Body Suits Patents (Class 600/20)
  • Patent number: 11910864
    Abstract: A helmet assembly for a spacesuit or other protective suit is disclosed. In embodiments, the helmet assembly includes an external face shield attachable to the spacesuit and providing the spacesuit user with a forward field of view. The helmet assembly includes suit status displays hard-mounted to the external face shield at a periphery or edge of the forward field of view (e.g., upper, lower, left, right). Each suit status display includes a linear or one-dimensional array of individual light emitting diodes (LED) in communication with a suit controller of the spacesuit. Each LED array receives from the suit controller suit status data (e.g., consumables levels, suit performance, position data) communicated to the user by illuminating one or more of the individual LED units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Keith
  • Patent number: 11889875
    Abstract: Acceleration protective trousers or G-protective trousers are double-walled forming airtight compartments. The trousers include an air-permeable, tear-resistant, fire-resistant and low-stretch synthetic textile material, and the trousers are provided with compartments which can be inflated into a circular cross-section. These compartments act as muscles by two opposite edges being pulled together and the adjacent pieces of textile material being stretched. These compartments extend along the trouser legs and are connected at the upper end of the trouser legs. The compartments on the outer sides of the trouser legs extend upwards from the groins and terminate in a bag-like bladder towards the lower abdomen. On the rear side of the trousers they communicate with one another via a connecting channel. A coccyx channel branches off downwards and extends towards the crotch. The compartments communicate via at least one hose with raccord with an automatically meterable compressed air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Patrick G. Beyeler
  • Patent number: 11834182
    Abstract: A protective aviation garment is designed to protect a crewmember during flight. The garment includes a bladder layer which retains a pressurized fluid and applies pressure to the user. The bladder layer is semi-permeable, being impermeable to both oxygen and nitrogen and permeable to water vapor. A first fluid tube is formed as part of the bladder layer to deliver the pressurized fluid to the interior of the bladder layer. A cover layer is formed from a fire-retardant fabric surrounding the exterior of the bladder layer. The cover layer is sealed around the first fluid tube and allows the first fluid tube to pass therethrough. The thigh seals are configured to seal the bladder layer to the user such that the bladder layer forms a lower volume and an upper volume. The first fluid tube delivers the first pressurized fluid to the lower volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: David Clark Company Incorporated
    Inventor: Shane E. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11786686
    Abstract: An interface assembly comprises a nasal mask that includes a seal having a rolling portion. The rolling portion of the seal rolls over a portion of a clip that secures the seal to a frame. The frame has a ball and socket connection to a connector. The connector comprises an elbow having integrally formed exhaust holes and a swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Craig Robert Prentice, Bernard Tsz Lun Ip, Richard Boyes, Thomas Richardson, Gareth McDermott
  • Patent number: 11344084
    Abstract: A boot-binding system includes a sole plate, integrated into an inner boot, that mates to a second sole plate that may be integrated into the floor of a pressurized vehicle or integrated into an outer boot configuration also referred to as a surface boot, a spring loaded pin/bushing arrangement couples the sole plates, while a latching mechanism located on the surface boot sole plate captures the heel of the inner boot sole plate against a spring loaded heel plate integrated into the surface boot sole plate that presses upwards against the inner boot heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J Stapleton, Lynne Ann Stapleton
  • Patent number: 11331529
    Abstract: A physical training system includes a belt for fixing around the waist of a person and that includes a plurality of belt extension straps each adapted for fixing with the belt at any location therearound and preferably adjustable in length. Two shoes are adapted for wearing on the person's feet, each shoe including at least four attachment loops at opposing quadrants of the shoe and optional shoe extension straps. A plurality of elastomeric bands are selectively fixable between any of the belt extensions straps and the attachment loops or shoe extension straps of the shoes. A shoulder harness comprising two straps is included for attachment to and positioning of the belt. As such, in use, the person while running experiences resistance as each leg extends into a fully extended position, and a reduction or cessation of resistance as each leg retracts into a non-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher T. Cranke
  • Patent number: 11280031
    Abstract: Garments having active and passive knitted rows can provide desired levels of compression. Garments made of active and passive knitted rows can provide dynamic levels of compression with respect to both location and over time to address a variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Rachael Margaret Granberry, Kevin Eschen, Julianna Abel, Bradley Holschuh
  • Patent number: 11097142
    Abstract: The exercise device of the present invention has a first assembly with a first strap configured to encircle a user's first bodily appendage, such as a thigh or a foot, with the first strap having a first attachment ring. The exercise device also has a second assembly with a second strap configured to encircle a user's second bodily appendage, such as a foot, with the second strap having a plurality of second attachment rings. The exercise device also has one or more elastic resistance bands configured for connecting at one end to the first attachment ring and at an opposite second end to one of the plurality of second attachment rings. Exercises with the device have the user moving between starting positions and finishing positions against the resistance of the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Rebecca Shouhed
  • Patent number: 10881607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for transdermal delivery, particularly iontophoretic transdermal delivery, of at least one cationic active agent or a salt thereof. The composition includes at least one cationic active agent or a salt thereof, at least one polyamine or/and polyamine salt, water or an aqueous solvent mixture, and optionally one or more additives. The invention further relates to the use of such composition as a component of a transdermal patch or of an iontophoretic transdermal patch, as well as to the use of such composition in a method for transdermally and/or iontophoretically administering cationic active agents. The invention further includes methods for determining the in vitro skin permeation properties of an active-agent-containing iontophoretic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitz, Mohammad Sameti, Andreas Koch, Michael Horstmann
  • Patent number: 10881606
    Abstract: A composition for transdermal delivery, particularly iontophoretic transdermal delivery, having at least one cationic active agent or a salt thereof. The composition comprises at least one cationic active agent or a salt thereof, at least one polyamine and/or polyamine salt, water or an aqueous solvent mixture, and optionally one or more additives. Use of the composition as a component of a transdermal patch or of an iontophoretic transdermal patch is also provided, as well as the use of the composition in a method for transdermally or iontophoretically administering cationic active agents. A method for determining the in vitro skin permeation properties of an active agent-containing iontophoretic composition is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitz, Mohammad Sameti, Andreas Koch, Michael Horstmann
  • Patent number: 10688334
    Abstract: A stretch exercise system includes a waist harness, an upper limb extension unit having a right and a left upper limb elastic straps which are set symmetrically on the waist harness, a wrist loop, a lower limb extension unit having a right and a left lower limb elastic strap units which are set symmetrically on the waist harness, two Achilles tendon retro-stretch angle units connecting with the right and the left lower limb elastic strap units respectively, and two sole fastening units set thereon respectively to hold feet of a user. When the system is operated, a static balance is reached with a force applied on the upper limb extension unit and a force applied on the Achilles tendon retro-stretch angle units by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Yu-Fen Huang
  • Patent number: 9700750
    Abstract: A fitness device comprises a waist belt configured to fit around a user's waist and at least one resilient leg loop member. The resilient leg loop member has a proximal end movably anchored to the waist belt at a posterior position. The resilient leg loop member has an opposite distal end configured for coupling with one of the user's feet. The fitness device causes a predetermined resistance force to be generated against the user's movement when the user extends the leg loop member beyond its length at rest. In some embodiments, two resilient leg loop members are provided. Methods of using the exercise device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Star Body LLC
    Inventors: Dominic Banks, Manju Morrissey
  • Patent number: 9326911
    Abstract: A compression integument for applying controllable intermittent sequential compression to the limbs of a user comprises an elongated fabric body sized to encircle a limb of a user, one or more compressible pads affixed to a surface of the fabric body facing the limb when the fabric body is wrapped around the limb; one or more tensioning elements integrated into the fabric body or compressible pads and arranged to encircle the limb when the fabric body is wrapped around the limb, and a micro-processor based actuator for selectively actuating the one or more tensioning elements to reduce the effective diameter of the tensioning elements encircling the limb, to thereby apply pressure to the limb by way of the compressible pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Recovery Force, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew W. Wyatt, Lewis Tyson Ross
  • Patent number: 9271890
    Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Compression Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pamplin, Robert Glenn Dennis
  • Patent number: 9186536
    Abstract: A training device includes a belt for attachment about the waist of a user. The belt includes a first end and a second end. The training device also includes a plurality of resilient straps positioned between the belt and a first foot engaging platform and a second foot engaging platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Strachan
  • Patent number: 9070270
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products track equipment used during surgical procedures. An allowable zone associated with a surgical procedure is identified. The allowable zone determines where surgical items may be used during the procedure. A location of a surgical item is determined. When the location is outside the allowable zone, an alarm is triggered to indicate the surgical item is moving outside the allowable zone towards an area in which the surgical item may not be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Barrett M. Kreiner, Jonathan L. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20130310633
    Abstract: —The suit according to the invention consists of a sheath of an expansible material, which has compartments formed by virtue of the sheath being doubled. A strip of textile material is applied to the inside, or outside, of the sheath. These compartments consist of the same material as the sheath or of an expansible knitted fabric. Flexible tubes which expand under pressure are introduced into these compartments. The first-mentioned compartments, with material which can expand on one side, act as so-called spacers and act as displacers for tightening the protective suit over the wearer's body. The second-mentioned compartments act as muscles and press locally onto the wearer's body. The compartments are drawn together and tighten the sheath to generate an altitude-optimized pressure. These second-mentioned compartments tighten the acceleration protection suit to an increasing extent until the tension ? around the wearer's body builds up the internal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: G-NIUS LTD.
