Patents by Inventor N. Christopher Perry
N. Christopher Perry 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: 20240074928Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 11885758Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Publication number: 20240009007Abstract: A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
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Patent number: 11850198Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry
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Publication number: 20230400425Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Publication number: 20230400019Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to certain types of reciprocating positive-displacement pumps (which may be referred to hereinafter as “pods,” “pump pods,” or “pod pumps”) used to pump fluids, such as a biological fluid (e.g., blood or peritoneal fluid), a therapeutic fluid (e.g., a medication solution), or a surfactant fluid. The pumps may be configured specifically to impart low shear forces and low turbulence on the fluid as the fluid is pumped from an inlet to an outlet. Such pumps may be particularly useful in pumping fluids that may be damaged by such shear forces (e.g., blood, and particularly heated blood, which is prone to hemolysis) or turbulence (e.g., surfectants or other fluids that may foam or otherwise be damaged or become unstable in the presence of turbulence).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
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Publication number: 20230372128Abstract: A dynamic support system includes a control system for controlling inflation and deflation of at least one actuator having an inlet connectable to the a control unit of the dynamic support system. The control unit may be in communication with a sensor and may control inflation and deflation of the at least one actuator in response to information provided by the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 11804716Abstract: A system for powering a device is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in a device, at least one external battery connected to the device, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: N. Christopher Perry, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon
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Patent number: 11754064Abstract: Described are fluid pumping and fluid handling systems, which may be suitable for use in medical devices, such as artificial or extracorporeal blood pumping systems. The systems can include a dual housing configuration for pneumatic actuation comprising a main housing containing a pump cassette comprising a pneumatically actuated pump and pneumatically actuated valves. The pump can include a pump actuation chamber and pump pneumatic port, and the valves can each include a valve actuation chamber and valve pneumatic port. Connecting tubes can be used to fluidly connect the pump actuation ports and valve actuation ports to a tube-support housing having a first side receiving one end of each connecting tube and a second side providing a pneumatic interface arranged to connect to an array of pneumatic receptacles on a base unit of the system to facilitate easy, compact and accurate pneumatic interconnection between the pump cassette and the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
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Patent number: 11730613Abstract: A dynamic support system includes a control system for controlling inflation and deflation of at least one actuator having an inlet connectable to the a control unit of the dynamic support system. The control unit may be in communication with a sensor and may control inflation and deflation of the at least one actuator in response to information provided by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 11701279Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Alexander D. Streeter, N. Christopher Perry
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Patent number: 11666462Abstract: A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Gregory R. Lanier, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, N. Christopher Perry, Susan D. Dastous
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Publication number: 20220354669Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
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Publication number: 20220117759Abstract: A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, JR., N. Christopher Perry, Andrew P. Pascoe, Dirk A. van der Merwe
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Patent number: 11291562Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
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Publication number: 20220062012Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Publication number: 20220026932Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Alexander D. Streeter, David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
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Publication number: 20220021216Abstract: A system for powering a device is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in a device, at least one external battery connected to the device, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon
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Publication number: 20210401594Abstract: A prosthetic device. The prosthetic device may include a flexure cut and/or a sensor to detect movement in accordance with a degree of movement. In an embodiment, the sensor may be disposed within the flexure cut. Other embodiments include at least one wire configured to connect a sensor located in a distal portion to a proximal portion, while annularly traversing a joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Keith D. Violette, Grant A. Peret, David D.B. Cannan, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Jacob P. Laplante, Thomas A. Doyon
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Patent number: 11173056Abstract: A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: David E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry