Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Hiemenz
Gregory J. Hiemenz 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).
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Publication number: 20220118207Abstract: A handheld system that is used with an endotracheal tube to facilitate endotracheal intubation is disclosed. The device includes a lighted bougie and an intubating channel, a handle, at least one sensor, a midline alignment light, a tongue grasper, a power source, and electronics. These components combine to form an integrated airway management system. During operation of the system, the light transilluminates the anterior neck tissue of the patient and glows brightly in the midline when the bougie is placed in the trachea.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Amit N. Shah, Curt S. Kothera, Gregory J. Hiemenz
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Patent number: 9370237Abstract: A wearable spinal support system having an upper body adapter engaging the head and/or torso of a wearer and a lower body adapter engaging the hips/pelvis, the upper and lower body adapters joined by an articulated structural column. The structural column is made up of stacked vertebral elements each having an aperture provided there through such that a tendon can be fed through the aligned apertures of the vertebral elements. The tendons are fixed at one end and each engaged to mechanical control element at the other end such that the tension/payout in each tendon is independently variable under direction of a controller receiving sensor feedback in order to support the loaded upper body of the wearer and position it relative to the lower body when desirable according to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Innovital LLCInventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Curt S. Kothera, Pablo J. Sztein
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Patent number: 9109654Abstract: A compact and failsafe magnetorheological energy absorber design including both a light weight piston (LWP) embodiment in which linear motion is subjected to a linear damping force, and a light weight rotary vane (LWRV) embodiment in which linear motion is converted into rotary motion and is subjected to a rotary damping force. Both embodiments allow increased damper stroke within a compact mechanical profile. A new lightweight Magnetorheological energy attenuation system (LMEAS) for a vehicle seat is also disclosed using the new LMRW MREA.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignees: Inno Vital Systems, Inc., University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Norman M. Wereley
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Publication number: 20150190219Abstract: A diaphragm assist device (DAD) for assistance with diaphragm contraction to facilitate breathing. The device assists with respiration of patients having diaphragmatic dysfunction including those awaiting lung transplants, and those in need of weaning from mechanical ventilation, as well as those who can benefit from an implantable ventilator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Curt KOTHERA, Gregory J. HIEMENZ, William S. KRIMSKY, Amit N. SHAH
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Publication number: 20140378792Abstract: An anti-fouling sleeve for an endotracheal tube, a method of placement, and the tools for placement. The anti-fouling sleeve occupies the entire length of endotracheal tube, and can be installed permanently or made removable and disposable. The sleeve may be instrumented with sensors and/or a UV light source to reduce and potentially eliminate biofilm formation. Once placed inside the endotracheal tube the sleeve expands to conform to the inner diameter of the tube. After use, any accumulated biofilm on the inner portion of the sleeve is removed leaving the inner portion of the endotracheal tube essentially sterile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: William S. Krimsky, Murat Yasar, Gregory J. Hiemenz, Amit Navin Shah
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Patent number: 8849502Abstract: A Comprehensive and Retrofittable Occupant Sensor Suite (CROSS) for logging of accurate occupant dynamics during blast events encountered on the battlefield. The CROSS system is low cost, can be retrofit to any vehicle seat, will not restrict soldier mobility, and is highly expandable to include both wired and wireless sensors. The CROSS system reliably measures and sends all data channels to a vehicle data recorder (VDR), and internally stores data (with its own power backup) in case connectivity to the VDR or vehicle power is lost during a blast event. The CROSS system yields critical information for forensics analysis, the modeling of occupant dynamics during blast events, and the design of protective devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Inno Vital Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Datta Sheth, Murat Yasar
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Publication number: 20140224849Abstract: A wearable spinal support system having an upper body adapter engaging the head and/or torso of a wearer and a lower body adapter engaging the hips/pelvis, the upper and lower body adapters joined by an articulated structural column. The structural column is made up of stacked vertebral elements each having an aperture provided there through such that a tendon can be fed through the aligned apertures of the vertebral elements. The tendons are fixed at one end and each engaged to mechanical control element at the other end such that the tension/payout in each tendon is independently variable under direction of a controller receiving sensor feedback in order to support the loaded upper body of the wearer and position it relative to the lower body when desirable according to the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Curt S. Kothera, Pablo J. Sztein
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Publication number: 20140152066Abstract: A compact and failsafe magnetorheological energy absorber design including both a light weight piston (LWP) embodiment in which linear motion is subjected to a linear damping force, and a light weight rotary vane (LWRV)embodiment in which linear motion is converted into rotary motion and is subjected to a rotary damping force. Both embodiments allow increased damper stroke within a compact mechanical profile. A new lightweight Magnetorheological energy attenuation system (LMEAS) for a vehicle seat is also disclosed using the new LMRW MREA.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Norman M. Wereley
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Publication number: 20140077538Abstract: A Comprehensive and Retrofittable Occupant Sensor Suite (CROSS) for logging of accurate occupant dynamics during blast events encountered on the battlefield. The CROSS system is low cost, can be retrofit to any vehicle seat, will not restrict soldier mobility, and is highly expandable to include both wired and wireless sensors. The CROSS system reliably measures and sends all data channels to a vehicle data recorder (VDR), and internally stores data (with its own power backup) in case connectivity to the VDR or vehicle power is lost during a blast event. The CROSS system yields critical information for forensics analyses, the modeling of occupant dynamics during blast events, and the design of protective devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Datta Sheth, Murat Yasar
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Patent number: 8424656Abstract: A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber, which enables a longer stroke capability in a more compact configuration than conventional magnetorheological devices, is disclosed. This novel device design is attractive for applications where long stroking capability, high force dynamic range, device size, and device weight are important. The improved magnetorheological energy absorber comprises an internal or external flow valve and a hollow body enclosing fixed and rotary vanes as well as magnetorheological fluid. Fluid flow in the valve is restricted as a solenoid is activated, thus adjusting the capability of the device to react torque. Various flow valve configurations are disclosed, as well as various motion translation mechanisms for translating linear motion to rotary motion for use of the rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: Techno-sciences, Inc., University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Wei Hu, Grum Ngatu, Norman Mark Wereley
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Patent number: 8401740Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat that functions in dual-modes, including a primary mode during severe (shock event) operation and a secondary mode during normal (non-shock event) operation. When operating in primary mode, the present system automatically adjusts a VPEA in real-time to keep loads transmitted to the occupant's body below acceptable injury threshold levels, and can recover to perform said function for multiple shock events. When operating in secondary mode the system reduces vehicle vibration transmitted to the occupant, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing situational awareness.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Techno-Sciences, Inc., University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Curt Kothera, Norman M. Wereley
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Patent number: 7878312Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: University of Maryland, Techno-Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Wei Hu, Norman M. Wereley, Peter Che-Hung Chen
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Publication number: 20100300819Abstract: A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber, which enables a longer stroke capability in a more compact configuration than conventional magnetorheological devices, is disclosed. This novel device design is attractive for applications where long stroking capability, high force dynamic range, device size, and device weight are important. The improved magnetorheological energy absorber comprises an internal or external flow valve and a hollow body enclosing fixed and rotary vanes as well as magnetorheological fluid. Fluid flow in the valve is restricted as a solenoid is activated, thus adjusting the capability of the device to react torque. Various flow valve configurations are disclosed, as well as various motion translation mechanisms for translating linear motion to rotary motion for use of the rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Wei Hu, Grum Ngatu, Norman Mark Wereley
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Publication number: 20100179730Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat that functions in dual-modes, including a primary mode during severe (shock event) operation and a secondary mode during normal (non-shock event) operation. When operating in primary mode, the present system automatically adjusts a VPEA in real-time to keep loads transmitted to the occupant's body below acceptable injury threshold levels, and can recover to perform said function for multiple shock events. When operating in secondary mode the system reduces vehicle vibration transmitted to the occupant, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing situational awareness.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Curt S. Kothera, Norman M. Wereley
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Publication number: 20080156602Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Techno-Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Hiemenz, Wei Hu, Norman M. Wereley, Peter Che-Hung Chen