Patents by Inventor N. Christopher Perry

N. Christopher Perry 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: 11173056
    Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 11139655
    Abstract: A system for powering a device is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in a device, at least one external battery connected to the device, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon
  • Patent number: 11137778
    Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20210285435
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,” “pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) used to pump fluids, such as a biological fluid (e.g., blood or peritoneal fluid), a therapeutic fluid (e.g., a medication solution), or a surfactant fluid. The pumps may be configured specifically to impart low shear forces and low turbulence on the fluid as the fluid is pumped from an inlet to an outlet. Such pumps may be particularly useful in pumping fluids that may be damaged by such shear forces (e.g., blood, and particularly heated blood, which is prone to hemolysis) or turbulence (e.g., surfectants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
  • Patent number: 11103368
    Abstract: A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20210236306
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Keith D. Violette, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon, David Blumberg, JR.
  • Patent number: 11026816
    Abstract: A prosthetic device. The prosthetic device may include a flexure cut and/or a sensor to detect movement in accordance with a degree of movement. In an embodiment, the sensor may be disposed within the flexure cut. Other embodiments include at least one wire configured to connect a sensor located in a distal portion to a proximal portion, while annularly traversing a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Keith D. Violette, Grant A. Peret, David D. B. Cannan, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Jacob P. Laplante, Thomas A. Doyon
  • Patent number: 10918500
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. A prosthetic limb segment includes a housing having an input interface and an output interface, the output interface and the input interface being moveable with respect to one another, a motorized drive disposed within the housing, the motorized drive effecting movement of at least one of the output interface or the input interface, and a controller disposed within the housing for controlling actuation of the motorized drive. The controller may be configured to communicate with at least a second motorized drive of at least a second prosthetic limb segment to control actuation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Keith D. Violette, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200400595
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
  • Patent number: 10871157
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,” “pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) used to pump fluids, such as a biological fluid (e.g., blood or peritoneal fluid), a therapeutic fluid (e.g., a medication solution), or a surfactant fluid. The pumps may be configured specifically to impart low shear forces and low turbulence on the fluid as the fluid is pumped from an inlet to an outlet. Such pumps may be particularly useful in pumping fluids that may be damaged by such shear forces (e.g., blood, and particularly heated blood, which is prone to hemolysis) or turbulence (e.g., surfectants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20200352747
    Abstract: A dynamic support system includes a control system for controlling inflation and deflation of at least one actuator having an inlet connectable to the a control unit of the dynamic support system. The control unit may be in communication with a sensor and may control inflation and deflation of the at least one actuator in response to information provided by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 10729567
    Abstract: A dynamic support system includes a control system for controlling inflation and deflation of at least one actuator having an inlet connectable to the a control unit of the dynamic support system. The control unit may be in communication with a sensor and may control inflation and deflation of the at least one actuator in response to information provided by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 10697913
    Abstract: A pump cassette comprising an assembly of a middle plate interposed between a top plate and a bottom plate is disclosed. The assembly forms the cassette and defines a plurality of fluid flowpaths, at least one diaphragm pump, at least one diaphragm valve, and at least one mixing pod. In some embodiments, the cassette includes one or more sensing features for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. In certain such embodiments, the bottom plate comprises one or more sensor ports configured to hold one or more sensor probes that extend through one or more sensor element apertures in the middle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
  • Publication number: 20200121531
    Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20200107780
    Abstract: A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Publication number: 20200019193
    Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Patent number: 10512575
    Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20190374352
    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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Patent number: 10499851
    Abstract: A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Publication number: 20190323492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,” “pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) used to pump fluids, such as a biological fluid (e.g., blood or peritoneal fluid), a therapeutic fluid (e.g., a medication solution), or a surfactant fluid. The pumps may be configured specifically to impart low shear forces and low turbulence on the fluid as the fluid is pumped from an inlet to an outlet. Such pumps may be particularly useful in pumping fluids that may be damaged by such shear forces (e.g., blood, and particularly heated blood, which is prone to hemolysis) or turbulence (e.g., surfectants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard