Patents by Inventor Karen L. Atkins

Karen L. Atkins 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).

  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIBROTACTILE MOTIONAL TRAINING EMPLOYING COGNITIVE SPATIAL ACTIVITY
    Publication number: 20120094814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing motional training, such as treatment of disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders, using cognitive spatial activity and by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt to perform the spatial activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BALANCESENSE LLC
    Inventors: Karen L. Atkins, Jonathan D. Birck
  • System and method for vibrotactile guided motional training
    Patent number: 8092355
    Abstract: Motional training is achieved by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. In particular, an attempt by the subject to perform at least one predetermined motion is monitored using sensors, such as force plates or inertial sensors. The sensor signals indicate results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion, and a variance between the at least one predetermined motion and the results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion is determined. Vibrotactile signals are then sent to the subject by activating one or more actuators coupled to the subject, where the one or more actuators are spatially oriented with respect to the subject to indicate one or more directions. The vibrotactile signals indicate the variance with respect to the one or more directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Karen L. Atkins, Gary A. Zets
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIBROTACTILE GUIDED MOTIONAL TRAINING
    Publication number: 20090062092
    Abstract: Motional training is achieved by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. In particular, an attempt by the subject to perform at least one predetermined motion is monitored using sensors, such as force plates or inertial sensors. The sensor signals indicate results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion, and a variance between the at least one predetermined motion and the results of the attempt by the subject to perform the at least one predetermined motion is determined. Vibrotactile signals are then sent to the subject by activating one or more actuators coupled to the subject, where the one or more actuators are spatially oriented with respect to the subject to indicate one or more directions. The vibrotactile signals indicate the variance with respect to the one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Gary A. Zets, Karen L. Atkins