Patents Assigned to ERMI
  • Publication number: 20250120869
    Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Applicant: ERMI, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Publication number: 20240215909
    Abstract: Disclosed are a joint manipulation device and system for increasing the range of motion of a joint of a user, and monitoring the compliance of the user's operation of the joint manipulation device to standards or guidelines set by a monitoring entity. Certain sensors associated with the joint manipulation device may cause an indicator to transmit an alert to the user based on whether or not the device is sufficiently engaged with a limb or joint of the user to be considered in compliance. Additionally, progress data associated with the range of motion of the user's joint may be obtained by a sensor assembly and transmitted to one or more systems associated with the device system. Progress data obtained during a period of non-compliant use of the device may be excluded from the transmitted data, thereby generating a set of compliant progress data for accurate analysis of device effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Ermi LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Thomas P. Branch, T. Christopher Madden
  • Publication number: 20240130915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: ERMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 11957481
    Abstract: Disclosed are a joint manipulation device and system for increasing the range of motion of a joint of a user, and monitoring the compliance of the user's operation of the joint manipulation device to standards or guidelines set by a monitoring entity. Certain sensors associated with the joint manipulation device may cause an indicator to transmit an alert to the user based on whether or not the device is sufficiently engaged with a limb or joint of the user to be considered in compliance. Additionally, progress data associated with the range of motion of the user's joint may be obtained by a sensor assembly and transmitted to one or more systems associated with the device system. Progress data obtained during a period of non-compliant use of the device may be excluded from the transmitted data, thereby generating a set of compliant progress data for accurate analysis of device effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ERMI LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Thomas P. Branch, T. Christopher Madden
  • Patent number: 11896538
    Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ERMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 11826274
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance about a joint of a user. In some cases, a device may manipulate an arm of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to the arm about an elbow. In other cases, a device may manipulate a hand of a user to provide palmar flexion or dorsiflexion assistance about a wrist of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ERMI LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Nathaniel Kinsey DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 11712389
    Abstract: A therapeutic stretching apparatus, which, in particular, provides a user with a system for providing assistance to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ERMI, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 11679294
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance. A device manipulates a foot of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to an ankle of the user, and includes a footplate positioned at a pre-determined distance from the user and adapted to pivot about an axis defined by the ankle as the foot extends or flexes about the ankle; and a force application system comprising a force applicator connected to the footplate, and a force application mechanism, wherein the force application mechanism is configured to apply a force to the force applicator, thereby providing the extension or flexion assistance to the foot about the ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ERMI LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Kevin Stinton, Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Matei Dan
  • Patent number: 11666501
    Abstract: Devices manipulate a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator having a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Ermi LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Nathaniel Kinsey DeJarnette
  • Publication number: 20210113878
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance. A device manipulates a foot of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to an ankle of the user, and includes a footplate positioned at a pre-determined distance from the user and adapted to pivot about an axis defined by the ankle as the foot extends or flexes about the ankle; and a force application system comprising a force applicator connected to the footplate, and a force application mechanism, wherein the force application mechanism is configured to apply a force to the force applicator, thereby providing the extension or flexion assistance to the foot about the ankle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: ERMI LLC
    Inventors: Shaun Kevin Stinton, Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Matei Dan
  • Patent number: 10603240
    Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ERMI LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 10278881
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices for manipulating a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator containing a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ERMI, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Nathaniel Kinsey DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 9980693
    Abstract: A method includes disposing an object relative to a first body, positioning a second body within a field of view of an imaging system such that the object is within the field of view and the first body is outside the field of view, and capturing, by the imaging system, data indicative of the object and the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ERMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Shaun K. Stinton, Edward Dittmar, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 9931263
    Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ERMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Edward S. Dittmar, Timothy James Shary, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette
  • Patent number: 9744091
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide assemblies for manipulating a user's limb with at least one inflatable member. The assemblies comprise a first pliable planar member and a second pliable planar member overlaid atop at least a portion of the first pliable planar member, such that a two ply configuration is provided. The two ply configuration itself comprises at least a distal and a proximal portion and at least one opening configured to accept at least a portion of the user's limb. The first and second pliable planar members combine to define at least one inflatable member, the inflatable member being at least a portion of at least one of the distal and proximal portions, the inflatable member being configured to be selectively inflatable so as to provide at least one inflation force upon the user's limb, such that the joint in the user's limb is manipulated. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ERMI, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Branch, Thomas Joseph Cunningham, Shaun Kevin Stinton, Edward Ditmar, Nathaniel K. DeJarnette, Eugene Sung, Cale Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9610038
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ERMI, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas P Branch
  • Patent number: 9408771
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the joint of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator and a linkage. The actuator itself comprises: 1) a cylinder portion defining an interior cavity; and 2) an inflatable bladder member at least partially inside the cavity of the cylinder portion. The linkage is operatively positioned intermediate the actuator and the joint of the patient, the linkage configured to be activated and to flex the joint upon inflation of the bladder. A piston portion may also be provided and configured to move relative to cylinder portion within the cavity in response to inflation of the bladder. A patient connection and manipulation device may also be provided within the apparatus and configured to be attached relative to the patient, attached intermediate the linkage and the patient, and configured to at least partially assist with treatment upon activation of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ERMI, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Thomas Cunningham, Edward Dittmar, Cale Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20160058802
    Abstract: A skincare composition comprising Gorgonian extract as an anti-inflammatory component thereof, said skincare composition being selected from among compositions (I) and (II): (I) an aqueous composition comprising from 35 to 65 wt. % water, from 25 to 45 wt. % surfactant, from 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % retinol and from 0.005 to 0.5 wt. % Gorgonian extract, wherein all weight percentages are based on total weight of the aqueous face wash composition, and all weight percentages of all ingredients in the aqueous face wash composition total to 100 wt. %; and (II) a gel composition comprising from 60 to 90 wt. % water, from 1 to 12 wt. % benzoyl peroxide, and from 0.05 to 1.25 wt. % Gorgonian extract, wherein all weight percentages are based on total weight of the gel composition, and all weight percentages of all ingredients in the gel composition total to 100 wt. %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Ermis Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Billis
  • Publication number: 20140358042
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ERMI, INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS P BRANCH, ALEXANDER SATTLER, JR., ERIC KENNETH BRANCH, CALE ANDREW JACOBS
  • Patent number: 8840570
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ermi, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Branch, Alexander Sattler, Jr., Eric Kenneth Branch, Cale Andrew Jacobs