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).
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Patent number: 11407105Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Robert D. Gregg, IV, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
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Publication number: 20220104742Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Patent number: 11116432Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Sta-Med, LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Publication number: 20210129323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
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Patent number: 10870202Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
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Publication number: 20190061153Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Robert D. Gregg, Edgar A. Bolivar, David P. Allen, Walter E. Voit
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Publication number: 20180235529Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Patent number: 9848810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Sta-Med, LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Publication number: 20170065216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Patent number: 9445760Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Sta-Med, LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Publication number: 20140236046Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Sta-Med, LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Patent number: 8663129Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sta-Med, LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Patent number: 8338516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: DT-SP IP Holding LLCInventors: Rebecca A. Parr, David P. Allen, Daniel P. Ratka, Earl G. Melby, Frank D. Miller, Thomas W. Bansback
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Patent number: 8338515Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: DT-SP IP Holding LLCInventors: Rebecca A. Parr, David P. Allen, Daniel P. Ratka, Earl G. Melby, Frank D. Miller, Thomas W. Bansback
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Publication number: 20120323142Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: STA-MED LLCInventors: David P. Allen, Edward P. Browka, Jessie Delgado, Matthew R. Penny, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler
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Publication number: 20110293834Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: David P. Allen, Daniel Peters
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Publication number: 20090047514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: David P. Allen, Daniel Peters
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Patent number: 5031555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: David P. AllenInventor: David P. Allen