Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Sugar

Thomas G. Sugar 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: 9308642
    Abstract: A phase oscillating device for affecting movement of a limb or a primary body includes a sensor coupled to the primary body. A physical state of the primary body is measured using the sensor. A phase angle of the primary body is determined based on the physical state measurement. The physical state measurement includes position, velocity, or acceleration. The phase angle of the primary body is filtered using a sine function. An actuator is coupled to the primary body. The actuator is triggered based on the phase angle of the primary body to provide a force or torque to assist or resist movement of the primary body. A secondary body is coupled to the primary body. The secondary body is oscillated using the actuator, which is triggered in phase with a gait step. Alternatively, a fan is coupled to the primary body and actuator to provide the oscillating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University, SpringActive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Sugar, Jason Kerestes, Matthew A. Holgate, Jeffrey A. Ward, Thierry Flaven
  • Patent number: 9192487
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a prosthetic limb are provided. A sensor component receives input from a wearer's muscle and provides a signal to a control component. The sensor component may be a force sensing resistor placed inside a socket of a prosthetic limb between a residual limb and the hard side of the socket. The control component processes the signal and provides instructions to an actuation component. In this manner, an actuation component may move a joint, or may change the velocity of a joint, or may change other characteristics of the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Thierry Flaven, Thomas G. Sugar, George Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140257521
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a prosthetic limb are provided. A sensor component receives input from a wearer's muscle and provides a signal to a control component. The sensor component may be a force sensing resistor placed inside a socket of a prosthetic limb between a residual limb and the hard side of the socket. The control component processes the signal and provides instructions to an actuation component. In this manner, an actuation component may move a joint, or may change the velocity of a joint, or may change other characteristics of the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Thierry Flaven, Thomas G. Sugar, George Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140200715
    Abstract: A phase oscillating device for affecting movement of a limb or a primary body includes a sensor coupled to the primary body. A physical state of the primary body is measured using the sensor. A phase angle of the primary body is determined based on the physical state measurement. The physical state measurement includes position, velocity, or acceleration. The phase angle of the primary body is filtered using a sine function. An actuator is coupled to the primary body. The actuator is triggered based on the phase angle of the primary body to provide a force or torque to assist or resist movement of the primary body. A secondary body is coupled to the primary body. The secondary body is oscillated using the actuator, which is triggered in phase with a gait step. Alternatively, a fan is coupled to the primary body and actuator to provide the oscillating force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas G. Sugar, Jason Kerestes, Matthew A. Holgate, Jeffrey A. Ward, Thierry Flaven
  • Patent number: 7399258
    Abstract: Treadmills are generally discussed herein with specific discussion to Omni-directional treadmills that incorporate powered offset casters to move a belt in the X, Y, and theta directions. The belt is positioned over a frame and the frame includes a plurality of rollers for allowing the belt to turn about the frame. The powered offset casters can be mounted under the belt or on top of the belt and are controlled by a control system, which controls the translational motion and rotational motion of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas G. Sugar, Kurt Bauernfeind
  • Patent number: 5329807
    Abstract: This invention relates to a centrifugal apparatus for testing the waterproofness of an article of footwear. The centrifugal apparatus may also be used to test other apparel such as gloves, socks, waders, pants, and hats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Sugar, Seshamamba Yalamanchili