Patents Examined by Christie L Bahena
  • Patent number: 10828163
    Abstract: In the case of known prosthesis systems and socket supplies, the transmission of force is a critical issue. The inventive prosthesis system shall improve known prosthesis systems. According to the invention, a prosthesis system for human limbs is provided, which comprises an implant (101) having at least two joint parts which are movable relative to each other, wherein the first joint part (110) can be connected to a bone part (131, 132) and the second joint part (120) comprises a subcutaneously arrangeable end part (124) on the side being remote from the joint. The invention further relates to a prosthesis system comprising a subcutaneous implant and a socket (170).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventors: Sven Zarling, Dieter Föllmer
  • Patent number: 10806601
    Abstract: Method for regulating a prosthesis (1), such as a knee prosthesis, ankle prosthesis or knee/ankle prosthesis, comprising at least one joint (2) controlled by an actuator (3) governed by a microcontroller (4) on the basis of data issuing from at least one gyroscope (5) and an accelerometer (6) that are able to measure the angular speed and the acceleration, respectively, of at least part of the prosthesis (1). According to the invention, the method is such that, during a defined period of time, the microcontroller (4) monitors the measurement given by the gyroscope (5), in such a way that said microcontroller (4) enters an idle state by reducing or by cutting the electrical power of at least one electronic organ of the prosthesis (1), except that of the accelerometer (6), when said microcontroller (4) detects that the absolute value of the measurement given by the gyroscope (5) is below a given threshold during the defined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Proteor
    Inventors: Xavier Bonnet, Francis Djian
  • Patent number: 10806604
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a diaphragm disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump, forming a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Matthew J. Major
  • Patent number: 10786371
    Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO SANT'ANNA
    Inventors: Nicola Vitiello, Tommaso Lenzi, Stefano Marco Maria De Rossi, Francesco Giovacchini, Marco Cempini, Maria Chiara Carrozza
  • Patent number: 10779962
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detachable foot and a connector for detachably connecting a prosthetic limb socket to the detachable foot. The connector includes a proximal connector detachably connected to the prosthetic limb socket. The proximal connector has a proximal portion of a locking mechanism. There is also a distal connector detachably connected to the detachable foot. The distal connector includes a distal portion of the locking mechanism. The proximal portion of the locking mechanism and the distal portion of the locking mechanism are detachably connecting the proximal connector to the distal connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Amputech
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Simonetti, Frank Pierce Jones
  • Patent number: 10772745
    Abstract: A failsafe for a transdermal apparatus for a prosthetic appendage can include a first plate, a second plate, and a breakaway connector. The first plate can have a central axis, a proximal portion, and a distal end. The distal end can be opposite the proximal portion, and the distal end can be securable with a prosthetic external to skin and can be configured to simulate an appendage of a patient. The second plate can be aligned with the central axis and can include a proximal end and a distal portion. The proximal end can be securable to a transdermal implant, and can extend proximally from the second plate. The distal portion can be opposite the proximal end, and the distal portion can be configured to interface with the proximal portion of the first plate. The breakaway connector can be couplable within the second plate and the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Porter, Mark Roberts, Jason S. Toler
  • Patent number: 10758388
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used by the user are described. The method may include detecting motion of a handle of the handheld tool manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool. Furthermore, the method may include storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. The method may also include controlling, based on the motion data, a motion-generating mechanism of the handheld tool that moves the attachment arm relative to the handle in a degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Anupam J. Pathak, Dylan Owens
  • Patent number: 10758378
    Abstract: A prosthetic includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Steele, Michael Palmer, Stephen Prince, Charlie Bisbee, Henry Hsu
  • Patent number: 10758379
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for fine motor control of fingers on a prosthetic hand. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system and method for controlling the flexion or extension of one or more fingers of a prosthetic hand to reproduce a natural stroke such as for, e.g., writing, painting, brushing teeth, or eating. The systems and methods described herein use electromyographic (EMG) signals and, more particularly, combinations of electromyographic signals, from muscles in the forearm to activate one or more motors of the prosthetic hand that control the motion of the prosthetic fingers. The electromyographic signals may be used to cause fingers of a prosthetic hand to, for example, imitate a writing stroke while the fingers of the prosthetic hand hold a writing utensil. Additionally, the present invention describes electrode placement locations that maximize peak signal detected while maintaining a low base-line signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Mandelbaum
  • Patent number: 10751161
    Abstract: Various bone anchor assemblies and methods are provided for anchoring tissue to bone. In one embodiment, an anchor assembly for anchoring a tendon to bone is provided and includes a substantially cylindrical sheath having bone-engaging surface features formed on an external surface thereof, and having an inner lumen formed therein and extending from an open proximal end to a substantially closed distal. The substantially closed distal end includes at least one tendon anchoring feature extending distally therefrom and configured to facilitate anchoring of a tendon to bone. The anchor assembly further includes an expander having a generally elongate cylindrical configuration and being sized and shaped to be received within the inner lumen of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SÁRL
    Inventors: David R. Diduch, Mark H. Getelman, James J. Mahoney, Jr., Jacob A. Marks, Gerome Miller, Matthew J. Ravenscroft, Mehmet Z. Sengun, Howard C. Tang, Paul P. Weitzel, Gregory R. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 10743853
    Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Coughlin, Lowell F. Weil, Jr., Paul S. Shurnas, Jesse G. Moore, William Michael Karnes
  • Patent number: 10716689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic knee joint, on which a lower leg component is arranged and which is assigned a resistance device having at least one actuator, by means of which the bending resistance is modified depending on sensor data that is determined during use of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint by means of a sensor, wherein the absolute angle of the lower leg component is determined exclusively by means of at least one inertial sensor, the angle determined is compared with at least one threshold value, and the bending resistance is modified when the threshold value is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventor: Erik Albrecht-Laatsch
  • Patent number: 10653539
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an innovative, cost-efficient driving mechanism for the prosthetic hand industry that makes the use of only one motor to individually control each digit on a prosthetic hand separately. The use of the novel electromagnetic actuation system, locking mechanism, and spline nut and shaft configuration coupled with the single motor greatly reduces the weight, size and power usage of the prosthetic, increases functionality, minimizes noise, increases and speeds and forces, and orients the parts of the device in a manner that creates an aesthetically appealing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Blain Joseph Cazenave
  • Patent number: 10646358
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a running controller for a lower limb device including at least a powered knee joint are provided. The method includes collecting real-time sensor information for the lower limb device and configuring the lower limb device to a first state in a finite state model for an activity mode including the running mode. The method further includes, based on the sensor information, transitioning the lower limb device from a current state to a subsequent state in the finite state model for the detected mode when a pre-defined criteria for transitioning to the subsequent state is met, and repeating the transitioning until the activity mode changes. In the system and method, the finite state model includes at least one stance state and at least one swing state, where the at least one stance state includes at least one absorption state and at least one propulsion state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Amanda Shultz, Brian Lawson
  • Patent number: 10639171
    Abstract: A transfemoral rotator is provided. The transfemoral rotator includes an inner cylinder that nests within a cavity of a base shell. The inner cylinder includes a lower cylindrical hub configured to protrude through an opening in the base shell. A spring clip mechanism operated by a push button serves to lock and unlock the transfemoral rotator to permit for rotation of a lower limb prosthesis and allow for a wearer to sit cross-legged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cavuto, Matthew L. Chun
  • Patent number: 10639173
    Abstract: The invention concerns a prosthesis liner for application to a limb stump, with an elastic liner layer (20) of elastomer, wherein the liner layer (20) has pores (26) in at least one distal portion (30) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: UNIPROX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Dennis Walter
  • Patent number: 10639174
    Abstract: Valve for a prosthesis socket, the socket delineating an open cavity to receive a stump of an amputated limb and delineating a pass-through hole opening into the cavity and designed to receive the valve, the valve including a support in which a pass-through channel is formed and an element movable between an outlet position in which the element allow an air flow out of the channel in an outlet direction and a sealing position in which the element prevent any air flow inside the channel in an opposite direction to the outlet direction, the support including a thread configured to mount the support in removable manner inside the pass-through hole, and to enable disassembly of the support in an opposite direction to the outlet direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: CHABLOZ COMPOSANTS
    Inventor: Pierre Chabloz
  • Patent number: 10610383
    Abstract: Prosthetic knee joint includes: proximal part mobile in rotation around first axis between extended position and flexion position of prosthetic knee joint; the proximal part being mobile in first direction of rotation from extended position to flexion position, at least one part that is fixed when proximal part is moved in first direction of rotation; link part, arranged to connect the proximal part and part, and presenting contact surface with part; the link part and part being arranged so, when proximal part is moved in first direction of rotation, link part slides on contact surface being subjected to first friction force, when proximal part is moved in second direction of rotation, the link part slides on contact surface being subjected to second friction force strictly lower than first friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX, CHABLOZ COMPOSANTS
    Inventors: Roland Pelisson, Pierre Chabloz
  • Patent number: 10610385
    Abstract: Methods of operating a prosthesis (10a) having at least one moveable component (12) and an electronic control device (18) are provided, where the at least one moveable component (12) has two or more operating modes (30) and at least one operating parameter (28). The method comprises receiving at least one input control signal (p1,p2,pn) from the wearer of the prosthesis (10a), comparing the at least one input control signal (p1,p2,pn) with an operating profile (26) stored in the electronic control device in order to determine a desired operating mode (30) and operating parameter (28), and instructing the moveable component (12) to move in accordance with the desired operating mode (30) and operating parameter (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Touch Bionics Limited
    Inventors: Robertus Meijer, Kianoush Nazarpour
  • Patent number: 10610384
    Abstract: Powered limb prostheses with multi-stage transmissions are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Byars, Hugo Quintero, John Carpenter