Patents by Inventor Edward Westerkamp

Edward Westerkamp has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8294308
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Bloemer, Meiser & Westerkamp, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Westerkamp, Daniel Meiser
  • Publication number: 20110210624
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: BLOEMER, MEISER & WESTERKAMP, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Westerkamp, Daniel Meiser
  • Patent number: 7958579
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Bloemer, Meiser & Westerkamp, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Westerkamp, Daniel Meiser
  • Patent number: 7395560
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for reciprocating an infant support comprises a frame and a receiving member supported above the frame for substantially vertical reciprocating movement. The receiving member is configured to receive the infant support and, in one embodiment, is coupled to the frame by a reciprocating assembly configured to constrain the receiving member for movement in a substantially vertical translation motion. A motive device coupled to the receiving member reciprocates the receiving member relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include a counterbalance mechanism configured to offset the load of the infant and the infant support on the motive device. In another aspect, an apparatus for reciprocating a person comprises a base and a support surface for supporting the person thereon. The support surface is movable relative to the base for reciprocation in a substantially vertical motion. A motive device coupled to the support surface reciprocates the support surface relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bloemer, Meiser & Westerkamp, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Bloemer, Daniel Meiser, Edward Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20080098521
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing cyclic motion includes a magnetic drive having an electrically conductive coil defining a bore and a magnetic member movable through the bore. A control provides current to the coil and selectively reverses the direction of the current to move the magnetic member through the bore. In another embodiment, the system includes a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a biasing member for reacting against a load applied to a support, and a lever arm coupled to the biasing member for varying a preload of the biasing member. In another embodiment, the magnetic drive and the counterbalance may be incorporated into an apparatus for reciprocating a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Edward Westerkamp, Daniel Meiser
  • Publication number: 20060031985
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for reciprocating an infant support comprises a frame and a receiving member supported above the frame for substantially vertical reciprocating movement. The receiving member is configured to receive the infant support and, in one embodiment, is coupled to the frame by a reciprocating assembly configured to constrain the receiving member for movement in a substantially vertical translation motion. A motive device coupled to the receiving member reciprocates the receiving member relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include a counterbalance mechanism configured to offset the load of the infant and the infant support on the motive device. In another aspect, an apparatus for reciprocating a person comprises a base and a support surface for supporting the person thereon. The support surface is movable relative to the base for reciprocation in a substantially vertical motion. A motive device coupled to the support surface reciprocates the support surface relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Bloemer, Daniel Meiser, Edward Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 6966082
    Abstract: An apparatus for reciprocating an infant support comprises a frame and a receiving member supported above the frame for substantially vertical reciprocating movement. The receiving member is configured to receive the infant support and, in one embodiment, is coupled to the frame by a reciprocating assembly configured to constrain the motion of the receiving member in a substantially vertical direction. A motive device coupled to the receiving member reciprocates the receiving member relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include a counterbalance mechanism configured to offset the load of the infant and the infant support on the motive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bloemer, Meiser & Westerkemp, LLP
    Inventors: Kenneth Bloemer, Daniel Meiser, Edward Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20050091743
    Abstract: An apparatus for reciprocating an infant support comprises a frame and a receiving member supported above the frame for substantially vertical reciprocating movement. The receiving member is configured to receive the infant support and, in one embodiment, is coupled to the frame by a reciprocating assembly configured to constrain the motion of the receiving member in a substantially vertical direction. A motive device coupled to the receiving member reciprocates the receiving member relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include a counterbalance mechanism configured to offset the load of the infant and the infant support on the motive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth Bloemer, Daniel Meiser, Edward Westerkamp