Patents Examined by Kurt Fernstrom
  • Patent number: 10661156
    Abstract: A game apparatus and game methods of play that provide mental exercises to increase the level of abstract thinking to create 3-D objects from universally accepted 2-D flat patterns. Since we read and write on 2-D surfaces, the shapes we associate most with a 2-D environment are alphanumeric characters. Combining letters and numbers in a 3-D environment creates challenging exercises for visualizing 3-D shapes. The competitive games involve a series of 3-D manipulative modules. Play of the games involves scoring points for creating and/or discerning words made up of letters recognized from the 3-D manipulative modules. The games are for multiple players and can also be implemented electronically and online.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Dan G. Dimitriu
  • Patent number: 10665135
    Abstract: The Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis Simulation Device of the present invention includes a base with a depression to receive a simulated eye, a skin covering, and a plug having a plug head and a plug band that is removably attached to the base under said skin covering, where the band is under tension between the first end and the second end to simulate a canthal tendon. The plug band is pulled through an opening formed into the skin covering and an opening formed into the base. A bending member is attached at one end to a stationary member and the other end to plug. The simulated eye is attached to a hook, which is used with the bending member to move to simulated eye away from the base to simulate proptosis. When plug band is cut, bending member moves to a relaxed configuration and simulated eye moves back towards base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Stuart Charles Segall
  • Patent number: 10657845
    Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Patent number: 10657834
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method for generating a note for a video of an online course can include providing a video of an online course for display in a user interface on a display device included in a computing device, providing a transcript of the video of the online course synchronously with the providing of the video of the online course, the transcript being displayed in the user interface with the video of the online course, receiving an indication of a selection of a save-a-note element included in the user interface, and in response to receiving the indication of the save-a-note element, creating a note for the video of the online course. The note can include an indicator of a frame in the video when a particular phrase included in the transcript of the video is spoken, the particular phrase, and a screen shot of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: COURSERA, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob K. Samuelson, Mustafa Furniturewala, Donald Geoffrey Schuller, Brice Benjamin Pollock
  • Patent number: 10650704
    Abstract: A training device simulating ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. A heating apparatus includes an upper surface. A lower plate is provided on the upper surface of the heating apparatus. An upper substantially transparent plate is fixed by a frame above the lower plate. The upper plate is etched with an outline of a vertebral body. Fixed in position proximate the lower frame, the upper plate holds a biological material compressed between the plates. Tool-holding clamps, attached to the frame, are positioned to insert a surgical tool, in a proper location and orientation, into the biological material between the upper and lower plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sàrl
    Inventor: Stephen W. Lee
  • Patent number: 10650695
    Abstract: Apparatus to simulate driving a land vehicle comprising a fixed base platform (11), a mobile platform (12) disposed above the base platform (11), a drive station (13) associated with the mobile platform (12), and movement means (18) associated with the base platform (11) and with the mobile platform (12) to provide the movement of the mobile platform (12) with respect to the base platform (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: VI-grade GmbH
    Inventor: Diego Minen
  • Patent number: 10643498
    Abstract: An implement for simulating effects of arthritis on a human hand, and method of using the implement to experience the effects of arthritis on a human hand. The implement has a first component operable for secure attachment to a human's wrist, a second component operable for secure attachment to at least one of the human's fingers, and an elastic connection between the first and second components operable to resist articulation of at least one of the wrist and the at least one finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ralityworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Zaborowski
  • Patent number: 10636323
    Abstract: A medical guidance system providing real-time, three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) feedback guidance to a novice user of medical equipment having limited medical training, to achieve improved diagnostic or treatment outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Tienovix, LLC
    Inventors: William R. Buras, Craig S. Russell, Kyle Q. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10636325
    Abstract: A model for simulating surgery upon the eye has a posterior and an anterior segment. The posterior segment includes structures corresponding to those of the eye, including a hollow globe and an image of the fundus positioned upon an interior, posterior portion of the globe. A mating portion is peripherally formed about an open end of the globe. The anterior segment also includes structures corresponding to those of the eye, including a translucent lens, and another mating portion peripherally formed about a posterior portion of the anterior segment. The mating portions of the posterior and anterior segments releasably connect the posterior and anterior segments. A vitreous substitute material can be added into the posterior segment and is sealed within when the anterior segment is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Bioniko Consulting LLC
    Inventor: Andres Bernal
  • Patent number: 10636324
    Abstract: Training device for training tracheal suctioning. The training device includes a tracheal core adapted to be arranged within a tracheal, nasal or oral cavity of a medical training simulator, and coupled to the airways of the simulator and an insert adapted to be inserted into the core, the insert forming a reservoir for simulated mucus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical AS
    Inventors: Greg Necessary, Ben Tedeschi, Paul Griffith, David Thane
  • Patent number: 10629083
    Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional apparatus for problem solving, learning and presentation for modeling, teaching and illustrating exemplary problem solving or thinking. Some embodiments provide a puzzle-like form. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for the building of a problem or topic or situation specific or custom learning or problem solving or investigatory or presentation aid. Embodiments of the invention may also incorporate or use electronic, digital, electro-mechanical, mechanical, electric or other devices, processors, controllers, or mechanisms, or input or output to or from such or similar elements, and wired or wireless or other networks or interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Zxibix, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda Shawn Higgins
  • Patent number: 10624320
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods useful for providing a visual indication to the rider of a horse of one or more inputs, such as the pitch of the head of a horse. The apparatuses and methods are useful in connection with the sport of dressage. The rider can be notified of a position or orientation of the horse's head, of rein tension, of the rider's body position or orientation, of a current location within a course or routine, of a warning, or of other information. The visual indication can be in the form of an illuminated light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Angular LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Dominic Lombardo, Hilary Mary Clayton
  • Patent number: 10618345
    Abstract: A method of reusing a notebook provides a notebook having a synthetic-paper page. The method also provides a thermochromic ink pen which, when used to write on the synthetic paper page, leaves thermochromic ink markings. The method further provides a moisture carrier configured to have a liquid diffused therein. The moisture carrier is configured to erase the thermochromic ink markings from the synthetic-paper page by contacting the thermochromic ink markings when the moisture carrier is moist. The method then writes with thermochromic ink on at least a portion of the synthetic-paper page. Liquid is diffused in the moisture carrier, and the portion of the synthetic-paper page having the thermochromic ink is wiped with the moist moisture carrier, such that the thermochromic ink is erased from the synthetic-paper page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rocket Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lemay, Jacob Epstein
  • Patent number: 10621884
    Abstract: A writing aid including a body portion; a cut-out region formed within the body portion; and a spacer symbol disposed on the body portion adjacent a left most side of the cut-out region. A method of using a writing aid, including positioning the writing aid on an article to write on; writing a first word within a cut-area of the writing aid beginning at the left most side of the cut-out area; moving the writing aid to position a spacer symbol relative to a last letter of the first word; and writing a second word within the cut-area of the writing aid beginning at the left most side of the cut-out area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Kimberly R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 10613574
    Abstract: Provided is a control stick capable of measuring rotation angles thereof and automatically returning to an original point after the rotational movements. The control stick includes a rotating rod rotated in a yawing direction and a pitching direction, a first spring which returns the rotating rod to an original point when the rotating rod rotates in the yawing direction, a first rotation angle measurement portion which measures a rotation angle of the rotating rod in the yawing direction and transmits the measured rotation angle to a controller of the motion simulator, a second spring which returns the rotating rod to an original point when the rotating rod rotates in the pitching direction, and a second rotation angle measurement portion which measures a rotation angle of the rotating rod in the pitching direction and transmits the measured rotation angle to the controller of the motion simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.
    Inventor: John Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 10603547
    Abstract: A sport training structure includes a plurality of brackets and a plurality of first pivot members connected with the brackets. Each of the first pivot members has two connecting portions. Two of the first pivot members are mounted between two of the brackets to construct a polygonal frame, with each of the two connecting portions of each of the first pivot members being pivotally connected with one of the two pivot ends of each of the brackets. In such a manner, the two of the brackets are pivoted about the two of the first pivot members, so that the polygonal frame is foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Chi-Kun Hsu
  • Patent number: 10596847
    Abstract: An erasable writable material for large format applications is disclosed, and includes a cast polyvinylchloride film with a mount surface opposite an etched receiver surface. Also incorporated is a transparent polyester film that has a marking side with a hardness exceeding approximately shore D 79 and an opposite seal side, hermetically laminated to the receiver surface. The marking side includes a clear superstrate that has a hardness exceeding approximately shore D 90, which is applied to the marking side of the polyester film to lower surface energy below about 24 millinewtons per meter. The receiver surface is treated to have a surface energy exceeding about 45 millinewtons per meter, to enable improved adherence of printed and preformed graphic elements, which are encapsulated when laminated between the PET film and receiver surface. The superstrate includes a perfluoropolyether, a polyurethane, an acrylated polyurethane, and/or an acrylate resin to harden the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Kelly J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10593228
    Abstract: A penmanship device is provided to assist students learning to write consistently and evenly. The device comprises a body with a handle portion and an operational portion. The operational portion has at least two windows. A first window is used for alignment and a second window is used to write. A user writes a first letter of a first word within the confines of the second window. To write the next letter, the device is shifted so that an edge of the previous letter is aligned with a left lateral edge of the second window. This is repeated until the word is completed. To write the next word, the device is shifted so that an edge of a last letter of the previous word is aligned with a right lateral edge of the first window. In another embodiment, the device has three windows providing left-handed and right-handed support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Jane Ethel Pruitt-Guy
  • Patent number: 10593225
    Abstract: The current invention is a driving training tool. The training tool is a combination of a tachometer and speedometer with a stick transmission shifter and pedals. The tachometer and speedometer reflect the input from the pedals and shifter. This can be used by driving schools and learners to practice shifting skills, such as up-shifting, down-shifting, or double-clutching. Each part of the tool can detach for easy storage and folding. The training tool is made of plastic, making it light weight and easy to transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Linda Rogers Brown
  • Patent number: 10589565
    Abstract: A magnetic erasable writable material for large format applications is disclosed, and includes a cast polyvinylchloride film with a mount surface opposite an etched receiver surface. Also incorporated is a transparent polyester film that has a marking side with a hardness exceeding approximately shore D 79 and an opposite seal side, hermetically laminated to the receiver surface. The marking side includes a clear superstrate that has a hardness exceeding approximately shore D 90, which is applied to the marking side of the polyester film to lower surface energy below about 24 millinewtons per meter. The receiver surface is treated to have a surface energy exceeding about 45 millinewtons per meter, to enable improved adherence of printed and preformed graphic elements, which are encapsulated when laminated between the PET film and receiver surface. The superstrate includes a perfluoropolyether, a polyurethane, an acrylated polyurethane, and/or an acrylate resin to harden the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Kelly J. Taylor