Patents by Inventor Max K. Shepherd

Max K. Shepherd 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).

  • Biomimetic and variable stiffness ankle system and related methods
    Patent number: 10806602
    Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower. The cam profile has a curved outer edge comprising a concave portion. The cam follower is positioned within the concave portion when the assistive device is in an equilibrium position. The assistive device may further comprise a spring that deflects in response to a force applied by the cam system. The assistive device may have a sliding element to adjust the stiffness of the spring in deflection. The assistive device may take the form of a prosthesis or an orthosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Max K. Shepherd
  • BIOMIMETIC AND VARIABLE STIFFNESS ANKLE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20180092761
    Abstract: A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower. The cam profile has a curved outer edge comprising a concave portion. The cam follower is positioned within the concave portion when the assistive device is in an equilibrium position. The assistive device may further comprise a spring that deflects in response to a force applied by the cam system. The assistive device may have a sliding element to adjust the stiffness of the spring in deflection. The assistive device may take the form of a prosthesis or an orthosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Elliott J. Rouse, Max K. Shepherd