Patents Examined by David H. Willse
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Patent number: 11534317Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an orthopedic joint device of a lower extremity, the orthopedic joint device comprising an upper part, a lower part mounted in articulated fashion to the upper part, and a conversion device arranged between the upper and lower parts. The conversion device provides for, during pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, mechanical work from a relative movement between the upper and lower parts to be converted and stored in at least one energy store and supplied back to the joint device with a time offset in order to assist the relative movement. The stored energy is converted back and the supply of mechanical work takes place in a controlled manner during the assistance of the relative movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAAInventors: Luder Mosler, Martin Pusch, Alexander Pappe, Christian Will
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Patent number: 11529247Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare LPInventors: Richard J. Casler, Jr., Hugh M. Herr
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Patent number: 11497641Abstract: The present disclosure is relates to an orthosis device. The orthosis device, in one embodiment, includes an actuator housing, and an electric motor coupled to the actuator housing, the electric motor including a motor stator and a motor rotor, and the electric motor further having high output torque. The orthosis device, in this embodiment, further includes a low-ratio transmission coupled to the actuator housing, the transmission including a gear system coupled to the actuator housing, and a drive system coupling the electric motor and the gear system, wherein a combination of the electric motor and transmission provide a user backdrivable orthosis device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Robert D. Gregg, Hanqi Zhu
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Patent number: 11478366Abstract: An actuator-damper unit for use in orthotic or prosthetic devices. The actuator-damper unit includes a housing which may be fastened on the orthotic or prosthetic device and in which a cylinder is formed. A first piston is displaceably mounted in the cylinder and is coupled to a piston rod. The piston rod is disposed, via a first end, on the first piston and may be coupled, via a second end, to the orthotic or prosthetic device. The first piston separates two fluid chambers in the cylinder from each other and forms a piston-cylinder unit, wherein at least one further piston is coupled to the first piston in order to form at least one further, variable-volume fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBHInventors: Roland Auberger, Harald Sima, Martin Seyr
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Patent number: 11446164Abstract: A variable stiffness spring assembly includes first and second members made of a first material and separated by a gap along at least a portion of their lengths, and one or more layers made of a second material disposed in the gap. The variable stiffness spring assembly can be incorporated into or take the form of a limb support assembly, such as a prosthetic foot. The second material disposed between the first and second members is rate-sensitive or speed-dependent, such that the material exhibits different properties when the user of the prosthetic foot is walking at high or fast walking speeds compared to low or slow walking speeds. The prosthetic foot can exhibit high damping and energy absorption, and therefore stability, at slow speeds, and high energy return at faster speeds.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Össur Iceland ehfInventors: Christophe Guy Lecomte, Felix Starker
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Patent number: 11446166Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include an attachment member, at least one first brace, at least one first flexible member, an unpowered actuator, at least one second brace, and at least one second flexible member. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The at least one first brace can mount to the attachment member and the at least one first flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one first brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one first flexible member. The unpowered actuator can mount to the attachment member and the at least one second brace can mounted to the actuator. The at least one second flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one second brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one second flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Össur Iceland ehfInventors: Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Bjarni Andresson, Ragnar Orn Gunnarsson, Christophe Guy Lecomte, Maria Gudrun Sveinbjornsdottir, David Sandahl, Atli Orn Sverrisson, David Langlois
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Patent number: 11439521Abstract: A prosthesis device has a rotary damper and a displacing device with a magnetorheological fluid in a damper volume of a housing. Two partition units divide the damper volume into two or more variable chambers. The partition units include a partition wall connected with the housing and a partition wall connected with a damper shaft. Radial gaps are formed in the radial direction between the partition wall on the housing and the damper shaft, and between the partition wall on the damper shaft and the housing. An axial gap is formed in the axial direction between the partition unit, the damper shaft and the housing. The magnetic field of the magnetic field source passes through at least two of the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbHInventor: Stefan Battlogg
