Patents Examined by Marcia L Watkins
  • Patent number: 10688009
    Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus includes a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a distal support configured to support a distal part of the user, and a rotary frame connected to the distal support, and configured to simultaneously perform a translational motion and a rotational motion relative to the proximal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Do Choi, Youn Baek Lee, Jeonghun Kim, Se-Gon Roh, Minhyung Lee, Jongwon Lee, Byungjune Choi, Jung-Yun Choi
  • Patent number: 10687965
    Abstract: A prosthetic ankle 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: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Palmer, Matt McFadden, Hugo Quintero
  • Patent number: 10675160
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a prosthetic thumb. The prosthetic thumb employs a specialized thumb rotating rack for matched mounting of the prosthetic thumb; the thumb rotating rack is connected between the thumb front support and the thumb back support through the coaxially arranged thumb front supporting shaft and thumb back supporting shaft; and the lead connected with the motor in the prosthetic thumb passes through the lead through hole through the thumb rotating rack open slot and no longer passes through a side face as in the prior art, so that when the thumb rotating rack is rotated due to opposite palm and side palm operation of the prosthetic thumb, the lead is not pulled and bent due to the rotation of the thumb rotating rack, and the service life of the lead is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Jinshi Bai
  • Patent number: 10675141
    Abstract: Implantable tensile load-bearing grafts having synthetic components stitched through biological components are disclosed. The synthetic components can be biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable and of differing tensile strengths from each other and the biological component. Methods of making the grafts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Tela Bio, Inc
    Inventors: E. Skott Greenhalgh, Antony Koblish
  • Patent number: 10667919
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient's femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to rotate relative to the tibial component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam H. Sanford, Vincent A. Webster, Dwight T Todd, Anthony Romano, Christopher M. Byrd, Jody L. Claypool, Raymond C. Parisi
  • Patent number: 10631992
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder replacement system including a humeral liner defining a split curvature bearing surface that includes a plurality of curvature regions. The plurality of curvature regions are configured to engage a glenosphere of a glenoid implant individually or in combination to provide an improved fit between the glenosphere and the humeral liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Hopkins
  • Patent number: 10624767
    Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a liner adapted to receive a residual limb and including an outer surface defining an outlet, and a socket including an interior surface and including an aperture extending from the interior surface to an external atmosphere. A first sealed volume is defined between a first portion of the outer surface of the liner and a first portion of the interior surface of the socket. A second sealed volume is defined between a second portion of the outer surface of the liner and a second portion of the interior surface of the socket. The first sealed volume is fluidly connected to the outer of the liner, fluidly separated from the second sealed volume by a seal element, and is independent from the second sealed volume throughout use of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Grimur Jonsson, Andrew Bache
  • Patent number: 10589435
    Abstract: A shoulder module (3) for an exoskeleton structure that connects to an elbow module (4) attached to an arm of a user to a back module (2) attached to the back of the user. The shoulder module (3) has a plurality of connecting parts (34, 36, 38, 310), and a first pivot (35) connecting two of the connecting parts (34, 36) while allowing rotation of one of the connecting parts with respect to the other connecting part (34) according to a first axis of rotation (X1), during a rotation of the elbow module (4) with respect to the back module (2) corresponding to an abduction or adduction movement of the shoulder of the user. The connecting parts (34, 36, 38, 310) include a connecting part (38) comprising two parts (381, 382) that slide to allow shortening or lengthening of the connecting part (38) of the elbow module (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE, B-TEMIA INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Baptista, Roland Thieffry, Jordane Grenier, Alexandre Vaure
  • Patent number: 10575783
    Abstract: Methods for sensing or stimulating electrical activity of brain tissue from within an animal vessel by placement of an intravascular device within an animal vessel to control an external device, the intravascular device being adapted to at least one of sense and stimulate activity of brain tissue located outside the vessel proximate the intravascular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Synchron Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Thomas James Oxley
  • Patent number: 10548737
    Abstract: A modular reverse shoulder prosthesis according to embodiments of the present invention includes a stem having a proximal taper and a primary stem axis, the proximal taper extending from the stem about a metaphyseal axis, the metaphyseal axis at an angle with respect to the primary stem axis, a metaphysis having a proximal end, a distal end, a first aperture in the distal end configured to be placed over the proximal taper, and a second aperture in the proximal end having an insert axis that is eccentrically offset from the metaphyseal axis, the metaphysis configured for attachment to the stem at any rotational position of the metaphysis about the metaphyseal axis, and a reverse insert, the reverse insert having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises a concave cup formed about a cup axis and configured to receive a glenosphere, and wherein the distal end comprises a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion has an outer surface with a cross-sectional shape that is rotatio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Tornier Orthopedics Ireland Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian C. Hodorek, Shawn Martin Gargac
  • Patent number: 10543095
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant in the form of a hip joint endoprosthesis includes a ceramic head set onto an anchoring shaft, which is configured and adapted to be inserted and anchored into a bone. The head has an inner blind recess. The anchoring shaft has a tenon. A metallic sleeve having an approximately central through-bore is soldered into the recess of the head. The tenon of the anchoring shaft is inserted and secured in the bore of the sleeve. The head is made of a ceramic based on zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or a mixed ceramic, while the sleeve is made of a high strength titanium material. A connection between the head and the sleeve is produced by a silicate ceramic solder that solidifies or hardens in a ceramic firing, and by a subsequently applied glass solder, of which the excess can exit from the recess via the through-bore into a hollow space existing between the sleeve and the tenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Milija Mitrovic
  • Patent number: 10524920
    Abstract: A prosthesis (100, 200) comprising a bone attachment component (106) having one or more fixation structures (124, 224), wherein the prosthesis is configured to be selectively convertible between a mobile bearing prosthesis, in which a barrier (120) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures, and a constrained bearing prosthesis, in which a bearing component (204) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures (124, 224).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet UK Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Dodd, David Wycliffe Murray, John O'Connor, Russell Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10524972
    Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis is configured to be coupled to across at least one joint of a person for gait assistance and can incorporate knee, thigh, hip and ankle/foot assistive orthotic devices which can be used in various combinations to aid in the rehabilitation and restoration of muscular function in patients with impaired muscular function or control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss
  • Patent number: 10517743
    Abstract: A method for controlling an orthopaedic joint device of a lower extremity. The joint device has an upper part and a lower part mounted in a hinged manner on the latter. Arranged between the upper part and the lower part is an energy converter by which, during walking, kinetic energy from the relative movement between the lower part and the upper part is converted or stored and supplied again to the joint in order to support the relative movement, wherein kinetic energy within one movement cycle is converted and/or stored and, within the same movement cycle, is supplied again as kinetic energy to the joint device in a controlled manner and staggered in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Christian Will
  • Patent number: 10456275
    Abstract: Anchoring system including a fastener and a clasp. The fastener includes a substantially planar base, a first clasp-engaging member protruding from a portion of the base and having an outwardly-extending flange, the fastener further including an adhesive suitable to secure the base directly to the skin of a wearer. The clasp includes a first end configured to engage and rotate about the first clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage a cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device, the adhesive having a sufficient strength to support manual operation of the prosthetic or orthotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
    Inventor: Debra Ann Latour
  • Patent number: 10441440
    Abstract: A prosthesis with a lower limb attachment part, a foot part, a connection element with a joint function that connects the lower limb attachment part with the foot part, and a release device which can be brought into a locking position in which the foot part and the lower limb attachment part are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner at least relative to a dorsal extension movement, and into a release position in which the foot part can be rotated relative to the lower limb attachment part. The release device is designed to passively switch from the locking position into the release position when a variable which correlates to an ankle torque (M) in the connection element lies above a pre-set threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Martin Pusch, Sven Kaltenborn, Luder Mosler, Georg Gehrmann, Carsten Monicke
  • Patent number: 10420657
    Abstract: An adjustable seal system includes a suspension liner having a liner body and an outer surface. A plurality of seal bands are located along a height of the liner body. A seal component is arranged for removably securing to the liner body. The seal component includes open upper and lower ends defining an opening therethrough and an internal surface arranged to frictionally engage at least one of the seal bands and secure on the outer surface of the liner. The seal component also includes an upper portion descending to at least one seal, and a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Grimur Jonsson, Linda Ros Birgisdottir, Arora Helgadottir, Unnur Osp Asgrimsdottir, Egill Sveinbjorn Egilsson
  • Patent number: 10406000
    Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis and associated methods of use are described herein. Such prostheses can employ an actuator and elastic components, the actuator being controlled to deliver net positive work to propel the wearing amputee forward and the elastic components being used to store and release negative energy to improve efficiency. Elastic components can be linear springs coupled with a cam and configured in parallel to the actuator. The cam profile can be designed to generate a desired spring torque versus angle curve rather than a spring stroke versus angle curve, thereby reproducing human ankle controlled dorsiflexion stiffness. Such configurations improve system energy efficiency and reduce both actuator torque and power requirements. Such prostheses can also operate in a passive mode, in which a nearly normal gait can be achieved even without powered assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Fei Gao, Yan-Nan Liu, Wei-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 10390972
    Abstract: Orthopedic trialing systems include a stem, an adaptor and a trial member. The stem may be a trial or implant stem. The trial member may be a cup or head. The adaptor is used to account for the difference in the coupling of the trial member and stem and an implant member and stem. The stem has a first coupling feature and a shaft portion adapted to be received in a canal of a bone of a patient. The adaptor has planar top and bottom surfaces and at least one aperture therethrough. The trial member has a second coupling feature, wherein one of the first and second coupling features of either the trial member or stem extends through the aperture of the adaptor and at least partially into the other of the first and second coupling features for coupling together the trial member, the adaptor and the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Koustubh Rao
  • Patent number: 10369022
    Abstract: A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous