Resumes
Resumes
Stephen Blumenkranz Phones & Addresses
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Los Altos Hills, CA
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Redwood City, CA
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Palo Alto, CA
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Los Angeles, CA
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San Mateo, CA
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Santa Clara, CA
Business Records
Name / Title
Company / Classification
Phones & Addresses
President
BLUMENKRANZ ENGINEERING, INC
954 Hillcrest Dr, Redwood City, CA 94062
Publications
Us Patents
Mechanical Actuator Interface System For Robotic Surgical Tools
View pageUS Patent:
6491701, Dec 10, 2002
Filed:
Jan 12, 2001
Appl. No.:
09/759542
Inventors:
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA
Thomas Cooper - Menlo Park CA
Chris Julian - Los Gatos CA
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA
Thomas Cooper - Menlo Park CA
Chris Julian - Los Gatos CA
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
A61B 1900
US Classification:
606130, 7449002
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.
Ceiling And Floor Mounted Surgical Robot Set-Up Arms
View pageUS Patent:
6788018, Sep 7, 2004
Filed:
Dec 20, 2001
Appl. No.:
10/028999
Inventors:
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
G05B 1919
US Classification:
31856811, 31856812, 31856821, 31856825, 901 1, 901 15, 901 30, 128DIG 7
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to surgical devices, systems, and methods, especially for minimally invasive surgery, and more particularly provides structures and techniques for aligning a robotic surgery system with a desired surgical site. The present invention describes techniques for mounting, configuring and arranging set-up arms for the surgical manipulators and endoscope drive mechanisms of a telesurgical system within an operating theater. The various aspects of the invention improve and optimize space utilization in the conduct of a surgical procedure, especially in the telesurgical systems which provide for concurrent operation by two surgeons using multiple robotic arm assemblies. In one aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for ceiling-height mounting of surgical set-up arms, and in another aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for the mounting of surgical setup arms to the table pedestal or floor below an operating table. The ceiling-height-mounted robotic arm assembly and below-table-mounted robotic arm assembly may be pre-configured to be ready for surgery while the fixable set-up arms are disposed generally clear of the personnel-usable space adjacent the operating table.
Arm Cart For Telerobotic Surgical System
View pageUS Patent:
6837883, Jan 4, 2005
Filed:
Oct 5, 2001
Appl. No.:
09/972322
Inventors:
Frederic H. Moll - Woodside CA, US
David J. Rosa - San Jose CA, US
Andris D. Ramans - Sunnyvale CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Mountain View CA, US
Gunter D. Niemeyer - Mountain View CA, US
William C. Nowlin - Los Altos CA, US
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA, US
David S. Mintz - Sunnyvale CA, US
David J. Rosa - San Jose CA, US
Andris D. Ramans - Sunnyvale CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Mountain View CA, US
Gunter D. Niemeyer - Mountain View CA, US
William C. Nowlin - Los Altos CA, US
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA, US
David S. Mintz - Sunnyvale CA, US
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Mountain View CA
International Classification:
A61B 1700
B25J 1902
B25J 1902
US Classification:
606 1, 901 2, 901 46, 606130
Abstract:
Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods often include a first assembly with a surgical end effector supported and manipulated relative to a first base by a first robotic linkage, while a second surgical end effector manipulated and supported relative to a second, independent base by a second robotic linkage. One or more of these robotic assemblies may be moved relative to the other. To coordinate the end effector movements with those of input devices being manipulated by a surgeon relative to a display of a surgical worksite, the processor deriving the commands for movement of the robotic linkages may make use of a signal indicating a relative orientation of the bases of the robotic arm assemblies. Surprisingly, the robotic arm assemblies may not transmit signals to the processor indicating a relative translational position of the bases.
Surgical Robotic Tools, Data Architecture, And Use
View pageUS Patent:
6866671, Mar 15, 2005
Filed:
Aug 13, 2001
Appl. No.:
09/929826
Inventors:
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA, US
Thomas Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Mountain View CA, US
Thomas Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Mountain View CA, US
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Mt. View CA
International Classification:
A61B019/00
US Classification:
606130, 606 1
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.
Ceiling And Floor Mounted Surgical Robot Set-Up Arms
View pageUS Patent:
6933695, Aug 23, 2005
Filed:
Apr 21, 2004
Appl. No.:
10/830453
Inventors:
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
G05B019/19
B25J005/00
B25J011/00
B25J005/00
B25J011/00
US Classification:
31856811, 31856812, 31856821, 31856825, 901 1, 901 15, 901 30, 128DIG 7
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to surgical devices, systems, and methods, especially for minimally invasive surgery, and more particularly provides structures and techniques for aligning a robotic surgery system with a desired surgical site. The present invention describes techniques for mounting, configuring and arranging set-up arms for the surgical manipulators and endoscope drive mechanisms of a telesurgical system within an operating theater. The various aspects of the invention improve and optimize space utilization in the conduct of a surgical procedure, especially in the telesurgical systems which provide for concurrent operation by two surgeons using multiple robotic arm assemblies. In one aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for ceiling-height mounting of surgical set-up arms, and in another aspect, the invention includes a method and apparatus for the mounting of surgical setup arms to the table pedestal or floor below an operating table. The ceiling-height-mounted robotic arm assembly and below-table-mounted robotic arm assembly may be pre-configured to be ready for surgery while the fixable set-up arms are disposed generally clear of the personnel-usable space adjacent the operating table.
Surgical Robotic Tools, Data Architecture, And Use
View pageUS Patent:
7048745, May 23, 2006
Filed:
Aug 13, 2001
Appl. No.:
09/929453
Inventors:
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA, US
Thomas G. Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris A. Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA, US
Thomas G. Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris A. Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA, US
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
A61B 19/00
US Classification:
606130, 606 1
Abstract:
Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods relating to 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: (1) providing a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system; (2) identifying the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure the programming; or (3) indicating 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. Also provided are improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
Mechanical Actuator Interface System For Robotic Surgical Tools
View pageUS Patent:
7524320, Apr 28, 2009
Filed:
Dec 10, 2002
Appl. No.:
10/316666
Inventors:
Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA, US
Thomas G. Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris A. Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA, US
Thomas G. Cooper - Menlo Park CA, US
Chris A. Julian - Los Gatos CA, US
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA, US
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA, US
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
A61B 19/00
US Classification:
606130, 606 1
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.
Modular Force Sensor
View pageUS Patent:
7752920, Jul 13, 2010
Filed:
Oct 26, 2006
Appl. No.:
11/553303
Inventors:
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA, US
David Q. Larkin - Menlo Park CA, US
Rajesh Kumar - Nasirpur, IN
David Q. Larkin - Menlo Park CA, US
Rajesh Kumar - Nasirpur, IN
Assignee:
Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA
International Classification:
G01D 7/00
US Classification:
73862045, 73862041
Abstract:
A modular force sensor apparatus, method, and system are provided to improve force and torque sensing and feedback to the surgeon performing a telerobotic surgery. In one embodiment, a modular force sensor includes a tube portion including a plurality of strain gauges, a proximal tube portion for operably coupling to a shaft of a surgical instrument that may be operably coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal tube portion for proximally coupling to a wrist joint coupled to an end portion.