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: 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
  • Patent number: 10201435
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20190039241
    Abstract: A force transmission system as part of a surgical system which may be configured to be a minimally invasive and/or computer assisted surgical system. Operation of the system may be controlled by transmission of a force from a first section to a second section of the system. The first section and the second section may be separated by a partition or a barrier. The first section may be a non-sterile section and the second section may be a sterile section of the surgical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Prashant Bhat, Dirk A. van der Merwe, David D.B. Cannan, Keith D. Violette
  • Publication number: 20190009018
    Abstract: A method for discharging fluid from a syringe and for mitigating occlusion conditions includes actuating the plunger of a syringe into a barrel. The method monitors fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel by a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
  • Publication number: 20180296746
    Abstract: A system for detecting whether a vascular access has been interrupted in an arrangement in which two catheters or needles are present in a blood vessel, fistula or graft. A fluid line leading to a pump is connected via a first connector to a first indwelling catheter, and a fluid line leading from a pump is connected via a second connector to a second indwelling catheter. Each connector is equipped with an electrode in contact with the lumen of the connector, the electrodes electrically connected to an electronic circuit that measures the impedance or conductivity of fluid between the first connector and second connectors via a fluid path through the blood vessel, fistula or graft. An electronic controller receives the impedance or conductivity data and processes the data to determine whether a vascular access disconnection has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Michael G. Norris, Michael A. Baker, Todd A. Ballantyne, Michael J. Wilt
  • Patent number: 10052761
    Abstract: A surgical system which may be configured to be a minimally invasive and/or computer assisted surgical system. Operation of the system may be controlled by transmission of a force from a first section to a second section of the system. The first section and the second section may be separated by a partition or a barrier. The first section may be a non-sterile section and the second section may be a sterile section of the surgical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Prashant Bhat, Dirk A. van der Merwe, David D. B. Cannan, Keith D. Violette
  • Publication number: 20180185172
    Abstract: A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, JR., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 9999717
    Abstract: A system for detecting whether a vascular access has been interrupted in an arrangement in which two catheters or needles are present in a blood vessel, fistula or graft. A fluid line leading to a pump is connected via a first connector to a first indwelling catheter, and a fluid line leading from a pump is connected via a second connector to a second indwelling catheter. Each connector is equipped with an electrode in contact with the lumen of the connector, the electrodes electrically connected to an electronic circuit that measures the impedance or conductivity of fluid between the first connector and second connectors via a fluid path through the blood vessel, fistula or graft. An electronic controller receives the impedance or conductivity data and processes the data to determine whether a vascular access disconnection has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Michael G. Norris, Michael A. Baker, Todd A. Ballantyne, Michael J. Wilt
  • Publication number: 20180132788
    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: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
  • Publication number: 20180127705
    Abstract: A system and method for growing and maintaining biological material including producing a protein associated with the tissue, selecting cells associated with the tissue, expanding the cells, creating at least one tissue bio-ink including the expanded cells, printing the at least one tissue bio-ink in at least one tissue growth medium mixture, growing the tissue from the printed at least one tissue bio-ink, and maintaining viability of the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, David D. B. Cannan, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Richard E. Gautney, Derek G. Kane, Dane Fawkes, Thomas J. Bollenbach, Michael C. Tilley, Stuart A. Jacobson, John F. Mannisto
  • Publication number: 20180104074
    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: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20180056985
    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: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    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. Doherty, 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, Trevor A. Conway, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn
  • Patent number: 9901465
    Abstract: A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20180017474
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Grant A. Peret, John C. Anastasiou, Jonathan Parker, Michael A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20170369827
    Abstract: A system and method for printing cells in a medium. A multi-dimensional printer, stably constructed of low-mass parts, can include a computer numerically controlled system that can enable motors driving delivery systems. The motors can include encoders that can enable achieving arbitrary resolution. The motors can drive ballscrews to enable linear motion of delivery systems, and the delivery systems can enable printing of a biological material in a pre-selected pattern in a petri dish. The petri dish can accommodate a medium such as a gel, and can further accommodate a vision system that can detect actual position and deflection of the delivery system needle. The printer can accommodate multiple delivery systems and therefore multiple needles of various sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, David D. B. Cannan, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Jonathan Parker, John C. Anastasiou, Michael C. Tilley
  • Publication number: 20170360579
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including 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 prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Keith D. Violette, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon, David Blumberg, JR.
  • Patent number: 9844447
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Patent number: 9826933
    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: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    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: 20170333623
    Abstract: A method for discharging fluid from a syringe and for mitigating occlusion conditions includes actuating the plunger of a syringe into a barrel. The method monitors fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel by a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
  • Publication number: 20170326282
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems, including a variety of systems and methods that would make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to new fluid circuits for fluid flow. According to one aspect, a blood pump is configured to pump blood to a dialyzer of a hemodialysis apparatus, the blood pump comprising a pneumatically actuated or controlled reciprocating diaphragm pump. In an embodiment, the diaphragm of the pump comprises a flexible membrane formed or molded to generally conform to a curved inner wall of a pumping chamber or control chamber of the pump, wherein the diaphragm is pre-formed or molded to have a control side taking a convex shape, so that any elastic tension on the diaphragm is minimized when fully extended into a control chamber of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: 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