Patents by Inventor MARK W. ZIMMER

MARK W. ZIMMER 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: 11919154
    Abstract: A method includes moving a stabilization device comprising a stabilization surface relative to a base of a surgical cart, wherein the moving comprises moving the stabilization device from a retracted position in which the stabilization surface is spaced from the ground surface to a deployed position in which the stabilization surface is in contact with the ground surface, and wherein the moving comprises overcoming a biasing force biasing the stabilization device toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11813093
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments during a computer-assisted remote procedure can comprise a base; a steering interface having a portion configured to be grasped by a user; a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface by a user; and a switch operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cart may further include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and, on the condition that the switch is in the engaged position, to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism. A driven wheel mounted to the base of the cart may be configured to impart motion to the cart in response to the movement command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11723742
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments for a computer-assisted, remote procedure can include a base and a support structure extending from the base and adjustable to different configurations, the support structure being configured to support one or more instruments to perform a remote procedure. The cart can further include a steering interface configured to be grasped by a user and a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface. The cart also can include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and information about a configuration of the support structure, the control module operably coupled to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism and the information about the configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20220031417
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments for a computer-assisted, remote procedure can include a base and a support structure extending from the base and adjustable to different configurations, the support structure being configured to support one or more instruments to perform a remote procedure. The cart can further include a steering interface configured to be grasped by a user and a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface. The cart also can include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and information about a configuration of the support structure, the control module operably coupled to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism and the information about the configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Arjang M. HOURTASH, Paul W. MOHR, David W. ROBINSON, Nitish SWARUP, John W. ZABINSKI, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 11129688
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments for a computer-assisted, remote procedure can include a base and a support structure extending from the base and adjustable to different configurations, the support structure being configured to support one or more instruments to perform a remote procedure. The cart can further include a steering interface configured to be grasped by a user and a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface. The cart also can include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and information about a configuration of the support structure, the control module operably coupled to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism and the information about the configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20210169600
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments during a computer-assisted remote procedure can comprise a base; a steering interface having a portion configured to be grasped by a user; a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface by a user; and a switch operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cart may further include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and, on the condition that the switch is in the engaged position, to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism. A driven wheel mounted to the base of the cart may be configured to impart motion to the cart in response to the movement command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Arjang M. HOURTASH, Paul W. MOHR, David W. ROBINSON, Nitish SWARUP, John W. ZABINSKI, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Publication number: 20210122067
    Abstract: A method includes moving a stabilization device comprising a stabilization surface relative to a base of a surgical cart, wherein the moving comprises moving the stabilization device from a retracted position in which the stabilization surface is spaced from the ground surface to a deployed position in which the stabilization surface is in contact with the ground surface, and wherein the moving comprises overcoming a biasing force biasing the stabilization device toward the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David ROBINSON, Matthew R. CAVALIER, Gregory W. DACHS, Michael HANUSCHIK, Jason JIANG, Paul W. MOHR, Bruce M. SCHENA, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10899021
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion; a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion; a column extending vertically from the base portion; a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column; a stabilization device coupled to the base portion, the stabilization device moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuation device to cause movement of the stabilization device between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a biasing element coupled to the stabilization device, the biasing element exerting a biasing force to bias the stabilization device toward the retracted position. The stabilization device may comprise a stabilization surface, the stabilization surface contacting the ground surface on which the surgical cart assembly is supported in the deployed position of the stabilization device, and the stabilization surface spaced from the ground surface in the retracted position of the stabilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10881479
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments during a computer-assisted remote procedure can comprise a base; a steering interface having a portion configured to be grasped by a user; a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface by a user; and a switch operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cart may further include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and, on the condition that the switch is in the engaged position, to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism. A driven wheel mounted to the base of the cart may be configured to impart motion to the cart in response to the movement command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20200254633
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion; a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion; a column extending vertically from the base portion; a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column; a stabilization device coupled to the base portion, the stabilization device moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuation device to cause movement of the stabilization device between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a biasing element coupled to the stabilization device, the biasing element exerting a biasing force to bias the stabilization device toward the retracted position. The stabilization device may comprise a stabilization surface, the stabilization surface contacting the ground surface on which the surgical cart assembly is supported in the deployed position of the stabilization device, and the stabilization surface spaced from the ground surface in the retracted position of the stabilization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David ROBINSON, Matthew R. CAVALIER, Gregory W. DACHS, Michael HANUSCHIK, Jason JIANG, Paul W. MOHR, Bruce M. SCHENA, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10668633
