Patents by Inventor Elliott J. Rouse

Elliott J. Rouse 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: 20240077848
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an exosuit activity transition control structure. In some implementations, sensor data for a powered exosuit is received. The sensor data is classified depending on whether the sensor data is indicative of a transition between different types of activities of a wearer of the powered exosuit. The classification is provided to a control system for the powered exosuit. The powered exosuit is controlled based on the classification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Skip Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Jane Zealand, Elliott J. Rouse, Georgios Evangelopoulos
  • Patent number: 11853034
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an exosuit activity transition control structure. In some implementations, sensor data for a powered exosuit is received. The sensor data is classified depending on whether the sensor data is indicative of a transition between different types of activities of a wearer of the powered exosuit. The classification is provided to a control system for the powered exosuit. The powered exosuit is controlled based on the classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Skip Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Jane Zealand, Elliott J. Rouse, Georgios Evangelopoulos
  • Publication number: 20230310250
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exoskeleton mechanism for supporting a joint. The exoskeleton mechanism includes a brace having a first arm and a support arm, the support arm pivotably connected to the first arm. The exoskeleton mechanism further includes a spring secured to the first arm, the spring having a first length at an equilibrium position and a second length at a displaced position, a spring force generated by the spring when the spring is in the displaced position. Additionally, the exoskeleton mechanism has a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the support arm and the second end coupled to the spring such that rotation of the support arm relative to the first arm causes the spring to move to the displaced position and the spring force is transferred to the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Austin Carr, Christopher Colón, Matthew Rudy, John Ike Smith, Alex Turk, Elliott J. Rouse, William Grundfest, Zachary Grundfest
  • Publication number: 20220160523
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for using machine learning methods to predict user preferences with respect to robotic assistive prostheses and/or custom tune the robotic assistive prostheses for individual users based on the predicted user preferences. A training biomechanical dataset, including historical biomechanical sensor data for a robotic assistive prosthetic device operating using a plurality of tuning settings at a plurality of speeds, and a training user preference dataset including historical user tuning preference data for the robotic assistive prosthetic device for each respective tuning setting and speed, are generated. A machine learning model is trained using the training biomechanical dataset and the training user preference dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Ung Hee Lee, Varun Shetty
  • Publication number: 20220096249
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an exosuit activity transition control structure. In some implementations, sensor data representing an estimate of sensor data that will be produced by sensors of an exosuit at a particular time in the future is generated, where the exosuit is configured to assist mobility of a wearer. Actual sensor data that is generated using the sensors of the exosuit is obtained. A measure of uncertainty is determined based on the forecasted sensor data and the actual sensor data. Based on the measure of uncertainty, a control action for the exosuit to adjust an assistance provided to the wearer is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Georgios Evangelopoulos, Kathryn Jane Zealand
  • Publication number: 20220004167
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating, using, or both, exosuit historical data. In some implementations, (i) sensor data generated by sensors of an exosuit worn by a user and (ii) control data indicating actions performed by or control signals generated by the exosuit based on the sensor data while worn by the user are received. The sensor data and the control data are added to a database that includes historical data describing use of the exosuit over time by the user. A control scheme of the exosuit is customized for the user by updating the one or more machine learning models or settings that govern the application of the one or more machine learning models. Forces provided by one or more actuators of the exosuit are controlled using the updated one or more machine learning models or the updated settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Kathryn Jane Zealand, Joseph Hollis Sargent, Georgios Evangelopoulos, Elliott J. Rouse
  • Publication number: 20210349445
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an exosuit activity transition control structure. In some implementations, sensor data for a powered exosuit is received. The sensor data is classified depending on whether the sensor data is indicative of a transition between different types of activities of a wearer of the powered exosuit. The classification is provided to a control system for the powered exosuit. The powered exosuit is controlled based on the classification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Kathryn Jane Zealand, Elliott J. Rouse, Georgios Evangelopoulos
  • Publication number: 20210307938
    Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a multi (e.g., dual) cam profile and a cam follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Maxwell Shepherd, Hashim Quraishi, Leo Mcmanus
  • Patent number: 11033408
    Abstract: Implementations of a quasi-passive assistive device are disclosed. Such a device may comprise a spring mechanism that increases stiffness similar to a biological ankle. In one implementation, the spring mechanism may comprise a piston, valve, springs, or other elements to match a biological stiffness profile similar to that of a biological ankle. In one implementation, an apparatus for an artificial ankle is disclosed, comprising a piston coupled to a spring and the piston connected to a valve. The spring and the piston may store energy during dorsiflexion of the ankle and the spring and the piston release energy during plantarflexion of the ankle. The piston may store and release energy through the use of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
    Inventors: Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse
  • Patent number: 10806602
    Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower. The cam profile has a curved outer edge comprising a concave portion. The cam follower is positioned within the concave portion when the assistive device is in an equilibrium position. The assistive device may further comprise a spring that deflects in response to a force applied by the cam system. The assistive device may have a sliding element to adjust the stiffness of the spring in deflection. The assistive device may take the form of a prosthesis or an orthosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Max K. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 10561563
    Abstract: A link extends between a distal member and a proximal member of a wearable device, such as an exoskeleton, orthosis or prosthesis for a human lower limb. One or other of the distal member and the proximal member includes a crossing member. The link extends from the crossing member of the distal member or the proximal member, to the other of the distal member or the proximal member. Actuation of the link translates to a force at the distal or proximal member that is normal to a major longitudinal axis extending through the distal and proximal members. In one embodiment, a sliding link of a device configured for use with a human joint tracks two degrees of freedom of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse, Jiun-Yih Kuan, Kenneth A. Pasch
  • Patent number: 10363157
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing torque to an assistive device are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a material arranged to define a volume of space. The material may comprise a flexible portion and having a first surface and a second surface. The material may have a first position, in which the material is bent along the flexible portion and the first surface contacts the second surface. When the material is in the first position, an increase in pressure to the space creates a force between the first surface and the second surface. The material transitions from the first position to a second position in response to the force between the first surface and the second surface. The apparatus may be attached to an assistive device or other machine, such as an orthosis or prosthesis, in order to provide a torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Christopher Nesler
  • Publication number: 20190201217
    Abstract: Implementations of a quasi-passive assistive device are disclosed. Such a device may comprise a spring mechanism that increases stiffness similar to a biological ankle. In one implementation, the spring mechanism may comprise a piston, valve, springs, or other elements to match a biological stiffness profile similar to that of a biological ankle. In one implementation, an apparatus for an artificial ankle is disclosed, comprising a piston coupled to a spring and the piston connected to a valve. The spring and the piston may store energy during dorsiflexion of the ankle and the spring and the piston release energy during plantarflexion of the ankle. The piston may store and release energy through the use of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse
  • Patent number: 10226361
    Abstract: Implementations of a quasi-passive assistive device are disclosed. Such a device may comprise a spring mechanism that increases stiffness similar to a biological ankle. In one implementation, the spring mechanism may comprise a piston, valve, springs, or other elements to match a biological stiffness profile similar to that of a biological ankle. In one implementation, an apparatus for an artificial ankle is disclosed, comprising a piston coupled to a spring and the piston connected to a valve. The spring and the piston may store energy during dorsiflexion of the ankle and the spring and the piston release energy during plantarflexion of the ankle. The piston may store and release energy through the use of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse
  • Publication number: 20180092761
    Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower. The cam profile has a curved outer edge comprising a concave portion. The cam follower is positioned within the concave portion when the assistive device is in an equilibrium position. The assistive device may further comprise a spring that deflects in response to a force applied by the cam system. The assistive device may have a sliding element to adjust the stiffness of the spring in deflection. The assistive device may take the form of a prosthesis or an orthosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Max K. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20170128237
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing torque to an assistive device are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a material arranged to define a volume of space. The material may comprise a flexible portion and having a first surface and a second surface. The material may have a first position, in which the material is bent along the flexible portion and the first surface contacts the second surface. When the material is in the first position, an increase in pressure to the space creates a force between the first surface and the second surface. The material transitions from the first position to a second position in response to the force between the first surface and the second surface. The apparatus may be attached to an assistive device or other machine, such as an orthosis or prosthesis, in order to provide a torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Christopher Nesler
  • Publication number: 20170056209
    Abstract: Implementations of a quasi-passive assistive device are disclosed. Such a device may comprise a spring mechanism that increases stiffness similar to a biological ankle. In one implementation, the spring mechanism may comprise a piston, valve, springs, or other elements to match a biological stiffness profile similar to that of a biological ankle. In one implementation, an apparatus for an artificial ankle is disclosed, comprising a piston coupled to a spring and the piston connected to a valve. The spring and the piston may store energy during dorsiflexion of the ankle and the spring and the piston release energy during plantarflexion of the ankle. The piston may store and release energy through the use of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse
  • Publication number: 20150209214
    Abstract: A link extends between a distal member and a proximal member of a wearable device, such as an exoskeleton, orthosis or prosthesis for a human lower limb. One or other of the distal member and the proximal member includes a crossing member. The link extends from the crossing member of the distal member or the proximal member, to the other of the distal member or the proximal member. Actuation of the link translates to a force at the distal or proximal member that is normal to a major longitudinal axis extending through the distal and proximal members. In one embodiment, a sliding link of a device configured for use with a human joint tracks two degrees of freedom of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse, Jiun-Yih Kuan