Patents by Inventor Francisco A. Ward

Francisco A. Ward 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: 5754121
    Abstract: A dual-plane joint monitor has a pair of arms for releasable attachment to body joint members and a gimbal assembly connecting the arms for their relative rotation in two perpendicular planes. Two potentiometers generate signals indicative of an angular motion of the arms. A miniaturized electronic module, worn by a patient, is pre-programmed from a remote computer (an allowed range of motion is pre-set), reads and processes signals from the potentiometers and determines whether the allowed range of motion is exceeded. The data stored in the electronic module are transmitted periodically to the remote computer for further analysis. If needed, the physician re-programs the electronic module from the computer at a medical facility while the patient is at home, or at another remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: Francisco A. Ward, Michael S. Bullinger