Patents by Inventor Randall D. Alley

Randall D. Alley 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).

  • Patent number: 11941324
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interface for a body part using an additive manufacturing process is described. The method obtaining a digital model of the body part and modifying the digital model to create a plurality of compression areas. The compression areas are spaced circumferentially around a long axis of the digital model to create a compression pattern. The compression pattern is sized and dimensioned to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the interface is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 11382774
    Abstract: A method for reducing motion of a skeletal structure in a limb towards a wall of an interface is described. The interface comprises a plurality of compression areas that are longitudinally-shaped and oriented longitudinally along the length of limb. The method comprises selecting, during a process of creating the interface, a compression level for the compression areas that compresses soft tissue against the skeletal structure. The method also comprises donning the interface over the limb to apply a plurality of compressive forces that is sufficient to aid in suspension of the interface on the limb and reduce motion of the skeletal structure toward a wall of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Randall D Alley
  • Publication number: 20220027525
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interface for a body part using an additive manufacturing process is described. The method obtaining a digital model of the body part and modifying the digital model to create a plurality of compression areas. The compression areas are spaced circumferentially around a long axis of the digital model to create a compression pattern. The compression pattern is sized and dimensioned to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the interface is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 11151291
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interface for a body part having an underlying skeletal structure surrounded by soft tissue is described. The method comprises reducing a radial dimension of a positive or negative model of the body part at a plurality of compression areas. The plurality of compression areas are spaced circumferentially around a long axis of the model to create a compression pattern. Each compression area is longitudinal-shaped and extends along a long axis of the model. An interface that mates with the compression pattern of the model is fabricated. The compression pattern of the interface is sized and dimensioned to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the interface is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20210045898
    Abstract: A liner system for reducing motion of a skeletal structure within a limb is described. The liner system includes a liner adapted to be worn over the limb and one or more shims adapted to be pre-placed along a length of the skeletal structure of the limb prior to donning the liner on the limb. The one or more shims each have a durometer, a radial thickness, a width, and a longitudinal dimension configured to compress a target area of soft tissue against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the shim is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20210004504
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interface for a body part having an underlying skeletal structure surrounded by soft tissue is described. The method comprises reducing a radial dimension of a positive or negative model of the body part at a plurality of compression areas. The plurality of compression areas are spaced circumferentially around a long axis of the model to create a compression pattern. Each compression area is longitudinal-shaped and extends along a long axis of the model. An interface that mates with the compression pattern of the model is fabricated. The compression pattern of the interface is sized and dimensioned to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure such that motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the interface is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Publication number: 20200405509
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a liner for reducing motion between a socket and a skeletal structure in a body part are described. Methods include selecting a plurality of compression areas, lying the compression areas along the longitudinal axis of the liner, and spacing the compression areas circumferentially around the liner. The durometer, radial thickness, width, and longitudinal dimension of the compression areas are selected to compress soft tissue of the body part against the skeletal structure to reduce motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the socket. Methods also include selecting a plurality of attachment areas on the liner and affixing a plurality of attachment area materials to the plurality of attachment areas. The durometer, radial thickness, width, and longitudinal dimension of the attachment area materials are selected to compress soft tissue of the body part and reduce motion of the skeletal structure towards a wall of the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20200405508
    Abstract: A method for reducing motion of a skeletal structure in a limb towards a wall of an interface is described. The interface comprises a plurality of compression areas that are longitudinally-shaped and oriented longitudinally along the length of limb. The method comprises selecting, during a process of creating the interface, a compression level for the compression areas that compresses soft tissue against the skeletal structure. The method also comprises donning the interface over the limb to apply a plurality of compressive forces that is sufficient to aid in suspension of the interface on the limb and reduce motion of the skeletal structure toward a wall of the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Patent number: 10878137
    Abstract: A method and system for fitting a compression stabilized prosthetic socket for a patient having an amputated limb and a remaining portion that includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's remaining portion of a limb, and a second socket portion for attachment of a prosthetic device. The first socket portion has compression portions having a radius for compressing portions of the patient's remaining portion of a limb, and relief portions receiving any portions of the patient's remaining limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions. The fitting method and system can include use of a mechanism to compress bar surfaces against the limb in areas selected to receive compression portions in order to prepare an image for creating the first socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 10806606
    Abstract: A liner with at least three substantially equally spaced attachment areas arranged longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end of the liner so as to permit relief areas between attachment areas and increase the radial thickness of the liner in the area of the liner inherently or through the addition of shims or other materials at the attachment areas. The liner and shims can be selected from a kit of different shaped liners and shims. Methods for making such a liner or liners for a kit. A method for iteratively attaching shims to the liner to prevent substantial movement of a limb's skeletal structure when the liner is worn with a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Patent number: 10702404
    Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 10369027
    Abstract: An adjustable socket system, method, and kit for use with prosthetic devices or orthotic, orthopedic, or exoskeletal support devices that includes a paddle and a compressing device coupled to the paddle. The paddle is chosen from a plurality of paddles of different shapes in such a way that the paddle inner surface is substantially coextensive with a soft tissue area overlying skeletal structures. The compressing device presses the paddle against the soft tissue area in order to minimize the motion of the paddle relative to the underlying skeletal structures without causing discomfort to the user or compressing areas not in contact with the paddle, allowing compressed tissue to flow into uncompressed areas. The system, method, and kit can include an external tool, sensors, actuators, and controllers, to assist fitting and for adjustment after fitting. A stabilizer can be added to resist the bending force on the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20190046338
    Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Randall D Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 10123888
    Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20180293333
    Abstract: A method and system for fitting a compression stabilized prosthetic socket for a patient having an amputated limb and a remaining portion that includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's remaining portion of a limb, and a second socket portion for attachment of a prosthetic device. The first socket portion has compression portions having a radius for compressing portions of the patient's remaining portion of a limb, and relief portions receiving any portions of the patient's remaining limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions. The fitting method and system can include use of a mechanism to compress bar surfaces against the limb in areas selected to receive compression portions in order to prepare an image for creating the first socket portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams
  • Publication number: 20170156896
    Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic device and a fitting tool for positing the prosthetic device on a limb are described. The prosthetic device comprises two or more adjustable paddles that are movably coupled with an adapter via connectors. The connectors allow the paddles to be repositioned relative to a user's limb. The paddles are sized and dimensioned to capture lost motion between the limb and the prosthetic device through skeletal compression and tissue displacement. The fitting tool comprises two or more compression bars that removably couple with the two or more paddles of the prosthetic device. The fitting tool also comprises two or more linear actuators that control the positions of the compression bars and the paddles relative to the limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20170065442
    Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20160228266
    Abstract: A liner with at least three substantially equally spaced attachment areas arranged longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end of the liner so as to permit relief areas between attachment areas and increase the radial thickness of the liner in the area of the liner inherently or through the addition of shims or other materials at the attachment areas. The liner and shims can be selected from a kit of different shaped liners and shims. Methods for making such a liner or liners for a kit. A method for iteratively attaching shims to the liner to prevent substantial movement of a limb's skeletal structure when the liner is worn with a socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Publication number: 20160158035
    Abstract: An adjustable socket system, method, and kit for use with prosthetic devices or orthotic, orthopedic, or exoskeletal support devices that includes a paddle and a compressing device coupled to the paddle. The paddle is chosen from a plurality of paddles of different shapes in such a way that the paddle inner surface is substantially coextensive with a soft tissue area overlying skeletal structures. The compressing device presses the paddle against the soft tissue area in order to minimize the motion of the paddle relative to the underlying skeletal structures without causing discomfort to the user or compressing areas not in contact with the paddle, allowing compressed tissue to flow into uncompressed areas. The system, method, and kit can include an external tool, sensors, actuators, and controllers, to assist fitting and for adjustment after fitting. A stabilizer can be added to resist the bending force on the paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley
  • Patent number: 9283093
    Abstract: An adjustable socket system, method, and kit for use with prosthetic devices or orthotic, orthopedic, or exoskeletal support devices that includes a paddle and a compressing device coupled to the paddle. The paddle is chosen from a plurality of paddles of different shapes in such a way that the paddle inner surface is substantially coextensive with a soft tissue area overlying skeletal structures. The compressing device presses the paddle against the soft tissue area in order to minimize the motion of the paddle relative to the underlying skeletal structures without causing discomfort to the user or compressing areas not in contact with the paddle, allowing compressed tissue to flow into uncompressed areas. The system, method, and kit can include an external tool, sensors, actuators, and controllers, to assist fitting and for adjustment after fitting. A stabilizer can be added to resist the bending force on the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Randall D. Alley