Patents by Inventor Hugh M. Herr
Hugh M. Herr 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).
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Patent number: 9060883Abstract: In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: iWalk, Inc.Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, David A. Garlow, Richard J. Casler, Jr.
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Patent number: 9032635Abstract: A physiological measurement device or wearable device simulator includes a frame and a plurality of surfaces distributed within the frame. For each surface, a surface actuator links the surface of the frame. At least one of: i) force or position imparted by the surface on a physiological feature of a subject by the surface actuator; and ii) the force imparted by the physiological feature of the subject on the surface, can be employed to modulate the positions of the surfaces relative to each other independently of the forces imparted by or on those surfaces, thereby measuring the physiological feature of the subject or simulating a wearable device interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Arthur Petron
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Publication number: 20150051710Abstract: A model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a finite state machine configured to receive feedback data relating to the state of the robotic limb and to determine the state of the robotic limb, a muscle model processor configured to receive state information from the finite state machine and, using muscle geometry and reflex architecture information and a neuromuscular model, to determine at least one desired joint torque or stiffness command to be sent to the robotic limb, and a joint command processor configured to command the biomimetic torques and stiffnesses determined by the muscle model processor at the robotic limb joint. The feedback data is preferably provided by at least one sensor mounted at each joint of the robotic limb. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic limb is a leg and the finite state machine is synchronized to the leg gait cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Hartmut Geyer, Michael Frederick Eilenbeg
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Patent number: 8870967Abstract: Artificial limbs and joints that behave like biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consumes negligible power when exerting zero force, consumes negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, is capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, is capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploits series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Lee Harris Magnusson, Ken Endo
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Patent number: 8864846Abstract: A model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a finite state machine configured to receive feedback data relating to the state of the robotic limb and to determine the state of the robotic limb, a muscle model processor configured to receive state information from the finite state machine and, using muscle tendon lever arm and muscle tendon length equations and reflex control equations in a neuromuscular model, to determine at least one desired joint torque or stiffness command to be sent to the robotic limb, and a joint command processor configured to command the biomimetic torques and stiffnesses determined by the muscle model processor at the robotic limb joint. The feedback data is preferably provided by at least one sensor mounted at each joint of the robotic limb. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic limb is a leg and the finite state machine is synchronized to the leg gait cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Hartmut Geyer, Michael Frederick Eilenberg
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Publication number: 20140257519Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
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Patent number: 8734528Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Peter Dilworth
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Publication number: 20140088729Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
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Publication number: 20140046455Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises an agonist-antagonist arrangement of two series-elastic actuators in parallel, including a knee joint, flexion and extension actuators connected to the joint in parallel with a leg member, and a controller for independently energizing the actuators to control the movement of the knee joint and leg. The flexion actuator comprises the series combination of a flexion motor and a flexion elastic element and the extension actuator comprises the series combination of an extension motor and an extension elastic element. Sensors provide feedback to the controller. The flexion actuator and the extension actuator may be unidirectional, with the flexion and extension elastic elements being series springs. The extension actuator may alternatively be bidirectional, with the extension elastic element being a set of pre-compressed series springs. Alternatively, the flexion elastic element may be a non-linear softening spring and the extension elastic element may be a non-linear hardening spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Ernesto C. Martinez-Villalpando, Jeff Anthony Weber
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Publication number: 20130310979Abstract: A neuromuscular model-based controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a neuromuscular model having a muscle model, muscle geometry and reflex feedback loop to determine at least one torque or impedance command to be sent to the robotic limb. One or more parameters that determine relation between feedback data and activation of the muscle model are adjusted consequent to sensory data from at least one of an intrinsic sensor and an extrinsic sensor. A controller in communication with the neuromuscular model is configured to receive the at least one torque or impedance command and controls at least one of position, torque and impedance of the robotic limb joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Ken Endo, Pavitra Krishnaswamy, Jared Markowitz, Michael Frederick Eilenberg, Jing Wang
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Patent number: 8551184Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: iWalk, Inc.Inventor: Hugh M. Herr
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Patent number: 8512415Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Samuel K. Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
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Patent number: 8500823Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises an agonist-antagonist arrangement of two series-elastic actuators in parallel, including a knee joint, flexion and extension actuators connected to the joint in parallel with a leg member, and a controller for independently energizing the actuators to control the movement of the knee joint and leg. The flexion actuator comprises the series combination of a flexion motor and a flexion elastic element and the extension actuator comprises the series combination of an extension motor and an extension elastic element. Sensors provide feedback to the controller. The flexion actuator and the extension actuator may be unidirectional, with the flexion and extension elastic elements being series springs. The extension actuator may alternatively be bidirectional, with the extension elastic element being a set of pre-compressed series springs. Alternatively, the flexion elastic element may be a non-linear softening spring and the extension elastic element may be a non-linear hardening spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Ernesto C. Martinez-Villalpando, Jeff Anthony Weber
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Publication number: 20120283845Abstract: In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, David A. Garlow, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20120259431Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher Williams, Jeff A. Weber, Christopher E. Barnhart, Hugh M. Herr, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20120259430Abstract: In a communication system for controlling a powered human augmentation device, a parameter of the powered device is adjusted within a gait cycle by wirelessly transmitting a control signal thereto, whereby the adjusted parameter falls within a target range corresponding to that parameter. The target range is selected and the device parameters are controlled such that the powered device can normalize or augment human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain and, in effect, provides at least a biomimetic response to the wearer of the powered device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart, David A. Garlow, Adrienne Bolger, Hugh M. Herr, Gary Girzon, Richard J. Casler, JR., Jennifer T. McCarthy
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Publication number: 20120259429Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint, and a controller that modulates the augmentation torque, the impedance, and a joint equilibrium according to a phase of the gait cycle to provide at least a biomimetic response. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart, Hugh M. Herr, Christopher Williams, Jeff A. Weber, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20120209405Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Samuel K. Au, Peter Dilworth, Daniel Joseph Paluska
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CONTROLLING POWER IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON PREDICTED WALKING SPEED OR SURROGATE FOR SAME
Publication number: 20110295384Abstract: In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Richard J. Casler, Zhixiu Han, Chris Barnhart, Gary Girzon -
Publication number: 20110295385Abstract: In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Richard J. Casler, JR., Zhixiu Han, Chris Barnhart, Gary Girzon, David Garlow