless adaptive control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM). The method comprises the steps of: applying a voltage pulse to an inactive phase winding and measuring current response in each inactive winding. Motor index pulses are used for speed calculation and to establish a time base. Slope of the current is continuously monitored which allows the shaft speed to be updated multiple times and to track any change in speed and fix the dwell angle based on the shaft speed. The apparatus for quasi-sensorless control of a high rotor pole switched-reluctance motor (HRSRM) comprises a switched-reluctance motor having a stator and a rotor, a three-phase inverter controlled by a processor connected to the switched-reluctance motor, a load and a converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Turntide Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor A. Creary, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Piyush C. Desai, Mark Johnston, Timothy Knodel
  • Publication number: 20220058706
    Abstract: A system and method, in various embodiments, maintains a cryptographically protected ledger of transactions pertaining to enabling a property owner to require subsequent holders of interests in its property to verify the property owner's informed consent to any transaction that creates or created an interest in its property in any other party. The method may include receiving, at a computing device running an automated agent, a request from a property owner to prepare a record of a contract for verifying and authenticating title-modifying transactions according to a protective scheme included in the contract and a covenant recorded against the title of the real property, which are stored as digital records in a cryptographically protected ledger. A digital certificate is used to verify authenticity of the digital records and confirm consent to the title-modifying transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: SeniorSafe USA LLC
    Inventors: Roger Norris Gordon, John Mark Johnston
  • Publication number: 20210369324
    Abstract: A controller for an electrosurgical generator includes an RF inverter, a signal processor, a software compensator, a hardware compensator, and an RF inverter controller. The RF inverter generates an electrosurgical waveform and the signal processor outputs a measured value of at least one of a voltage, a current, or power of the electrosurgical waveform. The software compensator generates a desired value for at least one of the voltage, the current, or the power of the electrosurgical waveform, and the hardware compensator generates a phase shift based on the measured value and the desired value. The RF inverter controller generates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal based on the phase shift to control the RF inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Edward L. Brannan, William D. Faulkner, Mark A. Johnston, Aaron G. Mattmiller, Donald L. Tonn
  • Publication number: 20210282837
    Abstract: A tissue resection device includes a handpiece and an end effector assembly extending distally from the handpiece. The end effector assembly includes an outer shaft defining a longitudinal axis and including a window defined therethrough towards a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly further includes an inner member rotationally disposed within the outer shaft. The inner member includes a proximal body portion and a distal cutting portion. The proximal body portion is coaxially disposed on the longitudinal axis and rotatable thereabout. The distal cutting portion includes an offset portion that is radially offset from the longitudinal axis and is configured to orbit about the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the distal cutting portion is a thermal cutting element configured to heat in response to application of electrical energy thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Netzel, Purvishkumar H. Soni, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Daniel A. Joseph, John A. Hammerland, III, Daniel W. Mercier, Devon E. Scott-Drechsel, Mark A. Johnston, David M. Garrison, Jing Zhao, Yanzhu Zhao
  • Patent number: 11090106
    Abstract: A controller for an electrosurgical generator includes an RF inverter, a signal processor, a software compensator, a hardware compensator, and an RF inverter controller. The RF inverter generates an electrosurgical waveform and the signal processor outputs a measured value of at least one of a voltage, a current, or power of the electrosurgical waveform. The software compensator generates a desired value for at least one of the voltage, the current, or the power of the electrosurgical waveform, and the hardware compensator generates a phase shift based on the measured value and the desired value. The RF inverter controller generates a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal based on the phase shift to control the RF inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert H. Wham, Donald L. Tonn, Aaron Mattmiller, William D. Faulkner, Edward L. Brannan, Mark A. Johnston