Patents by Inventor Robert A. Connor

Robert A. Connor 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).

  • Wearable Food Consumption Monitor
    Publication number: 20160143582
    Abstract: This invention is a device or system to monitor a person's food consumption and/or caloric intake which is worn like a hearing aid, ear-mounted bluetooth device, ear bud, or ear ring. This invention comprises: a sensor-positioning member which is worn on, in, or around a person's ear; a sensor which detects when the person is eating; an imaging member which is triggered to take pictures of food when the person is eating; and an image-analyzing member which analyzes the pictures of food to estimate the person's food consumption and/or caloric intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Hand-Held Spectroscopic Sensor with Light-Projected Fiducial Marker for Analyzing Food Composition and Quantity
    Publication number: 20160140870
    Abstract: This invention is a hand-held spectroscopic food sensor for analyzing the chemical and/or nutritional composition of food which projects a beam of light that serves as a fiducial marker for image analysis to better estimate the size and/or quantity of the food. In an example, this hand-held spectroscopic food sensor can be in wireless communication with a wearable or implanted device which detects eating and the person can be prompted to use the hand-held spectroscopic food sensor when data collected by the wearable or implanted device indicates that the person is eating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Devices and Methods for Occluding a Cerebral Aneurysm
    Publication number: 20160120551
    Abstract: This invention is a device to occlude a cerebral aneurysm which includes: a longitudinal lumen that is inserted into the parent blood vessel of an aneurysm; a flexible expandable member (such as a net or mesh) which is expanded within the aneurysm sack by the insertion of embolic members into that flexible expandable member; and a resilient expandable member (such as a cylindrical stent or ring stent) that is attached to a central portion of the flexible expandable member and expanded within the aneurysm sack in order to keep the flexible expandable member from slipping out of the aneurysm sack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable Device for the Ear with Electroencephalographic and Spectroscopic Sensors
    Publication number: 20160120474
    Abstract: This invention is a wearable device for the ear comprising: an ear attachment with a forehead-projecting portion, an electromagnetic energy sensor which is configured to collect data concerning electromagnetic energy which is transmitted through and/or emitted by the person's body, a microphone, a spectroscopic sensor which is configured to collect data concerning light energy which is transmitted through and/or reflected from the person's body, a sound-emitting unit, a power source, and a data processor. This device configuration is advantageous for mobile electroencephalographic monitoring and spectroscopic analysis of body tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Spectroscopic Finger Ring for Compositional Analysis of Food or Other Environmental Objects
    Publication number: 20160112684
    Abstract: This invention is a wearable spectroscopic device, such as a spectroscopic finger ring, for compositional analysis of food or other environmental objects. This device can project light as a fiducial marker to better estimate object size. This device can include a laser pointer which is directed toward an object to guide spectroscopic analysis of the object. Advantages over hand-held spectroscopic sensors include: convenience; subtlety of use; activation based on monitoring of body motion and/or hand gestures; and continuous proximity to hand-held food during eating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Colonnade (TM) Expandable Intragastric Food Flow Lumen Device
    Publication number: 20160095731
    Abstract: This invention is an expandable intragastric device for reducing food consumption and/or absorption. In an example, this device can be embodied in a plurality of longitudinal expandable members which are arranged in a colonnade configuration to form a restrictive food lumen within a stomach. Pumping a flowable substance between the interiors of these expandable members changes the rate of food flow through the stomach, the capacity of the stomach to hold food, and/or the amount of food absorbed by the body. This offers some of the beneficial effects of gastric sleeve surgery, while also being adjustable and reversible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable Spectroscopic Sensor to Measure Food Consumption Based on Interaction Between Light and the Human Body
    Publication number: 20160073886
    Abstract: This is a wearable device to measure a person's food consumption based on the interaction between light energy and body tissue comprising: a wearable spectroscopic sensor that collects data concerning the spectrum of light energy reflected from body tissue or having passed through body tissue; a data processing unit; and a power source. Spectroscopic sensor data is analyzed to measure consumption of selected types of food, ingredients, and/or nutrients. This device can be embodied in a finger ring, smart watch, wrist band, wrist bracelet, armlet, cuff, or sleeve with close-fitting spectroscopic sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Implanted Extracardiac Device for Circulatory Assistance
    Publication number: 20160045654
    Abstract: This invention is an implanted extracardiac device for supplementing blood circulation which comprises an implanted blood flow lumen, a blood flow increasing mechanism, and a control unit. Its design improves blood circulation when the blood flow increasing mechanism is operating, without hindering native blood flow when the mechanism is not operating. This device improves circulation without intruding on cardiac tissue or weakening the heart by completely supplanting cardiac function. Also, since the device allows native blood flow when the blood flow increasing mechanism is not in operation, it requires less power and can enable more patient mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Smart watch and food-imaging member for monitoring food consumption
    Patent number: 9254099
    Abstract: This invention is a device and system for monitoring a person's food consumption comprising: a wearable sensor that automatically collects data to detect probable eating events; an imaging member that is used by the person to take pictures of food wherein the person is prompted to take pictures of food when an eating event is detected by the wearable sensor; and a data analysis component that analyzes these food pictures to estimate the types and amounts of foods, ingredients, nutrients, and/or calories that are consumed by the person. In an example, the wearable sensor can be part of a smart watch or smart bracelet. In an example, the imaging member can be part of a smart phone. The integrated operation of the wearable sensor and the imaging member disclosed in this invention offers accurate measurement of food consumption with low intrusion into the person's privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable Imaging Member and Spectroscopic Optical Sensor for Food Identification and Nutrition Modification
    Publication number: 20160034764
    Abstract: This invention is a wearable device or system for identification and quantification of food comprising an imaging member (such as a camera) that takes pictures of nearby food, an optical sensor (such as a spectroscopic optical sensor) which collects data concerning light that is reflected from this food, an attachment mechanism (such as a wrist band), and an image-analyzing member (such as a data control unit). This invention can further comprise a computer-to-human interface which modifies a person's nutritional intake based on identification of unhealthy vs. healthy food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Eyewear System for Monitoring and Modifying Nutritional Intake
    Publication number: 20160012749
    Abstract: This invention is an eyewear-based system and device for monitoring and modifying a person's nutritional intake. This invention can comprise eyewear with an imaging member which automatically records images of food when the person consumes food. These food images are automatically analyzed to estimate the type and quantity of food. This invention can also comprise a nutritional intake modification component which modifies the person's nutritional intake based on the type and quantity of food. This invention can reduce a person's nutritional intake of unhealthy types and/or quantities of food without reducing their nutritional intake of healthy types and/or quantities of food. It can serve as part of an overall system for better nutrition, weight management, and improved health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable Imaging Device for Monitoring Food Consumption Using Gesture Recognition
    Publication number: 20150379238
    Abstract: This invention comprises devices and methods which use a wearable camera and gesture recognition in order to identify when a person is eating. Eating-related gestures are recognized by tracking the configuration and movement of a person's thumb, a person's index finger, a portion of food, and/or a food-transporting object (such as a fork, spoon, chop stick, drinking glass, beverage can, cup, mug, or bowl). These devices and methods can help people to better manage their food consumption, energy balance, and weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Smart Clothing with Human-to-Computer Textile Interface
    Publication number: 20150370320
    Abstract: This invention is smart clothing with a touch-based and/or gesture-based human-to-computer textile interface which transduces human touch and/or gestures into computer inputs. In an example, this interface can comprise an array or mesh of electroconductive fibers, threads, or yarns which are woven together using a plain weave, a rib weave, a basket weave, a twill weave, a satin weave, a leno weave, or a mock leno weave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: MEDIBOTICS LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Electromyographic Clothing
    Publication number: 20150366504
    Abstract: This invention is an article of clothing with electromyographic (EMG) sensors which measures body motion and/or muscle activity. This clothing can be a short-sleeve shirt or a pair of shorts, wherein the electromyographic (EMG) sensors are on the cuffs. The electromyographic (EMG) sensors can be modular; they can be removably attached to different locations in order to create a customized article of electromyographic clothing which optimally measures the muscle activity of a particular person or muscle activity during a particular sport. This clothing can also include bending-based motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • WhipFlash [TM]: Wearable Environmental Control System for Predicting and Cooling Hot Flashes
    Publication number: 20150320588
    Abstract: This invention is a sleep environment control system which uses wearable technology with physiological sensors to predict when a person will have a hot flash and to proactively provide localized cooling or accelerated airflow for that person for a limited time to alleviate the adverse effects of that hot flash. In an example, a physiological sensor can be a body temperature sensor, skin conductance sensor, or EEG sensor. This system can reduce interruptions of a person's sleep due to hot flashes and improve their quality of life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Sleepnea LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Mobile Wearable Electromagnetic Brain Activity Monitor
    Publication number: 20150313496
    Abstract: This invention is a mobile wearable electromagnetic brain activity monitor comprising a frame worn on a person's head, electromagnetic energy sensors which collect data concerning the person's electromagnetic brain activity, and a control unit. The electromagnetic energy sensors can be electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes. In an example, the frame can be circular. In an example, the frame can loop around the person's head from one ear to the other ear. In an example, the frame can be an eyewear frame which also includes light-transmitting optical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Willpower Glasses (TM) -- A Wearable Food Consumption Monitor
    Publication number: 20150313539
    Abstract: This invention is a device to monitor caloric intake comprising: a wearable member that is worn in a manner similar to eyeglasses; and an EEG sensor, wherein indications that a person is probably eating are based on electromagnetic waves from the person's brain. In an example, this device can further comprise one or more automatic-imaging members that automatically take pictures when the person eats based on data from the EEG sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable Computing Devices and Methods for the Wrist and/or Forearm
    Publication number: 20150309535
    Abstract: This invention comprises wearable computing devices and methods for the wrist and/or forearm including a bifurcating attachment member and/or proximal and distal display members. These wearable devices can provide relatively-large display areas without looking too clunky or being uncomfortable to wear. This invention also comprises methods for conserving energy and for modifying the communication interface between a human and a computer based on data from environmental sensors and/or body sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Motion Recognition Clothing [TM] with Flexible Electromagnetic, Light, or Sonic Energy Pathways
    Publication number: 20150309563
    Abstract: This invention is an article of clothing or clothing accessory for measuring body motion, posture, and/or configuration comprising sets of multiple flexible electromagnetic, light, and/or sound energy pathways, wherein each set longitudinally spans the same body joint in a selected configuration to increase measurement accuracy. Multiple flexible energy pathways longitudinally spanning the same body joint can transmit the same type or different types of energy (e.g. electromagnetic, light, or sound) and can transmit energy flows with the same flow parameters or different flow parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Wearable device for disrupting unwelcome photography
    Patent number: 9140444
    Abstract: This invention is a wearable device and method for disrupting unwelcome photography by a proximal imaging device in order to protect a person's privacy. This invention can be embodied in a device worn by the person whose privacy is to be protected comprising: a wearable light source; an ambient light sensor; an inbound light guide that harvests light from an ambient light source; a data processing unit that selects the use of light from the wearable light source, from the ambient light source, or from both the wearable light source and the ambient light source to disrupt unwelcome photography; and an outbound light guide that directs light from the wearable light source, from the ambient light source, or from both the wearable light source and the ambient light source toward the proximal imaging device in order to disrupt unwelcome photography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Medibotics, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor