Patents by Inventor James Hatch

James Hatch 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: 12343297
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: suitX, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hatch, Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Patent number: 12213934
    Abstract: An exoskeleton leg is wearable by a person. The exoskeleton includes a thigh link configured to move in unison with the thigh of the person, a shank link rotatably coupled to the thigh link and comprising at least one tooth, and a locking block coupled to the thigh link and comprising a locking face. Moreover, when the at least one tooth of the shank link contacts with the locking face, the shank link is prevented from flexion motion relative to the thigh link, but is allowed to extend relative to the thigh link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, suitX, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Tung, Minerva V. Pillai, James Hatch, Homayoon Kazerooni, Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan, Yusuke Maruo, David Cuban
  • Publication number: 20240408742
    Abstract: A flexible mechanism for an exoskeleton allows for a simple and low-cost method of allowing a high range of motion between an frame and a human interface while effectively transferring support forces from the frame to the human interface. Additionally, the flexible mechanism adds kinematic redundancy that compensates for incongruities between the exoskeleton and human during forward flexion to prevent the human interface from uncomfortably sliding on the person via purely tension-loaded force transmitting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: James Hatch, John Kuwata, Minerva Pillai, Maximiliam Merker, Michael Bremer, Carsten Vogel, Fabienne Röschel, Oliver Mizera, Matthias Vollbrecht, Pascal Schwedhelm, Laura Hoffsümmer
  • Patent number: 12029699
    Abstract: A remote center joint 1 is configured to rotate segment 7 relative to segment 2 along axis 15. Remote center joint 1 comprises a segment 3 coupled to base segment 2 along axis 16. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 3 about axis 17 intersecting axis 16 at first point 22. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 7 about axis 18 intersecting first point 22. Segment 5 is coupled to segment 2 about axis 19 parallel to axis 16. Segment 5 is geared to segment 3. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 5 about axis 20 intersecting axis 19 at second point 23. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 7 along axis 21 intersecting second point 23. Segment 6 is geared to segment 4. Axis 15 of rotation of terminal segment 7 relative to segment 2 connects first point 22 and second point 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: suitX, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, James Hatch
  • Publication number: 20230201065
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person’s lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person’s lower back, and the person’s lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: suitX, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hatch, Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Patent number: 11622904
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: suitX, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, James Hatch, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Publication number: 20210393466
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, James Hatch, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Publication number: 20210315765
    Abstract: An exoskeleton leg is wearable by a person. The exoskeleton includes a thigh link configured to move in unison with the thigh of the person, a shank link rotatably coupled to the thigh link and comprising at least one tooth, and a locking block coupled to the thigh link and comprising a locking face. Moreover, when the at least one tooth of the shank link contacts with the locking face, the shank link is prevented from flexion motion relative to the thigh link, but is allowed to extend relative to the thigh link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of California, U.S. Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Tung, Minerva V. Pillai, James Hatch, Homayoon Kazerooni, Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan, Yusuke Maruo, David Cuban
  • Publication number: 20210290469
    Abstract: A remote center joint 1 is configured to rotate segment 7 relative to segment 2 along axis 15. Remote center joint 1 comprises a segment 3 coupled to base segment 2 along axis 16. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 3 about axis 17 intersecting axis 16 at first point 22. Segment 4 is coupled to segment 7 about axis 18 intersecting first point 22. Segment 5 is coupled to segment 2 about axis 19 parallel to axis 16. Segment 5 is geared to segment 3. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 5 about axis 20 intersecting axis 19 at second point 23. Segment 6 is coupled to segment 7 along axis 21 intersecting second point 23. Segment 6 is geared to segment 4. Axis 15 of rotation of terminal segment 7 relative to segment 2 connects first point 22 and second point 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, James Hatch
  • Patent number: 11071673
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. BIONICS INC.
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, James Hatch, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Patent number: 10966894
    Abstract: A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as a wearable device to support its user during squatting and/or lunging. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first link and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatable connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, U.S. Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Tung, Minerva V. Pillai, James Hatch, Homayoon Kazerooni, Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan, Yusuke Maruo, David Cuban
  • Publication number: 20210077336
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni, James Hatch, Valantyn Joseph Sean Koziak, Minerva Pillai, John Jow Kuwata
  • Patent number: 10864102
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Bionics Inc.
    Inventors: James Hatch, Logan Van Engelhoven, John Kuwata, Minerva Pillai, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Publication number: 20200188159
    Abstract: A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: James Hatch, Logan Van Engelhoven, John Kuwata, Minerva Pillai, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Publication number: 20180200135
    Abstract: A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as a wearable device to support its user during squatting and/or lunging. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first link and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatable connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wayne Tung, Minerva V. Pillai, James Hatch, Homayoon Kazerooni, Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan, Yusuke Maruo, David Cuban
  • Patent number: 8944413
    Abstract: A solar-powered boat winch suited for installation upon boat lifting structures such as those in a remote location. The solar powered boat winch includes an electric motorized winch, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, a recharger, and mechanical mounts for attaching the solar powered boat winch to a boat lift structure. The solar cell collects sufficient solar energy and converts it into electricity that charges the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery acts as the power source for an electric motor of the winch. The winch assembly also includes remote controlled operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Gary L. Hatch, James Hatch