Patents by Inventor David J. Wall

David J. Wall 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: 8092550
    Abstract: A foot prosthesis having improved rollover and stability. The prosthesis includes a first plate and a mounting block having a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a user of the prosthesis, an attachment portion and a gap portion, with the mounting block attached to the first plate at the attachment portion with a gap between the mounting block gap portion and the first plate. Also included is a resilient element positioned at least partially within the gap, the resilient element configured generally to dissipate stress in the first plate and control deflection between the first plate and the mounting block. The mounting block may be substantially rigid with the area of the first plate attached to the mounting block becoming substantially rigid while the remainder of the first plate is at least partially flexible. The resilient element may be interchangeable to adjust performance of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare LP
    Inventors: Sarah McCarvill, David J. Wall, Eric W. Rubie, Bret J. Geilman, Nathan A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040215346
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes upper and lower foot plates and an elastomeric layer disposed between and attaching them together. The elastomeric layer extends substantially across an upper surface of the lower foot plate. The elastomeric layer preferably being narrower in width than the upper and lower foot plates in a middle portion of the layer. The prosthesis alternatively includes upper and lower foot plates and an attachment device coupled to the upper foot plate and adapted for connection to an external prosthetic component. The attachment device includes a lower surface that conforms to a sloping portion of the upper foot plate and preferably includes a generally horizontal mounting portion having a mounting protrusion, such as a pyramid adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Eric W. Rubie, Larry J. Hansen, Nathan A. Williams, David J. Wall, John B. Merlette
  • Patent number: 6712860
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes a two-part lower foot plate, incorporating a forefoot plate and a heel plate, and an upper foot plate that is attached to the forefoot and heel plates by a two-part intermediate elastomeric layer. Forming the lower foot plate and the elastomeric layer each in two parts ensures that the forefoot plate and heel plate function substantially independently of each other, which leads to substantially improved cushioning at heel strike and to improved stability throughout the gait cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare LP
    Inventors: Eric W. Rubie, Larry J. Hansen, Nathan A. Williams, David J. Wall
  • Publication number: 20020128727
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: John B. Merlette, Eric W. Rubie, David J. Wall, James R. Brueggemann
  • Publication number: 20020116072
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes a two-part lower foot plate, incorporating a forefoot plate and a heel plate, and an upper foot plate that is attached to the forefoot and heel plates by a two-part intermediate elastomeric layer. Forming the lower foot plate and the elastomeric layer each in two parts ensures that the forefoot plate and heel plate function substantially independently of each other, which leads to substantially improved cushioning at heel strike and to improved stability throughout the gait cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Eric W. Rubie, Larry J. Hansen, Nathan A. Williams, David J. Wall
  • Patent number: 6398818
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Merlette, Eric W. Rubie, David J. Wall, James R. Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 5354100
    Abstract: A weldable pipe fitting includes a sleeve member of thermoplastic material, the sleeve member having a stress resistant portion of greater wall thickness, a terminal portion of greater wall thickness, and a fusion accommodating portion of lesser wall thickness between the stress resistant portion and the terminal portion, wherein the stress resistant portion is arranged in use to overlie the end of the pipe to be connected to the pipe fitting; the stress resistant portion of the sleeve has a standard dimensional ratio within the range of no less than 8:1 and no more than 12:1, the terminal portion of the sleeve has a standard dimensional ratio within the range of of no less than 8:1 and no more than 12:1, and the fusion accommodating portion has a standard dimensional ratio within the range of no less than 14:1 and no more than 19:1; and the internal wall of the sleeve is provided with an electric heating wire or wires along and within the wall and disposed circumferentially thereof adjacent the radially inne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignees: Victaulic PLC, Rutland Plastics Limited
    Inventors: David J. Wall, Robert E. Beechey