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: 9789284
    Abstract: A urinary catheter is configured to avoid sliding contact between the outer surface of a catheter tube and the urethra wall. A flexible tubular membrane extends through the catheter tube and has a proximal end secured to an anchor outside the urethra as the catheter tube moves into the urethra, pulling the membrane through the proximal end of the tube so it inverts and covers the outer surface of the tube. Alternatively, a catheter tube of flexible material has a proximal end secured to the anchor, and the catheter tube turns inside out as it is inserted, forming a double wall reflected tube with a proximal reflection point. The sterile interior surface of the membrane or tube becomes the external surface facing the urethral wall as the catheter is deployed, and this external surface maintains static contact with the urethral wall as the catheter is advanced or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Eric Nickel
  • Patent number: 9788792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening various skin surfaces, including hard to reach areas of the human body, as well as more commonly seen areas such as the foot. The present invention can help patients, especially those who are immobile or those with diabetes self-monitor and transmit the skin condition accurately, so that medical providers may assess the risk or presence of skin tissue breakdown. Thus, provision is made for a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches and offers high resolution image, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, Professional Staff Group IV(024)
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9757255
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Andrew H. Hansen, Sean M. Wood, Wei Chen, Regan A. Radcliffe, Kevin A. Yngve, Bennett E. Kuhar, Andrew J. Nelson, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20170007477
    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: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew H. HANSEN, Gary D. GOLDISH, Eric NICKEL
  • Publication number: 20160258573
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160183879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening various skin surfaces, including hard to reach areas of the human body, as well as more commonly seen areas such as the foot. The present invention can help patients, especially those who are immobile or those with diabetes self-monitor and transmit the skin condition accurately, so that medical providers may assess the risk or presence of skin tissue breakdown. Thus, provision is made for a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches and offers high resolution image, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John E. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160175570
    Abstract: A urinary catheter is configured to avoid sliding contact between the outer surface of a catheter tube and the urethra wall. A flexible tubular membrane extends through the catheter tube and has a proximal end secured to an anchor outside the urethra as the catheter tube moves into the urethra, pulling the membrane through the proximal end of the tube so it inverts and covers the outer surface of the tube. Alternatively, a catheter tube of flexible material has a proximal end secured to the anchor, and the catheter tube turns inside out as it is inserted, forming a double wall reflected tube with a proximal reflection point. The sterile interior surface of the membrane or tube becomes the external surface facing the urethral wall as the catheter is deployed, and this external surface maintains static contact with the urethral wall as the catheter is advanced or retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventor: Eric Nickel
  • Patent number: 9301688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening foot skin condition of patients at risk for foot tissue breakdown, such as persons with diabetes, through the provision of a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches. The invention would record high resolution images of the bottom of the patient's feet, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like. These images could immediately be viewed by the patient and/or electronically submitted to a medical facility where clinicians could screen the images for signs of tissue breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Regents of University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20150265435
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Andrew H. Hansen, Sean M. Wood, Wei Chen, Regan A. Radcliffe, Kevin A. Yngve, Bennett E. Kuhar, Andrew J. Nelson, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20150265436
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Andrew H. Hansen, Sean M. Wood, Wei Chen, Regan A. Radcliffe, Kevin A. Yngve, Bennett E. Kuhar, Andrew J. Nelson, Eric Nickel
  • Patent number: 9066822
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Andrew H. Hansen, Sean M. Wood, Wei Chen, Regan A. Radcliffe, Kevin A. Yngve, Bennett E. Kuhar, Andrew J. Nelson, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20130096694
    Abstract: Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a compressible bladder disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump within a fluid circuit of a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ryan J. Caldwell, Andrew H. Hansen, Sean M. Wood, Wei Chen, Regan A. Radcliffe, Kevin A. Yngve, Bennett E. Kuhar, Andrew J. Nelson, Eric Nickel
  • Publication number: 20070239826
    Abstract: Device, method, and computer program product that provides a user interface for monitoring the social health of a persistent virtual environment. The disclosed technology allows a user to monitor and diagnose the health of the persistent virtual environment based on the social interactions between subscribers of on-line entities who have interactions related to the persistent virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center
    Inventors: Nicolas Ducheneaut, Robert Moore, Eric Nickell
  • Publication number: 20070240119
    Abstract: Device, method, and computer program product for monitoring the social health of a persistent virtual environment. The disclosed technology monitors social interactions between subscribers of on-line entities who have interactions related to the persistent virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center
    Inventors: Nicolas Ducheneaut, Robert Moore, Eric Nickell
  • Publication number: 20070149289
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that access a first coefficient vector that represents a first temporal profile and a second coefficient vector that represents a second temporal profile. The first and second temporal profiles represent presence histories of a first entity and a second entity within a persistent virtual environment. Once the coefficient vectors are accessed, the technology generates a predictive function responsive to the coefficient vectors. The predictive function provides a likelihood with respect to a future time that the first entity and the second entity will be temporally compatible. The technology then presents a representation of said predictive function or information derived from said predictive function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Nickell, Nicolas Ducheneaut
  • Publication number: 20070149290
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accumulate a presence history of an entity within a persistent virtual environment by repeated gathering of virtual presence information. The virtual presence information includes an entity identification value and a sampling time value. Once the virtual presence information is collected, the technology performs a general least-squares-fit to a set of basis functions on a portion of the presence history to create a coefficient vector. The coefficient vector represents a temporal profile consistent with the presence history and includes coefficients responsive to the general least-squares-fit. Once the coefficient vector is created, the technology characterizes the entity responsive to its coefficient vector and presents the characterization of the entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Nickell, Nicolas Ducheneaut
  • Publication number: 20070149288
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accesses coefficient vectors each of which represent an entity within a persistent virtual environment. Each accessed coefficient vector includes coefficients having coefficient values related to the represented entity. The coefficients represent a temporal profile of the entity in the persistent virtual environment. This aspect assigns a coefficient weight to at least one of the coefficients. and partitions the coefficient vectors responsive to the coefficient weight and at least one of the coefficients of each of the coefficient vectors into clusters. Finally, the technology presents a recommendation responsive to the clusters. Furthermore, a compatibility metric can be determined by comparing weighted coefficient vectors of two entities, and the compatibility metric can also be presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Nickell, Nicolas Ducheneaut
  • Publication number: 20060174312
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and program products that create a shared social space that enables a local audience member and a remote audience member to simultaneously experience a recorded experiential data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicolas Ducheneaut, W. Edwards, Robert Moore, Eric Nickell, Diana Smetters, James Thornton, Daniel Bobrow
  • Publication number: 20060174293
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and program products for determining where to position received transitory audio within a experiential data stream so as to provide minimal disruption to the experiential data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicolas Ducheneaut, Eric Nickell, James Thornton, Daniel Bobrow
  • Publication number: 20060174311
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and program products that synchronize the presentation of an experiential data stream at a local device with the presentation of a similar experiential data stream using a playback position received over a control link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicolas Ducheneaut, Eric Nickell, James Thornton