Patents by Inventor Rory Cooper

Rory Cooper 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: 20260131145
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing stimulation to an ear of a user. The apparatus has a body that is at least partly receivable into the ear canal. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the body. The plurality of electrodes are positioned to contact surfaces of the ear. Methods and systems for applying one or more electrical pulses to an ear are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Inventors: Michael A. Urbin, Rory Cooper
  • Patent number: 12005735
    Abstract: A wheelchair can comprise: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion that is coupled to the upper portion so that the upper portion is vertically adjustable with respect to the lower portion. A pair of drive wheels can be coupled to the frame. A plurality (e.g., a pair) of casters are coupled to the frame. Each caster can have a respective swivel axis. At least one caster of the plurality of casters can be configured to be locked to prevent swiveling about its respective swivel axis and unlocked to enable swiveling about its respective swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignees: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs, University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rory Cooper, Jonathan Duvall, Robert McDonough, Aaron Tyler Anderson, Siew Seang Ong, Jeffrey Ruffing
  • Publication number: 20210283952
    Abstract: A wheelchair can comprise: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion that is coupled to the upper portion so that the upper portion is vertically adjustable with respect to the lower portion. A pair of drive wheels can be coupled to the frame. A plurality (e.g., a pair) of casters are coupled to the frame. Each caster can have a respective swivel axis. At least one caster of the plurality of casters can be configured to be locked to prevent swiveling about its respective swivel axis and unlocked to enable swiveling about its respective swivel axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Rory Cooper, JONATHAN DUVALL, ROBERT McDONOUGH, AARON TYLER ANDERSON, SIEW SEANG ONG, JEFFREY RUFFING
  • Publication number: 20110162905
    Abstract: Steering mechanism that increases adjustability. The steering mechanism can have different gear ratios between the input rotation from the user and the output rotation on the drive wheel. The steering device will allow users to employ a pushing or pulling motion for steering instead of pushing to turn in one direction and pulling to turn in the opposite direction. Users with weaker torso strength may not be able to maintain their balance when they pull on a steering tiller. Allowing users to choose the type of motion for steering, and to supplement one motion with the other, creating flexibility and support for users with various abilities. Lastly, the steering system should not impede a user transferring into and out of the personal vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Pearlman, Rory Cooper
  • Patent number: 7882909
    Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Pearlman, Rory Cooper
  • Publication number: 20080066974
    Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Pearlman, Rory Cooper
  • Publication number: 20050195166
    Abstract: The present invention provides variable compliance joysticks with mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated control capability, and a method of systematically determining the best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in the joysticks to offer an individual with substantial upper extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function. The joysticks may include components for varying the compliance and dampening of the joystick shaft. The method may include providing the user access to operate the joysticks, operatively connecting the joysticks to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the driving simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the joysticks, evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's ability to control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware settings and software algorithms for the joysticks based upon the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventors: Rory Cooper, Donald Spaeth, Songfeng Guo
  • Patent number: 6276705
    Abstract: A wheelchair hand rim that increases the mechanical efficiency of a pushrim by providing a better complement to the hand and decreasing the likelihood of secondary injuries. The present invention includes a first rim made of a light weight metal tube without any coating on its lateral or interior exterior surface, a concave trough between the first rim and the side of a wheel of a wheelchair, and an second rim made of a light weight metal tube, uncoated, having the same tube diameter of the first rim, and concentrically aligned within the first rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Baldwin, Rory Cooper, Michael Boninger, Al Vangura, Jr., James F. Ster