Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Nixon
Thomas R. Nixon 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).
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Publication number: 20250064538Abstract: Teleoperated control includes commanding, in response to a first input to move a tool while an imaging device is mounted to a first manipulator and a tool is mounted to a second manipulator, actuator(s) of the second manipulator to move the tool with a first motion relative to a first reference frame that corresponds with a first movement of an input device relative to a display, the first reference frame defined based on the imaging device mounted to the first manipulator; and commanding, in response to receiving a second input to move the tool while the imaging device is mounted to the third manipulator, the actuator(s) to move the tool with a second motion relative to a second reference frame that corresponds with a second movement of the input device relative to the display, the second reference frame defined based on the imaging device being mounted to the third manipulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2024Publication date: February 27, 2025Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
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Patent number: 12171517Abstract: A system includes first and second manipulating means, and a means for detecting mounting of an imaging means to the first manipulating means, a means for determining a first reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the first manipulating means, a means for controlling a tool means relative to the first reference frame by maintaining a position and orientation of a distal portion of the tool means relative to the imaging means in the first reference frame based on a position and orientation of an input means relative to a display means, a means for detecting mounting of the imaging means to the second manipulating means, a means for determining a second reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the second manipulating means, and a means for controlling the tool means relative to the second reference frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
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Patent number: 12111001Abstract: A sanitary fluid transport coupling can include a plurality of fluid conduits, each fluid conduit having a distal end and a proximal end, a support element adapted to secure a spaced relationship between the plurality of second conduits at the distal end of the plurality of fluid conduits, and an overmolded element disposed adjacent the support element. The overmolded element can form a fitting that can form a fluid connection with another fluid conduit, fluid container, or isolated environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Bryan L. Cassiday, Mitchell L. Snyder, Nicolas Nadenoff, Thomas R. Nixon
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Patent number: 11987784Abstract: The present application is directed to a sampling system for sampling a fluid from a vessel, where the sampling system includes a sterile dispenser assembly operatively connected to the vessel, the sterile dispenser assembly including a valve operatively connected to the vessel, a membrane, and a needle, and a detachable sterile sampling container assembly operatively connected to the sterile dispenser assembly, the detachable sterile sampling container assembly including a sampling container, a membrane attached to the sampling container, and a sampling container housing enclosing the sampling container, where the sampling container housing includes a compressible portion having a deflated configuration and an expanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Jonathon Wheatley
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Patent number: 11884468Abstract: The present application is directed to a packaging container including a body including; a first portion including a coupling feature; a second portion including a coupling feature and complementary to the first portion; and a hinge portion coupling the first portion to the second portion adapted to move the packaging container from an open position to a closed position around a product, where the first portion and the second portion combine to form a void port in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas R. Nixon, Clemens E. Zoellner, Jason Osentoski, Joshua Martell
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Tool position and identification indicator displayed in a boundary area of a computer display screen
Patent number: 11865729Abstract: An apparatus comprises a memory device and a processor coupled to a display device, an image capture device, and the memory device. The processor is configured to: cause images captured by the image capture device to be displayed in a viewing area on the display device; determine a position of a tool in a reference frame of the image capture device; determine a position to display a non-depictive symbol for the tool in a boundary area circumscribing the viewing area to indicate a direction of the determined position of the tool relative to a field of view of the image capture device, by determining a trajectory of the tool; and cause the non-depictive symbol to be displayed at the determined position in the boundary area while images that were captured by the image capture device are restricted to being displayed in the viewing area.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Q. Larkin, Thomas R. Nixon, David S. Mintz -
Patent number: 11801102Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swamp, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
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Publication number: 20230301736Abstract: A system includes first and second manipulating means, and a means for detecting mounting of an imaging means to the first manipulating means, a means for determining a first reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the first manipulating means, a means for controlling a tool means relative to the first reference frame by maintaining a position and orientation of a distal portion of the tool means relative to the imaging means in the first reference frame based on a position and orientation of an input means relative to a display means, a means for detecting mounting of the imaging means to the second manipulating means, a means for determining a second reference frame for the imaging means while the imaging means is mounted to the second manipulating means, and a means for controlling the tool means relative to the second reference frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Niels SMABY, Gregory W. DACHS, II, Nicola DIOLAITI, Pushkar HINGWE, Thomas R. NIXON, Bruce M. SCHENA, Nitish SWARUP
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Patent number: 11690689Abstract: Inter-operative switching of tools in a robotic system includes a system with a plurality of manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of a first imaging device to a first manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the first imaging device having a first reference frame; in response to detecting the mounting of the first imaging device, control a tool relative to the first reference frame using a second manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the tool being mounted to the second manipulator; detect mounting of a second imaging device to a third manipulator of the plurality of manipulators, the second imaging device having a second reference frame; and in response to detecting the mounting of the second imaging device, control the tool relative to the second reference frame using the second manipulator.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Niels Smaby, Gregory W. Dachs, II, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Thomas R. Nixon, Bruce M. Schena, Nitish Swarup
