Patents by Inventor Todd Kuiken

Todd Kuiken 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: 11612504
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compact wrist rotator and flexor mechanism for use with a prosthetic hand. The wrist rotator and flexor uses a set of motors to provide a driven mechanism having two degrees of freedom, a wrist rotation and a wrist flexion. The rotator uses a motor with an inverted shaft gearbox combined with a worm gear and a face gear transmission to generate continuous and non-backdrivable rotation. The rotator is integrated into a flexor that uses a lead screw acting as a linear actuator to provide strong non-backdrivable flexion and extension. Due to the arrangement of the drives, the resulting wrist rotator and flexor mechanism has a low and compact profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Frank Ursetta
  • Publication number: 20210177626
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compact wrist rotator and flexor mechanism for use with a prosthetic hand. The wrist rotator and flexor uses a set of motors to provide a driven mechanism having two degrees of freedom, a wrist rotation and a wrist flexion. The rotator uses a motor with an inverted shaft gearbox combined with a worm gear and a face gear transmission to generate continuous and non-backdrivable rotation. The rotator is integrated into a flexor that uses a lead screw acting as a linear actuator to provide strong non-backdrivable flexion and extension. Due to the arrangement of the drives, the resulting wrist rotator and flexor mechanism has a low and compact profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago d/b/a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Frank Ursetta
  • Patent number: 10772742
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a powered ankle prosthesis. The prosthesis may comprise a polycentric mechanism having a defined path for an instantaneous center of rotation. The path of the instantaneous center of rotation may be defined by a trajectory substantially equal to an arc positioned over a joint of the polycentric mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Tommaso Lenzi, Marco Cempini, Todd Kuiken
  • Patent number: 10617536
    Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
  • Patent number: 10369028
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Michael Peshkin, Kyle Kaveny, Maxwell Keith Shepherd
  • Patent number: 10357381
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assistive devices for replacing or augmenting the limb of an individual, such devices comprising a joint and a powered system; the powered system having a first configuration in which the powered system rotates the joint by applying power to the joint, and a second configuration that allows for rotation of the joint without actuation of the powered system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Instititute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, James Lipsey, Tommaso Lenzi, Marco Cempini
  • Patent number: 10299972
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a wheelchair may include a hand grip having a continuous track that moves over a drive rotator. The hand grip may have a flat, top surface that extends ventrally from the wheelchair. The drive mechanism may include a drivetrain connected to the drive rotator, such that movement of the hand grip in a dorsal or a ventral direction causes the drive rotator to rotate, and such rotation actuates the drivetrain. The drive mechanism may further comprise a switch. When the switch is in a first position, actuation of the drivetrain drives the wheels of the wheelchair. When the switch is in a second position, actuation of the drivetrain drives a mechanism that lifts the wheelchair into a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd A. Kuiken, James Lipsey, Frank J. Ursetta
  • Patent number: 10279157
    Abstract: Embodiments for superficial tissue compliance modulation and negative pressure wound therapy for stabilization of a chronic percutaneous implant are disclosed. An external cap is coupled to a compliance gradient of progressively decreasing stiffness. Together the external cap and compliance gradient act as a stress shield that allows forces that would otherwise act on the skin at the skin-implant interface to be dissipated over a larger area. In addition, negative pressure and fluids may be applied through negative pressure and fluid adapters, respectively, to the skin-implant interface, the status of which may be further monitored through the use of one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd A. Kuiken, Gregory A. Dumanian, Jason M. Souza
  • Publication number: 20180098862
    Abstract: Injection molded prosthetic limb systems and related methods are disclosed. Example prosthetic hands include a plurality of segments, wherein each segment is comprised of an injection molded plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Frank Ursetta
  • Publication number: 20170360582
    Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
  • Publication number: 20170304086
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Michael Peshkin, Kyle Kaveny
  • Publication number: 20170290684
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a powered ankle prosthesis. The prosthesis may comprise a polycentric mechanism having a defined path for an instantaneous center of rotation. The path of the instantaneous center of rotation may be defined by a trajectory substantially equal to an arc positioned over a joint of the polycentric mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Tommaso Lenzi, Marco Cempini, Todd Kuiken
  • Publication number: 20170252237
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a wheelchair may include a hand grip having a continuous track that moves over a drive rotator. The hand grip may have a flat, top surface that extends ventrally from the wheelchair. The drive mechanism may include a drivetrain connected to the drive rotator, such that movement of the hand grip in a dorsal or a ventral direction causes the drive rotator to rotate, and such rotation actuates the drivetrain. The drive mechanism may further comprise a switch. When the switch is in a first position, actuation of the drivetrain drives the wheels of the wheelchair. When the switch is in a second position, actuation of the drivetrain drives a mechanism that lifts the wheelchair into a standing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Todd A. Kuiken, James Lipsey, Frank J. Ursetta
  • Patent number: 9744056
    Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
  • Patent number: 9700439
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for determining a locomotion mode that can be provided to a controller of a lower prosthesis limb in order to accurately control the prosthesis. One or more prosthesis sensors are provided that break a gait cycle down into a plurality of gait phases. EMG sensors provide signals to a processor that directs them to a gait phase specific classifier that is used to determine a particular locomotion mode for the wearer. With the locomotion mode accurately known, the prosthetic device can be accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, He Huang
  • Patent number: 9615864
    Abstract: An Intramedullary Distraction Osteotomy (IM DO) apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed that allow for the patient or another to lengthen residual bone. The apparatus may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of the residual bone and may be lengthened through the application of a traction force. The apparatus protrudes from the body through a single percutaneous site. Lengthening of the amputated limb is achieved by the application of a controlled traction force that is generated by turning a lengthening knob external to the percutaneous site. One or more additional screw segments may be utilized to assist in limb lengthening. The traction force serves to separate a distal bone segment from a proximal bone segment at a specified, controllable rate, allowing new bone growth to fill in the resulting gap. Components of the apparatus provide support and alignment to the residual bone during both the lengthening and consolidation phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventor: Todd Kuiken
  • Publication number: 20160158029
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assistive devices for replacing or augmenting the limb of an individual, such devices comprising a joint and a powered system; the powered system having a first configuration in which the powered system rotates the joint by applying power to the joint, and a second configuration that allows for rotation of the joint without actuation of the powered system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, James Lipsey, Tommaso Lenzi, Marco Cempini
  • Publication number: 20160038314
    Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
  • Patent number: 9155634
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides myoelectric prosthesis control system that include a gel liner that has a plurality of layers and a plurality of leads at least partially positioned between the plurality of layers. In addition, a plurality of electrodes can be coupled to the leads and portions of the electrodes can also be positioned between the plurality of layers. At least some of the electrodes can include an electrode pole that is configured to contract the residual limb to detect electromyographic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Robert Lipschutz, Dennis Tkach, Blair Lock, Levi Hargrove, Todd Kuiken
  • Publication number: 20140358144
    Abstract: An Intramedullary Distraction Osteotomy (IM DO) apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed that allow for the patient or another to lengthen residual bone. The apparatus may be inserted into the intramedullary canal of the residual bone and may be lengthened through the application of a traction force. The apparatus protrudes from the body through a single percutaneous site. Lengthening of the amputated limb is achieved by the application of a controlled traction force that is generated by turning a lengthening knob external to the percutaneous site. One or more additional screw segments may be utilized to assist in limb lengthening. The traction force serves to separate a distal bone segment from a proximal bone segment at a specified, controllable rate, allowing new bone growth to fill in the resulting gap. Components of the apparatus provide support and alignment to the residual bone during both the lengthening and consolidation phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Kuiken