Patents Assigned to Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10596024
    Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark DeHarde
  • Patent number: 10034790
    Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark DeHarde
  • Publication number: 20160250783
    Abstract: Printable magnetic receptive composite sheets are made by calendering a thin layer of a magnetic composition and bonding it to a top printable layer on one or both sides of the magnetic layer wherein the calendered layer has a thickness up to 10 mils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Schleicher, JR.
  • Patent number: 9377079
    Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark DeHarde
  • Patent number: 9346307
    Abstract: Printable magnetic receptive composite sheets are made by calendering a thin layer of a magnetic composition and bonding it to a top printable layer on one or both sides of the magnetic layer wherein the calendered layer has a thickness up to 10 mils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Schleicher, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150147547
    Abstract: Composite sheets are made by calendering thin layers of magnetic compositions and bonding to a top printable layer wherein the calendered layer has thickness up to 10 mils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ULTRAFLEX SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: John E. Schleicher, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150147553
    Abstract: Printable magnetic receptive composite sheets are made by calendering a thin layer of a magnetic composition and bonding it to a top printable layer on one or both sides of the magnetic layer wherein the calendered layer has a thickness up to 10 mils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ULTRAFLEX SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: John E. Schleicher, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140308065
    Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark DeHarde
  • Patent number: 8123709
    Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark DeHarde, Kenneth A. Patchel, Thomas Watters
  • Patent number: 8100844
    Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly includes a first member movably connected to a second member to allow angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member in each of extension and flexion (clockwise and counterclockwise) directions, where one elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in a flexion position, and another elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in an extension position. In each direction, the angular movement is dampened through compression of the respective elastomeric spring. After dampening the movement in either direction, returning movement is assisted through decompression of the respective elastomeric spring. Alternatively, one or more elastomeric springs are arranged to both dampen through compression and assist through decompression angular movement in each of the flexion and extension directions. The elastomeric spring can provide a pre-determined force deflection curve in compression and an independent rate of return hysteresis in decompression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark DeHarde, Yevgeniy Vinshtok
  • Patent number: 7517330
    Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Deharde, Kenneth A. Patchel, Thomas Watters
  • Publication number: 20070270976
    Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly includes a first member movably connected to a second member to allow angular displacement of the first member relative to the second member in each of extension and flexion (clockwise and counterclockwise) directions, where one elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in a flexion position, and another elastomeric spring restrains angular displacement in an extension position. In each direction, the angular movement is dampened through compression of the respective elastomeric spring. After dampening the movement in either direction, returning movement is assisted through decompression of the respective elastomeric spring. Alternatively, one or more elastomeric springs are arranged to both dampen through compression and assist through decompression angular movement in each of the flexion and extension directions. The elastomeric spring can provide a pre-determined force deflection curve in compression and an independent rate of return hysteresis in decompression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark DeHarde, Yevgeniy Vinshtok
  • Patent number: 5749840
    Abstract: A dynamic splint is provided which applies a bias force across a body joint with a magnitude which is adjustable at a pivot in the splint. At the pivot, a joint enclosure is provided to house a coiled leaf spring having one end connected to a movable adjustment mechanism. The relative magnitude of the bias is indicated by an indicator bearing numeric markings which moves with movement of the adjustment mechanism. A pin look mechanism is provided for locking pivoted strut members of the splint to prevent relative movement thereof about the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Mitchell, Kenneth A. Patchel
  • Patent number: 5658241
    Abstract: A dynamic splint has a bi-directional torsional power unit fastened between first and second struts to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion. The power unit is mounted about a hinge pin and can be rotated between two positions. In the first position, the power unit is locked relative to the first strut and the torsion spring opposes relative movement of the second strut in a first direction. In the second position, the power unit is locked relative to the second strut. In this second position, the torsion spring opposes movement of the first strut relative to the second strut, providing torsion in an opposite direction from that of the first position. Self-aligning contour plates on the struts conform to the anatomy and provide a mechanical interlock to bony prominences on the patient's limbs. A universal integral soft cuff/strap design simplifies set-up and provides infinite adjustment capability for increased comfort and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Deharde, Kenneth Patchel
  • Patent number: 5358469
    Abstract: A dynamic splint provides a bias force with magnitude adjustable by a mechanism located at a pivotal joint. Specific embodiments include a dynamic ankle splint incorporating a correction cradle. The correction cradle applies a torsional force to the foot, thus permitting correction of inversion and eversion of the foot in conjunction with correction of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. In another embodiment, a dynamic wrist splint attaches to the forearm and provides a novel palm interface which adjusts to apply force over a large area of the palm depending on the relative angular position of the hand. A flexion strap is provided at the back of the hand for applying flexion forces. Further aspects of the invention include visible display of the bias magnitude. The relative magnitude is indicated by numeric markings on a rotating member of the adjustment mechanism. The portion of the rotating member having the appropriate magnitude marking is visible through an aperture in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Ultraflex Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Patchel, Andrew L. Mitchell