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Patent number: 11439493Abstract: A nephroureteral catheter is provided that comprises a detachable portion such that when the detachable portion is removed, the catheter converts into an internal stent. The catheter includes a tube with two retention features, a detachable portion, and an inner tube. The inner tube is removably insertable into both the tube and the detachable portion, and a wire extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the inner tube and through the tube, to keep the pieces attached. The wire may be removed to remove the inner tube and then the detachable portion from the tube. When the detachable portion is attached to the tube, the catheter is a nephroureteral catheter. When the detachable portion is removed from the tube, the catheter becomes a stent.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Harry R. Smouse, Timothy H. Williams
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Patent number: 11439726Abstract: A surgical implant having a plastic (e.g., PEEK) component having an exposed surface, wherein at least a portion of the exposed surface has a plurality of parallel microgrooves that (i) enhance bone growth and osseointegration with adjacent bone and, after the osseointegration, (ii) increase pull-out force of the surgical implant from the adjacent bone. In certain embodiments, the microgrooves have widths of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, depths of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, crests of less than or equal to 12 micrometers, and a periodicity of less than or equal to 24 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: OsseoMimetic, LLCInventors: Trevor B. Spence, John L. Ricci
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Patent number: 11426284Abstract: An improved modular rotational device includes a first and second threaded coupler for affixation along the stem of an endoprosthetic device, for example, a humeral prosthesis or a femoral prosthesis. The rotational device axis of rotation is coaxial with the stem, and its axis of rotation is located in close proximity to the intramedullary stem of the prosthesis or in close proximity to the distal articulation of the prosthesis. A housing has a proximal and distal end with an axial bore therethrough for receiving an elongated stem of the device. A lobe ring may be utilized to limit the axis of rotation of the device. Additional endoprosthetic devices may be attached to male or female threaded couplers, or to Morse tapers. A plurality of suture attachments facilitates attachment of soft tissue thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Inventor: Gerhard E. Maale
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Patent number: 11419740Abstract: A prosthetic connector system for use with a prosthetic socket having a distal end includes a plate defining a plurality of holes and attachable to the distal end of the prosthetic socket. A component is removably attachable to the plate via the plurality of holes and arranged to connect a prosthesis to the prosthetic socket. The plate defines an outer periphery having an asymmetrical configuration contoured to substantially correspond to at least a portion of the component when the component is attached to the plate via at least some of the holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHFInventor: Dadi Granz
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Patent number: 11399967Abstract: A system and method for a prosthetic assembly that includes a first prosthetic component, comprising a prosthetic hand base; a set of second prosthetic components, comprising a set of prosthetic fingers, and a set of actuating systems, wherein one actuating system connects a pair of distinct prosthetic components, enabling actuation of one prosthetic component with respect to the other. Each actuating system, from the set of actuating systems, includes a linkage and a sensored brushless motor; wherein the sensored brushless motor comprises a brushless motor, a field oriented control system, a rotary encoder, and a gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Psyonic, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Cornman, Aadeel Akhtar
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Patent number: 11382775Abstract: An adjustable prosthesis system for a residual limb includes: an adjustable outer shell surrounding the residual limb having a plurality of overlapping flaps, a top opening along a top edge extending around the outer shell, a bottom having a bottom edge opposite the top edge and extending around the bottom, a first side, and a second side having an adjustable width, and a plurality of adjustable overlapping side ends, some of which overlap and some do not, extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; a base adjacent the bottom of the outer shell and connected to it; and a closure component attached to the outer shell to compress the residual limb. Tightening the closure component applies a pulling force to at least one of the first side and the second side, thereby causing a reduction in width of a discontinuity and increased overlap of the side ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: iFit Prosthetics, LLCInventor: Timothy R. Dillingham
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Patent number: 11369503Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus provide artificial knees. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, a shank link configured to be rotatably coupled to the thigh link, and a compression spring rotatably coupled to the thigh link and coupled to a second end of shank link with a second end of the compression spring. During a first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link causing the artificial knee to resist flexion. After the first range of motion, the compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link encouraging the artificial knee to flex resulting in toe clearance during the swing phase. During the swing phase, the compression spring provides no torque between the thigh link and the shank link.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Shang-Li Wu, Homayoon Kazerooni
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Patent number: 11357647Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot having an upper foot element with a concave-forward facing portion and foot portion extending forwardly therefrom. An intermediate foot element is disposed below the upper foot element and has a front portion coupled to the foot portion of the upper foot element. A lower foot element is disposed below the intermediate foot element. A pump system is coupled to the prosthetic foot and comprises a pump mechanism including a housing defining a cavity, and a membrane situated in the cavity. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration and an expanded configuration. An arm member is connected to the pump mechanism and operatively coupled to the intermediate foot element. The arm member is arranged to move the pump mechanism toward at least the expanded configuration upon movement of the intermediate foot element relative to the upper foot element.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHFInventors: Hafsteinn Jonasson, Dadi Granz, Marco Steinberg, David Sandahl
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Patent number: 11351042Abstract: The invention relates to an automated hand, such as a prosthetic hand. In one form, the automated hand may be fluid compatible. In one form, the automated hand may comprise features to reduce the risk of harm to motors and/or other sensitive components of the hand when subject to an impact. In one form, the hand may comprise a wrist joint configured to allow the hand to curl and flex and/or to rotate. In one form, one or more digits of the hand may be individually controlled. In one form the hand may include a thumb rotation locking mechanism. In one form the hand may be provided with removable grip plates. In one form, the hand may be configured for use as a training hand.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: 5th Element LimitedInventors: Mathew James Jury, David Neil Lovegrove, Ross Hughan Dawson, Oliver Charles Graham Jackson-Hill, Darryl John Best, Jonathan David Lowy
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Placental tissue grafts modified with a cross-linking agent and methods of making and using the same
Patent number: 11338063Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta that possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in wound healing applications. In one aspect, the tissue graft includes (1) two or more layers of amnion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, (2) two or more layers of chorion, wherein at least one layer of chorion is cross-linked, or (3) one or more layers of amnion and chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion and/or chorion is cross-linked. In another aspect, the grafts are composed of amnion and chorion cross-linked with one another. In a further aspect, the grafts have one or more layers sandwiched between the amnion and chorion membranes. The amnion and/or the chorion are treated with a cross-linking agent prior to the formation of the graft. The presence of the cross-linking agent present on the graft also enhances adhesion to the biological tissue of interest. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: MiMedx Group, Inc.Inventors: John Daniel, Randall Spencer, Brenda Morse, Thomas J. Koob, Somaly Sith -
Patent number: 11337828Abstract: An orthopaedic joint replacement system is shown and described. The system includes a number of prosthetic components configured to be implanted into a patient's knee. The system also includes a number of surgical instruments configured for use in preparing the bones of the patient's knee to receive the implants. A method or technique for using the surgical instruments to prepare the bones is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: DePuy Ireland Unlimited CompanyInventors: Craig S. Tsukayama, Rebecca L. Chaney, Daniel E. Lashure, Nathan C. Reeder
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Patent number: 11311384Abstract: A method for performing a cranioplasty includes the steps of prefabricating a sonolucent craniofacial implant based upon information generated by preoperative scans, creating a cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect, and attaching the craniofacial implant to the cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect. The craniofacial implant is composed of a material that is sonolucent and exhibits attenuation of less than 6 dB/cm.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: LONGEVITI NEURO SOLUTIONS LLCInventors: Chad R. Gordon, Jesse Christopher, Bradley Rabinovitz
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Patent number: 11298249Abstract: A prosthetic interface includes a body portion having an open proximal end and a closed distal end including a distal cup. The body portion includes a membrane component having a flexible configuration defining an internal flow space extending along a length of the membrane component between an inner side arranged to face a skin surface of a residual limb and an outer side arranged to face away from the skin surface. At least one material coating is selectively applied to the membrane component that interacts with at least one of the membrane component and the distal cup to define at least one breathable region along the inner side that allows fluid flow between the internal flow space and the residual limb, and at least one impermeable region along the outer side that allows for vacuum suspension between the prosthetic interface and a prosthetic socket.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHFInventors: Martin Lund Størup, Rowan Cain, Linda Ros Birgisdottir, Hogna Hringsdottir, Sigurdur Asgeirsson, Stefan Orn Stefansson, Andri Orrason