Patents by Inventor Ernest M. Burgess

Ernest M. Burgess 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: 5485402
    Abstract: A monitor records the gait activity of a wearer. The monitor is constructed to determine and record the number of steps taken by a wearer during selected intervals. The monitor includes an optical transmitter receiver to permit the monitor to be optically coupled to a stand-alone computer for transmitting data therebetween. The monitor can be programmed by the stand-alone computer to change the duration of the selected time interval period. Similarly, the gait activity data stored by the monitor can be downloaded to the stand-alone computer for analyzing the data and generating selected reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Prosthetics Research Study
    Inventors: Douglas G. Smith, Aaron W. Joseph, David A. Boone, Robert E. Borchers, Ernest M. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5139524
    Abstract: A prosthetic alignment device having a shank member, an alignment body, and setscrews to adjust the angular orientation of the shank member and secure the shank member in place relative to the alignment body. The alignment body has a body cavity into which the shank member is inserted, a concave bearing surface for engaging a spherical radius of curvature of the end of the shank member, and an annular opening for inserting the end of the shank member. Angulation of the shank member inside the body cavity causes the annular opening to elastically deform and exert a hoop stress on the shank member increasing the securing force therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Prosthetics Research Study
    Inventors: Alan L. Aulie, Ernest M. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4792340
    Abstract: A prosthetic ankle having an elongated tubular shank, which provides bending. The shank is part of a monolithic ankle with the lower portion being a flexure joint. The flexure joint has a flexing post defined by an entrapment kerf. The entrapment kerf allows relatively free movement of flexure within defined limits in axial rotation, dorsi and plantar flexion, inversion and eversion. The kerf surfaces provide resistance to axial rotation during dorsiflexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Ernest M. Burgess
    Inventors: Alan L. Aulie, Ernest M. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4645509
    Abstract: In a prosthetic foot constructed to store strain energy as the foot reacts to the load of the amputee's body during walking, running, jumping, etc., and then to release the stored energy to create foot lift and thrust which complements the user's natural stride, a monolithic cantilever beam made of a hardened polymer is provided as the keel of the foot with an ankle attachment fitting for connection to a standard upper prosthesis. A flexible foamed polymer is molded about the keel, in the shape of a natural foot, to transfer horizontal loads to the keel and to serve as a cosmetic cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Model & Instrument Development Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Poggi, Ernest M. Burgess, David E. Moeller, Drew A. Hittenberger