Patents by Inventor Adam Zoss
Adam Zoss has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160038371Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20160030201Abstract: A powered orthotic system, such as an exoskeleton, is employed for rehabilitation purposes by adapting and adjusting to real-time needs in a rehabilitation situation whereby the system can be initially controlled to perform gait functions for a wearer based on a predetermined level of assistance but the predetermined level of assistance can be varied, based on one or more rehabilitation parameters or specific needs of the wearer undergoing therapy, through the application and adjustment of appropriate variables associated with operation of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: EKSO BIONICS, INC.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Tim Swift, Alec Berg, Katherine Strausser, Erick Brendan St. John
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Publication number: 20150351995Abstract: An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Jonathan Evans, Reuben Sandler, Nathan Harding, Aaron Julin, James Lubin, Taylor Heanue, Dylan Fairbanks, James Stryker
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Patent number: 8968222Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold, Kurt Amundson, Jon William Burns, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20150045703Abstract: A lower extremity orthotic control system determines a movement desired by a user, particularly with a user employing gestures or other signals to convey or express their intent to the system, and automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components. In a particular application, the orientation of a stance leg is used to determine when the user wants to initiate a step, as well as when the user is in a safe position from which to take a step. The invention has particular applicability for use in enabling a paraplegic user to walk through a controlled operation of a human exoskeleton coupled to the user's lower limbs. A controller receives inputs regarding a motion desired by the user, determines the desired motion and then controls the movement of the user's legs or limbs through actuation of the exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, James Alexander Stryker, Kurt Reed Amundson
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Publication number: 20140200491Abstract: An orthotic system includes a controller, a joint and a fail-safe system for the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the orthotic system is an exoskeleton, the joint is a knee joint and the fail-safe system is a normally engaged brake that is controlled by the controller. The brake is engaged when the controller fails or the exoskeleton is powered off. The exoskeleton also includes an electrical or mechanical brake disengagement mechanism, separate from the controller, so that an exoskeleton user can disengage the brake when desired. The exoskeleton can also include an override mechanism that prevents the brake disengagement mechanism from functioning when the exoskeleton is powered on and the controller has not failed. Additionally, the exoskeleton can include a user interface at one location, with the brake disengagement mechanism located at a different, limited access location, so that the user cannot accidentally activate the brake disengagement mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: Aaron Julin, Reuben Sandler, Tom Smith, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20130303950Abstract: An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: EKSO BIONICSInventors: Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss, Homayoon Kazerooni, Jon Burns, Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding
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Publication number: 20130237884Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, EKSO BIONICSInventors: Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20130231595Abstract: A powered exoskeleton configured to be coupled to lower limbs of a person is controlled to impart a movement desired by the person. The intent of the person is determined by a controller based on monitoring at least one of: positional changes in an arm portion of the person, positional changes in a head of the person, an orientation of a walking aid employed by the person, a contact force between a walking aid employed by the person and a support surface, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a relative orientation of the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person, and relative velocities between the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, EKSO BIONICSInventors: Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser, Tim Swift, Russ Angold, Jon Burns, Homayoon Kazerooni, Dylan Fairbanks, Nathan Harding
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Patent number: 8070700Abstract: A lower extremity enhancer to be worn by a user includes two leg supports having a plurality of jointed links. Proximal ends of the leg supports are connected to a back frame. Distal ends of the leg supports are connected to two foot links. The leg supports are powered by a plurality of actuators adapted to apply torques to the leg supports in response to movement of the user's legs.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Jean-Louis Racine, Andrew Chu, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20110266323Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY BIONICSInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold, Kurt Amundson, Jon William Burns, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 7883546Abstract: A power generating leg, configurable to be coupled to a person's lower limb, comprising a thigh link, a shank link, a knee mechanism, a torque generator, and a power unit. The knee mechanism is connected to said thigh link and said shank link, and configured to allow flexion and extension movements of said thigh link and said shank link relative to each other. The torque generator is configured to generate torque between said shank link and said thigh link. The power unit is coupled to said torque generator, and configured to cause said torque generator to generate torque.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Adam Zoss, Nathan H. Harding, Russdon Angold
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Publication number: 20100204627Abstract: A lower extremity enhancer to be worn by a user includes two leg supports having a plurality of jointed links. Proximal ends of the leg supports are connected to a back frame. Distal ends of the leg supports are connected to two foot links. The leg supports are powered by a plurality of actuators adapted to apply torques to the leg supports in response to movement of the user's legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon KAZEROONI, Jean-Louis Racine, Andrew Chu, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 7628766Abstract: A lower extremity enhancer to be worn by a user to enable the user to carry a load includes two leg supports having a plurality of jointed links. Proximal ends of the leg supports are connected to a back frame adapted to carry the load. Distal ends of the leg supports are connected to two foot links. The leg supports are powered by a plurality of actuators adapted to apply torques to the leg supports in response to movement of the user's legs.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Jean-Louis Racine, Andrew Chu, Adam Zoss
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Publication number: 20070233279Abstract: A power generating leg, configurable to be coupled to a person's lower limb, comprising a thigh link, a shank link, a knee mechanism, a torque generator, and a power unit. The knee mechanism is connected to said thigh link and said shank link, and configured to allow flexion and extension movements of said thigh link and said shank link relative to each other. The torque generator is configured to generate torque between said shank link and said thigh link. The power unit is coupled to said torque generator, and configured to cause said torque generator to generate torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Adam Zoss, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold