Patents Issued in February 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9259247
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a surface of the bone. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member for seating a head of the bone anchor, and a compression member for securing the bone anchor at fixed angle with respect to the receiver member when the compression member is seated within the receiver member. Corresponding engagement features of the compression member and the receiver member can be engaged in a secured configuration to inhibit or prevent removal of the compression cap from the receiver member and optionally to substantially prevent longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the compression member with respect to the receiver member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Thibault Chandanson, Ernest Quintanilha, Frank Spratt, Philip A. Cormier
  • Patent number: 9259248
    Abstract: A system for use in stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control in a patient includes a first screw and a second screw. The first screw has an elongate shaft with opposite ends and a length extending between the ends, an exterior surface and a screw thread formed on the exterior surface of the shaft and extending along at least a portion of the length. The screw thread has an electrically conducting portion and an electrically insulating portion. The electrically conducting portion is located for deposition in a first pre-specified portion of the patient and the electrically insulating portion is located for deposition in a second pre-specified portion of the patient. An electrical power source is adapted to pass electrical current through the patient between the first and second screws. The electrical power source is operatively connected to the first screw for conveying current through the electrically conducting portion of the screw thread to the first pre-specified portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Eric C. Leuthardt, Daniel W. Moran
  • Patent number: 9259249
    Abstract: An implantable device may be provided. The implantable device may comprise an upper assembly comprising a ramped base and a pair of opposing windows. The pair of opposing windows may extend upward from either lateral side of the ramped base. A gripping assembly may be disposed in each window. The implantable device may further comprise a lower assembly comprising a ramped base and a pair of opposing windows. The pair of opposing windows may extend down from either lateral side of the ramped base. A gripping assembly is disposed in each window. The implantable device may further comprise a ramped actuator assembly disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The ramped actuator may be configured to transition the implantable device from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Don Reed, Robert Rightler, Darren Clutter
  • Patent number: 9259250
    Abstract: Bone fixation methods and devices with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers, a rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. One method can include inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sonoma Orthopedic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Heber Saravia, Brian A. Hauck, Trung Pham, Charles L. Nelson, Arthur E. Anderson, III, William W. Bowen, Stephen R. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 9259251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: David B. Kay, Lee A. Strnad, Dustin Ducharme, G. Martin Wynkoop
  • Patent number: 9259252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: David B. Kay, Lee A. Strnad, Dustin Ducharme, G. Martin Wynkoop
  • Patent number: 9259253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: David B. Kay, Lee A. Strnad, Dustin Ducharme, G. Martin Wynkoop
  • Patent number: 9259254
    Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Iott, Andrew Lee, Lawrence Binder, David C. Paul
  • Patent number: 9259255
    Abstract: A locking mechanism assembly to allow locking of a fastener in an orthopedic implant having its axis at a variable angle relative to the axis of threaded through opening in the implant. The assembly includes a locking insert, having threads which mates with the threads of the through opening and which includes a smooth opening that forms a torque driving recess and an annular flange. A fixator has a head portion with external threads of a harder material than that which forms the through opening so that the threads of the fixator will deform the insert to lock the fixator in a desired position relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: Derek S. Lewis, Andrew J. Leither, Rebecca F. DiLiberto
  • Patent number: 9259256
    Abstract: A method of applying bone cement for an orthopedic procedure of a patient includes coupling a proximal end of a nozzle component to a bone cement applicator and applying bone cement on a surface of an implant or on a bone surface through an elongated distal opening of a distal portion of the nozzle component. The method includes separating the distal portion from an intermediate portion of the nozzle component at a frangible connecting portion and exposing a circular distal end of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet SAS
    Inventors: Thomas James Gleason, Jr., Lars Ek
  • Patent number: 9259257