    Inventor: Andreas Reinhard
  • Patent number: 8366600
    Abstract: A patch and compositions for iontophoresis of triptan compounds are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NuPathe Inc.
    Inventors: Terri B. Sebree, Michael Horstmann, Mohammad Sameti
  • Patent number: 7556040
    Abstract: A hyperbaric capsule has a base forming a seat that can be enclosed by an elongate oval canopy having a large transparent window formed therein. The bottom of the front of the canopy is pivotally attached to the front of the base by a hinge assembly and can be locked in the closed position on the base by a plurality of latches that are conjointly operated by an external lever and an internal lever. The weight of the canopy upon opening is borne by a pair of side gas or spring struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Oxygen Therapy International Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan Dolph Meyer, Norman Michael Berry, Martin James Davidson
  • Publication number: 20080275291
    Abstract: An acceleration protection suit having a sparingly extensible outer layer with veins running essentially along a bodily axis of a wearer which deforms when pressurized in such a way as to generate a tension in the sparingly extensible outer layer, with which pressure can be exerted on the wearer to offset G-forces. Means are provided for tightening and adjusting the protective suit to the wearer. At least part of the veins are permeable to gas at least in spots on a side facing the wearer so that the wearer can be air-conditioned by exiting gas when the veins are pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Yamanashi University
    Inventor: Andreas Reinhard
  • Patent number: 7270125
    Abstract: The invention enables testing of nearly all aircrew equipment including COMBAT EDGE system components which include a mask, a G-suit, communication systems, and a goggle. A gas system includes an input filter, a first compressor comprising at least one blower, preferably three blowers connected in series, a second compressor, a first flow sensor, a second flow sensor, a first flow valve, a second flow valve, a regulator, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a first pressure valve, a second pressure valve, and a controller. The second compressor produces a lower flow at a higher pressure than the first compressor. When the G-suit inflates, initially there is a large change in volume without much change in pressure, and then, as the G-suit fills and becomes firm, the change in volume slows down and the rate of the pressure increases. A normal breathing test, a preflight test, a fit test, a G-suit leak test and two dynamic flow leak tests are conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Scot Incorporated
    Inventor: Clifford L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6993791
    Abstract: An altitude protection device for an acceleration protection suit having a plurality of liquid-filled veins is comprised of a bladder inserted in a pocket. A spacer fabric that is non-compressible under the loads to be provided is enclosed in the pocket and defines a minimum volume inside the bladder. The bladder is closed off or opened relative to surrounding air in the aircraft cabin via a valve that is opened if a rate of pressure change in the cabin is less than or equal to a presettable maximum value, and closed if the rate of pressure change is greater than the value. If the valve closes and the pressure falls further, air located in the bladder inflates the bladder and pocket, increasing tensile stress in the fabric, and thereby raising the internal pressure of the veins resulting in increased internal pressure in the entire acceleration protection suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: LSS Life Support Systems AG
    Inventors: Andreas Reinhard, Wendelin Egli
  • Patent number: 6757916
    Abstract: A pressure-applying garment particularly suited for locating and applying pressure to transmitters is formed by a main inflatable bladder inflated to first pressure to press its inner wall toward a wearer and conform the inner wall to contours of said wearer and to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the main bladder and the wearer. A plurality of auxiliary inflatable bladders positioned relative to the main bladder and oriented to having their inner walls facing toward said wearer. The auxiliary bladders are provided with separate inflating systems so that at least some of said auxiliary bladders are inflated to a selected pressure different from (higher than) the first pressure to deform inner wall of its auxiliary bladder to conform with and press towards adjacent portions of said wearer and preferably to apply the desired pressure between the wearer and a transmitter interposed between the auxiliary bladder and the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mustang Survival Corp.
    Inventors: Donald Mah, Rita Ciammaichella, Ping Yin Sheu
  • Patent number: 6742193
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: ILC Dover, Inc.
    Inventors: David Graziosi, Donald R. Cohee, Steven M. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6695762
    Abstract: An anti-G pressure garment system incorporates an inflatable pressure bladder covering portions of the wearer's body. The bladder is provided with an area made of a first material formed by a flexible air and liquid impermeable, vapor permeable, micro-porous material that facilitates the passage of water vapor therethrough whereby pressurized gas will be retained by the said bladder and water vapor adjacent said inside layer will pass through said material into the interior of the bladder. The bladder also includes a second area made of liquid impermeable, air and water vapor permeable material so that the second area permits a preselected amount of controlled leakage from the bladder to the wearer while maintaining adequate pressure in the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mustang Survival Corp
    Inventors: Donald Mah, Paul Higginbotham, Jason Bryan Leggatt, Ping Yin Sheu
  • Patent number: 6450944
    Abstract: The suit according to the invention comprises, as well as a textile lining and a skin made of low stretch textile material, a double walled skin lying between them, made of moderately stretchable watertight material. The latter is made of walls, which are joined together at connection positions for instance by welding. The mutually communicating hollow spaces arising thereby in the double walled skin are filled with a fluid. The suit is closed by zip fasteners (17, 19) and by shoulder straps (18). Short zip fasteners (26) in the crotch facilitate putting on the suit. The front part (20), armlets (21) thorax part (24) can be equipped with various structures of connecting positions, which however are arranged similarly on both halves of the suit. All the named parts (20, 21, 24) can be provided each with two valves (22, 23) for filling with the fluid and for ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: LSS Life Support Systems AG
    Inventor: Andreas Reinhard
  • Patent number: 6419622
    Abstract: The suit according to the invention comprises, as well as a textile lining and an oversuit, an active part lying between them. This is at least partly made from a layer (3) on the body side and a layer (4) away from it, both of a fluid-tight, low stretch textile material, which are connected to each other at connection positions (6) by gluing, welding or sewing and thereby create hollow spaces (5), which are filled with fluid through valves (16, 17). Between regions, which comprise the layers (3, 4), for instance the upper part (14) and the front part (15), joining parts can be arranged, which transmit tensile forces only. This builds up a compensating pressure proportional to the acceleration working in the momentary and local direction on the parts of the body lying beneath and thus takes the load off the organism of the pilot arising from the effects of such accelerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: LSS Life Support Systems AG
    Inventor: Andreas Reinhard
  • Patent number: 6387704
    Abstract: For use in a sorption analysis system, a method compensating for measuring error due to the time-dependent evaporation of liquid coolant and the resulting change in the level of the coolant and temperature increase around the stem of the sample cell, during a gas sorption analysis of a sample in the sample cell. This error compensation does not inhibit coolant evaporation and is without recourse to mechanical means or other physical contrivances for causing the system to act as if the coolant were not evaporating. This method employs fixed and time-dependent data, including: changing coolant level and sample cell stem temperature changes, both of which can be obtained off-line, cold zone volume changes, and volumes of adsorptive gas transferred into the sample cell, to generate progressive error correction; whereby, system output is being corrected throughout the duration of the sorption analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Quantachrome Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Thomas, Nicholas N Novella, Seymour Lowell
  • Patent number: 6325754
    Abstract: The active part of the suit comprises in part one layer (3, 4) facing the body and another one facing away from it, both of a gas-tight, low stretch textile material, which are joined together at connecting positions (6) by gluing, welding or sewing and thereby create hollow spaces (5), which are connected together via valves (18) and can be put under pressure. Between the regions, which comprise the layers (3, 4)—bands (11, 12)—connecting parts (7) are arranged, which transmit tensile forces only. If the hollow spaces (5) are put under a gas pressure proportional to the z-acceleration, then the suit builds up a compensating applied pressure and thus frees the organism of the pilot from the loading effects of such accelerations. By a suitable choice of the width of the bands (11, 12) in conjunction with the radius of the enclosed part of the body a compensating pressure to the hydrostatic pressure, proportional to the acceleration, of the body fluids can be set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: LSS Life Support Systems AG
    Inventors: Andreas Reinhard, Wendelin Egli
  • Patent number: 6290642
    Abstract: The suit according to the invention comprises, as well as a textile lining and an oversuit, an active part lying between them. This is at least partly made from a layer (3) on the body side and a layer (4) away from it, both of a fluid-tight, low stretch textile material, which are connected to each other at connection positions (6) by gluing, welding or sewing and thereby create hollow spaces (5), which are filled with fluid through valves (16, 17). Between regions, which comprise the layers (3, 4), for instance the upper part (14) and the front part (15), joining parts can be arranged, which transmit tensile forces only. This builds up a compensating pressure proportional to the acceleration working in the momentary and local direction on the parts of the body lying beneath and thus takes the load off the organism of the pilot arising from the effects of such accelerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: LSS Life Support System AG
    Inventors: Andreas Reinhard, Wendelin Egli
  • Patent number: 6290717
    Abstract: A disposable esophageal probe having dual temperature elements is connected to a cooling catheter controller via a reusable interconnect line to provide redundancy in temperature feedback to the controller, namely, to provide both a control temperature feedback signal and an alarm temperature feedback signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alsius Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Philips
  • Patent number: 6245009
    Abstract: A wearable life support system integrates an antigravity compensation apparatus for providing counter-pressures on the human body in response to antigravity conditions with an environmental defense apparatus for providing operational conditions to a human within the life support system. A filtration apparatus removes harmful conditions from breathable gas provided to a human within the system. A temperature control apparatus maintains operational conditions to a human within system. A vision maintenance and protection apparatus is kept clear through use of a demisting apparatus that prevents visual distortion of a visor covering the human visual field. The Demisting apparatus is integratable with a wearable life support system that provides environmental defense and/or antigravity compensation to the human user. A portable environmental apparatus provides ground and back-up life sustaining conditions to a human within wearable life support systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Thomas W. Travis, Thomas R. Morgan, Richard White, Yasu Tai Chen, Robert S. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 6021519
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a wearer against positive acceleration comprises:a trouser having inflatable pockets and a control unit having an outlet communicating with the pockets, an inlet communicating with a source of pressurized gas and an inertia body for sensing acceleration. The control unit inflates the pockets with pressurized gas under a pressure which increases responsive to positive acceleration according to a predetermined law when the positive acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold higher than 1 g and modifies the predetermined law following detection of a degree of acceleration which is negative or lower than another threshold lower than 1 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Intertechnique
    Inventor: Michel Bardel
  • Patent number: 5997465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 3, 37) for exerting an external pressure on a human body part. The device, which is designed to surround the body part with comfortable fit, comprises components (15, 19 and 28) of memory material, such as memory metal. By heating the components, e.g. by conducting electric current through them, they will assume a different shape, e.g. a shorter length, the device being adapted to be contracted so as to "squeeze" the body part. When the components are thereafter cooled, they will resume their previous shape and the contraction ceases. The device is intended, inter alia, to prevent pooling of blood in body parts of a pilot when subjected to G-forces, and to increase, by recurring contractions, the blood circulation in the body parts surrounded by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: FFV Aerotech AB
    Inventors: Steven J. Savage, Willy Johansson
  • Patent number: 5984858
    Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic knee meniscal xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing a knee meniscal xenograft by removing at least a portion of a meniscus from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; and subjecting the xenograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, and freeze/thaw cycling. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment and glycosidase digestion of carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft followed by treatment of carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with capping molecules. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Crosscart, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Stone
  • Patent number: 5961442
    Abstract: A control device for admitting compressed air into anti-g pilot pants to reduce the effects of forces of acceleration on the pilot. Flight maneuvers with rapid change from negative to positive acceleration shall be made possible by the present invention over a broader range than before. To achieve this, the control device is provided with control means (5-10, 13, 14) for detecting changes in acceleration from negative to positive values, which bring about an additional admission of pressure over a limited period of time with a profile decreasing over time at rates of acceleration change above a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Drager Aerospace GmbH
    Inventor: Rudiger Meckes
  • Patent number: 5961441
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical otoscope for examining and operating upon the external ear canal and tympanum. The surgical otoscope comprises an optical diagnostic instrument and an adapter member attached thereto. An image conveyer and a light transmitter are located within the optical-diagnostic instrument and extend therefrom and into the adapter member. The adapter member includes extendable and retractable surgical instrumentation and a suction tube. The combination of optical diagnostic and surgical instrumentation in the same device a enables a physician to simultaneously examine and operate upon the external ear canal and tympanum. Accordingly, the physician may selectively use the instruments while viewing the areas to be examined or operated upon through the same device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Todd R. Plumb
    Inventors: Todd R. Plumb, Denise Balls, Dale C. Dunn, Carlos Garrido, Matthew W. McClelland, Rodolfo Pena, W. Douglas Stout
  • Patent number: 5832919
    Abstract: A portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing atmosphere therein includes a chamber. The chamber may assume a variety of shapes. An electric fan and filter assembly is provided and is attached to the chamber by way of a flexible air hose. The fan draws air into the fan and filter assembly and exhausts it into the air hose through a filter. The filtered air travels into the chamber thus providing a positive pressure within the chamber. The positive pressure within the chamber forces unwanted particulates out of the chamber by way of exhaust ports and prevents unwanted particulates from entering the chamber. In providing an enclosure filled with a suitable breathing environment, the chamber is placed on a substantially flat surface. The fan is turned on and the chamber is allowed to be purged of unwanted allergens. The fan remains on to maintain a positive pressure within the chamber and provide a steady supply of fresh filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Yoshimi Kano, Isao Yamada
  • Patent number: 5538001
    Abstract: A pressure breathing mask, particularly an aircrew oxygen mask, includes an exoskeleton (10), a flexible facepiece (11) with an oxygen delivery connection (15), an inflatable bladder (20) positioned between the exoskeleton (10) and a rigid intermediate member (30), the intermediate member (30) bearing on the facepiece (11), and means (21, 23) for automatically inflating the bladder (20) when oxygen is delivered under pressure to the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Northern Ireland and Great Britain
    Inventor: Peter C. Bridges
  • Patent number: 5355878
    Abstract: A facemask incorporating breathing equipment for use with a flying helmet (2) comprises a rigid outer shell (4) in which a flexible face-piece (3) is housed whose periphery makes an airtight seal with the pilot's face (1). The face-piece (3) includes an inhalatory valve (11) and an expiratory valve (9) and the rigid shell (4) is attached to the helmet (2) by a harness (5) which keeps the shell (4) at a fixed distance from the helmet (2). Inflatable means (15, 20) are provided between the shell (4) which are inflated to press the periphery (14) of the face-piece towards the pilot's face when the pressure of breathable gas supplied to the interior of the mask and to said inflatable means increases above that required for normal breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Cam Lock (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Griffiths, Donald M. Smeaton
  • Patent number: 5342583
    Abstract: An automatic stool and urine disposing apparatus provides disposal even if a patient is unconscious or is disabled, without requiring the help of a care taker. This apparatus is composed of a wearing section, a disposal device installed in an aperture in the wearing section, a washing device incorporated in the disposal device, and a driving section for operating the device. The wearing section includes a disposing device having a fan operated by a motor, a water detecting sensor, a discharge aperture, and washing water and air supply holes. Also attached to the wearing section is an inflatable pressing tube which prevents leakage. The driving section includes relays for operating the disposing device in response to the presence of material to be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Jong E. Son
  • Patent number: 5318018
    Abstract: An advanced aircrew protection system comprising a helmet assembly adapted to sustain a full pneumatic pressure within the helmet adjacent to the head of the wearer; a suit assembly adapted to sustain a pressure adjacent to selected parts of the body of the wearer; a neck shroud operatively coupled with the helmet assembly and the suit assembly and adapted to pneumatically isolate the helmet assembly from the suit assembly; and controller adapted to independently supply fluid under pressure to the helmet assembly and to the suit assembly. Within the helmet is a dual compartment for an independent supply of fluid to an oral nasal mask separate from the remainder of the helmet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel C. Puma, Edwin G. Drumheller, Darold B. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5314402
    Abstract: Inflation pressure of an aircrew G-suit is set by a servo-pressure which controls movement of inflation gas supply and vent valves 126 and 127, respectively. Servo-pressure is regulated by a torque motor controlled valve 124, 125 which receives a servo-demand signal from an electronic control unit (ECU) 123. The ECU receives an inflation pressure demand signal P.sub.DEM from an aircraft systems computer 120 which stores schedules of G-suit inflation pressure against increasing acceleration and decreasing cabin ambient pressure. The computer is programmed to look-up and output the higher one of values for inflation pressure dependent upon values of acceleration signals G.sub.Z and cabin ambient pressure signals P.sub.AMB input to the computer by sensors 121 and 122, respectively. The ECU compares an existing G-suit inflation pressure P.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: James C. Foote, Michael W. Harral, Peter J. Rowland
