Patents Examined by Rachael E Bredefeld
  • Patent number: 11969509
    Abstract: A medical fixing brace, wherein at least one surface is provided with a plurality of step holes for mounting snap-fit seats and posts; the thickness of the mesh plate is made thinner at the step holes; and each of the step holes is assembled with some parts of the snap-fit seats and posts. According to the invention, the fixing brace can be used for both the left body and the right body, convenient for the doctor; the product does not absorb water and has no pad structure, so it is quick in drying after bathing, and it is good in comfort for the wearer; any pruritus and dermatitis can be avoided; and the external fixing brace according to the invention can be used for bone support of the upper limb, the neck, the chest, the waist, the lower limb and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Wuhan Xunshu Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guxi Xiang, Zhiwei Ouyang
  • Patent number: 11931282
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bracewear for spinal correction and a system for posture training. The system for posture training involves both active and passive corrective forces by using the bracewear and a biofeedback system to address the spinal correction, which can eliminate the adversity of conventional hard braces and reduce the psychological and physiological barriers to treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Yiu-Wan Joanne Yip, Yin Ling Sit, Ting Hin Mak, Kit Lun Yick, Tsz Hei Cheung, Sui Pui Ng, Kenny Yat Hong Kwan, Mei Chun Cheung, Ming Fai Chan
  • Patent number: 11877949
    Abstract: A worm gear-worm retractor for an implanted tongue retraction device is provided. The retractor of the present invention includes a control switch capable of adjusting a retraction force of a pull line, a pull line fixing device capable of fixing the pull line, and a casing. The control switch and the pull line fixing device are mounted in the casing, and the control switch is a worm gear-worm structure formed by a worm and a worm gear. Because the control switch adopts the worm gear-worm structure, by rotating the worm, the worm gear can be driven, so that the pull line fixing device connected to the worm gear rotates, thereby tensioning or loosening the pull line to adjust the retraction force of the pull line fixing device. The retractor has advantages of a compact structure, a small size and convenient adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Xing Zhou, Xiangmin Zhang
  • Patent number: 11826237
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method for preparing a medical product, the method comprising providing an aqueous dispersion of nanofibrillar cellulose, providing a nonwoven fabric, immersing the nonwoven fabric in the aqueous dispersion of nanofibrillar cellulose to form a coating on the nonwoven fabric, passing the immersed nonwoven fabric through a prefined gap to define the thickness of the coating on the immersed nonwoven fabric without pressing, and dewatering the immersed nonwoven fabric, to obtain the medical product. The present application also relates to a medical product comprising a supporting layer and an absorbent layer, wherein the supporting layer comprises a nonwoven fabric, and the absorbent layer comprises unpressed nanofibrillar cellulose having an average fibril diameter of 200 nm or less, wherein the absorbent layer is coating the supporting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kari Luukko, Markus Nuopponen, Lauri Paasonen, Mika Kosonen, Saara Laitinen, Lindsay Davies, Sami Valkonen
  • Patent number: 11771580
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a brace for supporting a spine of a patient. The brace includes an anterior panel, a posterior panel, lateral panels bridging between the anterior panel and the posterior panel, and an adjustable belt tightenable around the anterior panel, the brace selectively configurable to include either lateral panels attachable to the posterior, a posterior thoracic extension attachable to the posterior panel or a dorsal lumbar extension attachable to the posterior panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Poker, Lily Dawn Goins, Dhanvin Sunil Desai, John Connor Brown, Charles Joseph French, III, Karen M. Clements, Nicholas Joseph Marquette, Olufunke Tina Anjonrin-Ohu
  • Patent number: 11766350
    Abstract: An artificial knee is configured to be worn by a person. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, and a shank link configured to be coupled to the thigh link. Artificial knees include a compression spring coupled to the thigh link at a first end of the compression spring, the compression spring configured to be coupled to the shank link at a second end of the compression spring. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shangli Wu, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 11759345
    Abstract: An assistance apparatus wearable by a subject for an assistance in forward reclining movements of the torso includes an upper structure for the engagement of the subject's torso and a lower structure for the engagement of the subject's legs, pivotally connected to each other around an axis, at least one elastic device operatively interposed between the upper structure and the lower structure and at least one electric motor operatively arranged in series with the elastic device, between the upper structure and the lower structure, and actionable for dynamically controlling the extent of deformation of the elastic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: C.R.F. SOCIETÀ CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Massimo Di Pardo, Francesca Gallo
  • Patent number: 11752024
    Abstract: An eccentric and polycentric articulated tensioning joint applied to an orthopedic brace with adjustable angular excursion placed in correspondence of body joints comprises two bars each hinged to a rotation pin, wherein said rotation pins are constrained parallel to each other at a predefined distance, said two bars being connected to each other by means of respective semi-circular toothed profiles present on each bar, so as to be set in synchronous motion relative to each other. Said two bars are associated with a respective pair of loop elements, which are kinetically connected to said bars in such a way as to impart thereto the same rotational movements and partially transform them into relative translational movements along the longitudinal axes of each of the bars themselves, in order to effect linear movements of reciprocal distancing or nearing relative to the rotation centres thereof located on said pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: F.G.P. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Moreno Ferrigolo, Alberto Turrini
  • Patent number: 11752025
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a brace for supporting a spine of a patient. The brace includes an anterior panel, a posterior panel, lateral panels bridging between the anterior panel and the posterior panel, and an adjustable belt tightenable around the anterior panel, the brace selectively configurable to include either lateral panels attachable to the posterior, a posterior thoracic extension attachable to the posterior panel or a dorsal lumbar extension attachable to the posterior panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas John Poker, Lily Dawn Goins, Dhanvin Sunil Desai, John Connor Brown, Charles Joseph French, III, Karen M. Clements, Nicholas Joseph Marquette, Olufunke Tina Anjonrin-Ohu
  • Patent number: 11723787
    Abstract: Our design provides a moderate control of abduction and adduction without requiring tools. This can be accomplished with a first push button 5, shown in FIG. 1, for a hip adjustment of both abduction and adduction between a hip shell 2 and a hip hinge assembly that provides release of locking pins for setting the flexion and extension movement of the user's leg. A second push button 6 provides abduction and adduction between the hip hinge assembly 1 and a thigh supporting unit. To facilitate an initial vertical adjustment, we provide a flexible plastic spacer 7 with circular openings extending through the spacer between the leg adjuster and the upper thigh support pad. The flexible plastic spacer 7 enables an initial adhesion between the hook and nap material through openings in the flexible plastic spacer 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ORTHOMERICA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Shannon R. Schwenn, Jeremy T. Schulte, Benjamin G. Domb, Nicole F. Weill
  • Patent number: 11724436
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for shaping an external nasal cast. A nasal cast bender may comprise a base; and a protrusion protruding upwards from the base portion, wherein the protrusion comprises a handle and a bending surface comprising a convex profile; wherein the bending surface is configured to shape an external nasal cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Spencer Cochran
  • Patent number: 11707097
    Abstract: A mask apparatus includes a mask body, a pair of hook mounting portions at side ends of the mask body, a seal coupled to a rear surface of the mask body, and a pair of ear hook portions connected to the hook mounting portions. Each hook mounting portion includes an upper hook mounting portion, a lower hook mounting portion below the upper hook mounting portion, a hook pin at each of the upper hook mounting portion and the lower hook mounting portion, and a through-hole defined in each of the upper hook mounting portion and the lower hook mounting portion. Each ear hook portion includes a strap portion, a first hook portion connecting the strap portion to one of the upper and lower hook mounting portions, and a second hook portion connecting the strap portion to the other of the upper and lower hook mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chiyoung Choi, Taeun Heo, Hojung Kim, Byeongwook Kim, Wansu Youn, Sangkyun Baek, Yeongcheol Mun
  • Patent number: 11684505
    Abstract: A temporary cast that includes an exterior shell, a lining body including an inner layer, one or more integrated pressure sensors communicatively coupled to a controller, and a plurality of artificial muscles disposed between the inner layer and the exterior shell. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles is communicatively coupled to the controller and includes a housing including an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing, where the electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated and actuated states such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Rowe
  • Patent number: 11679015
    Abstract: A brace includes a bottom having a sole made of a soft material with a tread intended to come in contact with the ground, and a stiffening plate fixed on the sole. A rigid body is provided having a base plate removably connected to the stiffening plate. A monolithic upper is removably connected to the body, and at least one intermediate sole made of a soft material is disposed on the base plate of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Susanna Salvatelli, Franco Salvatelli, Alberto Salvatelli
  • Patent number: 11672689
    Abstract: System, devices, and methods for correcting ingrown nails are disclosed. A system includes a first anchor and a second anchor configured to be coupled to opposing sides of an ingrown nail of an end user. A first brace and a second brace are configured to be removably coupled to respective ones of the first and second anchors. An elastic loop is secured between the protrusions of the braces to apply continuous tension to the braces. The tension is distributed to the nail through the anchors to which the braces are coupled. The amount of tension applied to the nail can be selected by selecting different elastic loops to attach to the braces. The tension provided by the elastic loops corrects the ingrown nail over time without pain to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Jordan Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 11648088
    Abstract: A coupling member includes a sliding member and a sleeve. The sliding member has one axial direction end portion coupled to a first attachment portion provided at a first attachment that is mounted to one of a maxilla or a mandible. The sleeve has one axial direction end portion coupled to a second attachment portion provided at a second attachment that is mounted to the other of the maxilla and the mandible. The sliding member is inserted into the sleeve so as to be slidable. A restricting section is formed at the sleeve between two axial direction end portions of the sleeve so as to restrict sliding of the sliding member in both directions along an axial direction of the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: RESPIRE MEDICAL HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nagai, Takashi Yukita, Maki Yamamoto, Yasufumi Tsuchiya, Walid Raad
  • Patent number: 11638672
    Abstract: A spinal decompression device from which a user suspends himself with his head up, taking advantage of gravity to stretch his spine and relieve tension in his back. Two crosspieces are connected at their middle portions to form an X. Each crosspiece has an arm near the top and a foot at the bottom, all extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the crosspieces. The height of the arms and their distance apart from each other are adjustable to fit each user so that the user may control the amount of his body weight suspended between the arms during treatment, by resting his feet on the ground. The device is collapsible for easier storage. A safety strap may be connected between the lower portions of each cross piece to prevent accidental collapse of the device. Wheels may be attached to the feet to make the device easier to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Kenneth A Burch
  • Patent number: 11628095
    Abstract: Proposed is an improved cast used for covering an affected area of a patient having a fracture or dislocation or diabetic patient to keep the continuity of the affected area and the unaffected area, and to protect the affected area from external shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventors: Byeong Su Cheon, Sang Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 11622587
    Abstract: A releasable gripping glove is provided having one or more flexible artificial tendons extending through a finger section of a glove body. The flexible artificial tendon is configured to maintain a structurally articulated configuration when the finger section is articulated. Each tendon includes locking teeth that engages with a releasable locking tab extending form a locking mechanism configured to engage the locking teeth when the finger section is articulated. A release mechanism is provided to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. A thumb release rod is positioned within a thumb portion and connected to the release mechanism. The articulating of the finger section releasably locks the flexible artificial tendon in the articulated position, which is releasable through relaxing of the thumb portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Harley Luplow
  • Patent number: 11607330
    Abstract: A brace incorporates an elongated strut having rigid hinge bars interconnected by an adjustable dual-axis ROM hinge. An exchangeable hinge stop is removably positioned within the ROM hinge, and designed to engage the hinge bars at a predetermined flexion/extension limit, thereby restricting pivoting movement of the strut and custom limiting a range of extension or flexion of the body part. A stop retention post cooperates with a flex member to hold the hinge stop in position relative to the first and second hinge bars. Lifting the flex member outwardly away from the hinge plate allows the hinge stop to be removed from the ROM hinge and exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lee Gaylord, Joseph Robert Perry, Jr.