Patents by Inventor DuWayne Dandurand

DuWayne Dandurand 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: 11883714
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate a to natural gait upper body ergometer and gait therapy (UBEGT) device having a support frame within which is suspended rotationally coordinated left and right natural gait modules (NGMs). A position of each NGM may be defined by corresponding left and right pivot arms which are rotatably coupled to a left and right side of the support frame, respectively, and wherein each gait training module is provided with a corresponding foot support and knee support. The UBEGT may be provided with an upper body ergometer (UBE) rotatably coupled to a front of the support frame and configured to rotate a shaft rotatably connected to the left and right pivot arms when a hand crank is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ALT INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, Duwayne Dandurand, Nathaniel Hallée
  • Publication number: 20220203158
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate a to natural gait upper body ergometer and gait therapy (UBEGT) device having a support frame within which is suspended rotationally coordinated left and right natural gait modules (NGMs). A position of each NGM may be defined by corresponding left and right pivot arms which are rotatably coupled to a left and right side of the support frame, respectively, and wherein each gait training module is provided with a corresponding foot support and knee support. The UBEGT may be provided with an upper body ergometer (UBE) rotatably coupled to a front of the support frame and configured to rotate a shaft rotatably connected to the left and right pivot arms when a hand crank is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: ALT INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand, Nathaniel Hallée
  • Patent number: 10881572
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a natural gait therapy device having an adjustable gait timing linkage assembly configured to operate an adjustable knee support assembly and an adjustable height foot assembly to simulate a normal walking pattern for a user based on characteristics of the user. In an illustrative example, the adjustable gait timing linkage assembly includes a chain sprocket configured to adjust a degree of heel lift and a length to the point of the heel lift during a normal walking simulation. In some embodiments, a gait stride adjustment assembly may adjust a stride length to accommodate different sized users. The gait stride adjustment assembly may advantageously contribute to the natural walking pattern simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ALT Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 10758774
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a walking therapy station having multiple right linkages and multiple left linkages, where at least one of the right or left linkages is operably coupled to an actuator to transition the station from a standing mode to a walking mode. In an illustrative example, the station may have five right linkages and five left linkages, with a set of knee pads and foot pads. The station may include an actuator operably coupled to transition the station between walking and standing modes, for example. Various embodiments of the station may enable a user who is disabled or paralyzed to transition from sitting position, to a standing position, and then to a walking position, and provide the user with a very accurate gait and walking motion without putting excessive shear and pressure at the contact points between the station and the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: ALT INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand, Nathaniel Hallée
  • Publication number: 20190231630
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a natural gait therapy device having an adjustable gait timing linkage assembly configured to operate an adjustable knee support assembly and an adjustable height foot assembly to simulate a normal walking pattern for a user based on characteristics of the user. In an illustrative example, the adjustable gait timing linkage assembly includes a chain sprocket configured to adjust a degree of heel lift and a length to the point of the heel lift during a normal walking simulation. In some embodiments, a gait stride adjustment assembly may adjust a stride length to accommodate different sized users. The gait stride adjustment assembly may advantageously contribute to the natural walking pattern simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 10315067
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a natural-gait therapy device for enabling a user with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to independently transition between a locked standing position and a user controlled coordinated natural-gait movement, the method including an unlocking of a left and a right foot movement members, rotating one of the unlocked left and right movement members to a half-period gait position that is 180 degrees out of phase with the un-rotated one of the left and right movement members, coupling the left and right movement members in the 180 degree phase differential orientation, and rotating both left and right leg movement members in a natural-gait motion. In some embodiments, the left and right movement members may be uncoupled to permit a gravity assisted return to a standing position. The transition between the standing and the natural-gait motion may facilitate a user to stand before or sit after performing natural-gait therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ALT Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20190105530
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a walking therapy station having multiple right linkages and multiple left linkages, where at least one of the right or left linkages is operably coupled to an actuator to transition the station from a standing mode to a walking mode. In an illustrative example, the station may have five right linkages and five left linkages, with a set of knee pads and foot pads. The station may include an actuator operably coupled to transition the station between walking and standing modes, for example. Various embodiments of the station may enable a user who is disabled or paralyzed to transition from sitting position, to a standing position, and then to a walking position, and provide the user with a very accurate gait and walking motion without putting excessive shear and pressure at the contact points between the station and the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand, Nathaniel Hallée
  • Publication number: 20170136295
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a natural-gait therapy device for enabling a user with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to independently transition between a locked standing position and a user controlled coordinated natural-gait movement, the method including an unlocking of a left and a right foot movement members, rotating one of the unlocked left and right movement members to a half-period gait position that is 180 degrees out of phase with the un-rotated one of the left and right movement members, coupling the left and right movement members in the 180 degree phase differential orientation, and rotating both left and right leg movement members in a natural-gait motion. In some embodiments, the left and right movement members may be uncoupled to permit a gravity assisted return to a standing position. The transition between the standing and the natural-gait motion may facilitate a user to stand before or sit after performing natural-gait therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 9616282
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a knee-position control system having a knee engagement pad, a lower-leg control member and an upper-leg control member, the knee engagement pad configured to naturally position a user's knee in response to movement of a foot-rest of a natural-gait therapy system. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper-leg control member may pivot about a point substantially axially coincident with a user's hip. In some embodiments, the upper-leg control member may be pivotally coupled to the lower-leg control member at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's knee. The lower-leg control member may be pivotably coupled to the foot rest at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's ankle. The knee-position control system may advantageously position a user's knee in a natural position relative to both the user's ankle and the user's hip, in response to movement of the user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ALT Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 9133974
    Abstract: A computer lift has a stationary lift assembly and a movable monitor mount containing a gas spring cylinder fixed at one end, using a pulley assembly and cable to double the stroke of the gas spring cylinder by floating the pulley assembly. A positive lock allows the lift to stay in position after moving to a desired height, while maintaining easy movability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HealthPostures, LLP
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20150165265
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a knee-position control system having a knee engagement pad, a lower-leg control member and an upper-leg control member, the knee engagement pad configured to naturally position a user's knee in response to movement of a foot-rest of a natural-gait therapy system. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper-leg control member may pivot about a point substantially axially coincident with a user's hip. In some embodiments, the upper-leg control member may be pivotally coupled to the lower-leg control member at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's knee. The lower-leg control member may be pivotably coupled to the foot rest at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's ankle. The knee-position control system may advantageously position a user's knee in a natural position relative to both the user's ankle and the user's hip, in response to movement of the user's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20130126682
    Abstract: A computer lift has a stationary lift assembly and a movable monitor mount containing a gas spring cylinder fixed at one end, using a pulley assembly and cable to double the stroke of the gas spring cylinder by floating the pulley assembly. A positive lock allows the lift to stay in position after moving to a desired height, while maintaining easy movability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20080271241
    Abstract: A chair for assistance in sexual intercourse is a gliding type rocker chair that has adjustable length legs, seat angle adjustment, an easily removable seat cover, and is foldable for storage. A cot for use with or without the chair is also foldable, with adjustable length legs and angular adjustment, and an easily removable cot cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 7367623
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a cooperatively adjustable knee support and seat is herein disclosed. The knee support and seat may be adjusted to position a user of the chair in a physiologic attitude that approaches the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: HealthPostures, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20060061172
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a cooperatively adjustable knee support and seat is herein disclosed. The knee support and seat may be adjusted to position a user of the chair in a physiologic attitude that approaches the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6702372
    Abstract: The operator adjustable workstation facilitates adjustments ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6644748
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation is provided, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20020167205
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Health Postures, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20010015567
    Abstract: An operator adjustable workstation, ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand