Patents Assigned to IZEX Technology, Inc.
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Patent number: 9230057Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane P. Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur M. Lohmann, Joel L. Boyd
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Publication number: 20140343350Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J.B. Hanson, Steven Backes
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Patent number: 8790258Abstract: Instrumented orthoses with more sophisticated structures provide for coordinated support and rehabilitation of complex joints and multiple injured joints. Improved instrumented orthoses can include hinges that can rotate in multiple different planes. Particularly preferred embodiments include a shoulder brace with a hand hold and a lower extremities brace. Preferably, a control unit monitors the output Of transducers used to instrument the brace. A patient can be prompted by the control unit for the performance of a variety of different monitored exercises.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Blair P. Mowery
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Patent number: 8784475Abstract: Several different smart stent structures are described for placement in vessel of a mammal. The stents can be advantageously used to perform measurements of the conditions in the vessel and transmit the measurements wireless out from the patient. In some embodiments, the stent performs therapy within the vessel and may be controlled with a microprocessor, which may or may not communicate wirelessly. Some implantable devices comprise a drug delivery system based, for example, on either a microelectromechanical structure or a cover that opens upon application of an electrical current. Smart devices can be used, for example, the detect deposits in a vessel, aneurysms in the vessel or other modifications of flow in the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Steven Backes
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Publication number: 20140162242Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane P. Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur M. Lohmann, Joel L. Boyd
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Patent number: 8740879Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Steven Backes
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Patent number: 8678979Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane P. M. Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur M. Lohmann, Joel L. Boyd
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Patent number: 8491572Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Steven J. Backes
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Publication number: 20130066426Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J.B. Hanson, Steven Backes
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Publication number: 20120271200Abstract: Several different smart stent structures are described for placement in vessel of a mammal. The stents can be advantageously used to perform measurements of the conditions in the vessel and transmit the measurements wireless out from the patient. In some embodiments, the stent performs therapy within the vessel and may be controlled with a microprocessor, which may or may not communicate wirelessly. Some implantable devices comprise a drug delivery system based, for example, on either a microelectromechanical structure or a cover that opens upon application of an electrical current. Smart devices can be used, for example, the detect deposits in a vessel, aneurysms in the vessel or other modifications of flow in the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James B. Martinson, John G. Stark, Timothy J.B. Hanson, Steven J. Backes
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Publication number: 20120116806Abstract: A process for treating orthopedic injuries including the steps of presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Timothy J.B. Hanson, Timothy Tracey, Steven Backes, Gary Manninen
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Patent number: 7416537Abstract: Instrumented orthoses with more sophisticated structures provide for coordinated support and rehabilitation of complex joints and multiple injured joints. Improved instrumented orthoses can include hinges that can rotate in multiple different planes. Particularly preferred embodiments include a shoulder brace with a hand hold and a lower extremities brace. Preferably, a control unit monitors the output of transducers used to instrument the brace. A patient can be prompted by the control unit for the performance of a variety of different monitored exercises.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Blair P. Mowery
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Patent number: 6872187Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane P.M. Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur M. Lohmann, Joel L. Boyd
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Publication number: 20040249675Abstract: A system for treating orthopedic injuries by presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patient's injury, treatment protocol and outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: IZEX Technology, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Timothy Tracey, Steven Backes, Gary Manninen
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Patent number: 6827670Abstract: A system for treating orthopedic injuries by presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patient's injury, treatment protocol and outcome.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1999Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Timothy Tracey, Steven Backes, Gary Manninen
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Patent number: 6540707Abstract: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane P. Oyen
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Patent number: 6515593Abstract: A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Izex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Shawn B. Dempster
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Patent number: 6371123Abstract: A process for treating orthopedic injuries including the steps of presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome. A system for treating orthopedic injuries with a historic database on a central computer and a handheld computer attached to a sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: IZEX Technology, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Timothy J. B. Hanson, Timothy Tracey, Steven Backes, Gary Manninen
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Publication number: 20020029784Abstract: A process for treating orthopedic injuries including the steps of presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome. A system for treating orthopedic injuries with a historic database on a central computer and a handheld computer attached to a sensor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Timothy J.B. Hanson, Timothy Tracey, Steven Backes, Gary Manninen
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Patent number: 6296595Abstract: An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1995Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John G. Stark, Richard G. Lund, Cecil H. Nelson, Brynn D Rogers