Patents by Inventor Robert C. Younge

Robert C. Younge 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).

  • MEDICAL-TECHNICAL DEVICE CALIBRATION
    Publication number: 20140180310
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Chris Julian, Robert C. Younge
  • Surgical robotic tools, data architecture, and use
    Publication number: 20020072736
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert C. Younge