Patents by Inventor Eric Nickell

Eric Nickell 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: 12070399
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Andrew Hansen, Gregory Owen Voss, Eric Nickel, Emily Hein
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11550701
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an automated micro-scheduler testing framework that allows tests to be automatically scheduled or rescheduled based on information such as results of previously-executed tests or other external information are provided. In large-scale development environments, where individual changes to a code repository cannot be specifically fully tested due to scalability and resource issues, micro-scheduler servers may be configured and designed to automatically identify target tests and request that the target tests be executed by a continuous integration system to automatically identify and resolve breakages introduced into a codebase managed by the continuous build system in a large-scale environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev Dhanda, Eric Nickell
  • 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
  • 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: 20210089434
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an automated micro-scheduler testing framework that allows tests to be automatically scheduled or rescheduled based on information such as results of previously-executed tests or other external information are provided. In large-scale development environments, where individual changes to a code repository cannot be specifically fully tested due to scalability and resource issues, micro-scheduler servers may be configured and designed to automatically identify target tests and request that the target tests be executed by a continuous integration system to automatically identify and resolve breakages introduced into a codebase managed by the continuous build system in a large-scale environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev Dhanda, Eric Nickell
  • Patent number: 10896120
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an automated micro-scheduler testing framework that allows tests to be automatically scheduled or rescheduled based on information such as results of previously-executed tests or other external information are provided. In large-scale development environments, where individual changes to a code repository cannot be specifically fully tested due to scalability and resource issues, micro-scheduler servers may be configured and designed to automatically identify target tests and request that the target tests be executed by a continuous integration system to automatically identify and resolve breakages introduced into a codebase managed by the continuous build system in a large-scale environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev Dhanda, Eric Nickell
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20180267884
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an automated micro-scheduler testing framework that allows tests to be automatically scheduled or rescheduled based on information such as results of previously-executed tests or other external information are provided. In large-scale development environments, where individual changes to a code repository cannot be specifically fully tested due to scalability and resource issues, micro-scheduler servers may be configured and designed to automatically identify target tests and request that the target tests be executed by a continuous integration system to automatically identify and resolve breakages introduced into a codebase managed by the continuous build system in a large-scale environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Sanjeev Dhanda, Eric Nickell
  • Patent number: 10018298
    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 mobile base has caster wheels and can be positioned from either side of a bed so as to extend partially under a bed with the upright support located on one side of the bed and the exercise device suspended over the bed in a position accessible by a patient lying supine in the bed for performing exercise. An anchoring system resists movement of the base for stability when exercise is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Gary Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9980863
    Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame having a first lateral member that is connected to first and second braces at their respective first ends. A drive wheel axle extends along a first axis of rotation and engages a drive wheel, the first brace, and a portion of a transmission. A push rim axle 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 collapsible frame additionally includes a second lateral member that is connected to the first and second braces as their respective second ends. The first and second braces are configured to release the second lateral member to collapse the manual wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Gary D. Goldish, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20180042793
    Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame having a first lateral member that is connected to first and second braces at their respective first ends. 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 collapsible frame additionally includes a second lateral member that is connected to the first and second braces as their respective second ends. The first and second braces are configured to release the second lateral member to collapse the manual wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew H. HANSEN, Gary D. GOLDISH, Eric NICKEL
  • Patent number: 9795522
    Abstract: A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame having a first lateral member that is connected to first and second braces at their respective first ends. 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 collapsible frame additionally includes a second lateral member that is connected to the first and second braces as their respective second ends. The first and second braces are configured to release the second lateral member to collapse the manual wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Gary D. Goldish, Eric Nickel