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: 10434022
    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: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, Jr., N. Christopher Perry, Matthew A. Norris, Stewart M. Coulter, Jake S. Urman
  • Patent number: 10423171
    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 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20190274848
    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. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10302075
    Abstract: A reciprocating positive displacement pump comprises a flexible diaphragm fluidically separating a pumping chamber from an actuation chamber. The membrane may include bumps or other features on the side of the membrane facing the pumping chamber that space at least a portion of the membrane away from the rigid chamber wall when the membrane is in a minimum-pumping-chamber volume position. Such structures may prevent pockets of fluid from being caught away from the inlet and outlet by keeping portions of the membrane spaced away from the rigid pumping chamber wall even when the pumping chamber volume is at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    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
  • Patent number: 10292838
    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. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
  • Publication number: 20190094163
    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: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    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: 10201439
    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: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20190000649
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Keith D. Violette, Grant A. Peret, David D.B. Cannan, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Jacob P. Laplante, Thomas A. Doyon
  • Publication number: 20190000701
    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: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, JR., N. Christopher Perry, Matthew A. Norris, Stewart M. Coulter, Jake S. Urman
  • Patent number: 10060867
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
  • Patent number: 10045897
    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: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry, Matthew A. Norris, Stewart M. Coulter, Jake S. Urman
  • Publication number: 20180185172
    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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, JR., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20180161182
    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: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
  • Publication number: 20180132788
    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: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Patent number: 9901465
    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: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20170360579
    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: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    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: 9826933
    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: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    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: 20170302080
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon
  • Publication number: 20170241926
    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: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant