Patents by Inventor Robert Riener

Robert Riener 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).

  • Publication number: 20260165493
    Abstract: A rocking bed comprising a slider-crank mechanism comprising a rotary drive and at least one four-bar linkage comprising a frame with two cranks pivotably mounted thereon via a first pivot and a second pivot, and a movable linkage pivotably connected to the cranks via a third pivot and a fourth pivot. A connecting rod of the slider-crank mechanism is pivotably connected to a support structure of the rocking bed via a sixth pivot, wherein there is a pivotable connection between the movable linkage and the support structure of the rocking bed via a fifth pivot, via which a movement of the support structure can be guided along a horizontal direction. The rotary drive has a control unit configured to realize a revolution operation of a crank of the slider-crank mechanism. A method and a computer program for operating such a rocking bed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2026
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert RIENER, Francesco CRIVELLI, Alexander BREUSS, Manuel FUJS, Elisabeth WILHELM, Nicola WYSS, Miriam MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20240307249
    Abstract: A device for arrangement on a body comprising an essentially rotation-symmetric portion. The device comprises at least one interface that comprises two clamps with at least one pivot axis, each clamp comprising a clamp tip, the respective clamp tip being arranged opposite of the at least one pivot axis and the pivot axis being arranged fixed in relation to a base structure comprised by the device. The clamps are configured to be pivoted around the at least one pivot axis between a first position and a second position, respectively, wherein in the first position, the clamp tips are spaced further from each other than in the second position. A support structure is arranged between the clamps. A support rope system has at least one support rope, with at least one support rope of the rope system being connected to a tensioning element fixed with respect to the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Yves Dominik ZIMMERMANN, Jaeyong SONG, Florian TEUSCHER, Patrick HUWILER, Peter WOLF, Robert RIENER
  • Patent number: 11883343
    Abstract: A soft wearable muscle assisting device has at least a wearable body interface and attached thereon elements of active and passive components, adapted to together assist a user in changing or maintaining a position of a first body part articulated to a second body part. The wearable body interface comprises at least two gar-ment portions. The active and passive components comprise at least one actively powered element. The passive components comprise at least a first passive component and a second passive component that both extend between the at least two garment components and comprise elastic material for storing energy provided by the user and/or by the at least one actively powered element. The first and a second passive components are arranged on opposite sides of a joint of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Jaime Duarte, Kai Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20230138494
    Abstract: The invention concerns an orthosis (10) for stabilizing the position of the scapula (3) at least during a lateral movement of an arm (8) related to the scapula (3), comprising a torso fixation means (20), in particular a harness, fixable to the torso (2) of a person (1), and a pressure element (30) in a translational and/or pivotable way coupled to the torso fixation means (20) for applying a normal pressure force onto the scapula (3), as well as an arm fixation means (40) fixable to the arm (8), in particular to the upper arm, of the person (1), wherein the arm fixation means (40) is connected to the pressure element (30) by means of a coupling device (50) and wherein the position of connection (51) of the coupling device (50) to the pressure element (30) is realized in a distance h1 to the position of coupling (31) between the pressure element (30) and the torso fixation means (20), such that a movement of the arm (8), in particular a lifting movement (401), of a person (1) attached to the orthosis (10) is
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Anna-Maria GEORGARAKIS, Yves Dominic ZIMMERMANN, Robert RIENER
  • Publication number: 20190343707
    Abstract: A soft wearable muscle assisting device has at least a wearable body interface and attached thereon elements of active and passive components, adapted to together assist a user in changing or maintaining a position of a first body part articulated to a second body part. The wearable body interface comprises at least two gar-ment portions. The active and passive components comprise at least one actively powered element. The passive components comprise at least a first passive component and a second passive component that both extend between the at least two garment components and comprise elastic material for storing energy provided by the user and/or by the at least one actively powered element. The first and a second passive components are arranged on opposite sides of a joint of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Jaime Duarte, Kai Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9017271
    Abstract: A system for arm therapy comprises a first drive (M2) that can be fixedly connected to an element (10) determining the position of a user (19) and rotationally driving, about a first axis (A2), a part (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, M1, 26) of the arm therapy system which can be connected to an upper arm module (26, M3, M4). The driven part of the arm therapy system comprises a second drive (M1) adapted to rotationally drive said upper arm module (26, M3, M4) about a second axis (A1), wherein said second axis (A1) is oriented orthogonal to the first axis (A2). The system can provide a statically determined exoskeleton with correct anatomical axes and misaligned technical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich
    Inventors: Tobias Nef, Andreas Brunschweiler, Robert Riener, Niklaus Schulz
  • Patent number: 8924010
    Abstract: A method to control a robot device that includes at least one manipulator which is moveable in an operating space, at least one actuator which actuates the manipulator, a sensor arrangement having at least one position sensor to determine the actual position of the manipulator and a controller which controls the actuator. The manipulator moves along an actual trajectory by means of an external force provided by an operator. The actuator provides compensation forces onto the manipulator influencing the torques or forces exchanged between operator and manipulator. The controller includes a conservative force field module having a conservative force field. The controller provides control signals for the actuator which provides the compensation force based on the control signals. The control signals are based on the conservative force field and on the actual position of the manipulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hocoma AG
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Heike Vallery, Alexander Duschau-Wicke
  • Patent number: 8905926
    Abstract: A rehabilitation system for neurological disorders, especially for the rehabilitation of patients being in a vegetative state or minimal conscious state, comprises at least two sensors adapted to measure two different physiological values of the patient and a stimulation generator. Initially predefined target signals determined and based on parameters relating to the injury are generated and, during a rehabilitation session, compared with the measurement signals to drive the stimulation generators delivering sensory stimulation to the patient as feedback. The controlling processor is adapted to change the predefined target signals during a rehabilitation session based on the development or changes of the measurement signals of the different physiological values, to enable a faster and better improvement of the alertness of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hocoma AG
    Inventors: Gery Colombo, Reinhard Schreier, Robert Riener, Martin Wieser, Jonas Fisler
  • Publication number: 20140087921
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device to train bilateral, cooperative hand functions of a subject with housing means, handle means comprising two exchangeable handles (1), namely a left handle and a right handle, shaft means comprising multiple shafts and couplings for coupling said shafts (2), clutching means comprising variable slipping clutches (3), said slipping clutches being adjustable, first sensor means (4) for measuring the angular position of each of said handles (1), second sensor means (5) for measuring the torque which is applied by the subject onto each of said handles (1), locking means (6) for locking said shaft means (2) wherein both handles can be rotated independently when said locking means are locked, wherein said locking means are positioned between said second sensor means so that said second sensor means for the left handle can measure the torque applied onto the left handle and said second sensor means for the right handle can measure the torque applied onto the right handle when the
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Volker Dietz, Robert Riener, Alessandro ROTTA, Markus WIRZ
  • Patent number: 8403677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which allows to preferably explain and demonstrate three-dimensional objects, such as anatomic models or also models and exhibits for museums and fairs. According to the invention the model 1 is fastened to the adjacencies by at least one multiple-component force-torque measurement device 2, includes an electronic storage and evaluation unit and an optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device. The force-torque measurement device 2 converts the forces and moments arising when the model 1 is touched into electrical measurement signals to be leaded to the electronic storage and evaluation unit, and in the electronic storage and evaluation unit the contact zone is calculated from the forces and torques detected as a result of the touch, and is communicated to the operator as a signal by means of the optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart
  • Patent number: 8376753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for learning and training dental treatment techniques, according to which a force is applied to a tooth (2) preferably by means of tools (4) in order to examine or treat this tooth. A mandible (1) or the tooth (2) is coupled to a force measuring device (3) in a manner that enables the forces applied to the tooth (2) to be represented in the form of electric measurement signals (5) that are fed to a data processing device (6). Said data processing device has a data memory (7) in which a multitude of reference force/time courses of different force/time-determined tooth treatment steps can be stored in a manner that enables them to be retrieved, whereby the forces applied to the tooth (2) and their temporal course are compared with a reference force/time course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart
  • Publication number: 20120130538
    Abstract: A method to control a robot device that includes at least one manipulator which is moveable in an operating space, at least one actuator which actuates the manipulator, a sensor arrangement having at least one position sensor to determine the actual position of the manipulator and a controller which controls the actuator. The manipulator moves along an actual trajectory by means of an external force provided by an operator. The actuator provides compensation forces onto the manipulator influencing the torques or forces exchanged between operator and manipulator. The controller includes a conservative force field module having a conservative force field. The controller provides control signals for the actuator which provides the compensation force based on the control signals. The control signals are based on the conservative force field and on the actual position of the manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: EIDGENOSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Heike Vallery, Alexander Duschau-Wicke
  • Patent number: 8108190
    Abstract: A joint simulator for duplicating the biomechanical properties of body segments with joints. In one embodiment, the joint simulator includes a body model of the body segment to be simulated, controllable drive elements which are coupled mechanically with the body model in such a way that movements of the body model which correspond to real biomechanical joint movements of the body segment to be simulated can be effected by controlling the drive elements, a sensor arrangement for detecting forces and movements introduced by an examining person on the body model and a programmable control device for controlling the drive elements, whereby the control device is configured such that the measured signals processed by the sensor arrangement are introduced into a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart
  • Publication number: 20090305213
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simulation device for simulating penetration processes, carried out by a needle- or pin-like instrument or tool, the simulation device comprising: a handle (1), connected to the instrument (2) in a movable manner, the handle (1) being held by an operator, a position determining device (7), which determines the position of the instrument (2) relative to the handle (1) and generates a position signal, a force determining device (6), which determines the force with which the instrument (2) is forced against the body (8) by means of the handle, said force determining device (6) generating a force signal, a controllable actuator for displacement of the instrument (2) relative to the handle (1) and a computing and control unit with a signaling connection to the actuator,; said computing and control unit comprising a memory in which penetration information specific to the body and a computer program are stored and, based on the position and force signals, the actuator is controlled such th
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Rainer Burgkart, Robert Riener
  • Publication number: 20090215588
    Abstract: A method to control the velocity of a treadmill according to the walking velocity of the person that is using the treadmill. A reaction force is measured, which occurs when a longitudinal repulsion force is created between the treadmill (2) and the person (1). A signal representation for said reaction force is transmitted to a control unit. The control unit is used to control the velocity of the treadmill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Michael Bernhardt, Joachim Von Zitzewitz
  • Publication number: 20090162823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which allows to preferably explain and demonstrate three-dimensional objects, such as anatomic models or also models and exhibits for museums and fairs. According to the invention the model 1 is fastened to the adjacencies by at least one multiple-component force-torque measurement device 2, includes an electronic storage and evaluation unit and an optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device. The force-torque measurement device 2 converts the forces and moments arising when the model 1 is touched into electrical measurement signals to be leaded to the electronic storage and evaluation unit, and in the electronic storage and evaluation unit the contact zone is calculated from the forces and torques detected as a result of the touch, and is communicated to the operator as a signal by means of the optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: ROBERT RIENER, RAINER BURGKART
  • Publication number: 20090149783
    Abstract: A system for arm therapy of a user comprises a device for determining the position of the user, a first drive, an upper arm rotation module, an upper arm cuff, at least one hinge movably connecting the upper arm cuff and the first drive, a second drive, and a rotation drive provided on the upper arm rotation module itself. The upper arm cuff is connected to the arm of the user and has a substantially hollow-cylindrical shape when it is closed. The first drive and the second drive are adapted to place the upper arm rotation module in a defined spatial position, and the rotation drive is adapted to turn the upper arm cuff about its main axis relative to the outer part of the upper arm rotation module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicants: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Universitat zurich
    Inventors: Tobias Nef, Robert Riener, Daniel Wegmann, Gery Colombo
  • Publication number: 20090076351
    Abstract: A rehabilitation system for neurological disorders, especially for the rehabilitation of patients being in a vegetative state or minimal conscious state, comprises at least two sensors adapted to measure two different physiological values of the patient and a stimulation generator. Initially predefined target signals determined and based on parameters relating to the injury are generated and, during a rehabilitation session, compared with the measurement signals to drive the stimulation generators delivering sensory stimulation to the patient as feedback. The controlling processor is adapted to change the predefined target signals during a rehabilitation session based on the development or changes of the measurement signals of the different physiological values, to enable a faster and better improvement of the alertness of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Hocoma AG
    Inventors: Gery Colombo, Reinhard Schreier, Robert Riener, Martin Wieser, Jonas Fisler
  • Publication number: 20090035741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a birth simulator having an interactive optical display for displaying prenatal handling methods and for simulating selected situations during birth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart
  • Patent number: 7241145
    Abstract: The invention concerns an active and an interactive birth simulator for duplicating human pregnancy and the birth process, whereby the birth simulator has the following features: A womb torso 1, a child model 2, which is arranged in the womb torso 1, whereby natural shape, size and positional ratios are preferably maintained, and the child model 2 is connected to a controllable drive 5 via a coupling device 7, in order to move the child model 2 in the womb torso or to expel it from the womb torso 1 through the birth canal and a programmable control device is provided for controlling the drive 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Riener, Rainer Burgkart