Patents by Inventor Eric Nickel

Eric Nickel 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: 11938045
    Abstract: Breathable residual-limb system that admits air and allows sweat to evaporate from the surface of the residual limb. In an embodiment, the system comprises a liner sock to be worn on the residual limb, and comprising air-permeable textile forming a substantially cylindrical portion that is closed on a distal end and open on a proximal end and comprising an internal surface and an external surface. The liner sock further comprises a friction-interface material that covers only a portion of the internal surface of the air-permeable textile, such that, when worn on the residual limb, the friction-interface material contacts a surface of the residual limb, and an uncovered portion of the air-permeable textile which the friction-interface material does not cover allows air to pass between an external environment of the liner sock and the surface of the residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Sara Koehler-Mcnicholas, Eric Nickel, Kyle Barrons, Felix Starker, Spencer Mion, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst, Ellankavi Ramasamy, Karl Koester, Urs Schneider
  • Patent number: 11712351
    Abstract: An ankle prosthesis can have a base and an upper hinge component that is pivotably attached to the base about an axis. First and second biasing elements can bias the upper hinge component in first and second rotational directions, respectively. At least one selectively extendable and retractable locking element can extend from one of the base and the upper hinge component and engage the other of the base and the upper hinge component to limit the pivotable movement of the upper hinge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Sara Koehler McNicholas, Eric Nickel, Stuart Fairhurst, Justin Keister, Andrew H. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20230157851
    Abstract: Breathable residual-limb system that admits air and allows sweat to evaporate from the surface of the residual limb. In an embodiment, the system comprises a liner sock to be worn on the residual limb, and comprising air-permeable textile forming a substantially cylindrical portion that is closed on a distal end and open on a proximal end and comprising an internal surface and an external surface. The liner sock further comprises a friction-interface material that covers only a portion of the internal surface of the air-permeable textile, such that, when worn on the residual limb, the friction-interface material contacts a surface of the residual limb, and an uncovered portion of the air-permeable textile which the friction-interface material does not cover allows air to pass between an external environment of the liner sock and the surface of the residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Sara Koehler-Mcnicholas, Eric Nickel, Kyle Barrons, Felix Starker, Spencer Mion, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst, Ellankavl Ramasamy, Karl Koester, Urs Schneider
  • Publication number: 20220280360
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a frame and a drive wheel coupled to the frame. The drive wheel rotates relative to the frame about a first axis of rotation. A first push rim is coupled to the frame. The first push rim rotates relative to the frame about a second axis of rotation that extends substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. A second push rim is coupled to the frame. The second push rim rotates relative to the frame about a third axis of rotation that extends substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. A transmission transmits rotation of each of the first and second push rims to the drive wheel. Movement of the first push rim by a first arc length causes the drive wheel to rotate by a first angular displacement, and movement of the second push rim by the first arc length causes the drive wheel to rotate by a second angular displacement that is greater than the first angular displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Gregory Owen Voss, Eric Nickel, Gary D. Goldish, John M. Looft
  • Patent number: 11324612
    Abstract: A liner defines a pouch, an opening, a cup, and a first ring positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The pouch is air-permeable and defines an internal volume for receiving a residual limb. The opening defined by the pouch provides access to the internal volume. The cup is air-impermeable and is positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The liner is combined with an adapter for connecting a residual limb to a prosthetic limb. The adapter has a socket for receiving the cup, at least one hole positioned within the socket for drainage therefrom and sleeve extending from the socket and surrounding a central space. The adapter also has at least one vent positioned in the sleeve and overlies the air permeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel, Billie Caris Savvas Slater, Stuart R. Fairhurst, Jennifer Leestma
  • Publication number: 20210401591
    Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 11129734
    Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignees: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20210275329
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accommodating quick and easy exchange of footwear for lower limb amputees. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Gregory Owen Voss, Eric Nickel, Emily Hein
  • Publication number: 20210137707