    Abstract: Instruments and associated methods are disclosed for treating joints, and particularly bone tissue. One of these instruments may be a positioning instrument for controlled delivery of a device to a target site of the bone tissue being treated. The positioning instrument may comprise an alignment guide having a device portal for insertion of a device therethrough. The positioning instrument may have an indicator probe having an extended arm, and a handle portion for maneuvering the positioning instrument. Another instrument may be a device for placement through the device portal of the alignment guide and to the target site. The device may comprise an implant insertion tool, an injection catheter, a cavity creation tool such as a bone drill, for example, or the device may be an implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charanpreet S. Bagga, Shaun B. Hanson, Steven B. Cohen, Charles F. Leinberry, Peter F. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 9259258
    Abstract: A torque-controlled screwdriver for medical use includes a hollow maneuvering body, coaxially housed within which are a first bushing and a second bushing provided with respective front toothings for mutual torsional coupling. The first bushing is permanently connected in rotation to the maneuvering body, and the second bushing drives a tool in rotation. The front toothings are configured for disengaging from one another when the screwing torque applied by the maneuvering body to the tool exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A system for enabling a free rotation of a pre-set angular amplitude of the maneuvering body with respect to the tool in the opposite direction to that of screwing is located between the second bushing and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: LAMP S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Laurenti
  • Patent number: 9259259
    Abstract: A dual reconstructive wire system for use with an anatomy can include a first guide wire, a second guide wire, a first guide instrument, a first cannulated insertion instrument, and a second cannulated insertion instrument. The first guide wire can pass through the first cannulated insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the first guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the first cannulated insertion instrument. The second guide wire can pass through the second cannulation insertion instrument such that a first end and a second end of the second guide wire extends beyond the first end and the second end, respectively of the second cannulated insertion instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael O'Reilly, Philip Harris Frank, Nicholas Joseph Bender, Michael Charles Strycharz
  • Patent number: 9259260
    Abstract: A fluid evacuation device is attachable to a hand-held instrument to provide the hand-held instrument with fluid evacuation capabilities. The fluid evacuation device includes a nozzle, a hose mount, and an evacuation hose. The nozzle has a receptacle that receives a portion of a hand-held instrument therein. The distal end of the nozzle has an opening therein through which fluid may be drawn into the nozzle. The fluid can pass through a flow region in the nozzle. The hose mount extends from the nozzle and connects the hose to the nozzle. The hose mount includes a passageway through which the fluid can pass from the flow region into the evacuation hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Darcy W. Greep, Chad S. Frampton
  • Patent number: 9259261
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a catheter. The catheter includes a catheter body having a temperature-controlled anchor element thereon that is configured to attach the catheter body to tissue by forming a congealed adherence layer between the anchor element and the tissue. The catheter also includes an ablation element connected to the catheter body. The ablation element is axially spaced apart from the anchor element. The ablation element is configured to ablate tissue when the anchor element is attached to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Steven M. Boronyak, William David Merryman
  • Patent number: 9259262
    Abstract: A system for treating uterine tissue comprises an elongated introducer with a working end configured for endometrial ablation. The working end includes an expandable seal for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and an actuator pump mechanism carried by a proximal handle coupled to the introducer for expanding the seal. The handle optionally includes a mechanism for simultaneously expanding the seal and deploying a treatment element on the working end of the introducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MINERVA SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Hundertmark, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 9259263
    Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Sara E. Anderson, William H. Nau, Jr., Gary M. Couture, Rebecca J. Coulson
  • Patent number: 9259264
    Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Martin Reinders, Daniel Robert Weinkam, Roxanne Wai Tak Louie, Danai Bisalputra
  • Patent number: 9259265
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a plurality of jaws which can be configured to compress tissue therebetween. The end effector can further comprise one or more electrodes which can be configured to direct a flow of electrical current through the tissue in order to heat the tissue and denature collagen and/or other proteins within the tissue. As the tissue cools, the collagen and/or other proteins can renature and thereby seal the tissue. In certain embodiments, the end effector of the surgical instrument can further comprise movable portions which can apply a tension force to the tissue surrounding the tissue being sealed. In various circumstances, the tension force can reduce the over-denaturation, shrinkage, and/or other damage to the surrounding tissue caused by heat flowing from the end effector during the sealing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Foster B. Stulen, Gregory W. Johnson, Prasanna Malaviya, Paul Guerra
  • Patent number: 9259266
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in sterilizing a surgical instrument is provided. The apparatus includes a surgical instrument that includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes one or more grooves defined therein that extends at least partially along the length thereof. The one or more grooves is configured to allow a sterilant passage therethrough. The apparatus also includes a jacket that encloses the shaft and allows the sterilant to travel along the one or more grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dale F. Schmaltz, Victor K. Appel, Paul Guerra
  • Patent number: 9259267
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue, including percutaneous closure of cardiac openings such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. The invention includes a device having at least one elongated member. The elongated member has a first material and a second material interwoven with at least a portion of the first material. The second material is capable of transferring energy to tissue in need of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Forde
  • Patent number: 9259268
    Abstract: An end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a microwave antenna assembly and a shielding member including a metallic plate coupled to ground and a dielectric material. The end effector assembly also includes a splitter configured to receive an active signal from a source of microwave energy and split the active signal into a first signal transmitted to the microwave antenna assembly in one of the jaw members and a second signal transmitted in the microwave antenna assembly in the other jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Scott E. M. Frushour, Jeffrey L. Jensen, Wayne L. Moul
  • Patent number: 9259269
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system configured for use in luminal network is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a microwave energy source. A tool for treating tissue is provided with the microwave ablation system. An extended working channel is configured to provide passage for the tool. A locatable guide catheter is positionable through the extended working channel and configured to navigate the extended working channel adjacent the target tissue. The microwave ablation system includes a navigation system that is configured for guiding the tool, extended working channel or the locatable guide through a luminal network following a predetermined determined pathway to the target tissue. One or more imaging modalities may be utilized for confirming placement of the tool within target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, Kaylen J. Haley, William J. Dickhans, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9259270
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the safety of a surgical procedure involving delivery of laser energy to a tissue, involves enhancing or increasing the detectability of radiation emitted by the tissue or any portion of a surgical instrument or device by providing a sacrificial material that absorbs radiation emitted during the surgical procedure, increasing the temperature of a surface on which the material is disposed and/or causing damage radiation to be emitted in a way that can be detected by monitoring the temperature of the surface and/or radiation, including infrared and/or visible light, emitted by the surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the radiation absorbing material is a sheath arranged to surround the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Joe Denton Brown
  • Patent number: 9259271
    Abstract: A medical insertion device which may be used with or installed within an imaging system, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The medical insertion device can generally be used to retain, position and effect insertion of a medical instrument, for example a biopsy device or an ablation treatment device. The device can generally provide linear and/or angular degrees of freedom for positioning of the medical instrument prior to an insertion of the medical instrument. The medical insertion device includes a mounting arm, an interface connected to the mounting arm for interfacing with a medical instrument, a mechanism for movement of the medical instrument or a part of the medical instrument in an insertion direction, a carriage connected to a distal end of the mounting arm, and a pivot connection between the carriage and the distal end of the mounting arm to permit pitch or yaw of the mounting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Mehran Anvari, Lianne Stefurak, Tim Reedman, Timothy Scott Fielding, Michael Richard Max Schmidt, Kevin John Randall, Julian Dobranowski, Colm Boylan, Lawrence Qi Chao Lee, Kevin Warren Morency
  • Patent number: 9259272
    Abstract: An adjustable surgical instrument stringer, tray system, and method of sterilization comprising, in general, a one or more axis adjustable stringer to be inserted into the finger rings or ring handles of the surgical instruments to sequentially group the surgical instruments, a surgical instrument tray and lid configured with a pattern of sterilization apertures, the lid having two or more recessed valleys configured to receive the stringer of ringed surgical instruments and releasably hold the surgical instrument therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Restore Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Ramkhelawan, Shawn Flynn
  • Patent number: 9259273
    Abstract: A movable instrument holding apparatus and method of retaining a medical instrument with a movable instrument holding apparatus are disclosed. The movable instrument holding apparatus includes a housing structure retaining a gripping structure. A rail is connected to the housing structure. A depressible arm is connected to the rail, the depressible arm having a first quantity of ratchet teeth, wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth is movable with the depressible arm. A track is sized to receive the rail, wherein the track has a second quantity of ratchet teeth, and wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth are engagable with the second quantity of ratchet teeth when the rail is positioned at least partially within the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Carette, George P. Hannafin
  • Patent number: 9259274
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system uses a passive preload system attached to a tendon that is wrapped around a capstan to control relaxed tension in the tendon. The passive preload system can employ a spring or other structure to apply tension to the tendon. The capstan can be driven by a motor when the tendon is needed to pull on a structural member of the instrument. For example, for the application of clamping pressure or movement of the structural member against resistance, capstan friction can produce the tendon tension that is many times the tension applied by the passive preload system. However, when the tendon is not needed to apply force to the member, the capstan can be freed, so that the spring system provides enough tension to prevent derailment or other malfunctions of the tendon. The low tension in relaxed tendons can reduce tendon friction, particularly in instruments with flexible shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Giuseppe M. Prisco
  • Patent number: 9259275
    Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: William Burbank
  • Patent number: 9259276
    Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Mintz, David Q. Larkin, Michael Lee Hanuschik
  • Patent number: 9259277
    Abstract: A system includes a medical instrument that includes a termination fixture, an actuated element, and drive members coupled to the actuated element and extending to the termination fixture. The termination fixture provides an interface that exposes portions of the drive member to direct movement by an external system that may include a manipulator and a sterile barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 9259278
    Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes a mobile base configured to be movably coupled to the operating room; a first robotic arm coupled to the mobile base and comprising a mounting fixture configured to be interchangeably coupled to a surgical tool and a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system comprising a source element and a detector element; a second element configured to be repositionable relative to a patient tissue structure that may be placed between the first and second elements; and a controller operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, the controller configured to receive signals from a sensing system operatively coupled to the controller, the sensing system configured to detect motion of one or more sensor elements coupled to each of the first and second elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system and determine a relative spatial positioning between each of the first and second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventor: Vernon Jensen
  • Patent number: 9259279
    Abstract: A force sensing apparatus and an operating method of the force sensing apparatus may obtain and provide information about a force applied to an object, thereby enabling control of a force to be applied to manipulate the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joonah Park, Hyung Kew Lee, Soo Chul Lim, Bho Ram Lee, Hyun Jeong Lee, Seung Ju Han
  • Patent number: 9259280
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for operating a surgical system. In accordance with a method, a position of a surgical instrument is measured, the surgical instrument being included in a mechanical assembly having a plurality of joints and a first number of degrees of freedom, the position of the surgical instrument being measured for each of a second number of degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument. The method further includes estimating a position of each of the joints, where estimating the position of each joint includes applying the position measurements to at least one kinematic model of the mechanical assembly, the kinematic model having a third number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom. The method further includes controlling the mechanical assembly based on the estimated position of the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Kwok Wai Au, Raymond A. Bonneau, Nicola Diolaiti, Pushkar Hingwe, Arjang M. Hourtash, Amy E. Kerdok, Michael Turner
  • Patent number: 9259281
    Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both, and may employ a set-up mode in which one or more of the joints are actively driven in response to manual articulation of one or more other joints of the kinematic chain. In an exemplary embodiment, the actively driven joints will move a platform structure that supports multiple manipulators in response to movement of one of the manipulators, facilitating and expediting the arrangement of the overall system by moving those multiple manipulators as a unit into alignment with the workspace. Manual independent positioning of the manipulator can be provided through passive set-up joint systems supporting the manipulators relative to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Griffiths, Paul Mohr, Nitish Swarup, Michael Costa, David Larkin, Thomas Cooper, Michael Hanuschik
  • Patent number: 9259282
    Abstract: A system and method for movement control includes a controller coupled to a computer-assisted surgical device having a first movable arm coupled to a manipulatable device having a working end and a second movable arm coupled to an image capturing device. The controller is configured to receive first configurations for the first movable arm; receive second configurations for the second movable arm; receive a plurality of images of the working end from the image capturing device; determine a position and an orientation of the working end; determine a first movable arm position and trajectory for the first movable arm; determine a second movable arm position and trajectory for the second movable arm; determine whether motion of the movable arms will result in an undesirable relationship between the movable arms; and send a movement command to the first or second movable arm to avoid the undesirable relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mahdi Azizian, Jonathan Sorger, Lutz Blohm, Christine Niebler, Holger Kunze
  • Patent number: 9259283
    Abstract: A medical master slave manipulator system includes a master input device configured to send an operation command, a slave manipulator operated by the master input device, a control unit configured to transmit an operation signal to the slave manipulator based on the operation command, a display unit configured to display an image of an object, and an image selection device configured to select the image displayed on the display unit, wherein the control unit transforms the operation command associated with the image selected by the image selection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Ogawa, Kosuke Kishi
  • Patent number: 9259284
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a site of a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device can include a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, and the opening can be adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The inner cavity can include a male luer protrusion that extends up from an inner wall toward the opening, and can be sized and adapted for insertion into a female luer when the cap is provided on the medical implement. The cleaning device can further include a cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent, to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent. The cap can further include a friction-forming member for creating a friction-based fitting of the cap onto the site of the medical implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bobby E. Rogers, Gino Kang
  • Patent number: 9259285
    Abstract: A one time use cleansing device for inhibiting catheter associated urinary tract infections. An absorbent body includes a plurality of fingerlings extending outwardly from a front side of the absorbent body. First and second wings extend from a back side of the absorbent body. One or more liquid containing frangible vials are disposed between the first and second wings such that squeezing the wings together causes the vials to rupture, thereby releasing the contents of the vials into the absorbent body. The absorbent body and/or the one or more vials contain a cleansing agent of castile soap and tea tree oil designed to aid in the inhibition and/or prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Susan V. Dunn
  • Patent number: 9259286
    Abstract: A graft caliper provides for a first member having a first pick at its distal end and its proximal end attached to a handle. A second member of the graft caliper is disposed above the first member and has a second pick at its distal end that extends beyond the first pick. The proximal end of the second member is attached to an adjuster which causes the second member to move from a first position to a second position in order to change a distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick. The graft caliper provides for an indication of at least one metric for describing the distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick and places an identifier on a surface of bone representing the location of a tunnel to be formed through a femur, tibia or any other anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Brown, Jr., Michael C. Ferragamo, William R. Davis
  • Patent number: 9259287
    Abstract: Patient specific temperature distribution in organs, due to an ablative device, is simulated. The effects of ablation are modeled. The modeling is patient specific. The vessel structure for a given patient, segmented from medical images, is accounted for as a heat sink in the model of biological heat transfer. A temperature map is generated to show the effects of ablation in a pre-operative analysis. Temperature maps resulting from different ablation currents and ablation device positions may be used to determine a more optimal location of the ablative device for a given patient. Other models may be included, such as accounting for the tissue damage during the ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Tommaso Mansi, Puneet Sharma, Viorel Mihalef, Ali Kamen, Saikiran Rapaka, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 9259288
    Abstract: An illumination system configured to light an anatomical location of a patient is provided. The illumination system includes an interior illumination device positionable and movable within a body cavity of a patient. The interior illumination device is configured to provide a light having a wavelength that is visible to a clinician. The illumination system includes an exterior illumination device operatively coupled to the interior illumination device and positionable and movable about an exterior of a patient. The exterior illumination device is configured to provide a light having a wavelength that is visible to a clinician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Horton
  • Patent number: 9259289
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a camera having an image frame whose position and orientation relative to a fixed frame is determinable through one or more image frame transforms, a tool disposed within a field of view of the camera and having a tool frame whose position and orientation relative to the fixed frame is determinable through one or more tool frame transforms, and at least one processor programmed to identify pose indicating points of the tool from one or more camera captured images, determine an estimated transform for an unknown one of the image and tool frame transforms using the identified pose indicating points and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, update a master-to-tool transform using the estimated and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, and command movement of the tool in response to movement of a master using the updated master-to-tool transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, John Ryan Steger, David Q. Larkin
  • Patent number: 9259290
    Abstract: Systems to facilitate MRI-guided procedures are configured to generate proximity alerts for an MRI-guided procedure associated with at least one target site and/or at least one avoid zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MRI Interventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimble L. Jenkins, Peter Piferi, Michael Guttman
  • Patent number: 9259291
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for planning and/or delivering an oral or facial endosseous implantation in a patient are described. In certain embodiments, systems according to the invention include a processing module; a bone imaging module that communicates bone data about the patient to the processing module; a surface imaging module that communicates surface data about the patient to the processing module; and the processing module processes the bone data and the surface data into an output that includes three-dimensional (3-D) representation data indicative of at least one of an oral structure and a facial structure of the patient. In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabrication module that produces a physical model based on the 3-D representation data and indicating a planned location of an endosseous implant. In certain embodiments, a system includes a surgical module that guides implantation of an endosseous implant based on the 3-D representation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cyber-Implants, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Gantes
  • Patent number: 9259292
    Abstract: An adjustable dental prophylaxis angle includes an adjuster operatively coupled to a hand piece and a tool head such that the adjuster can rotate axially relative to the hand piece and to the tool head. The angle of the tool head relative to the hand piece may be adjusted by rotating the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: HU-FRIEDY MFG. CO., LLC
    Inventors: James Christopher Stango, Charles Jerome Saslow, Rachel Calian Trautvetter, Karen Leigh Neiner, Steven Rodney Walding, Albert Anthony Schenk, III
  • Patent number: 9259293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone carving tool for creating a convex ridge for the inner border of the initial hole for placement of an implant hole, and comprises: a bone carving unit with tapering diameters ranging from 2 to 7 mm, which has a plurality of triangular-shaped projections disposed on the lateral sides thereof forming a triangular prism-shape; and a supporting portion for supporting the bone carving unit connected to the bone carving unit at a lower aspect thereof, wherein the diameter of the bone carving unit gradually narrows towards the upper aspects thereof and the uppermost aspects of the plurality of triangular-shaped projections and the triangular prism-shape coalesce to a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INNOBIOSURG
    Inventor: Je-Won Wang
  • Patent number: 9259294
    Abstract: A fluid evacuating dental dam is disclosed, the fluid evacuating dental dam including a manifold having at least one aperture formed therein, a dental dam selectively attached to the manifold, a suction device in fluid communication with the manifold, and selectively removable cover members disposed over the aperture of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Heath Wallace, D.D.S.. LLC
    Inventor: Heath R. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9259295
    Abstract: A series of polymeric orthodontic appliances is made by providing a set of tooth analogs, each having a model crown that represents the shape of a corresponding tooth of the patient. The tooth analogs are moved along respective guides as needed in order to bring the associated model crown an incremental step toward or away from its desired position. The polymeric appliance is formed by placing a sheet of polymeric material over the model crowns after at least one tooth analog has been moved to create a desired model tooth arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James D. Christoff, Richard E. Raby
  • Patent number: 9259296
    Abstract: A system providing transitional bracket and transfer jig modules that have been custom designed to address a rotated or partially erupted tooth in advance of applying a computer aided bracketing system to the tooth. The transfer jigs and brackets are used until the problem tooth is moved into a position that will allow positioning of the “ideal” bracket. Once the ideal brackets are position, the treatment plan can proceed as it would with existing systems to reach the final ideal position. The transitional modules are integrated into the customized treatment plan such that the orthodontist just follows the digitized plan, including correction of misaligned teeth. The computer system that assists with defining the treatment plan takes into account the starting position of the teeth and can adjust the plan, as well as use of transitional brackets, to accommodate many more patients that have one or more problem teeth needing correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Kozlowski