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Patent number: 11666400Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a teleoperational assembly having a plurality of motorized surgical arms configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes an input device configured to receive an input to move all the arms of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to a pre-established position. A processing system is configured to receive the input form the input device and output control signals to each arm of the plurality of motorized surgical arms to move each arm to the pre-established position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Brandon D. Itkowitz, Thomas R. Nixon
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Publication number: 20220354602Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
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Patent number: 11439472Abstract: A slave manipulator manipulates a medical device in response to operator manipulation of an input device through joint control systems. The stiffness and strength of the slave manipulator are adjustable according to criteria such as the mode of operation of the slave manipulator, the functional type of the medical device currently being held by the slave manipulator, and the current phase of a medical procedure being performed using the slave manipulator by changing corresponding parameters of the control system. For safety purposes, such changes are not made until it is determined that it can be done in a smooth manner without causing jerking of the medical device. Further, an excessive force warning may be provided to surgery staff when excessive forces are being commanded on the slave manipulator for more than a specified period of time.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Hubert Stein, Paul Millman, David W. Bailey, William C. Nowlin, Gregory K. Toth, Thomas R. Nixon
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Patent number: 11407564Abstract: The present application is directed to cap assemblies and particularly, cap assembly for closing an opening in a vessel, the cap assembly including a stopper including an polymer body adapted to fit an opening of a vessel, the stopper also including a tubular portion which defines an internal passageway extending through the polymer body; and a rigid cap attached to and integral with the stopper, wherein the cap is adapted to engage the vessel and provide a sealing force between the stopper and the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Gerald Mark Pennington, Khoa D. Pham, Thomas R. Nixon, Christopher Miller
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Publication number: 20220204232Abstract: The present application is directed to a packaging container including a body including; a first portion including a coupling feature; a second portion including a coupling feature and complementary to the first portion; and a hinge portion coupling the first portion to the second portion adapted to move the packaging container from an open position to a closed position around a product, where the first portion and the second portion combine to form a void port in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2021Publication date: June 30, 2022Inventors: Thomas R. Nixon, Clemens E. Zoellner, Jason Osentoski, Joshua Martell
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Patent number: 11369445Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods include both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory on the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor is updated by shipping of new data. Once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory K. Toth, Nitish Swarup, Thomas R. Nixon, David Q. Larkin, Steven J. Colton
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Publication number: 20220054187Abstract: Methods for minimally invasive electro-surgical systems are disclosed. One method includes determining if an input device is selected at a control console. If the input device is selected then, providing feedback to a user of the selection of the input device, delaying a first predetermined period of time for the user to receive the feedback, determining if the input device is deselected, and if not deselected, then activating an electrosurgical device to couple energy to tissue. If deselected, the method skips activation of the electrosurgical device. While active, a method includes determining if the input device is deselected, and if so, then deactivating the electrosurgical device, determining if the input device is reselected and if the input device is not reselected, then waiting and determining if a second predetermined period of time has lapsed prior to reselection of the input device and if not, then repeating the reselected determining step.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Salvatore J. Brogna
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Publication number: 20210388304Abstract: The present application is directed to a sampling system for sampling a fluid from a vessel, where the sampling system includes a sterile dispenser assembly operatively connected to the vessel, the sterile dispenser assembly including a valve operatively connected to the vessel, a membrane, and a needle, and a detachable sterile sampling container assembly operatively connected to the sterile dispenser assembly, the detachable sterile sampling container assembly including a sampling container, a membrane attached to the sampling container, and a sampling container housing enclosing the sampling container, where the sampling container housing includes a compressible portion having a deflated configuration and an expanded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Clemens E. Zoellner, Thomas R. Nixon, Jonathon Wheatley
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Patent number: 11166758Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including capturing camera images of a surgical site; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including a first colored border portion in a first side and a second colored border in a second side opposite the first side; and overlaying the GUI onto the captured camera images of the surgical site for display on a display device of a surgeon console. The GUI provides information to a user regarding the first electrosurgical tool and the second tool in the surgical site that is concurrently displayed by the captured camera images. The first colored border portion in the GUI indicates that the first electrosurgical tool is controlled by a first master grip of the surgeon console and the second colored border portion indicates the tool type of the second tool controlled by a second master grip of the surgeon console.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Salvatore J. Brogna
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Patent number: 11160622Abstract: A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a computer-assisted surgical system includes detecting a first surgical instrument coupled to a first manipulator interface assembly of a computer-assisted surgical system, the first manipulator interface assembly being controlled by a first input device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Michael Hanuschik, Paul Millman, Paul W. Mohr, Thomas R. Nixon, David W. Robinson
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Publication number: 20210178506Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include generating a plasma treatment and applying the plasma treatment to end contact surfaces of a first profile and a second profile in a sterile environment, manipulating at least one of the first profile and the second profile to force contact between the end contact surface of the first profile and the end contact surface of the second profile to permanently connect, join, or weld the end contact surfaces of the first profile and the second profile together, thereby forming a sterile connection between the first profile and a second profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Jianfeng ZHANG, Rachel Z. Pytel, Anthony P. Pagliaro, Clemens E. Zoellner, Jian L. Ding, Thomas R. Nixon