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).
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Patent number: 11938045Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignees: 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
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Patent number: 11712351Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans AffairsInventors: Sara Koehler McNicholas, Eric Nickel, Stuart Fairhurst, Justin Keister, Andrew H. Hansen
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Publication number: 20230157851Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2022Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Sara Koehler-Mcnicholas, Eric Nickel, Kyle Barrons, Felix Starker, Spencer Mion, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst, Ellankavl Ramasamy, Karl Koester, Urs Schneider
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Publication number: 20220280360Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Gregory Owen Voss, Eric Nickel, Gary D. Goldish, John M. Looft
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Patent number: 11324612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel, Billie Caris Savvas Slater, Stuart R. Fairhurst, Jennifer Leestma
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Publication number: 20210401591Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
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Patent number: 11129734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignees: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
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Publication number: 20210275329Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2019Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Gregory Owen Voss, Eric Nickel, Emily Hein
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Publication number: 20210137707Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210106442Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Sara Koehler McNicholas, Eric Nickel, Stuart Fairhurst, Justin Keister, Andrew H. Hansen
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Publication number: 20210085493Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel, Billie Caris Savvas Slater, Stuart R. Fairhurst, Jennifer Leestma
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Patent number: 10779612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
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Patent number: 10744362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignees: United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Gary Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John Ferguson, Stuart Fairhurst
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Patent number: 10695239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignees: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Gary D. Goldish, Eric Nickel
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Publication number: 20190261734Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
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Publication number: 20190254844Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
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Patent number: 10376388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: The United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Eric A. Nickel
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Patent number: 10292452Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Sara R. Koehler, Charles J. Schultz, Eric A. Nickel
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Publication number: 20190133854Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Andrew H. HANSEN, Gary D. GOLDISH, Eric NICKEL
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Publication number: 20180304113Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Gary GOLDISH, Andrew HANSEN, Eric NICKEL, John FERGUSON, Stuart FAIRHURST