Patents by Inventor Nathan Harding
Nathan Harding 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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Patent number: 11787071Abstract: A device for ensuring safe operation of a robot used for cosmetics applications, including the retrofitting of robots not originally design for such applications. The robot is used for the automatic placement of eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject. In some embodiments, a safety barrier is provided by a physical barrier or light curtain. In the invention, the robot uses an end effector which is configured to extend through the safety barrier and includes a release mechanism configured to readily release from the robot upon contacting the human subject, thereby preventing injury.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: WINK ROBOTICSInventors: Kurt Amundson, Mike Hughes, Nathan Harding
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Patent number: 11744348Abstract: A device for automating the process of installing eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject. In some embodiments, the placing of extensions is carried out by a robotic mechanism utilizing computer vision. In some embodiments, the same device may be used for extending eyebrows rather than eyelashes, as eyebrows have rather similar properties to eyelashes.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: WINK ROBOTICSInventors: Nathan Harding, Kurt Amundson, H. Keith Nishihara, Michael Muller
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Patent number: 11589667Abstract: A device for ensuring safe operation of a robot used for cosmetics applications, including the retrofitting of robots not originally design for such applications. In some embodiments, the robot is used for the automatic placement of eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject. In some embodiments, a safety barrier is provided by a physical barrier or light curtain. In other embodiments, readily deformable end effectors are used.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: WINK ROBOTICSInventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, H. Keith Nishihara, Russell B. Ford
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Patent number: 11375799Abstract: A device for providing safety during the process of installing eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject, especially when the installation is automatic. In some embodiments, the placing of extensions is carried out by a robotic mechanism utilizing computer vision, and in some embodiments, a barrier is created between the robotic mechanism and the subject in order to protect the subject in the event of a malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Wink RoboticsInventors: Nathan Harding, Kurt Amundson, Michael Muller, Kyle Andrew Tucker, Michelle Warner, Richard W. O'Connor
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Patent number: 11006733Abstract: A device for automating the process of installing eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject. In some embodiments, the placing of extensions is carried out by a robotic mechanism utilizing computer vision.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Wink RoboticsInventors: Nathan Harding, Kurt Amundson, H. Keith Nishihara, Michael Muller
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Patent number: 10730178Abstract: An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Niel McCaffrey, Kurt Amundson, Reuben Sandler, Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser
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Patent number: 10576008Abstract: Use of an exoskeleton by a wearer of the exoskeleton is improved through several features. In a first feature, the exoskeleton enters a gait therapy preparation mode to prepare the wearer for subsequent gait therapy. In a second feature, the exoskeleton enters a balance training mode to help the wearer learn to balance while wearing the exoskeleton. In a third feature, the exoskeleton prompts the wearer to shift weight and/or automatically shifts the wearer's weight in a center of pressure control mode. In a fourth feature, an element of variability is introduced into trajectory cycles performed by the exoskeleton in a trajectory cycle mode. Overall, the various disclosed operating modes can be used individually or in various combinations to enhance the rehabilitation or training of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Darrell Musick, Nathan Harding
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Patent number: 10562178Abstract: A device for automating the process of installing eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject with an option of additionally painting the nails of a subject. In some embodiments, the placing of extensions is carried out by a robotic mechanism utilizing computer vision, and in some embodiments, a barrier is created between the robotic mechanism and said subject in order to protect them in the event of a malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Wink RoboticsInventors: Nathan Harding, Kurt Amundson, Michael Muller, Russell B. Ford
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Patent number: 10524972Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis is configured to be coupled to across at least one joint of a person for gait assistance and can incorporate knee, thigh, hip and ankle/foot assistive orthotic devices which can be used in various combinations to aid in the rehabilitation and restoration of muscular function in patients with impaired muscular function or control.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 10327975Abstract: An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Jonathan Evans, Reuben Sandler, Nathan Harding, Aaron Julin, James Lubin, Taylor Heanue, Dylan Fairbanks, James Stryker
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Patent number: 10213357Abstract: An ambulatory exoskeleton can be selectively operated in at least two different modes, with one mode constituting an unworn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is not worn by a user, and another mode constituting a default or worn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is worn by a user. With this arrangement, a physical therapist, or other operator, wishing to move an unworn exoskeleton, can balance the unworn exoskeleton, while simultaneously utilizing a control system and actuators of the exoskeleton to propel the unworn exoskeleton. Therefore, the exoskeleton walks by taking steps forward, as commanded by the operator using any of a plurality of input arrangements, while the operator balances and steers the exoskeleton by physically guiding the exoskeleton using a handle or other interaction surface of the exoskeleton.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 10206844Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis, including at least one actuator configured to control a motion of at least one joint of a person wearing the orthosis, is provided with a handle including a force sensor configured to produce a signal representing a force applied to the handle. A controller, which is in communication with the force sensor and the at least one actuator, is configured to modify the motion based on the signal from the force sensor. The system can be particularly employed to enable a physical therapist to have input in controlling and modifying the positions and/or forces prescribed by the lower extremity orthosis during rehabilitation of the person.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, James Stryker
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Publication number: 20180264642Abstract: An operator supervising a wearer of an exoskeleton is verified by performing a verification routine on the operator using the exoskeleton. If the verification routine is unsuccessful, the exoskeleton is caused to follow a pre-established response routine. If the verification routine is successful, movement of the exoskeleton is allowed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Niel McCaffrey, Kurt Amundson, Reuben Sandler, Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser
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Patent number: 9610208Abstract: A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes: leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs and designed to rest on the ground during stance phases, with each leg support having a thigh link and a shank link; two knee joints, each configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank and thigh links; an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body, rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports, allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk; two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports; and at least one power unit capable of providing power to the hip actuators. In use, power is supplied to the hip actuators in an amount to reduce the energy consumed by a user during a walking cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding
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Publication number: 20170000682Abstract: An ambulatory exoskeleton can be selectively operated in at least two different modes, with one mode constituting an unworn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is not worn by a user, and another mode constituting a default or worn propulsion mode, used when the exoskeleton is worn by a user. With this arrangement, a physical therapist, or other operator, wishing to move an unworn exoskeleton, can balance the unworn exoskeleton, while simultaneously utilizing a control system and actuators of the exoskeleton to propel the unworn exoskeleton. Therefore, the exoskeleton walks by taking steps forward, as commanded by the operator using any of a plurality of input arrangements, while the operator balances and steers the exoskeleton by physically guiding the exoskeleton using a handle or other interaction surface of the exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Harding, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 9504623Abstract: An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss, Jon Burns, Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding
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Publication number: 20160250094Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis is configured to be coupled to across at least one joint of a person for gait assistance and can incorporate knee, thigh, hip and ankle/foot assistive orthotic devices which can be used in various combinations to aid in the rehabilitation and restoration of muscular function in patients with impaired muscular function or control.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss
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Patent number: 9295604Abstract: A powered exoskeleton configured to be coupled to lower limbs of a person is controlled to impart a movement desired by the person. The intent of the person is determined by a controller based on monitoring at least one of: positional changes in an arm portion of the person, positional changes in a head of the person, an orientation of a walking aid employed by the person, a contact force between a walking aid employed by the person and a support surface, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a relative orientation of the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person, and relative velocities between the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser, Tim Swift, Russ Angold, Jon Burns, Dylan Fairbanks, Nathan Harding
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Publication number: 20150351995Abstract: An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Adam Zoss, Jonathan Evans, Reuben Sandler, Nathan Harding, Aaron Julin, James Lubin, Taylor Heanue, Dylan Fairbanks, James Stryker
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Publication number: 20150351991Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis, including at least one actuator configured to control a motion of at least one joint of a person wearing the orthosis, is provided with a handle including a force sensor configured to produce a signal representing a force applied to the handle. A controller, which is in communication with the force sensor and the at least one actuator, is configured to modify the motion based on the signal from the force sensor. The system can be particularly employed to enable a physical therapist to have input in controlling and modifying the positions and/or forces prescribed by the lower extremity orthosis during rehabilitation of the person.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, James Stryker