Patents by Inventor Michael E. Tompkins
Michael E. Tompkins 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).
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Publication number: 20210338459Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket, fasteners, and a pylon. The socket defines a cavity configured to receive a residual limb of a user. The socket includes a base defining multiple blind-holes. Each of the fasteners are configured to be received within a corresponding one of the blind-holes. The fasteners each include internal threads. The pylon includes through-holes that are aligned with a corresponding one of the blind-holes. The pylon is configured to be directly coupled with the base of the socket through externally threaded fasteners that extend through the through-holes and threadingly couple with the internal threads of the plurality of fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: Hanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Antonio Dias
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Patent number: 11058557Abstract: Systems and methods for creating custom-fit prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, and related medical devices via three-dimensional printing (3D printing) or additive manufacturing techniques are described. Through the described systems and methods, a residual limb or other body part of a patient is scanned and analyzed to determine measurements and characteristics of the residual limb. The measurements and characteristics of the residual limb are used to design a customized device for the residual limb. The customized device uses multiple different materials. For example, the customized device may use a first material for a frame and a second material for a liner, wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The customized device is fabricated using a three-dimensional printer that is capable of printing and bonding multiple different materials at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: HANGER, INC.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 10357383Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20180353308Abstract: Systems and methods for creating custom-fit prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, and related medical devices via three-dimensional printing (3D printing) or additive manufacturing techniques are described. Through the described systems and methods, a residual limb or other body part of a patient is scanned and analyzed to determine measurements and characteristics of the residual limb. The measurements and characteristics of the residual limb are used to design a customized device for the residual limb. The customized device uses multiple different materials. For example, the customized device may use a first material for a frame and a second material for a liner, wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The customized device is fabricated using a three-dimensional printer that is capable of printing and bonding multiple different materials at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20170020694Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Applicant: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 9486334Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 9265628Abstract: The disclosed prosthetic device may comprise a receptacle for receiving a limb of a person; a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the receptacle for maintaining an amount of vacuum used for connecting the receptacle to the limb of the person; a controller; and/or an electronically controllable fluid control device. The controller may be configured to provide a vacuum signature to be displayed at a user interface and/or to control the amount of vacuum used for connecting the receptacle to the limb of the person.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Hanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Dale Berry
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Publication number: 20160008148Abstract: A prosthetic device includes an inner socket assembly including an upper interface member having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, the outer periphery defining a diameter and a length, the diameter being substantially greater than the length, and an outer socket assembly including a lower interface member having a recess correspondingly-shaped to the outer periphery of the upper interface member. At least a portion of the upper interface member is received within the recess of the lower interface member to secure the inner socket assembly to the outer socket assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Applicant: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 9161848Abstract: A prosthetic device includes an inner socket assembly including an upper interface member having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, the outer periphery defining a diameter and a length, the diameter being substantially greater than the length, and an outer socket assembly including a lower interface member having a recess correspondingly-shaped to the outer periphery of the upper interface member. At least a portion of the upper interface member is received within the recess of the lower interface member to secure the inner socket assembly to the outer socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Hanger, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 8771371Abstract: A prosthetic device comprises a connecting portion for connecting to a person using vacuum; and a control structure for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, wherein the control structure includes: a vacuum pump (502) in fluid communication with the connecting portion for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, a vacuum sensing mechanism (506) configured to provide signals indicating the amount of vacuum in the connecting portion, a movement sensing mechanism (509) configured to provide signals indicating at least one of acceleration of the prosthetic device, orientation of the prosthetic device, force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a direction of force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a controller configured to receive signals from the vacuum sensing mechanism (506) and the movement sensing mechanism (509), and to control the vacuum pump (502).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20140039643Abstract: A prosthetic device includes an inner socket assembly including an upper interface member having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, the outer periphery defining a diameter and a length, the diameter being substantially greater than the length, and an outer socket assembly including a lower interface member having a recess correspondingly-shaped to the outer periphery of the upper interface member. At least a portion of the upper interface member is received within the recess of the lower interface member to secure the inner socket assembly to the outer socket assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20120143351Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20110184532Abstract: A prosthetic device comprises a connecting portion for connecting to a person using vacuum; and a control structure for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, wherein the control structure includes: a vacuum pump (502) in fluid communication with the connecting portion for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, a vacuum sensing mechanism (506) configured to provide signals indicating the amount of vacuum in the connecting portion, a movement sensing mechanism (509) configured to provide signals indicating at least one of acceleration of the prosthetic device, orientation of the prosthetic device, force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a direction of force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a controller configured to receive signals from the vacuum sensing mechanism (506) and the movement sensing mechanism (509), and to control the vacuum pump (502).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20110125291Abstract: The disclosed prosthetic device may comprise a receptacle for receiving a limb of a person; a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the receptacle for maintaining an amount of vacuum used for connecting the receptacle to the limb of the person; a controller; and/or an electronically controllable fluid control device. The controller may be configured to provide a vacuum signature to be displayed at a user interface and/or to control the amount of vacuum used for connecting the receptacle to the limb of the person.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Dale Berry
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Patent number: 7828857Abstract: A method and system for determining a grip or grasp pattern of a prosthetic terminal device or other orthotic device using the position of the thumb or other digit as the initial determination of the grasping function. The system comprising sensors, an electronic control system and a motor drive.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc.Inventors: Troy Farnsworth, Michael E. Tompkins
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Publication number: 20080215162Abstract: A method and system for determining a grip or grasp pattern of a prosthetic terminal device or other orthotic device using the position of the thumb or other digit as the initial determination of the grasping function. The system comprising sensors, an electronic control system and a motor drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: TROY FARNSWORTH, Michael E. Tompkins
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Patent number: 6976052Abstract: An improved spa control system is disclosed. The invention describes a spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Michael J. Green
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Patent number: 6965815Abstract: An improved spa control system is disclosed. The invention describes a spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Bilboa Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Michael J. Green
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Publication number: 20010029407Abstract: An improved spa control system is disclosed. The invention describes a spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Michael J. Green
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Patent number: 6253227Abstract: An improved spa control system is disclosed. The invention describes a spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Michael J. Green