Foot Operated Patents (Class 200/86.5)
  • Patent number: 11487313
    Abstract: Multi-functional foot controller with treadle for controlling a first function and as an integrated shroud for a switch that controls an additional function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Jawidzik
  • Patent number: 11419697
    Abstract: A foot pedal for wireless control of a medical device, in particular a dental device, including a housing with a housing base, a cover element, which is mounted so as to be vertically displaceable relative to the housing base along an actuating direction and/or inclinable relative to the housing base, and a transmitting device arranged in the housing for wireless communication with the medical device, wherein the housing is at least partially made of a non-metallic material and the cover element is made of a metallic material, wherein in an initial state the cover element is spaced apart from the housing base and in a lowered state the cover element is offset in height with respect to the initial state in the operating direction, where the housing, in particular the housing base, is configured such that, in the lowered state, a signal transmission region arranged below the cover element, viewed in the actuating direction, is provided as a communication channel for a signal emitted from the transmitting device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FERTON HOLDING S.A.
    Inventors: Etienne Lebreton, Antoine Mareschal de Charentenay
  • Patent number: 11083652
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a footplate assembly for monitoring foot position in real time, as a wheelchair is driven. Optionally, the footplate assembly can use an array of force-sensing resistors and infrared distance sensors to detect the pressure and location of the foot within the immediate confines of the footplate. The footplate assembly can be provided as an overlay to an existing wheelchair footplate structure, or the footplate assembly can be integrated into or replace an existing wheelchair footplate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Katherine M. Bogie, Mary Kristina Henzel, Steven Majerus, Steven J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11062859
    Abstract: An adaptor assembly for use with a battery-operated hand tool which includes a battery pack-accepting portion to which a battery pack can be connected utilizes an adaptor having a body which is positionable between the battery pack-accepting portion of the hand tool and the battery pack so that electrical current which is intended to flow between the battery pack and the hand tool during tool operation passes through the adaptor. A foot-operable ON/OFF switch is connected to the adaptor so that operation of the foot-operable switch selectively permits or shuts off the flow of electrical current between the battery pack and the hand tool so that when the adaptor is positioned between the battery pack-accepting portion of the hand tool and the battery pack, the ON/OFF operation of the hand tool can be controlled by way of the foot-operable ON/OFF switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: iTool Equipment Holding LLC
    Inventors: David S. Jordan, Michael C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 11029223
    Abstract: A bi-directional force sensor which includes a first body and a second body. The first body has a first portion and a second portion. The second body also has a first portion and a second portion. The second body interlocks with the first body with the first portion of the second body positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the first body and the second portion of the first body positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the second body. A first sensor is positioned between the first portion of the first body and the first portion of the second body. A second sensor is positioned between the second portion of the first body and the first portion of the second body. This bi-directional force sensor was developed for use in assessing cycling technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: HUD STUDIOS INC.
    Inventor: Erik Quackenbush
  • Patent number: 10996707
    Abstract: A foot switch includes at least one pedal rotationally mounted for actuating about at least two axes arranged at an angle with respect to each other. A stop device that can stop a movement of the pedal about one of the two axes is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: STEUTE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Seelig, Rainer Flachmann, Christof Gerhardy, Marc Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10969817
    Abstract: A foot pedal apparatus for use with a workstation operated by a seated user in controlling a robotic surgery system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a platform mountable to the workstation proximate a floor surface on which the workstation is located. The apparatus also includes a first pedal mounted on the platform and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, and a second pedal mounted vertically elevated with respect to the first pedal and having an upwardly disposed actuation surface, the second pedal having at least a proximate portion vertically overlapping a distal portion of the first pedal such that the first and second pedals have a mounted depth in a direction away from the user that is less than a sum of the respective individual depths of the first and second pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Chad C. Walters, Kyle R. Millard, Perry A. Genova
  • Patent number: 10948941
