Patents by Inventor Harold H. Sears
Harold H. Sears 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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Patent number: 8888864Abstract: Compositions are provided for a prosthetic ankle comprising: a joint housing having a bottom surface, a clevis coupled to the joint housing such that the clevis can rotate about the joint housing, a prosthetic coupling structure that couples the clevis to an amputee, and an articulating joint contained in the joint housing. Additionally, a portion of the bottom surface of the joint housing can be curved allowing a substrate a preset amount of flexion when coupled thereto and flexed in a concave position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Motion ControlInventors: Edwin Kay Iversen, Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Steven R. Kunz, Joseph Anthony Jacobs, Peter K. Strazdins, Melinda Linder
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Patent number: 7942935Abstract: A device and system is provided for a prosthetic device having an articulating joint for a leg amputee. The device includes a joint housing forming a chamber, and the chamber has a first opening. A rotary hub can be disposed within the joint housing and configured to act as the articulating joint. One or more vanes can extend outwardly from the rotary hub, and the vane is configured to actuate fluid flow through the first opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Motion ControlInventors: Edwin Kay Iversen, Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Steven R. Kunz, Joseph Anthony Jacobs, James R. Linder, Peter K. Strazdins
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Patent number: 7914587Abstract: A multi-axis wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb. A cross piece, having first and second axes, can be coupled to the base plate. A prosthetic attachment can be coupled to the cross piece. The cross piece can enable a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment in two different axes. A first and second torsional spring can be coupled to the first and second axes, respectively, to enable the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Motion ControlInventors: Shawn L. Archer, Arthur D. Dyck, Reed H. Grant, Edwin K. Iversen, Joseph A. Jacobs, Steven R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Publication number: 20090319055Abstract: Compositions are provided for a prosthetic ankle comprising: a joint housing having a bottom surface, a clevis coupled to the joint housing such that the clevis can rotate about the joint housing, a prosthetic coupling structure that couples the clevis to an amputee, and an articulating joint contained in the joint housing. Additionally, a portion of the bottom surface of the joint housing can be curved allowing a substrate a preset amount of flexion when coupled thereto and flexed in a concave position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: MOTION CONTROLInventors: Edwin Kay Iversen, Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Steven R. Kunz, Joseph Anthony Jacobs, James R. Linder, Melinda Linder, Peter K. Strazdins
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Patent number: 7438724Abstract: A system and method of grip force feedback for use with a prosthetic device is provided in the present invention. The system can include a prosthetic hand having a plurality of digits for use with the prosthetic device. A force sensor can be provided to produce a force signal and the force sensor is configured to be associated with the plurality of digits for the prosthetic hand. In addition, a force feedback controller can receive the force signal from the force sensor. A force feedback actuator is also in communication with the force feedback controller. The force feedback actuator can provide feedback vibrations to a user of the prosthetic device.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Edwin K. Iversen, Steven R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Shawn L. Archer, Reed H. Grant, Ronald E. Madsen, Jr.
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Patent number: 7144430Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Shawn L. Archer, Arthur D. Dyck, Reed H. Grant, Edwin K. Iversen, Steve R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 7041141Abstract: A grip device for an artificial or prosthetic arm, including at least two opposable digits and a drive linkage powered by a drive motor. When the drive motor is powered it enables the two opposable digits to grip. The drive linkage includes a drive and transmission attached to the drive motor. A backlock is connected to the drive and transmission. Surrounding the backlock is a backlock housing which contains the drive, selected transmission elements, and a backlock. A stop element is also included for holding the backlock housing fixed with respect to ground. The stop element can be released to allow the backlock housing to move freely and to avoid power transmission without disrupting the operating structure of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Steven R. Kunz, Arthur D. Dyck, Harold H. Sears
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Publication number: 20040015240Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Shawn L. Archer, Arthur D. Dyck, Reed H. Grant, Edwin K. Iversen, Steve R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 6424886Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 6423099Abstract: A grip device for an artificial or prosthetic arm, including at least two opposable digits and a drive linkage powered by a drive motor. When the drive motor is powered it enables the two opposable digits to grip. The drive linkage includes a drive and transmission attached to the drive motor. A backlock is connected to the drive and transmission. Surrounding the backlock is a backlock housing which contains the drive, selected transmission elements, and a backlock. A stop element is also included for holding the backlock housing fixed with respect to ground. The stop element can be released to allow the backlock housing to move freely and to avoid power transmission without disrupting the operating structure of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Steven R. Kunz, Arthur D. Dyck, Harold H. Sears
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Publication number: 20020077708Abstract: A grip device for an artificial or prosthetic arm, including at least two opposable digits and a drive linkage powered by a drive motor. When the drive motor is powered it enables the two opposable digits to grip. The drive linkage includes a drive and transmission attached to the drive motor. A backlock is connected to the drive and transmission. Surrounding the backlock is a backlock housing which contains the drive, selected transmission elements, and a backlock. A stop element is also included for holding the backlock housing fixed with respect to ground. The stop element can be released to allow the backlock housing to move freely and to avoid power transmission without disrupting the operating structure of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Steven R. Kunz, Arthur D. Dyck, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 5888213Abstract: The present invention relates to improved controllers for externally powered prosthetic limb devices or similar extension devices such as orthotic devices or a sensor probe device. The improved controller operates a highly-efficient, compact, reliable and low-maintenance tactile force feedback system for translating a sensed pressure force from a prosthesis contacting an object or surface into a tactile sensory feedback pressure force to the user. The tactile force feedback system comprises at least one contact-responsive transducer which translates a sensed contact pressure from a portion of an extension device which contacts an object or surface into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by a microprocessor and processed into a proportional output voltage for producing a proportional torque from a motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Harold H. Sears, Edwin K. Iversen, Kevin B. Hays, Arthur D. Dyck
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Patent number: D632392Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Jacobs, Edwin K. Iversen, Harold H. Sears