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion. The base portion also includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion and arranged to permit wheeled movement of the surgical cart assembly. The cart also includes a column extending vertically from the base portion, and a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column opposite to a location of the base portion. The cart further comprises a stabilization assembly coupled to the base portion, the stabilization assembly may include a piston assembly moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an actuation device operably coupled to the piston assembly to actuate the piston assembly between the retracted position and the deployed position. The piston assembly in the retracted position is retracted away from a ground surface on which the cart assembly is supported, and the piston assembly in the deployed position is in contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20200101629
    Abstract: A surgical cart assembly may comprise a base portion. The base portion also includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the base portion and arranged to permit wheeled movement of the surgical cart assembly. The cart also includes a column extending vertically from the base portion, and a manipulator arm coupled to an end portion of the column opposite to a location of the base portion. The cart further comprises a stabilization assembly coupled to the base portion, the stabilization assembly may include a piston assembly moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and an actuation device operably coupled to the piston assembly to actuate the piston assembly between the retracted position and the deployed position. The piston assembly in the retracted position is retracted away from a ground surface on which the cart assembly is supported, and the piston assembly in the deployed position is in contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David ROBINSON, Matthew R. CAVALIER, Gregory W. DACHS, Michael HANUSCHIK, Jason JIANG, Paul W. MOHR, Bruce M. SCHENA, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10464219
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vibration reduction member of a patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes detecting an occurrence of a first event corresponding to preparation of the patient side cart for a surgical procedure, and issuing a command signal to an actuation device to deploy the vibration reduction member to contact a ground surface upon which the patient side cart is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20190159856
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments for a computer-assisted, remote procedure can include a base and a support structure extending from the base and adjustable to different configurations, the support structure being configured to support one or more instruments to perform a remote procedure. The cart can further include a steering interface configured to be grasped by a user and a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface. The cart also can include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and information about a configuration of the support structure, the control module operably coupled to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism and the information about the configuration of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Arjang M. HOURTASH, Paul W. MOHR, David W. ROBINSON, Nitish SWARUP, John W. ZABINSKI, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Publication number: 20190159857
    Abstract: A cart for supporting one or more instruments during a computer-assisted remote procedure can comprise a base; a steering interface having a portion configured to be grasped by a user; a sensor mechanism configured to detect a force applied to the steering interface by a user; and a switch operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cart may further include a drive system comprising a control module operably coupled to receive an input from the sensor mechanism in response to the force applied to the steering interface and, on the condition that the switch is in the engaged position, to output a movement command based on the received input from the sensor mechanism. A driven wheel mounted to the base of the cart may be configured to impart motion to the cart in response to the movement command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Arjang M. HOURTASH, Paul W. MOHR, David W. ROBINSON, Nitish SWARUP, John W. ZABINSKI, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10136947
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include at least one manipulator arm portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface, and a drive system. The steering interface may be configured to detect a force applied by a user to the steering interface indicating a desired movement for the teleoperated surgical system. The drive system can include at least one driven wheel, a control module, and a model section. The control module may receive as input a signal from the steering interface corresponding to the force applied by the user to the steering interface. The control module may be configured to output a desired movement signal corresponding to the signal received from the steering interface. The model section can include a model of movement behavior of the patient side cart, the model section outputting a movement command output to drive the driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Nitish Swarup, John W. Zabinski, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20180319023
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vibration reduction member of a patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes detecting an occurrence of a first event corresponding to preparation of the patient side cart for a surgical procedure, and issuing a command signal to an actuation device to deploy the vibration reduction member to contact a ground surface upon which the patient side cart is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David ROBINSON, Matthew R. CAVALIER, Gregory W. DACHS, Michael HANUSCHIK, Jason JIANG, Paul W. MOHR, Bruce M. SCHENA, Mark W. ZIMMER
  • Patent number: 10071488
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system may include a base, a column connected to the base, a boom connected to the column, a manipulator arm connected to the boom, and a vibration reduction member. The manipulator arm may be configured to support a surgical instrument. The vibration reduction member may be configured to be moved between deployed and retracted positions relative to the base. The vibration reduction member may engage a ground surface in the deployed position and not be in contact with the ground surface in the retracted position. Various exemplary embodiments also relate to carts including a vibration reduction member and methods of controlling a vibration reduction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Robinson, Matthew R. Cavalier, Gregory W. Dachs, Michael Hanuschik, Jason Jiang, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, Mark W. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9840276
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include one or more wheels positioned to support the cart for wheeled motion on a ground surface, at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface having a grasping portion and comprising a sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted on the grasping portion to move the cart, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart, and an additional sensor operatively coupled to the drive control system. The additional sensor may be positioned between the steering interface and the wheels on a side of the cart at which the steering interface is positioned, wherein in response to a force exerted on the additional sensor during backward motion of the cart in response to an aft force exerted on the grasping portion, the sensor sends a signal to the drive control system to stop motion of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Alan W. Petersen, David Robinson, Nitish Swarup, Mark W. Zimmer, Alexander Makhlin, Julio Santos-Munne, Eric Faulring, Thomas Moyer
  • Publication number: 20170253270
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include one or more wheels positioned to support the cart for wheeled motion on a ground surface, at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface having a grasping portion and comprising a sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted on the grasping portion to move the cart, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart, and an additional sensor operatively coupled to the drive control system. The additional sensor may be positioned between the steering interface and the wheels on a side of the cart at which the steering interface is positioned, wherein in response to a force exerted on the additional sensor during backward motion of the cart in response to an aft force exerted on the grasping portion, the sensor sends a signal to the drive control system to stop motion of the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Paul W. MOHR, Alan W. PETERSEN, David ROBINSON, Nitish SWARUP, Mark W. ZIMMER, Alexander MAKHLIN, Julio SANTOS-MUNNE, Eric FAULRING, Thomas MOYER