    Abstract: A pedal unit for a motor vehicle may include a multiplicity of cylinder elements which are guided one inside the other in a telescopic fashion along a movement axis, a pedal face for a user, one or more spring elements, and a sensor unit. The pedal face may be coupled to one of the cylinder elements. Each of the spring elements is configured to interact with two cylinder elements assigned thereto, as a result of which, when the pedal face is activated an opposing force can be generated at the pedal face, the opposing force depending progressively on movement travel of the pedal face. The sensor unit may be configured to generate an output signal that is dependent on activation of the pedal face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Dohmen, Steffen Schoenfuss, Christina Kallas
  • Patent number: 10925680
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present technology relate to a foot controller with an adjustable treadle assembly including an adjustable treadle surface member slidably coupled to a fixed treadle plate and a latch assembly to adjust the adjustable treadle surface member to fixed positions relative to the treadle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Jawidzik
  • Patent number: 10809725
    Abstract: A trolling motor system is provided including a wired or wireless controller and a trolling motor assembly configured for attachment to a watercraft. The trolling motor assembly includes a steering assembly configured to steer a trolling motor housing based on a steering command received from the wired or wireless controller in a remote mode, a handle configured to enable a user to steer the trolling motor housing in a local mode, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive one or more steering commands from the wired or wireless controller, cause the steering assembly to steer the trolling motor housing based on the one or more steering commands, receive an indication to enter the local mode, and disable the steering assembly in response to receiving the indication to enter the local mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING AS
    Inventor: Neal Combs
  • Patent number: 10777373
    Abstract: A foot pedal for controlling a medical device, in particular a dental device, including a housing with a housing base, a cover element which is mounted so as to be vertically displaceable with respect to the housing base along an actuating direction and so as to be inclinable with respect to the housing base, a first switch for initiating a first functionality on the medical device and a second switch for initiating a second functionality on the medical device, and an actuating device which is vertically displaceable along the actuating direction and which actuates the first switch during a movement in the actuating direction within a first height offset section and actuates the second switch within a second height offset section, the actuating device being configured in such a way, in that it is in a first state in the first height offset section and in a second state in the second height offset section, where the foot pedal being configured such that, at a predeterminable angle of inclination of the cover e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FERTON HOLDING S.A.
    Inventors: Etienne Lebreton, Florent Jean-Claude Georges Beani
  • Patent number: 10716880
    Abstract: A system for aspiration includes an aspiration catheter including an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen, and an open distal end, an extension tube, the lumen of the extension tube configured to be hydraulically coupled to the aspiration lumen, a peristaltic pump configured for driving fluid through the extension tube, a compressible portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the extension tube, the compressible portion configured to be coupled to the peristaltic pump, such that operation of the peristaltic pump drives fluid from the aspiration lumen from the distal end of the extension tube to the proximal end of the extension tube, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and configured to vary the operation of the peristaltic pump based at least in part on a first signal received from a first sensor coupled to the aspiration lumen or extension tube related to a change in the characteristic of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Incuvate, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Culbert, David M. Look, Gary Carlson
  • Patent number: 10468788
    Abstract: A device for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit by short circuiting multiple conductors in the circuit includes a base portion and cable piercing members. The base portion has a cylindrical block and apertures for retentively receiving the cable piercing members. The cable piercing member has a first end to impinge on and penetrate a cable insulation when forcibly attached to an external surface of the cable. The cable piercing member has a low electrical resistance and impedance to generate a short circuit between conductors of the cable. Also, a method for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit of by short circuiting multiple conductor cables or a pigtail connector of a detonator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Shapnek, Charles S. Field, III, WVenner Saul, Nathan A. Davey, Andrew Lee McCourt, Dennis J. De Smet, Charles A. Walker, Daniel M. C. Odell, Kevin Thomas
  • Patent number: 10130304
    Abstract: A system for control of a device includes at least one sensor module detecting orientation of a user's body part. The at least one sensor module is in communication with a device module configured to command an associated device. The at least one sensor module detects orientation of the body part. The at least one sensor module sends output signals related to orientation of the user's body part to the device module and the device module controls the associated device based on the signals from the at least one sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Thomas A. Doyon
  • Patent number: 9985630
    Abstract: A switch device for producing one or more electrical signals in response to mechanical force includes a body-part (101) and one or more electric transducers (102-105) connected to the body-part and arranged to produce the one or more electrical signals in response to mechanical force directed to the body-part. The body-part includes a cavity (106), and a wall constituting the bottom of the cavity is capable of being bent by mechanical force directed to the wall from the opposite side with respect to the cavity. The one or more electric transducers are located in the cavity and arranged to produce the one or more electrical signals when the bottom of the cavity is bent. The switch device can be built, for example, into a working plane of an electrical instrument so that a plate constituting the working plane constitutes also the body-part of the switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: WALLAC OY
    Inventors: Mika Olavi Routamaa, Timo Salminen, Jussi Petteri Lehtonen
  • Patent number: 9943219
    Abstract: A multidirectional foot controller includes a base, a first platform, a second platform, and two pedals successively stacked and assembled together. The multidirectional foot controller is activated by having the two pedals depressed simultaneously, and then controls an externally connected endoscope to move forward or backward by a first platform, or controls the endoscope to move leftward or rightward by a second platform. By having only one of the pedals depressed, the multidirectional foot controller can change the field of view of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Dong-Gu Lai
  • Patent number: 9827059
    Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system may comprise a plurality of teleoperated surgical instruments; a user input device; and a controller operably coupled to the user input device and to the plurality of surgical instruments. The user input device may be configured to transmit an activation command to cause activation of a function of a first one of the plurality of surgical instruments in response to input at the user input device, the function being supported by remote-control supply equipment. The controller may be configured to output a feedback command to cause feedback to a user, the feedback indicating the first one of the plurality of surgical instruments is configured for activation in response to the activation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Jason Hemphill, David Q. Larkin, Paul Millman
  • Patent number: 9744293
    Abstract: A motorized injection and aspiration system and methods for its use, where the motorized injection and aspiration system comprises (a) a syringe coupled to a needle, wherein the syringe includes a plunger, (b) a cannula, (c) a tube having first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the needle and the second end is coupled to the cannula, (d) a syringe driver to drive the plunger, (e) at least one foot pedal, (f) a step motor, and (g) a control unit in communication with the step motor, the syringe driver and the at least one foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Midhat H. Abdulreda, Per-Olof Berggren, Conrado Freites
  • Patent number: 9498172
    Abstract: A user control device may include a manipulation panel which receives an external force or input from a manipulating input or device, a frame that is spaced apart from the manipulation panel and having an accommodating unit accommodating the manipulation panel, and a sensing unit disposed in the accommodating unit to sense a movement of the manipulation panel. The manipulation panel may be three-dimensionally movable according to a movement of the manipulating input or device. Related medical apparatuses may also be controlled using the user control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-jun Lee, Dae-soo Kim, Hyung-won Yoon, Ji-na Jeon
  • Patent number: 9463077
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler includes a handpiece and a control unit. The handpiece has a tip, and a water irrigator for providing water to the tip, the handpiece being constructed and arranged to vibrate the tip. The control unit is in communication with the handpiece and receives electrical feedback from the tip. The control unit automatically controls water flow from the water irrigator to the tip and the vibration of the tip based on the received electrical feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventor: Hossein Zolhayat
  • Patent number: 9465403
    Abstract: A pedal device includes a housing; a pedal arm rotatably supported by the housing; a biasing portion biasing the pedal arm; and a stopper having a contact face to contact an edge of an opening of the housing. The pedal arm passes through the opening of the housing. The stopper has a groove extending from the contact face, and the groove is inclined downward in a gravity direction, when the housing is mounted to a vehicle and when the contact face of the stopper contacts the edge of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriyasu Kihara
  • Patent number: 9462654
    Abstract: A user-actuated lighting effect device includes a housing, a light-generating lamp coupled to the housing, a power source, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a user-actuated switch operably coupling the lamp and the power source. The lamp creates a lighting effect on or near the user when the first switch is on. The housing can be mounted in a use orientation on a pedal board. The lamp can create an upwardly directed lighting effect. An operational mode can be selected using a lighting mode switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Michael John Ahern
  • Patent number: 9406463
    Abstract: A switch is provided including an actuating body and a base where the actuating body is movably disposed upon the base, the actuating body has an arcuate shape delimited by generally parallel arc edges joined at their ends by curved edges, the actuating body includes an upper surface which inclines in a direction from a concave side of the arcuate shaped actuating body to a convex side thereof, and the actuating body is configured to pivot in a direction toward at least one of the end curved edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CONNTROL INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventor: Ronald Braaten
  • Patent number: 9375288
    Abstract: A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Robinson, Thomas R. Nixon, Michael Hanuschik, Randal P. Goldberg, Jason Hemphill, David Q. Larkin, Paul Millman
  • Patent number: 9330857
    Abstract: A safety switch may be mountable proximate to the floor and may include a switch that may be actuated by vertical movement of a generally horizontally-extending switch operator plate as by pivoting about a horizontal axis at one side thereof. The safety switch may further include a blocking arm pivotable about a horizontal axis, the axis being perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the switch operator plate, wherein the blocking arm is normally biased into a vertical blocking position to prevent vertical movement of the switch operator plate. The switch may be actuated by the switch operator plate by pivoting the blocking arm into a vertical orientation and then moving the switch operator plate vertically into actuating contact with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Mark H Muld
  • Patent number: 9185776
    Abstract: A user-actuated lighting effect device includes a housing, a light-generating lamp coupled to the housing, a power source, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a user-actuated switch operably coupling the lamp and the power source. The lamp creates a lighting effect on or near the user when the first switch is on. The housing can be mounted in a use orientation on a pedal board. The lamp can create an upwardly directed lighting effect. An operational mode can be selected using a lighting mode switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael John Ahern
  • Publication number: 20150122619
    Abstract: A wearable or body-borne switch is actuated by a body gesture. The switch is coupled to a mechanical linkage that links two distinct body locations. Specific body gestures cause changes in the distance between the two body locations, inducing forces within the linkage, and, in turn, actuating the switch. The switches are actuated without the need for manual operation by the user, special electronic processors, sensors, motors, batteries, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Riccardo Brun del Re
  • Publication number: 20150114808
    Abstract: A switch is provided including an actuating body and a base where the actuating body is movably disposed upon the base, the actuating body has an arcuate shape delimited by generally parallel arc edges joined at their ends by curved edges, the actuating body includes an upper surface which inclines in a direction from a concave side of the arcuate shaped actuating body to a convex side thereof, and the actuating body is configured to pivot in a direction toward at least one of the end curved edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald BRAATEN
  • Patent number: 8933353
    Abstract: A switch (1), in particular a foot-operated switch, with a housing (2), in which a switching device (4) is arranged, wherein a leadthrough with a bearing (6) is provided on opposite sides of the housing (2), and a pivotable pedal (3) can be fixed to the bearings (6). The pedal (3) can be positioned removably on the bearings (6) and, in the state in which it is positioned on the bearings (6), can be secured on the bearings (6) in each case via at least one connecting element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bernstein AG
    Inventors: Markus Finger, Michael Schnitker, Klaus Wehmeyer
  • Publication number: 20140364864
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kyle Lynn, Tuan Tran, Christopher J. Page, Allan Lee Cameron, Andrew J. Boyce, Philip Walker, Kelvin Kao, Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Regan A. Pierce, Fred Lee, Teresita Smith, Tapan Patel
  • Patent number: 8853571
    Abstract: A foot switch having a security mechanism includes a main body, a circuit board, a pedal and a latch. The circuit board is received in the main body. The pedal is provided on the main body. The latch is provided adjacent to the pedal. The pedal is electrically connected to the circuit board via the latch. When the latch and the pedal are pressed, the circuit board is electrically connected to the pedal. The pedal can only generate an unlocking action via the latch, whereby the circuit board is electrically connected to the pedal to output a driving signal. Thus, the foot switch of the present invention can be prevented from being stepped on by mistake, thereby enhancing the safety in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Timotion Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Shu Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140224626
    Abstract: A safety switch may be mountable proximate to the floor and may include a switch that may be actuated by vertical movement of a generally horizontally-extending switch operator plate as by pivoting about a horizontal axis at one side thereof. The safety switch may further include a blocking arm pivotable about a horizontal axis, the axis being perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the switch operator plate, wherein the blocking arm is normally biased into a vertical blocking position to prevent vertical movement of the switch operator plate. The switch may be actuated by the switch operator plate by pivoting the blocking arm into a vertical orientation and then moving the switch operator plate vertically into actuating contact with the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mark H. Muld
  • Patent number: 8749188
    Abstract: A foot pedal control for a surgical system, e.g., an ophthalmic surgery system, that adjusts to a number of different sizes of user's shoes. The foot pedal control has a treadle on which a user places his or her foot and a sensor that tracks the movements thereof. Adjustable lateral guides mount to the treadle and conform to both sides of the foot. The guides are shaped and positioned to conform to a wide variety of feet or shoes, and may easily be adjusted between users. A retractable heel stop converts between up for reference and down to enhance movement of the user's foot. A convertible handle may be stowed in a down position parallel to a base or pivoted up over the treadle for protection and ease of movement of the foot pedal control. The foot pedal control may be wireless and have various other electronic controls, and may have a dual-control treadle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan (Tom) M. Tran, James B. Gerg, Praveen De Silva
  • Patent number: 8692657
    Abstract: A wireless control device for controlling, with a human foot, an apparatus for multiple surgical functions. The device includes a base having small dimensions, at least two modules mounted on the base for generating specific control signals for each of the surgical functions, a transmitter for transmitting the control signals, a receiver receiving the control signals, a source of electricity for supplying the transmitter with electrical current, and two actuators, actuated by the human foot and pivotally mounted to act simultaneously on the corresponding module, the transmitter, and the source of electricity. The actuators are pivotally mounted around respective axes that are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SARL Dentalhitec
    Inventors: Olivier Villette, Vincent Guist'hau
  • Patent number: 8680412
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical footswitch that includes a base, a pedal, an encoder assembly, a wireless interface, and an internal power generator. The pedal mounts upon the base and pivots. The encoder assembly couples to the pedal. As the pedal pivots, the encoder assembly translates the mechanical signal of the pedal into a control signal based on the pedals position and/or orientation. The wireless interface couples the encoder assembly to receive the control signal. The wireless interface also couples the surgical footswitch to a surgical console operable to control and direct surgical equipment. The wireless interface passes the control signal from the encoder to the surgical console, which then directs the surgical equipment based on the control signal. This wireless interface eliminates the tangle of wires or tethers, which may be a hazard in the surgical theater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Christopher Horvath, Mark Buczek, T. Scott Rowe
  • Publication number: 20130168212
    Abstract: A foot switch having a security mechanism includes a main body, a circuit board, a pedal and a latch. The circuit board is received in the main body. The pedal is provided on the main body. The latch is provided adjacent to the pedal. The pedal is electrically connected to the circuit board via the latch. When the patch and the pedal are pressed, the circuit board is electrically connected to the pedal. The pedal can only generate an unlocking action via the latch, whereby the circuit board is electrically connected to the pedal to output a driving signal. Thus, the foot switch of the present invention can be prevented from being stepped on by mistake, thereby enhancing the safety in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kuan-Shu TSENG
  • Patent number: 8465473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical footswitch with a movable shroud. The footswitch is capable of controlling different kinds of surgical instruments and is adaptable by moving the shroud to meet the convenience and safety requirements of each kind of surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Christopher Horvath
  • Patent number: 8319125
    Abstract: A pedal input device includes a base plate; a rotation center portion provided at the center of the base plate; a contacting plate having a yaw switch contacting portion protruding downwards from lower surface of the contacting plate; a pedal plate carried by the contacting plate and foot-operated so as to cause a drive member to make three-degree-of-freedom movement; a pair of pitch switches installed on the base plate in an opposing relationship with each other; a pair of roll switches installed on the base plate in an perpendicular relationship to the pitch switches so that the roll switches can be alternately contacted to the contacting plate of the pedal plate; and a pair of yaw switches installed on the base plate in an spaced-apart relationship with each other so that the yaw switches can be alternately contacted to the yaw switch contacting portion as the pedal plate rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: National Cancer Center
    Inventors: Yung Ho Jo, Du-Jin Bach, Hye Won Im, Young Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20120211337
    Abstract: A switch (1), in particular a foot-operated switch, with a housing (2), in which a switching device (4) is arranged, wherein a leadthrough with a bearing (6) is provided on opposite sides of the housing (2), and a pivotable pedal (3) can be fixed to the bearings (6). The pedal (3) can be positioned removably on the bearings (6) and, in the state in which it is positioned on the bearings (6), can be secured on the bearings (6) in each case via at least one connecting element (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Bernstein AG
    Inventors: Markus Finger, Michael Schnitker, Klaus Wehmeyer
  • Patent number: 8164012
    Abstract: A one-touch stop-lamp switch of a vehicle can contribute to reducing manufacturing costs of a vehicle and ensuring stable and durable quality by quickly and simply mounting the stop-lamp switch at an appropriate position with respect to a brake pedal and stably maintaining the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joonyoung Park, Eansoo Cho
  • Patent number: 8143540
    Abstract: A multifunctional foot switch is disclosed. The foot switch has two or more actuation elements, arranged such that the operator of the foot switch may select various devices functionally connected to the foot switch merely be repositioning the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Steute Schaltgeraete GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Twellman
  • Patent number: 8093517
    Abstract: An apparatus for triggering, changing or ending device functions by means of foot movements can include a resting surface for the sole of a foot and at least one switch, arranged in the region of the resting surface and at a fixed distance from the resting surface, for closing or opening an electrical or control circuit. An actuating element can be associated with the switch to initiate its switching functions. The apparatus can also include a means for transmitting foot movements to the actuating element. The switch can be a proximity switch and the actuating element can be mounted such that it can move in a direction following the respective foot movement, with the result that, owing to the foot movement, the actuating element can be brought closer to the proximity switch therefore triggering the switching function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventor: Bernd Haehnel
  • Patent number: 8076599
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foot control unit having a plurality of switches for use by a dentist, surgeon, or other professional that is ergonomically designed to minimize body movement during activation and to prevent interruptions of the procedure being performed that may be caused by the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the design provides for the operator's, e.g., the dentist's, foot to be continuously and comfortably supported in a neutral muscular-skeletal position by a portion of the foot control unit both at rest and during activation. By providing the foot with a neutral muscular-skeletal position at rest, the position of each of the switches may be kept at a substantially minimal and substantially equal distance from a corresponding activating part of the foot. This allows for the foot control unit of the present invention to minimize muscular activities and movement during activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Assad F. Mora
  • Patent number: 8048094
    Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Russell L. Finlay, Christopher C. Jung, John C. Huculak, Paul Essex, Kirk W. Todd
  • Patent number: 8003905
    Abstract: An actuating device for an electromedical apparatus and in particular a foot switch. The foot switch includes a floor part, at least one pedal part that is tiltably connected to the floor part, and at least one switch element that is actuated by the pedal part. Further, at least the floor part is manufactured by one of an extrusion-coating method or a casting method such that at least a portion of the floor part is fully coated by a coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Kuehner, Roland Hundt
  • Patent number: 7877171
    Abstract: In order to simplify the switching of medical or surgical equipment in an operating theatre, there is proposed a switching device for medical or surgical equipment which is characterized by a planar floor mat having sensors distributed over the surface area thereof, said sensors producing an electrical signal corresponding to the position of a foot of an operator on the floor mat when the foot is located near the respective sensor, and by a data processing system which is connected to the floor mat and is programmed in such a manner that it stores the instantaneous position of the foot on the floor mat as a starting position when activated by an activating signal, selects at least one switching area of the floor mat which has a predetermined location relative to the starting position, and produces a switching signal when the foot is located near a sensor in the switching area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventor: Stefan Gassner
  • Publication number: 20110011708
    Abstract: A medical system (10?) is disclosed that uses at least two-foot activated controllers (160, 165). These foot-activated controllers (160, 165) communicate with a common mon medical device (12, 30). However, the foot-activated controller (160) controls more functionality than the foot-activated controller (165) in relation to the medical device (12, 30) in common communication therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Ellafrits
  • Publication number: 20100326800
    Abstract: The invention describes a switching device which can be variably positioned (45), in particular a foot switch (47), which is connected, preferably wirelessly, to a control device (46) optionally co-operating with a production unit (1), in particular a press brake (2), for transmitting signals and/or data. A positioning system (50) is provided as a means of changing the position when necessary, which comprises at least a detection unit (51) and a conveyor system (52) in the form of a bogie provided with a drive mechanism and at least one conveyor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Gerhard Sperrer
  • Patent number: 7852224
    Abstract: A door announcement system for indicating the presence of a person or on animal outside a door includes at least one transmitting assembly sending an indicator signal when the at least one transmitting assembly is actuated. At least one receiving assembly engages an electrical outlet to provide power to the at least one receiving assembly. The at least one receiving assembly is in electrical communication with a lamp to turn the lamp on and off when the at least one receiving assembly receives the indicator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Donn A. Keehn, Sr., Randall S. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7803152
    Abstract: A control switch detecting apparatus aims at detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. When a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator, an obtaining unit obtains relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the transmitted position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Honda, Kazue Tanaka, Hiroo Ono