Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Wixey

Matthew A. Wixey 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: 12364478
    Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Matthew A. Wixey, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 12357306
    Abstract: A computer-assisted device include an actuator and one or more processors. The computer-assisted device is configured to support an instrument having an end effector located at a distal end. To perform an operation with the instrument, the one or more processors are configured to operate the end effector according to a state machine having a first state and a second state. In the first state a velocity set point of the actuator is set to a first velocity. In the second state the velocity set point of the actuator is set to a second velocity lower than the first velocity. The state machine transitions from the first state to the second state when a force or torque applied by the actuator is above a first threshold and transitions from the second state to the first state when the force or torque applied by the actuator is below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, Gabriel F. Brisson, William A. Burbank, Patrick Flanagan, Pushkar Hingwe, David W. Weir, Donald F. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12359696
    Abstract: A universal double joint is provided comprising: a drive rotatable bearing having a first spherical surface formed of a plastic material; a proximal metal cross pin configured to receive an imparted drive force and to impart the imparted drive force to the first rotatable bearing; a driven rotatable bearing having a second spherical surface formed of a plastic material; and a distal metal cross pin configured to receive the imparted drive force and to impart the imparted drive force to the second rotatable bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 12274473
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Serene Wachli, Tracy Breslin, Steven C. Kessler, Nikolai Poulsen, Nathan Collins, Alexandra Do, Eduardo Bolanos, Boun Pravong, Patrick Elliott, Matthew A. Wixey, Wayne Young, Jacob J. Filek, Kevin B. Castelo, Adam Hoke, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Jacqueline DeMarchi, Amy Garces, Heidi Holmes, Alexander Sheehan
  • Patent number: 12102401
    Abstract: An end effector that can have an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A wrist can connect the end effector to an elongated shaft. A beam member can be arranged to translate within the upper and lower jaw. An actuation assembly can have a pushing assembly configured to transfer compressive force to the beam member and a pulling assembly configured to transfer tensile force to the beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 12053179
    Abstract: A system and method of variable velocity control of an instrument by a computer-assisted device includes a computer-assisted device that includes an actuator and one or more processors. To perform an operation with an instrument coupled to the computer-assisted device, the one or more processors are configured to set a velocity set point of the actuator to an initial velocity, monitor force or torque applied by the actuator to actuate the instrument, when the applied force or torque is above a first force or torque limit, determine whether a total duration of a set of pauses occurring during the operation of the instrument is below a maximum pause threshold, and in response to determining that the total duration is below the maximum pause threshold, pause the operation of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Gabriel F. Brisson, William A. Burbank, Amir Chaghajerdi, Patrick Flanagan, Pushkar Hingwe, Andrew Wilson, Donald F. Wilson, Jr., Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 12011167
    Abstract: A system and method of variable velocity control of an instrument by a computer-assisted device includes a computer-assisted device that includes an actuator and one or more processors. To perform an operation with an instrument coupled to the computer-assisted device, the one or more processors are configured to set a velocity set point of the actuator to an initial velocity, monitor force or torque applied by the actuator to actuate the instrument, when the applied force or torque is above a first force or torque limit, determine whether a total duration of a set of pauses occurring during the operation of the instrument is below a maximum pause threshold, and in response to determining that the total duration is below the maximum pause threshold, pause the operation of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Gabriel F. Brisson, William A. Burbank, Amir Chaghajerdi, Patrick Flanagan, Pushkar Hingwe, Andrew Wilson, Donald F. Wilson, Jr., Matthew A. Wixey
  • Publication number: 20240138835
    Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Matthew A. Wixey, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 11944745
    Abstract: A medical device can include a housing, a first seal structure, and a seal expander. The first seal structure can have a proximal end and a distal end, and a side wall surrounding and defining an interior chamber. A seal wall can be connected to the side wall and include an expandable opening. A seal expander can be coupled to the housing, and can be at least partially in the interior chamber of the first seal structure. The seal expander can include an expandable neck portion and a seal interface portion, the seal interface portion being near an intersection of the side wall and the seal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, William A. Burbank, Robert C. Reid, Nathan A. Venskytis
