Patents by Inventor Dirk A. Van der Merwe

Dirk A. Van der Merwe 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).

  • Publication number: 20200107780
    Abstract: A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Patent number: 10613553
    Abstract: A valved manifold module is constructed and arranged to be readily connected in a chain with similar modules to form a manifold assembly. The modular apparatus allows for expansion or modification of the manifold assembly to suit applications that comprise a group of pneumatically or hydraulically driven pumps, valves or combinations thereof in a liquid flow control apparatus. The valved manifold module can be configured to accept a group of four substantially identical valve assemblies, and can be controlled by a local controller mounted to the manifold module, thus forming an independently programmable valved manifold module. The resulting modular system is expandable to allow for coordinated operations of a liquid flow control system, using substantially independent controller functions originating at the manifold assembly level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Timothy D. Moreau, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10561787
    Abstract: A syringe pump includes a lead screw, a motor, and a sliding block assembly. The lead screw has threads and the motor is coupled to the lead screw to rotate it. The half-nut housing has a half nut and a barrel cam. The half nut is disposed within the half-nut housing. The half nut has half-nut threads at an end adjacent to the lead screw void. The half nut engages or disengages with the threads of the lead screw. The half nut includes a half-nut cam-follower surface and a half nut slot. The barrel cam is disposed within the half-nut housing and engages with the half-nut cam-follower surface. The barrel cam includes a pin to fit within the half nut slot such that the barrel cam rotates between a first position and a second position to actuate the half nut between the engagement position and the disengagement position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
  • Patent number: 10537671
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus comprising diaphragm pumps for the movement of both dialysate and blood, and under the control of a controller, is capable of detecting blood flow conditions that give rise to an alarm and implement procedures to adjust, pause, or halt the pumping of dialysate and/or blood. The controller can direct the application of a time-varying pressure to fluid in the control chamber of a blood pump, and monitor the resulting pressure waveform during a fill stroke of the blood pump. A deviation of the measured pressure variation from an expected value can give rise to an alert to a user and to the initiation of an adjustment, pause, or cessation of the dialysate pump's activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Dirk A. van der Merwe, James D. Dale, Brian D. Tracey, Kevin L. Grant, Jason A. Demers, Catharine N. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20190377349
    Abstract: Utility services related to executing services requiring trips of various lengths, and short-distance assistance to customers. Utility services can be delivered by semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles on various types of routes, and can be delivered economically. A network of utility vehicles provide the utility services, and can include a commonly-shared dispatch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, Gregory J. Buitkus, Emily A. Carrigg, Raphael I. Zack, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Matthew B. Kinberger, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher C. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 10499851
    Abstract: A system for control of a prosthetic device includes at least one Inertial Measurement Unit detecting orientation of a user's foot. The at least one Inertial Measurement Unit is in communication with a device module configured to command at least one actuator of a prosthetic device. The at least one Inertial Measurement unit sends output signals related to orientation of the user's foot to the device module and the device module controls the at least one actuator of the prosthetic device based on the signals from the at least one Inertial Measurement Unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Publication number: 20190339181
    Abstract: A system and method for applying force to at least one device at least one force actuator including a processor accessing at least one description of the at least one device, the processor creating command information based at least on the at least one description, and a controller accessing the command information, the controller creating at least one motion command based on the command information, the controller issuing the at least one motion command, the motion command enabling the testing of the at least one device by controlling the at least one force actuator based on the at least one motion command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Dirk A. Van der Merwe, Grant A. Peret, John C. Anastasiou, Jonathan Parker, Michael A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20190328964
    Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed that includes a body, a syringe seat, a syringe actuator, a memory, and one or more processors. The syringe seat is coupled to the body. The syringe actuator is configured to actuate a syringe secured within the syringe seat. The memory is configured to store a plurality of instructions. The one or more processors, in accordance with the plurality of instructions, is/are configured to: prime the syringe pump in a prime phase; determine if an occlusion exists during the prime phase using a first test; stop the prime phase; initiate fluid delivery into a patient; enter into a start-up phase; determine if an occlusion exists using a second test during the start-up phase; transition from the start-up phase into a steady-state phase; and determine if an occlusion exists during the steady-state phase using a third test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Martin D. Desch, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20190307580
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a harness mount that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher O. Evans, Stanley B. Smith, III, Alexander H. Muller, John M. Kerwin, Thomas S. Schnellinger, G. Michael Guay, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 10391241
    Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed that includes a body, a syringe seat, a syringe actuator, a memory, and one or more processors. The syringe seat is coupled to the body. The syringe actuator is configured to actuate a syringe secured within the syringe seat. The memory is configured to store a plurality of instructions. The one or more processors, in accordance with the plurality of instructions, is/are configured to: prime the syringe pump in a prime phase; determine if an occlusion exists during the prime phase using a first test; stop the prime phase; initiate fluid delivery into a patient; enter into a start-up phase; determine if an occlusion exists using a second test during the start-up phase; transition from the start-up phase into a steady-state phase; and determine if an occlusion exists during the steady-state phase using a third test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Martin D. Desch, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20190218501
    Abstract: A fluid pumping and bioreactor system including at least two cassettes, at least one storage reservoir, at least one bioreactor, at least one manifold including valve modules, and tubing to connect the cassettes to the storage reservoir and the bioreactor. The cassettes can include pumps, valves, and fluid conduits and can be communicatively connected to the at least one manifold. The bioreactor can include an adapter and fluid conduits extending through the adapter from the exterior of the bioreactor to the interior of the bioreactor. System and method for generating a tissue for transplant by decellularizing and recellularizing a supplied tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, JR.
  • Patent number: 10345208
    Abstract: A system and method for applying force to at least one device by setting a target position of a pin with respect to the device, setting a target force that the pin will apply to the device, moving the pin towards the device, stopping the movement of the pin when the first of a force exerted on the device by the pin substantially equals the target force, or a position of the pin substantially equals the target position happens, and modifying the position of the pin to maintain the force of the pin on the device at substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Grant A. Peret, John C. Anastasiou, Jonathan Parker, Michael A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20190175362
    Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20190175821
    Abstract: A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to said motor. The sensor senses a rotation of said motor. The controller acts to control operation of said motor and monitor the quantity of said agent delivered to said patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 10299941
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected segments that provide the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connected to one another and connectable to a harness mount that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments includes an actuator providing a portion of the movement capability, and each segment may operate independently of each of the other segments of the plurality of segments. One segment of the plurality of segments includes a non-backdriving clutch that transfers power from the actuator to an output interface of the segment when the actuator is actuated to generate movement of the output interface in either of two opposing directions and prevents backward transfer of power from the output interface to the actuator of the segment in both of the two opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher O. Evans, Stanley B. Smith, III, Alexander H. Muller, John M. Kerwin, Thomas S. Schnellinger, G. Michael Guay, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 10294450
    Abstract: A fluid pumping and bioreactor system including at least two cassettes, at least one storage reservoir, at least one bioreactor, at least one manifold including valve modules, and tubing to connect the cassettes to the storage reservoir and the bioreactor. The cassettes can include pumps, valves, and fluid conduits and can be communicatively connected to the at least one manifold. The bioreactor can include an adapter and fluid conduits extending through the adapter from the exterior of the bioreactor to the interior of the bioreactor. System and method for generating a tissue for transplant by decellularizing and recellularizing a supplied tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10245374
    Abstract: A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to said motor. The sensor senses a rotation of said motor. The controller acts to control operation of said motor and monitor the quantity of said agent delivered to said patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20190092322
    Abstract: A mobility device that can accommodate speed sensitive steering, adaptive speed control, a wide weight range of users, an abrupt change in weight, traction control, active stabilization that can affect the acceleration range of the mobility device and minimize back falls, and enhanced redundancy that can affect the reliability and safety of the mobility device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 10220843
    Abstract: A mobility device that can accommodate speed sensitive steering, adaptive speed control, a wide weight range of users, an abrupt change in weight, traction control, active stabilization that can affect the acceleration range of the mobility device and minimize back falls, and enhanced redundancy that can affect the reliability and safety of the mobility device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20190046373
    Abstract: A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Bob D. Peret, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, David B. Dohnerty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, David J. Couture, Matthew J. Myers, Matthew B. Kinberger, Constance D. Pitenis, Allison E. Lepine, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, Katie A. DeLaurentis, Catharine N. Flynn, Elizabeth Rousseau, Thomas A. Doyon, Dale B. McGrath, Ryan J. Adams, Prashant Bhat, Trevo A. Conway, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn, Paul R. Curtin, Zachary E. Cranfield, James J. Dattolo, Atlanta G. Schmidt, III, Steven B. Meuse, George W. Marchant, JR., Jeffrey C. Marrion