Patents Assigned to Bio Cybernetics International
  • Patent number: 9839553
    Abstract: An automated orthotic device with a treatment regimen and a method for using an automated orthotic device with a treatment regimen to provide a plurality of prescribed tension settings. The orthotic device may comprise a body brace, a controller, a data storage means, and a communication means to address the problem of patients being required to visit the physician's office every time an adjustment must be made in the prescribed tension setting in their automated orthotic device. In one embodiment, a plurality of prescribed tension settings in the automated orthotic device are sorted so that as the patient's condition improves, the next prescribed tension setting in the treatment regimen may be applied. In another embodiment, the physician is allowed to edit or supplement a patient's treatment regimen remotely by connecting to the automated orthotic device over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: BIO CYBERNETICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ed Bannister, Michael L. Martin, Sai Chung Chan, Matthew V. Waidelich, Dipankar Ghosh, Roberto A. Lucero, Oscar A. Villa, John W. Berger, Jeffery W. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 8955200
    Abstract: A secure adjustable orthotic device having multiple brace portions and one or more locking mechanisms. One locking mechanism is a level moving buckle including a top member, a locking member and a base member. The locking member is adapted to engage and disengage an inserted strap in response to the longitudinal movement of the top member relative to the base member. The level moving buckle inhibits accidental longitudinal movement of the inserted strap when the top member is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwok Tim Ng
  • Publication number: 20130345612
    Abstract: An automated orthotic device with a treatment regimen and a method for using an automated orthotic device with a treatment regimen to provide a plurality of prescribed tension settings. The orthotic device may comprise a body brace, a controller, a data storage means, and a communication means to address the problem of patients being required to visit the physician's office every time an adjustment must be made in the prescribed tension setting in their automated orthotic device. In one embodiment, a plurality of prescribed tension settings in the automated orthotic device are sorted so that as the patient's condition improves, the next prescribed tension setting in the treatment regimen may be applied. In another embodiment, the physician is allowed to edit or supplement a patient's treatment regimen remotely by connecting to the automated orthotic device over a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Bio Cybernetics International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Bannister, Michael L. Martin, Sai Chung Chan, Matthew V. Waidelich, Dipankar Ghosh, Roberto A. Lucero, Oscar A. Villa, John W. Berger, Jeffery W. Barnhouse
  • Patent number: 8435196
    Abstract: Described herein is a closure system and methods for adjusting an orthotic device. The closure system can include a handle element, a take-up element configured to be removably received by the handle element, and a cord having a length and secured at one end to the take-up element and at an opposite end to the orthotic device to facilitate adjustment of the orthotic device. The take-up element is configured to adjust the usable length of the cord. Also described herein is a back brace apparatus having a take-up element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ed Bannister
  • Patent number: 8182438
    Abstract: One embodiment the device described herein relates to orthotic devices, and more particularly to a modular type body brace worn about a portion of the body, and one or more removably attached body panels associated with the body brace for supporting the portion of the body. The body panels are preferably contoured to the physiology of the portion of the body and have a relatively thicker core and progressively thinner peripheral region to provide dynamic flex response when supporting the portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Royce Rumsey
  • Patent number: 6609642
    Abstract: A pack comprising a pack body, straps, a sleeve attached to the body, and a lumbar sacral support contained in the sleeve and supporting at least a portion of a weight of the pack when secured about a torso of a user and tightened. A frame can be attached to the body having frame members with lower portions and a band around the lower portions. The sleeve can be attached to the band by a pivot pin. The lumbar sacral support can comprise a pair of support body segments, each having an inner end portion and a front end with the front ends detachably connectable to each other; and a mechanical advantage device bridging together the inner end portions to form a belt. The mechanical advantage device include a cable rove around two banks of pulleys which are attached to the front end portions of the support body segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Edward Bannister
  • Patent number: 6602214
    Abstract: An orthotic trauma device is provided including an elongated orthosis body adapted to be wrapped around a portion of a body, the orthosis body being formed of a pliant material be easily cut with cloth-cutting scissors; a detachable fastening device provided at distal ends of the elongated orthosis body to releasably secure the distal ends to one another; and means for adjusting the tightness of the orthosis body operatively associated with the detachable fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Dae Shik Park, Rafn Stefansson
  • Publication number: 20010020144
    Abstract: An orthotic device is provided, including an orthosis body adapted to be wrapped around the torso of a wearer of the device, the orthosis body having at least two segments in juxtaposed relationship. Means are provided at free end portions of the at least two segments to releasably secure the free end portions to one another. At least two cables are provided, each cable operatively connected to the at least two segments. At least two sets of pulleys are mounted on the at least two segments with each cable operatively connected to the at least two segments running through a pulley on each of the at least two segments in alteration, shortening of each cable pulling the at least two segments together and tightening the orthotic device with the aid of a mechanical advantage dependent upon the number of pulleys mounted on each of the at least two segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Dae Shik Park
  • Patent number: 6190343
    Abstract: A cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension orthosis comprising a front portion having a rigid anterior cruciform brace assembly provided with movable upper and lower arms extending therefrom and arranged vertically, two laterally disposed movable arms extending therefrom horizontally, and body contact pads rotatably secured to the free ends of each of the upper and lower vertically disposed arms. A rear portion is provided adjustably secured to the front portion and having a paraspinal support formed in two juxtaposed segments, a pulley system comprising at least one pulley set having two pulley banks each having a plurality of pulleys, each bank disposed proximate to an adjacent edge of the juxtaposed segment, and a cable running through each pulley of each bank of pulleys in the set in alteration and in series and linking together each of the two juxtaposed segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Dae Shik Park
  • Patent number: 5437617
    Abstract: A back brace apparatus is disclosed which has electromechanical mechanism for tightening a brace around the trunk of a patient to a desired tension. The electromechanical mechanism is controllable by the patient to effect predetermined tension settings. A cable and pulley arrangement tightened by a motor provides a mechanical advantage so that the brace may be tightened by a small motor. A microprocessor controls the motor to obtain the desired repeatable tension settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Tom Walker, Eric D. Plambeck
  • Patent number: 5346461
    Abstract: A back brace apparatus disclosed which has electromechanical means for tightening a brace around the trunk of a patient to a desired tension. The electromechanical means is controllable by the patient to effect predetermined tension settings. A cable and pulley arrangement tightened by a motor provides a mechanical advantage so that the brace may be tightened by a small motor. A microprocessor controls the motor to obtain the desired repeatable tension settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Bio-Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Tom Walker, Eric D. Plambeck
  • Patent number: 5226874
    Abstract: A corset-type back brace apparatus is disclosed which has electromechanical means for tightening a corset around the trunk of a patient to a desired tension. The electromechanical means includes a pair of motor driven rollers which are controllable by the patient to effect predetermined tension settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Bio-Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Thomas A. Walker, Eric Plambeck
  • Patent number: RE35940
    Abstract: A back brace apparatus disclosed which has electromechanical means for tightening a brace around the trunk of a patient to a desired tension. The electromechanical means is controllable by the patient to effect predetermined tension settings. A cable and pulley arrangement tightened by a motor provides a mechanical advantage so that the brace may be tightened by a small motor. A microprocessor controls the motor to obtain the desired repeatable tension settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Bio-Cybernetics, International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Thomas A. Walker, Eric D. Plambeck