  • Patent number: 11903583
    Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Matthew A. Wixey, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 11896338
    Abstract: A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 11890013
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for stapler reload detection and identification. A manipulator is configured to have an instrument mounted thereto. The instrument includes an end effector configured for mounting of a replaceable stapler cartridge and a pusher member configured to articulate a staple pushing shuttle of the stapler cartridge to deploy staples from the stapler cartridge. An actuation mechanism is drivingly coupled with the pusher member. A control unit is configured to control operation of the actuation mechanism to move the pusher member from a first position to a second position, wherein at the second position, the pusher member makes contact with a portion of the staple cartridge or a portion of the end effector; determine a distance of movement of the pusher member from the first position to the second position; and determine, based on the distance of movement, an operational status of the instrument relating to the stapler cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William Burbank, Matthew A. Wixey, Nicholas Ragosta, David W. Weir, Emily Cooper, Melody Wu
  • Publication number: 20240008873
    Abstract: A method of using a medical instrument can include applying a distally-directed or proximally-directed load via a drive member to an end effector coupled to an elongated shaft via a wrist assembly so as to actuate the end effector; and reacting the distally-directed or proximally-directed load to an inner link of the wrist assembly that is pivotally coupled to a first outer link and a second outer link. The wrist assembly can be actuatable via drive cables and reacting the load maintains the first outer link interfaced with the second outer link in the absence of tension in the drive cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 11806034
    Abstract: Techniques for grasp adjustment include a computer-assisted device comprising a repositionable structure configured to support an end effector and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more images of the end effector; determine, based on the one or more images, at least one of a first length between a proximal end of jaws of the end effector and a proximal end of a grasping zone, a second length corresponding to a length of the grasping zone, a third length between a distal end of the grasping zone and the distal end of the at least one jaw; or an angle between the jaws of the end effector; and adjust a force or a torque magnitude limit used to limit actuation of the end effector based on at least one of the first length, the second length, the third length, or the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Lynne Wellman, David W. Weir, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Patent number: 11806016
    Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, and a wrist assembly. The wrist assembly includes a first outer link, a first inner link, and a second outer link. The first outer link is connected to the shaft and includes first gear teeth. The first inner link is pivotally coupled with the first outer link. The second outer link is pivotally coupled with the first inner link. The second outer link includes second gear teeth that interface with the first gear teeth and control orientation of the first inner link relative to the first outer link and the first outer link throughout a range of orientations of the wrist assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey
  • Publication number: 20230293224
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Brustad, Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Publication number: 20230285692
    Abstract: A medical device can include a housing, a first seal structure, and a seal expander. The first seal structure can have a proximal end and a distal end, and a side wall surrounding and defining an interior chamber. A seal wall can be connected to the side wall and include an expandable opening. A seal expander can be coupled to the housing, and can be at least partially in the interior chamber of the first seal structure. The seal expander can include an expandable neck portion and a seal interface portion, the seal interface portion being near an intersection of the side wall and the seal wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wixey, William A. Burbank, Robert C. Reid, Nathan A. Venskytis
  • Patent number: 11660136
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Brustad, Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Publication number: 20230157723
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Serene Wachli, Tracy Breslin, Steven C. Kessler, Nikolai Poulsen, Nathan Collins, Alexandra Do, Eduardo Bolanos, Boun Pravong, Patrick Elliott, Matthew A. Wixey, Wayne Young, Jacob J. Filek, Kevin B. Castelo, Adam Hoke, Gregory K. Hofstetter, Jacqueline DeMarchi, Amy Garces, Heidi Holmes, Alexander Sheehan
  • Patent number: 11633239
    Abstract: A medical device drive system may include a locking structure, a locking device sized and shaped to engage with the locking structure, the locking device coupled to a drive system component, and a lifter configured to actuate the locking device into and out of engagement with the locking structure, wherein the drive system component is selectively lockable by movement of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Ragosta, Matthew A. Wixey