Patents by Inventor Jay Van Gerpen

Jay Van Gerpen 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).

  • System and method for alleviating freezing gait and gait hypokinesia in users with extrapyramidal disorder
    Patent number: 9125790
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for a walking aid are disclosed. The walking aid includes a walker having a frame configured to extend about a user of the walker to at least partially support the user and to facilitate the user progressing along a path from a current step to a next step while at least partially supported by the walker. A swivel mount is supported by the frame. A light source is connected to the swivel mount. The light source is configured to project a visual cue on a projection surface in the path between the current step and the next step to trigger the next step by the user. A controller is configured to adjust a visual property of the visual cue for use under indoor conditions and outdoor conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventor: Jay A. Van Gerpen
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLEVIATING FREEZING GAIT AND GAIT HYPOKINESIA IN USERS WITH EXTRAPYRAMIDAL DISORDER
    Publication number: 20130014790
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for a walking aid are disclosed. The walking aid includes a walker having a frame con- figured to extend about a user of the walker to at least partially support the user and to facilitate the user progressing along a path from a current step to a next step while at least partially supported by the walker. A swivel mount is supported by the frame. A light source is connected to the swivel mount. The light source is configured to project a visual cue on a projection surface in the path between the current step and the next step to trigger the next step by the user. A controller is configured to adjust a visual property of the visual cue for use under indoor conditions and outdoor conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jay A. Van Gerpen
  • Device to alleviate freezing of gait in users with Parkinsonism
    Publication number: 20060025836
    Abstract: A device for alleviating freezing of gait in a user with parkinsonism comprising a light source adjustably seated on a holder is provided. A method for alleviating freezing of gait also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Jay Van Gerpen, Charles Rucker