Patents by Inventor Reuben Sandler
Reuben Sandler 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: 10730178Abstract: An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Niel McCaffrey, Kurt Amundson, Reuben Sandler, Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser
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Patent number: 10694948Abstract: A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server or a peripheral device. The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server or peripheral device. The central server or peripheral device generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: EKSO BIONICSInventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Mark Fiedler, Kurt Amundson, Dan Brown, Renata Smith, Matthew D Sweeney, Russdon Angold, Niel McCaffrey, Duane Edmonds, Chris Meadows, Jared Jones, Kelly Mettler
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Patent number: 10391016Abstract: An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and/or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Kurt Amundson, James Stryker, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Patent number: 10327975Abstract: An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Jonathan Evans, Reuben Sandler, Nathan Harding, Aaron Julin, James Lubin, Taylor Heanue, Dylan Fairbanks, James Stryker
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Patent number: 10245204Abstract: A mobility system includes an energy module, an exoskeleton and a mobile base. The exoskeleton has an exoskeleton energy module receptacle that can receive the energy module, and the mobile base has a mobile base energy module receptacle that can also receive the energy module. In addition, the mobile base has an exoskeleton support that can support the exoskeleton on the mobile base so that the mobile base can transport the exoskeleton across a support surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Renata Smith, Chris Meadows, Rochelle Rea, Jared Jones, Matt Sweeney
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Patent number: 10159620Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Patent number: 10154937Abstract: A gait orthotic device, such as a powered exoskeleton, includes at least one joint; at least one actuator configured to cause movement of the device at the joint; a cushioning mechanism coupled to the device for absorbing energy or spreading a force during an impact with a surface or object; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine when a fall is occurring and direct the actuator to: orient the device so the cushioning mechanism makes contact with the surface or object during the fall; or reduce a kinetic energy of the device during the fall by performing positive joint work. The cushioning mechanism can take various forms, including an airbag, a spring, a bumper, a roll bar or a kickstand. Preferably, the cushioning mechanism is an airbag in the form of an airbag module that is detachably coupled to the device for removal and replacement.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Russdon Angold, Reuben Sandler, Robert Moore
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Publication number: 20180264642Abstract: An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Niel McCaffrey, Kurt Amundson, Reuben Sandler, Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser
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Publication number: 20180092536Abstract: A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server or a peripheral device. The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server or peripheral device. The central server or peripheral device generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Mark Fiedler, Kurt Amundson, Dan Brown, Renata Smith, Matthew D Sweeney, Russdon Angold, Niel McCaffrey, Duane Edmonds, Chris Meadows, Jared Jones, Kelly Mettler
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Patent number: 9662261Abstract: An orthotic system includes a controller, a joint and a fail-safe system for the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the orthotic system is an exoskeleton, the joint is a knee joint and the fail-safe system is a normally engaged brake that is controlled by the controller. The brake is engaged when the controller fails or the exoskeleton is powered off. The exoskeleton also includes an electrical or mechanical brake disengagement mechanism, separate from the controller, so that an exoskeleton user can disengage the brake when desired. The exoskeleton can also include an override mechanism that prevents the brake disengagement mechanism from functioning when the exoskeleton is powered on and the controller has not failed. Additionally, the exoskeleton can include a user interface at one location, with the brake disengagement mechanism located at a different, limited access location, so that the user cannot accidentally activate the brake disengagement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Julin, Reuben Sandler, Tom Smith, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20170071812Abstract: A mobility system includes an energy module, an exoskeleton and a mobile base. The exoskeleton has an exoskeleton energy module receptacle that can receive the energy module, and the mobile base has a mobile base energy module receptacle that can also receive the energy module. In addition, the mobile base has an exoskeleton support that can support the exoskeleton on the mobile base so that the mobile base can transport the exoskeleton across a support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Renata Smith, Chris Meadows, Rochelle Rea, Jared Jones, Matt Sweeney
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Publication number: 20160045386Abstract: An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and/or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Kurt Amundson, James Stryker, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20160038371Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20160030272Abstract: A gait orthotic device, such as a powered exoskeleton, includes at least one joint; at least one actuator configured to cause movement of the device at the joint; a cushioning mechanism coupled to the device for absorbing energy or spreading a force during an impact with a surface or object; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine when a fall is occurring and direct the actuator to: orient the device so the cushioning mechanism makes contact with the surface or object during the fall; or reduce a kinetic energy of the device during the fall by performing positive joint work. The cushioning mechanism can take various forms, including an airbag, a spring, a bumper, a roll bar or a kickstand. Preferably, the cushioning mechanism is an airbag in the form of an airbag module that is detachably coupled to the device for removal and replacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Russdon Angold, Reuben Sandler, Robert Moore
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Patent number: 9243818Abstract: A solar collector assembly may include a frame supporting a solar collector and a frame member defining a tilted pivot axis. Support struts may be used to elevate one end of the frame and may be pivoted between an orientation generally parallel to the frame member and to an orientation generally away from the frame. Anchorless, ballast type bases may be used to support the solar collector assembly. Several assemblies may be stacked on top of one another in a storage or transportation configuration using spacers extending between the frames.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Daniel S. Shugar, Charles Almy, John Peurach, Nathaniel T. Coleman, Jason Jones, Reuben Sandler
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Publication number: 20150351995Abstract: An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Jonathan Evans, Reuben Sandler, Nathan Harding, Aaron Julin, James Lubin, Taylor Heanue, Dylan Fairbanks, James Stryker
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Patent number: 8793942Abstract: A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Charles Almy, Matt Campbell, Reuben Sandler, Brian Wares, Elizabeth Wayman
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Publication number: 20140200491Abstract: An orthotic system includes a controller, a joint and a fail-safe system for the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the orthotic system is an exoskeleton, the joint is a knee joint and the fail-safe system is a normally engaged brake that is controlled by the controller. The brake is engaged when the controller fails or the exoskeleton is powered off. The exoskeleton also includes an electrical or mechanical brake disengagement mechanism, separate from the controller, so that an exoskeleton user can disengage the brake when desired. The exoskeleton can also include an override mechanism that prevents the brake disengagement mechanism from functioning when the exoskeleton is powered on and the controller has not failed. Additionally, the exoskeleton can include a user interface at one location, with the brake disengagement mechanism located at a different, limited access location, so that the user cannot accidentally activate the brake disengagement mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: Aaron Julin, Reuben Sandler, Tom Smith, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20130263913Abstract: A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Charles Almy, Matt Campbell, Reuben Sandler, Brian Wares, Elizabeth Wayman
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Patent number: 8534007Abstract: A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Charles Almy, Matt Campbell, Reuben Sandler, Brian Wares, Elizabeth Wayman