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).
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Patent number: 8956421Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Publication number: 20150045910Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Publication number: 20150039098Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
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Publication number: 20150019028Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 8882852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 8870970Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 8870549Abstract: Reciprocating positive-displacement membrane 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 are disclosed. The speed of a pump stroke can be adjusted by altering a frequency of pressure pulses delivered to the pump membrane during a fill stroke or a delivery stroke of the pump. A pumping algorithm may divide a pump stroke into an initial pumping period and a end-of-stroke pumping period, with the pressure pulse duration being longer during the initial pumping period. This arrangement may allow for a minimum pump flow rate while also providing a pressure ripple that can be used to detect the end of a pump stroke.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
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Patent number: 8864845Abstract: 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. The device module controls movement of an endpoint of the device within a movement envelope. The device module commanding movement of the end point within the movement envelope through at least simultaneous and/or independent actuation of the plurality of actuators based on the at least one body input signal in accordance with a movement function to achieve the desired directional movement of the endpoint within the movement envelope.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: DEKA Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Gregory Randall Lanier, Jr., John Matthew Kerwin, Gerald Michael Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
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Patent number: 8845754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 8821587Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Gregory R. Lanier, N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. Van der Merwe
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Publication number: 20130268095Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8491184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Patent number: 8449624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8366316Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey
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Patent number: 8366655Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette-based peritoneal dialysis system is described, including a disposable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a dialysate. 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 dialysate. 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey
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Publication number: 20130010825Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Publication number: 20120296247Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 8292594Abstract: Certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,” “pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) are 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., surfactants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Brian Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
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Publication number: 20120130298Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass system utilizing membrane-based reciprocating positive displacement blood pumps (“pod pumps”). In one aspect, the pod pumps are constructed to provide reduced shear forces on the blood being pumped. In another aspect blood flow through the pod pumps can he controlled by a controller using information from pressure sensors in the control chamber of the pod pumps. In another aspect, the pod pumps are included on a disposable unit that can be received and held by a receptacle means on a base unit, the base unit also providing pressurized control fluid to the pod pumps on the disposable unit through the receptacle means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jason A. Demers, Larry B. Gray, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, David E. Altobelli
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Publication number: 20120101598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry