Patents by Inventor James D. Gatts

James D. Gatts 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: 5385153
    Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transition from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bolster system. The bolster system is comprised of one or more pads, or bolsters, arranged such that they can be placed about an infant. A gentle but firm pressure is exerted on the infant by the bolster or bolsters through the use of straps or by the use of a U-shaped spring covered partially or completely by a bolster or bolsters. This pressure offers a reduction of an infant's stress level, as well as physical stabilization of the infant. Environmental conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Infant Advantage, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Jamieson, James D. Gatts
  • Patent number: 5183457
    Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transistion from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bed. Environmental conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein. The resulting motion closely approximates the motion experienced by the fetus while the mother is walking. The sound profile simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastrointestinal sounds. The system simulates day and night variations in motions and sounds, integrates changes to the environment over time toward the natural extrauterine environment, and may respond to infant activity or other inputs at various intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Infant Advantage, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Gatts, Edward M. Buckley, John W. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 5037375
    Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transition from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bed. Environment conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein. The resulting motion closely approximates the motion experienced by the fetus while the mother is walking. The sound profile simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastrointestinal sounds. The system simulates day and night variations in motions and sounds, integrates changes to the environment over time toward the natural extrauterine environment, and may respond to infant activity or other imputs at various intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Infant Advantage, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Gatts
  • Patent number: 4079728
    Abstract: The disclosed infant environmental transition system relates to the method and apparatus for providing an infant with an incrementally controlled, healthy transition from its intrauterine environment as it exists near birth to the extrauterine environment. The apparatus comprises a housing within which the infant is supported on a sling-like member. Means are provided to initially generate environmental conditions within the housing simulating the intrauterine environment and to alter this environment in controlled incremental steps to a normal extrauterine environment and in addition, means to allow the infant limited and selective control over certain features of his or her environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Inventor: James D. Gatts
  • Patent number: 3993042
    Abstract: The disclosed infant environmental transition system relates to the method and apparatus for providing an infant with an incrementally controlled, healthy transition from its intrauterine environment as it exists near birth to the extrauterine environment. The apparatus comprises a housing within which the infant is supported on a sling-like member. Means are provided to initially generate environmental conditions within the housing simulating the intrauterine environment and to alter this environment in controlled incremental steps to a normal extrauterine environment. Said means provide and control the tactile sensations perceived by the infant; the temperature and humidity within the container; the degree of movement imparted to the housing, which in turn is imparted to the infant; the degree of light perceived by the infant; and an audio profile which initially simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal sounds and gradually transitions to normal extrauterine sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventor: James D. Gatts