Patents by Inventor David P. Allen

David P. Allen 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: 11407105
    Abstract: A dielectric elastomer system (DES) variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is provided. In an embodiment, the DES VSA includes a variable stiffness module (VSM). The VSM includes a DES that softens when energized and stiffens when unpowered, an outer frame, and an inner frame member. The stiffness of the DES is variable. The outer frame supports the DES and the inner frame member, which is disposed within the DES. The inner frame member is configured to be displaceable with respect to the outer frame. The DES VSA also includes an actuation motor mechanically coupled to the inner frame member that is configured to cause a force to be applied to the inner frame member and the actuation motor is configured to control an equilibrium position of the DES VSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, IV, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
  • Publication number: 20220104742
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Patent number: 11116432
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Publication number: 20210129323
    Abstract: A dielectric elastomer system (DES) variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is provided. In an embodiment, the DES VSA includes a variable stiffness module (VSM). The VSM includes a DES that softens when energized and stiffens when unpowered, an outer frame, and an inner frame member. The stiffness of the DES is variable. The outer frame supports the DES and the inner frame member, which is disposed within the DES. The inner frame member is configured to be displaceable with respect to the outer frame. The DES VSA also includes an actuation motor mechanically coupled to the inner frame member that is configured to cause a force to be applied to the inner frame member and the actuation motor is configured to control an equilibrium position of the DES VSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
  • Patent number: 10870202
    Abstract: A dielectric elastomer system (DES) variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is provided. In an embodiment, the DES VSA includes a variable stiffness module (VSM). The VSM includes a DES that softens when energized and stiffens when unpowered, an outer frame, and an inner frame member. The stiffness of the DES is variable. The outer frame supports the DES and the inner frame member, which is disposed within the DES. The inner frame member is configured to be displaceable with respect to the outer frame. The DES VSA also includes an actuation motor mechanically coupled to the inner frame member that is configured to cause a force to be applied to the inner frame member and the actuation motor is configured to control an equilibrium position of the DES VSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
  • Publication number: 20190061153
    Abstract: A dielectric elastomer system (DES) variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is provided. In an embodiment, the DES VSA includes a variable stiffness module (VSM). The VSM includes a DES that softens when energized and stiffens when unpowered, an outer frame, and an inner frame member. The stiffness of the DES is variable. The outer frame supports the DES and the inner frame member, which is disposed within the DES. The inner frame member is configured to be displaceable with respect to the outer frame. The DES VSA also includes an actuation motor mechanically coupled to the inner frame member that is configured to cause a force to be applied to the inner frame member and the actuation motor is configured to control an equilibrium position of the DES VSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
  • Publication number: 20180235529
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Patent number: 9848810
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Publication number: 20170065216
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Patent number: 9445760
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Publication number: 20140236046
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Patent number: 8663129
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Patent number: 8338516
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition including silicone-modified tackifier. The silicone-modified tackifier is produced by reacting reactive silicone with tackifier. Laminates made with the pressure sensitive adhesive have improved guillotinability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: DT-SP IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Parr, David P. Allen, Daniel P. Ratka, Earl G. Melby, Frank D. Miller, Thomas W. Bansback
  • Patent number: 8338515
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition including silicone-modified tackifier. The silicone-modified tackifier is produced by reacting reactive silicone with tackifier. Laminates made with the pressure sensitive adhesive have improved guillotinability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: DT-SP IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Parr, David P. Allen, Daniel P. Ratka, Earl G. Melby, Frank D. Miller, Thomas W. Bansback
  • Publication number: 20120323142
    Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: STA-MED LLC
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
  • Publication number: 20110293834
    Abstract: A thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive includes a substrate having a thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side of thereof. A method and system for includes forming a pressure sensitive adhesive coated substrate using a thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive coated substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Daniel Peters
  • Publication number: 20090047514
    Abstract: A thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive is provided and a substrate includes the thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side of thereof. A method and system for include forming a pressure sensitive adhesive coated substrate using a thermally activated pressure sensitive adhesive coated substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: David P. Allen, Daniel Peters
  • Patent number: 5031555
    Abstract: A neutral buoyancy device, (NBD), includes a lift volume container, load suspension straps, control mechanism, handle, self-closing intake and exhaust valves and valve actuators. A high pressure air source is provided by attaching a pressure cylinder to the NBD or from the surface. The handle is attached to the control mechanism, which is positioned between the lift volume container and load. The control mechanism senses any net difference in lift and load forces and causes the intake valve to open automatically when the load increases, (or as the air volume and lift decrease during descent), and the exhaust valve to open automatically when the load decreases, (or as the air volume and lift increase during ascent). Both valves are self-closing. The user grasps the handle and is able to load or unload the NBD, or transport the load up, down or sideways underwater while neutral buoyancy is automatically maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: David P. Allen
    Inventor: David P. Allen