    Abstract: Breathable residual-limb system that admits air and allows sweat to evaporate from the surface of the residual limb. In an embodiment, the system comprises a liner sock to be worn on the residual limb, and comprising air-permeable textile forming a substantially cylindrical portion that is closed on a distal end and open on a proximal end and comprising an internal surface and an external surface. The liner sock further comprises a friction-interface material that covers only a portion of the internal surface of the air-permeable textile, such that, when worn on the residual limb, the friction-interface material contacts a surface of the residual limb, and an uncovered portion of the air-permeable textile which the friction-interface material does not cover allows air to pass between an external environment of the liner sock and the surface of the residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Sara Koehler-Mcnicholas, Eric Nickel, Kyle Barrons, Felix Starker, Spencer Mion, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst, Ellankavl Ramasamy, Karl Koester, Christopher Dearth, Brad Hendershot, Alison Pruziner, Peter Anderson, Louise Hassinger, David Laufer, Urs Schneider
  • Publication number: 20210106442
    Abstract: An ankle prosthesis can have a base and an upper hinge component that is pivotably attached to the base about an axis. First and second biasing elements can bias the upper hinge component in first and second rotational directions, respectively. At least one selectively extendable and retractable locking element can extend from one of the base and the upper hinge component and engage the other of the base and the upper hinge component to limit the pivotable movement of the upper hinge component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Sara Koehler McNicholas, Eric Nickel, Stuart Fairhurst, Justin Keister, Andrew H. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20210085493
    Abstract: A liner defines a pouch, an opening, a cup, and a first ring positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The pouch is air-permeable and defines an internal volume for receiving a residual limb. The opening defined by the pouch provides access to the internal volume. The cup is air-impermeable and is positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The liner is combined with an adapter for connecting a residual limb to a prosthetic limb. The adapter has a socket for receiving the cup, at least one hole positioned within the socket for drainage therefrom and sleeve extending from the socket and surrounding a central space. The adapter also has at least one vent positioned in the sleeve and overlies the air permeable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel, Billie Caris Savvas Slater, Stuart R. Fairhurst, Jennifer Leestma
  • Patent number: 10779612
    Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 10744362
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a mobile base and an upright support extending upwards from the mobile base. An upper support assembly extends forward from an upper portion of the upright support and an exercise device is suspended from the upper support assembly at a location spaced forward from the upright support. The exercise machine may include a compact and safe counterbalancing gas spring mechanism that tends to move the exercise device away from the exerciser, and that requires a force to be applied to move an exercise device down towards the exerciser. The exercise machine may include an exercise device that is rotatable along a vertical axis, and may be coupled to an adjustable monitor for a wide range of uses. The exercise machine may be used by a exerciser lying supine, sitting in a chair or wheelchair, or standing in front of or adjacent the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignees: United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst
  • Patent number: 10695239
    Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame with at least one brace connected to at least one of the frame members. A drive wheel axel extends along a first axis of rotation and engages a drive wheel, the first brace, and a portion of a transmission. A push rim axel extends along a second axis of rotation and engages a push rim wheel, the second brace, and a portion of the transmission, which transmits rotation of the push rim to rotation of the drive wheel. The at least one brace is configured to release the at least one of the frame members to collapse the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Gary D. Goldish, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20190261734
    Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20190254844
    Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 10376388
    Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
  • Patent number: 10292452
    Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20190133854
    Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame with at least one brace connected to at least one of the frame members. A drive wheel axel extends along a first axis of rotation and engages a drive wheel, the first brace, and a portion of a transmission. A push rim axel extends along a second axis of rotation and engages a push rim wheel, the second brace, and a portion of the transmission, which transmits rotation of the push rim to rotation of the drive wheel. The at least one brace is configured to release the at least one of the frame members to collapse the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew H. HANSEN, Gary D. GOLDISH, Eric NICKEL
  • Publication number: 20180304113
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a mobile base and an upright support extending upwards from the mobile base. An upper support assembly extends forward from an upper portion of the upright support and an exercise device is suspended from the upper support assembly at a location spaced forward from the upright support. The exercise machine may include a compact and safe counterbalancing gas spring mechanism that tends to move the exercise device away from the exerciser, and that requires a force to be applied to move an exercise device down towards the exerciser. The exercise machine may include an exercise device that is rotatable along a vertical axis, and may be coupled to an adjustable monitor for a wide range of uses. The exercise machine may be used by a exerciser lying supine, sitting in a chair or wheelchair, or standing in front of or adjacent the exercise machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Gary GOLDISH, Andrew HANSEN, Eric NICKEL, John FERGUSON, Stuart FAIRHURST