Patents by Inventor John B. Merlette

John B. Merlette 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).

  • Publication number: 20040215346
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes upper and lower foot plates and an elastomeric layer disposed between and attaching them together. The elastomeric layer extends substantially across an upper surface of the lower foot plate. The elastomeric layer preferably being narrower in width than the upper and lower foot plates in a middle portion of the layer. The prosthesis alternatively includes upper and lower foot plates and an attachment device coupled to the upper foot plate and adapted for connection to an external prosthetic component. The attachment device includes a lower surface that conforms to a sloping portion of the upper foot plate and preferably includes a generally horizontal mounting portion having a mounting protrusion, such as a pyramid adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Eric W. Rubie, Larry J. Hansen, Nathan A. Williams, David J. Wall, John B. Merlette
  • Publication number: 20020128727
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: John B. Merlette, Eric W. Rubie, David J. Wall, James R. Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 6398818
    Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Merlette, Eric W. Rubie, David J. Wall, James R. Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 6261324
    Abstract: An improved foot prosthesis is disclosed which is durable in performance and inexpensive to manufacture, yet effective in accurately duplicating the feel and dynamic performance characteristics of the natural human foot. The prosthesis incorporates a single composite member having a forefoot portion beneath which is molded a unitary elastomeric sole that projects rearwardly from the composite member to define a heel. The elastomeric sole also projects laterally from the composite member so as to provide a degree of lateral stability that matches the inversion/eversion resistance of the normal human foot. In addition, a separate height adjuster and/or stiffness adjuster can be removably attached to the underside of the elastomeric sole, to enable the user to selectively adjust the prosthesis' heel height and/or stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Merlette