Patents by Inventor Frank J. Fedel

Frank J. Fedel 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: 10271787
    Abstract: Electrical feedback is provided to a user who cannot receive full sensation from a body part due to amputation, neuropathy or other condition. A sensor array includes an array of capacitive force-sensing elements operative to sense axial and shear forces applied to that element. Temperature may also be sensed at each force-sensor location. An electrode matrix, adapted for external placement in an area on a user of the sensor array, includes an array of electrodes in physical correspondence to the array of capacitive sensing elements of the sensor array. An electronic controller is configured to receive electrical signals representative of the axial and shear forces applied to the sensor array and drive the electrode matrix with electrical stimulation signals corresponding to the electrical signals received from the sensor array, thereby enabling the user to experience force and/or temperature sensations experienced by the body part through the electrode matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Richard H. Harrington, Michael Rontal, Charles W. Krapf, Frank J. Fedel, Doug Briggs
  • Publication number: 20170055902
    Abstract: Electrical feedback is provided to a user who cannot receive full sensation from a body part due to amputation, neuropathy or other condition. A sensor array includes an array of capacitive force-sensing elements operative to sense axial and shear forces applied to that element. Temperature may also be sensed at each force-sensor location. An electrode matrix, adapted for external placement in an area on a user of the sensor array, includes an array of electrodes in physical correspondence to the array of capacitive sensing elements of the sensor array. An electronic controller is configured to receive electrical signals representative of the axial and shear forces applied to the sensor array and drive the electrode matrix with electrical stimulation signals corresponding to the electrical signals received from the sensor array, thereby enabling the user to experience force and/or temperature sensations experienced by the body part through the electrode matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Richard H. Harrington, Michael Rontal, Charles W. Krapf, Frank J. Fedel, Doug Briggs
  • Patent number: 8821417
    Abstract: A method of monitoring human body movement includes measuring the motion of movable body parts using one or more measurement devices applied to the movable body parts during activity of the human body. A movement economy profile of the human body movement is calculated using the data from the measurement devices, where the movement economy includes determining movement relative to speed of the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen J. McGregor, Erik Bollt, Frank J. Fedel
  • Publication number: 20130110011
    Abstract: A method of monitoring human body movement includes measuring the motion of movable body parts using one or more measurement devices applied to the movable body parts during activity of the human body. A movement economy profile of the human body movement is calculated using the data from the measurement devices, where the movement economy includes determining movement relative to speed of the human body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen J. McGregor, Erik Bollt, Frank J. Fedel
  • Publication number: 20130053979
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sensing forces, moments, temperature, inclination, acceleration and other parameters associated with prosthetic limbs. The system is capable of measuring forces in three designated axes, and moments about the same designated axes, for a total of six possible degrees of freedom. The system can be readily fitted onto a conventional prosthetic limb with no, or relatively minor, modification thereto. A plurality of sensor arrays are disposed on a support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb. Electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges is operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Leydet, Richard H. Harrington, Frank J. Fedel, Michael Link, Joshua J. Street
  • Patent number: 8298293
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sensing forces, moments, temperature, inclination, acceleration and other parameters associated with prosthetic limbs. The system is capable of measuring forces in three designated axes, and moments about the same designated axes, for a total of six possible degrees of freedom. The system can be readily fitted onto a conventional prosthetic limb with no, or relatively minor, modification thereto. A plurality of sensor arrays are disposed on a support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb. Electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges is operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: College Park Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Leydet, Richard H. Harrington, Frank J. Fedel, Michael Link, Joshua J. Street
  • Patent number: D338176
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Frank J. Fedel