Patents by Inventor Tim Swift
Tim Swift 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).
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Patent number: 10352334Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling a hydraulic actuation system having at least one degree of freedom, a prime mover, at least one actuation module and a controller, with each actuation module including: an over-center variable displacement pump having a power input connection configured to power the pump from the prime mover and a displacement varying input for varying the displacement of the pump; a displacement varying actuator configured to modulate the displacement varying input of the pump; an output actuator in direct communication with the pump, the output actuator configured to drive a corresponding degree of freedom; and at least one sensor establishing a feedback measurement that represents a force or motion of the output actuator. Based on a value of each feedback measurement, the force or motion of the output actuator is regulated by controlling the prime mover and the displacement actuator for the output actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reed Amundson, Russdon Angold, David Scheinman, Tim Swift, Daniel P Norboe, Robert Moore, Jonathan Beard, Kyle Edelberg
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Publication number: 20190060156Abstract: A computer implemented method of semi-supervised intent recognition for an exoskeleton system. In one aspect, the method includes, in response to a state transition intention input, changing the exoskeleton system from operating in a first mode with sensitivity to detecting state transitions at a first sensitivity level to operating in a second mode with sensitivity to detecting state transitions at a second sensitivity level that is more sensitive than the first sensitivity level; identifying a state transition while operating in the second mode and using the second sensitivity level; and facilitating the identified state transition by actuating the exoskeleton system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Tim Swift, Kevin Kemper
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Publication number: 20190060157Abstract: A method of performing a fit test on an actuator unit coupled to a user. The method includes determining a first configuration of the actuator unit while the actuator unit is in an un-actuating state and while the user is in a fit test position; actuating the actuator unit; determining a second configuration of the actuator unit generated in response to the actuating the leg actuator unit; determining a change in configuration of the actuator unit based at least in part on the difference between the first and second configuration; and determining that the change in configuration corresponds to an improper fit of the actuator unit to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Callum Lamb, Kevin Kemper, Tim Swift
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Patent number: 10159620Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20180298896Abstract: A roll-diaphragm compressor and a roll-diaphragm compressors system, including methods for manufacturing and using same. The roll-diaphragm compressor includes a compressor body having a concave portion that defines a rounded interface wall and an apex portion adjacent to the concave portion that comprises an inlet and outlet port. The roll-diaphragm compressor also includes a flexible roll-diaphragm coupled to the compressor body about a compressor body edge and a compression chamber defined by the concave portion, apex portion and roll-diaphragm. The roll-diaphragm compressor further includes a piston head rigidly coupled to a central portion of the roll-diaphragm and configured to drive the roll-diaphragm to a first configuration where the roll-diaphragm engages the interface wall as part of a compression cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Pete Lynn, Saul Griffith, Kevin Albert, Tim Swift, Jake Read
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Publication number: 20180283414Abstract: A poppet valve system that includes a valve body having a first and second end and defining a valve cavity and a poppet assembly extending from the first end to the second end and through the valve cavity. The poppet assembly can include a movable poppet head disposed at the first end of the poppet assembly and configured generate a seal by contacting a portion of the valve body and configured to define an opening between the valve cavity and a pressure cavity. The poppet assembly can also include a movable guiding element disposed at the second end of the valve body and a shaft extending from the first end to the second end and coupled to the poppet head and guiding element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Pete LYNN, Kevin ALBERT, Giancarlo NUCCI, Tim SWIFT, Maria TELLERIA, Loren RUSSELL, Jonathan POMPA
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Patent number: 10012229Abstract: A roll-diaphragm compressor and a roll-diaphragm compressors system, including methods for manufacturing and using same. The roll-diaphragm compressor includes a compressor body having a concave portion that defines a rounded interface wall and an apex portion adjacent to the concave portion that comprises an inlet and outlet port. The roll-diaphragm compressor also includes a flexible roll-diaphragm coupled to the compressor body about a compressor body edge and a compression chamber defined by the concave portion, apex portion and roll-diaphragm. The roll-diaphragm compressor further includes a piston head rigidly coupled to a central portion of the roll-diaphragm and configured to drive the roll-diaphragm to a first configuration where the roll-diaphragm engages the interface wall as part of a compression cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: OTHER LAB LLCInventors: Pete Lynn, Saul Griffith, Kevin Albert, Tim Swift, Jake Read
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Patent number: 9995321Abstract: A poppet valve system that includes a valve body having a first and second end and defining a valve cavity and a poppet assembly extending from the first end to the second end and through the valve cavity. The poppet assembly can include a movable poppet head disposed at the first end of the poppet assembly and configured generate a seal by contacting a portion of the valve body and configured to define an opening between the valve cavity and a pressure cavity. The poppet assembly can also include a movable guiding element disposed at the second end of the valve body and a shaft extending from the first end to the second end and coupled to the poppet head and guiding element.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: OTHER LAB, LLCInventors: Pete Lynn, Kevin Albert, Giancarlo Nucci, Tim Swift, Maria Telleria, Loren Russell, Jonathan Pompa
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Publication number: 20180079071Abstract: A pneumatic exomuscle system and methods for manufacturing and using same. The pneumatic exomuscle system includes a pneumatic module; a plurality of pneumatic actuators each operably coupled to the pneumatic module via at least one pneumatic line, a portion of the pneumatic actuators configured to be worn about respective body joints of a user; and a control module operably coupled to the pneumatic module, the control module configured to control the pneumatic module to selectively inflate portions of the pneumatic actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Saul Griffith, Pete Lynn, Della Shea, Kevin Albert, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20180055709Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicants: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Patent number: 9884421Abstract: An exoskeleton device provides for selectively adjusting an exoskeleton hip pivot/pivot position in the sagittal plane relative to the position of the hip pivot of a wearer of the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton hip pivots/pivot positions can be shifted forward or rearward relative to the hip pivots of the wearer and can either be automatically actuated by an exoskeleton control system or manually adjusted by the exoskeleton wearer. The invention particularly allows for differential hip placement in order to compensate for changing load or actuation conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Garrett, Robert Moore, Tim Swift, Kurt Amundson, Russdon Angold
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Patent number: 9827667Abstract: A pneumatic exomuscle system and methods for manufacturing and using same. The pneumatic exomuscle system includes a pneumatic module; a plurality of pneumatic actuators each operably coupled to the pneumatic module via at least one pneumatic line, a portion of the pneumatic actuators configured to be worn about respective body joints of a user; and a control module operably coupled to the pneumatic module, the control module configured to control the pneumatic module to selectively inflate portions of the pneumatic actuators.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: OTHER LAB LLCInventors: Saul Griffith, Pete Lynn, Della Shea, Kevin Albert, Tim Swift
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Patent number: 9801772Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20170225320Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure includes a monopod that comprises an elongated linear body that extends along a main axis between a top-end and a bottom-end, the body including a plurality of telescoping segments configured to allow the body to extend and contract along a length of the body by at least a second segment slidably residing within a first segment; one or more cavities defined by the body and configured to hold a fluid; and a fluid assembly that is configured to allow the fluid to pass from a fluid source and into the one or more cavities under the control of a fluid-control interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Tim Swift, Brenton Piercy
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Publication number: 20160278948Abstract: A lower-leg exoskeleton including an inflatable actuator that is configured to be worn over a front portion of a foot of a user; a rigid foot structure coupled to the inflatable actuator that is configured to surround a portion of a foot of the user; and a rigid shin structure coupled to the inflatable actuator and configured to engage the shin of the user. When worn by a user, the lower-leg exoskeleton can receive and transmit an actuator load generated by the inflatable actuator to a load contact point defined by the rigid foot structure which is forward of the heel of a user. Inflation of the inflatable actuator can generate a moment about the ankle of a user to cause flexion of the foot of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Brenton Piercy, Tim Swift, Giancarlo Nucci, Callum Lamb, Pete Lynn, Saul Griffith, Leanne Luce
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Publication number: 20160281748Abstract: A poppet valve system that includes a valve body having a first and second end and defining a valve cavity and a poppet assembly extending from the first end to the second end and through the valve cavity. The poppet assembly can include a movable poppet head disposed at the first end of the poppet assembly and configured generate a seal by contacting a portion of the valve body and configured to define an opening between the valve cavity and a pressure cavity. The poppet assembly can also include a movable guiding element disposed at the second end of the valve body and a shaft extending from the first end to the second end and coupled to the poppet head and guiding element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Pete LYNN, Kevin ALBERT, Giancarlo NUCCI, Tim SWIFT, Maria TELLERIA, Loren RUSSELL, Jonathan POMPA
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Patent number: 9351855Abstract: A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tim Swift, Adam Brian Zoss, Katherine Strausser, Matthew Rosa, Dylan Miller Fairbanks, Minerva Vasudevan Pillai, Miclas Schwartz, Bram Gilbert Antoon Lambrecht, Sebastian Kruse
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Patent number: 9295604Abstract: A powered exoskeleton configured to be coupled to lower limbs of a person is controlled to impart a movement desired by the person. The intent of the person is determined by a controller based on monitoring at least one of: positional changes in an arm portion of the person, positional changes in a head of the person, an orientation of a walking aid employed by the person, a contact force between a walking aid employed by the person and a support surface, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a relative orientation of the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person, and relative velocities between the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Adam Zoss, Katherine Strausser, Tim Swift, Russ Angold, Jon Burns, Dylan Fairbanks, Nathan Harding
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Publication number: 20160045386Abstract: An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and/or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Kurt Amundson, James Stryker, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
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Publication number: 20160038371Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift