Surgical robotic tools, data architecture, and use

Patent 6331181 Issued on December 18, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 15, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Application

No. 418726 filed on 10/15/1999

US Classes:

606/130, Stereotaxic device600/429With stereotactic device

Examiners

Primary: Mancene, Gene
Assistant: Priddy, Michael B.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP

Foreign Patent References

WO 93/13916 WO. 07/26/1993
WO 94/26167 WO. 11/26/1994
WO 95/16396 WO. 06/26/1995
WO 95/30964 WO. 11/26/1995
WO 96/39944 WO. 12/26/1996

International Class

A61B 019/00

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.