  • Patent number: 5247926
    Abstract: A breathing gas regulator for regulating delivery of breathing gas to an aircrew member wearing a liquid filled G-suit includes a relay valve having a diaphragm mounted valve plate for sensing G-suit hydrostatic pressure. A bleed of breathing gas is supplied to the relay valve by way of a pneumatic link and is vented to ambient through a vent outlet. As G-suit hydrostatic pressure rises due to increasing G-load the valve plate moves towards closing the vent outlet. Above a predetermined G-load, with the vent outlet closed, a pneumatic signal is generated in the pneumatic link and is applied to an end face of a valve controlling outflow from a breathing-pressure control chamber so that pressure in the control chamber increases to set a breathing gas pressure at the regulator outlet appropriate to positive pressure breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Michael W. Harral
  • Patent number: 5238008
    Abstract: A flexible bladder is provided which may be positioned over the chest of a subject. The flexible bladder contains fluid having substantially the same density as the breathing gas in the subject's lungs. Pressure sensing means are connected to the flexible bladder for monitoring bladder pressure. The bladder pressure is substantially the same as the subject's lung pressure. Thus, the bladder assembly may be used for monitoring lung pressure and controlling the pressure of breathing gas to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Conrad B. Monson, William J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5226410
    Abstract: A device providing physiological protection of aircraft pilots against the effects of altitude and accelerations includes a source of oxygen; a chest jacket fitted with at least one inflation bladder connected to a pressure reducing valve installed on a source of gas under pressure by a pipe; an oxygen mask connected to a source of oxygen by a conduit and a pressure reducing valve. The anti-g trousers include at least one inflation bladder connected to a pressure reducing valve, the bladder being mounted on a source of gas under pressure. The device further includes a mechanism to detect accelerations which delivers a signal representative of the acceleration. The device is characterized by a deformable volume located inside the inflating bladder of the chest jacket connecting the mask to the source of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventor: Daniel Fournol
  • Patent number: 5170814
    Abstract: A high altitude G-valve produces a pressure signal in response to altitude and G-load without a connection to an external altitude sensing device. Bleed path pressure regulation by an aneroid valve and a G-sensing valve control a pilot valve which in turn controls a main valve. The main valve provides regulated air to the G-valve outlet in response to the pilot valve. A manually actuated button simulates a high-G load on the G-sensing valve to test the operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome
  • Patent number: 5133339
    Abstract: A method and exercise device using air pressure to apply a high force to the body is provided. The force, although not gravity, resembles gravity in its influence on the musculoskeletal mechanics of locomotion because of the method of application (air pressure), and point of application (centroid of cross-section of waist/hip area), and constant, controllable magnitude (regulated by the level of the pressure difference). The device also has possible wide applications on Earth in the areas of high performance athletic training and rehabilitation of trauma victims, low level paraplegics, orthopaedic hip implant recipients, and as a general exercice aid for elderly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventors: Robert T. Whalen, Alan R. Hargens
  • Patent number: 5127896
    Abstract: This invention is an integrated anthropomorphic g-suit, with a breathing regulator and means for protecting the user of the suit from hostile environments. The suit has a flexible, distensible, impermeable inner liner that conforms to a user's body, and a flexible, impermeable, nondistensible outer liner that fits over the inner liner, to trap a thin layer of fluid between the inner and outer liners. The suit acts as a tank of fluid, so that the suit exerts a hydrostatic pressure on the user's body, preventing blood from draining from the user's head, when the user is subjected to acceleration. The breathing regulator is responsive to the pressure of the fluid in the suit, such that the pressure of the breathing gases being supplied to the user is approximately the same as the fluid pressure in the thoracic region of the suit. The regulator can vary the pressure of the breathing gas, automatically as a function of ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Alexis N. de Gaston
  • Patent number: 5121744
    Abstract: A physiological antigravitational system for use in modern avionics to prevent a pilot from becoming unconscious, or developing related conditions, and includes a crew member G-suit for use for pressurization of the crew during flight, the suit incorporating a pressurization source for use with the G-suit for varying the degree of pressure generated within it during application, a controller microcomputer that regulates the varying of the pressurization source during flight, based on monitored changes in cerebral blood flow velocity, and force detectors responsive to the G-forces and operatively associated with the microcomputer to provide signals requiring variations in pressures generated from the pressurization source within the suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Philip C. Njemanze