Patents by Inventor Rick Casler

Rick Casler 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: 10792169
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare LP
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh Miller Herr, Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20200188922
    Abstract: Improved sub-assemblies and methods of control for use in a diagnostic assay system adapted to receive an assay cartridge are provided herein. Such sub-assemblies include: a brushless DC motor, a door opening/closing mechanism and cartridge loading mechanism, a syringe and valve drive mechanism assembly, a sonication horn, a thermal control device and optical detection/excitation device. Such systems can further include a communications unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a user so as to receive a user input relating to functionality of the system with respect to an assay cartridge received therein and relaying a diagnostic result relating to the assay cartridge to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dority, Tien Phan, David Fromm, Rick Casler, Dustin Dickens, Stuart Morita, Matthew Piccini
  • Patent number: 10575971
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexander S. Margolin, Kristin J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timothy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 10562030
    Abstract: Improved sub-assemblies and methods of control for use in a diagnostic assay system adapted to receive an assay cartridge are provided herein. Such sub-assemblies include: a brushless DC motor, a door opening/closing mechanism and cartridge loading mechanism, a syringe and valve drive mechanism assembly, a sonication horn, a thermal control device and optical detection/excitation device. Such systems can further include a communications unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a user so as to receive a user input relating to functionality of the system with respect to an assay cartridge received therein and relaying a diagnostic result relating to the assay cartridge to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Doug Dority, Tien Phan, David Fromm, Rick Casler, Dustin Dickens, Stuart Morita, Matthew Piccini
  • Publication number: 20190117415
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such, as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexander S. Margolin, Kristin J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timothy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20180303634
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh Miller Herr, Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 10080672
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh Miller Herr, Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 10070974
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexander S. Margolin, Kristin J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timothy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20170086991
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities; (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh M. Herr
  • Patent number: 9554922
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BionX Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh M. Herr
  • Publication number: 20170021356
    Abstract: Improved sub-assemblies and methods of control for use in a diagnostic assay system adapted to receive an assay cartridge are provided herein. Such sub-assemblies include: a brushless DC motor, a door opening/closing mechanism and cartridge loading mechanism, a syringe and valve drive mechanism assembly, a sonication horn, a thermal control device and optical detection/excitation device. Such systems can further include a communications unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a user so as to receive a user input relating to functionality of the system with respect to an assay cartridge received therein and relaying a diagnostic result relating to the assay cartridge to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Doug DORITY, Tien PHAN, David FROMM, Rick CASLER, Dustin DICKENS, Stuart MORITA, Matthew PICCINI
  • Publication number: 20160296348
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexaner S. Margolin, Kristen J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timonthy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 9345592
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BionX Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexander S. Margolin, Kristin J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timothy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 9211201
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Miller Herr, Rick Casler, Zhixiu Han
  • Publication number: 20130312483
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Miller Herr, Rick Casler, Zhixiu Han
  • Patent number: 8419804
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Miller Herr, Rick Casler, Zhixiu Han
  • Publication number: 20100179668
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Christopher M. Nook, Alexander S. Margolin, Kristin J. Size, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Robert W. Spaller, Gregory K. Thompson, Timothy M. Dalrymple, Seth S. Kessler, David W. Murray, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20100174384
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Rick Casler
  • Publication number: 20100174385
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh M. Herr
  • Publication number: 20100113980
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: iWalk, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Rick Casler, Zhixiu Han