Patents by Inventor Carl A. Nelson

Carl A. Nelson 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).

  • Patent number: 12144771
    Abstract: An overhead support system includes a plurality of posts; a plurality of beams configured to connect to and span between the posts; a counterbalance system configured to be attached to the plurality of posts; a harness configured to be worn by and support a patient; a plurality of pulleys configured to be disposed on the plurality of posts; a plurality of cables, each cable including a first end configured to be operatively connected to the harness and a second end configured to be operatively connected to a counterbalance system, each cable passing over one of the pulleys; and a mechanism configured to selectively adjust a tension in at least one of the plurality of cables to support some or all of the weight of the patient. The counterbalance system compensates to maintain support while the patient is located between the posts and the harness is lower than the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: NUtech Ventures
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20230044322
    Abstract: An overhead support system includes a plurality of posts; a plurality of beams configured to connect to and span between the posts; a counterbalance system configured to be attached to the plurality of posts; a harness configured to be worn by and support a patient; a plurality of pulleys configured to be disposed on the plurality of posts; a plurality of cables, each cable including a first end configured to be operatively connected to the harness and a second end configured to be operatively connected to a counterbalance system, each cable passing over one of the pulleys; and a mechanism configured to selectively adjust a tension in at least one of the plurality of cables to support some or all of the weight of the patient. The counterbalance system compensates to maintain support while the patient is located between the posts and the harness is lower than the pulleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: NUtech Ventures
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20220323091
    Abstract: An articulated instrument and method of its manufacture includes a plurality of segments connected to one another end-to-end, each having a hollow tubular shape defined by a wall, the wall comprising three or more rectangular panels connected along their respective edges at acute angles. A plurality of tendons extends at least partially through the plurality of segments and is configured to apply tension that selectively causes two adjacent segments from the plurality of tendons to bend relative to one another along a pivot joint disposed between the two adjacent segments. The plurality of segments is formed by staggered rectangular portions of a single sheet of stock material, each rectangular portion being folded to form the hollow tubular shape and connected to an adjacent rectangular portion by a tab, each tab defining a respective pivot joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: NUtech Ventures
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Monica Bomze
  • Patent number: 11446046
    Abstract: A surgical tool exchanger includes an elongated base having a first end and a second end. The surgical tool exchanger also includes an end effector configured to receive a replaceable surgical tool and an elbow configured to allow the end effector to pivot with respect to the elongated base. The surgical tool exchanger further includes an actuator connected to the second end of the elongated base. The actuator is operatively connected to the end effector and is configured to cause the end effector to retain the replaceable surgical tool in a first actuation state and release the replaceable surgical tool in a second actuation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: NUtech Ventures
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Raul Gonzalo Garay Romero
  • Patent number: 11369449
    Abstract: A surgical robot can be configured for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and other types of surgery with modular link geometry and disposable components. In some examples, the surgical robot includes a cable driver comprising at least one drive motor configured for tensioning a cable. The surgical robot includes an articulated surgical tool coupled to the drive motor by the cable. The articulated surgical tool comprises at least first and second articulated links and a joint coupling the first and second articulated links. The cable passes through the joint, and the joint comprises an elastic antagonist biased in opposition to tension from the cable to allow bidirectional actuation of the joint. The surgical robot includes a safety lock configured to lock the joint from allowing articulation of the first and second articulated links in response to a loss of tension in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Nicholas Nelson
  • Patent number: 10702735
    Abstract: An elliptical system is disclosed having a crank assembly configured to be adjusted in length to accommodate users having varying gaits. In some embodiments, the crank assembly includes a crank and an axle connection bracket that is slidably adjustable with respect to the crank. For example, the crank assembly can include a crank link having a longitudinal body, where the longitudinal body is connected to the crank at one end and includes a longitudinal slot slidably coupled with the axle connection bracket. The axle connection bracket is configured to slide through a plurality of positions along the longitudinal body. In some embodiments, the crank assembly further includes a screw for adjusting the axle connection bracket with respect to the crank, where the screw can cause the axle connection bracket to slide through one or more positions of the plurality of positions when the screw is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: NUtech Ventures, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Cale J. Stolle, Judith M. Burnfield, Thad W. Buster, Bernadette J. McCrory
  • Publication number: 20200093553
    Abstract: A surgical robot can be configured for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and other types of surgery with modular link geometry and disposable components. In some examples, the surgical robot includes a cable driver comprising at least one drive motor configured for tensioning a cable. The surgical robot includes an articulated surgical tool coupled to the drive motor by the cable. The articulated surgical tool comprises at least first and second articulated links and a joint coupling the first and second articulated links. The cable passes through the joint, and the joint comprises an elastic antagonist biased in opposition to tension from the cable to allow bidirectional actuation of the joint. The surgical robot includes a safety lock configured to lock the joint from allowing articulation of the first and second articulated links in response to a loss of tension in the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Nicholas Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200060774
    Abstract: A surgical tool exchanger includes an elongated base having a first end and a second end. The surgical tool exchanger also includes an end effector configured to receive a replaceable surgical tool and an elbow configured to allow the end effector to pivot with respect to the elongated base. The surgical tool exchanger further includes an actuator connected to the second end of the elongated base. The actuator is operatively connected to the end effector and is configured to cause the end effector to retain the replaceable surgical tool in a first actuation state and release the replaceable surgical tool in a second actuation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Carl A. NELSON, Raul Gonzalo GARAY ROMERO
  • Patent number: 10252100
    Abstract: A gait replication apparatus can include a scalable mechanical mechanism configured to replicate different gaits. The scalable mechanical mechanism can include, for example, a four-bar linkage, a pantograph, a cam/Scotch-yoke mechanism, and so forth. In some embodiments, the mechanical mechanism includes a beam rotating about an axis passing proximate to its center, with a foot pedal slidably coupled with the beam, and a timing chain/belt or cable pulley-pair coupled with the foot pedal and looped about the beam. A method can include decomposing a foot path defined by Cartesian coordinates into polar coordinates, and providing a mechanical support for a foot, where a first mechanism controls an angular position of the mechanical support with respect to a reference frame, and a second mechanism controls a radial distance of the mechanical support from the reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: NUTECH VENTURES, MADONNA REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Cale J. Stolle, Judith M. Burnfield
  • Publication number: 20180111017
    Abstract: An elliptical system is disclosed having a crank assembly configured to be adjusted in length to accommodate users having varying gaits. In some embodiments, the crank assembly includes a crank and an axle connection bracket that is slidably adjustable with respect to the crank. For example, the crank assembly can include a crank link having a longitudinal body, where the longitudinal body is connected to the crank at one end and includes a longitudinal slot slidably coupled with the axle connection bracket. The axle connection bracket is configured to slide through a plurality of positions along the longitudinal body. In some embodiments, the crank assembly further includes a screw for adjusting the axle connection bracket with respect to the crank, where the screw can cause the axle connection bracket to slide through one or more positions of the plurality of positions when the screw is turned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Carl A. NELSON, Cale J. STOLLE, Judith M. BURNFIELD, Thad W. BUSTER, Bernadette J. McCRORY
  • Patent number: 9724833
    Abstract: A grasper can include a first pantograph cell and a second pantograph cell coupled with the first pantograph cell. The first and second pantograph cells can be coupled together at a first pivot and a second pivot. The grasper can also include a finger extendable in a direction extending between the first pivot and the second pivot. The grasper can include a support base, where one or more links of the first pantograph cell can be slidably coupled with the support base for extending the grasper. In some embodiments, the grasper can be configured to extend along a curved path. In some embodiments, the finger can be biased in a direction away from an object to be grasped by the grasper, and also biased in a direction toward an object to be grasped by the grasper when the grasper is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NUTECH VENTURES
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8968267
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical systems, including systems that can be used in conjunction with medical devices used in endoscopic surgery. Certain embodiments include various material handling devices that can transport materials between the inside and the outside of an endoscopic surgery patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Carl A Nelson, Jeff Midday, Dimitry Oleynikov, Alan Goyzueta
  • Patent number: 8177688
    Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, NuTech Ventures
    Inventors: Judith M. Burnfield, Yu Shu, Adam P. Taylor, Thad W. Buster, Carl A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120035582
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical systems, including systems that can be used in conjunction with medical devices used in endoscopic surgery. Certain embodiments include various material handling devices that can transport materials between the inside and the outside of an endoscopic surgery patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Jeff Midday, Dimitry Oleynikov, Alan Goyzueta
  • Publication number: 20110294624
    Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: NUTECH VENTURES, MADONNA REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Judith M. Burnfield, Yu Shu, Adam P. Taylor, Thad W. Buster, Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8007405
    Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Nutech Ventures
    Inventors: Judith M. Burnfield, Yu Shu, Adam P. Taylor, Thad W. Buster, Carl A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110086742
    Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicants: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Judith M. Burnfield, Yu Shu, Adam P. Taylor, Thad W. Buster, Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7345579
    Abstract: A trailer illumination system test device and method of use are disclosed. In one form, a device for testing the functionality of a trailer lighting system is disclosed. The device includes an in-series connection port operable to receive a trailer lighting system plug and a series of trailer light switches operable to simulate an operating condition of a trailer in tow. The device further includes an external power source connection operable to couple an external power source to provide power to simulate the operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Carl A. Nelson, Douglas B. Morphew
  • Patent number: 6026750
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive warhead assembly is composed of a one piece shaped charge liner including an explosive initiation charge, and a main explosive charge which surrounds the shaped charge liner. The one piece shaped charge liner includes a forward thin wall section and an integral tail end section having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. The forward thin wall section includes wall portions having a trumpet or other selected shape, and the tail end section includes a plurality of symmetrically located spoke-like apertures extending radially from the longitudinal axis of symmetry and further includes a central bore hole extending from an end surface of the tail end section and in communication with the spoke-like apertures. The spoke-like apertures and bore hole of the tail end section are filled with the explosive initiation charge. A detonator is coupled to the explosive initiation charge within the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5079389
    Abstract: A wire guard coupler for shielding and retaining wires in buildings and the like comprises a first tapered cylindrical member having a tapered track member on a first side thereof and a longitudinal slot on a second side thereof. A second tapered cylindrical member is adapted to slideably fit with said first cylindrical member and has a tapered track member and a longitudinal slot correspondingly positioned with said track and slot on said first cylindrical member. In a preferred embodiment said first cylindrical member has a tang integral with said tapered track for locking said coupler in place and both cylinders are flared at a larger end thereof. The coupler is preferably manufactured by stamping and rolling sheet metal into the desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson