Patents by Inventor Richard R. Marcus
Richard R. Marcus 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: 11007105Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: AlterG, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Publication number: 20190015284Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Robert W. HORST, Richard R. MARCUS
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Patent number: 9889058Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: AlterG, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Publication number: 20150374573Abstract: An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Robert W. HORST, Richard R. MARCUS
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Publication number: 20130261511Abstract: A therapy and mobility assistance system used by a patient that includes a leg device worn on the leg of the patient that provides assistance and/or resistance to enhance the mobility of the leg of the patient, a therapy shuttle that facilitates therapeutic extension and flexion of at least one of the joints of the leg of the patient, and an appendage fastener that selectively couples the therapy shuttle and the leg device. The therapy and mobility assistance system may additionally include a guide track that constrains motion of the therapy shuttle along a path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Jonathan A. SMITH, Edith Merle ARNOLD, Kern BHUGRA, Robert W. HORST, Richard R. MARCUS
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Publication number: 20120316475Abstract: An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint is provided with a motor assembly, a rotary-to-linear mechanism, and an extension stop. The rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut. The extension stop is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint. The motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint. The system is configured without a flexion stop, and is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. Methods of use are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: TIBION CORPORATIONInventors: Kern Bhugra, Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus, Jonathan Smith
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Patent number: 8274244Abstract: An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint is provided with a motor assembly, a rotary-to-linear mechanism, and an extension stop. The rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut. The extension stop is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint. The motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint. The system is configured without a flexion stop, and is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. Methods of use are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Tibion CorporationInventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Patent number: 7811189Abstract: A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Tibion CorporationInventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Publication number: 20100204620Abstract: A therapy and mobility assistance system used by a patient that includes a leg device worn on the leg of the patient that provides assistance and/or resistance to enhance the mobility of the leg of the patient, a therapy shuttle that facilitates therapeutic extension and flexion of at least one of the joints of the leg of the patient, and an appendage fastener that selectively couples the therapy shuttle and the leg device. The therapy and mobility assistance system may additionally include a guide track that constrains motion of the therapy shuttle along a path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Jonathan A. Smith, Edith Merle Arnold, Kern Bhugra, Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Publication number: 20100038983Abstract: One of the embodiments of the invention is an actuator system for extending and flexing a joint. The actuator system includes a multi-motor assembly for providing a rotational output, a rotary-to-linear mechanism including a screw that accepts the rotational output of the multi-motor assembly and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut, and a moving rail with a latch that functions to translate linear movement of the nut in both the extension and flexion directions into an extension and flexion of the joint. The actuator has been specifically designed for extending and flexing a joint (such as an ankle, a knee, an elbow, or a shoulder) of a human. The actuator system may, however, be used to move any suitable object through any suitable movement (linear, rotational, or otherwise).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Kern Bhugra, Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus, Jonathan Smith
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Patent number: 7648436Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Tibion CorporationInventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Publication number: 20080203841Abstract: A motor that delivers high force linear motion or high torque rotary motion to a moving element. The motor may include a driving brake, a driver, a holding brake and a flexible moving element. Operation of the motor may involve activating the holding brake, activating the driver to flex the moving element, activating the holding brake to maintain the position of a portion of the moving element, releasing the driving brake, and restoring the moving element to an unflexed position. The elements are arranged to provide linear motion, belt-driven rotary motion, or directly-coupled rotary motion using brakes and drivers arranged in linear or circular fashion. Drivers may be linear or rotary actuators or motors based on electrostatic, piezoelectric, magnetic, or electrostrictive properties. The brakes may be applied through electrostatic forces, magnetic forces, or mechanical gears engaged with a linear or rotary driving mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: TIBION CORPORATIONInventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus
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Patent number: 7365463Abstract: A motor that delivers high force linear motion or high torque rotary motion to a moving element. The motor may include a driving brake, a driver, a holding brake and a flexible moving element. Operation of the motor may involve activating the holding brake, activating the driver to flex the moving element, activating the holding brake to maintain the position of a portion of the moving element, releasing the driving brake, and restoring the moving element to an unflexed position. The elements are arranged to provide linear motion, belt-driven rotary motion, or directly-coupled rotary motion using brakes and drivers arranged in linear or circular fashion. Drivers may be linear or rotary actuators or motors based on electrostatic, piezoelectric, magnetic, or electrostrictive properties. The brakes may be applied through electrostatic forces, magnetic forces, or mechanical gears engaged with a linear or rotary driving mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Tibion CorporationInventors: Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus