Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100204627 | LOWER EXTREMITY ENHANCER - A lower extremity enhancer to be worn by a user includes two leg supports having a plurality of jointed links. Proximal ends of the leg supports are connected to a back frame. Distal ends of the leg supports are connected to two foot links. The leg supports are powered by a plurality of actuators adapted to apply torques to the leg supports in response to movement of the user's legs. | 08-12-2010 |
20110266323 | Wearable Material Handling System - An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators. | 11-03-2011 |
20130231595 | Human Machine Interface for Human Exoskeleton - 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. | 09-05-2013 |
20130237884 | Human Machine Interfaces for Lower Extremity Orthotics - 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. | 09-12-2013 |
20130303950 | Exoskeleton Load Handling System and Method of Use - An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device. | 11-14-2013 |
20140200491 | Fail-Safe System for Exoskeleton Joints - An orthotic system includes a controller, a joint and a fail-safe system for the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the orthotic system is an exoskeleton, the joint is a knee joint and the fail-safe system is a normally engaged brake that is controlled by the controller. The brake is engaged when the controller fails or the exoskeleton is powered off. The exoskeleton also includes an electrical or mechanical brake disengagement mechanism, separate from the controller, so that an exoskeleton user can disengage the brake when desired. The exoskeleton can also include an override mechanism that prevents the brake disengagement mechanism from functioning when the exoskeleton is powered on and the controller has not failed. Additionally, the exoskeleton can include a user interface at one location, with the brake disengagement mechanism located at a different, limited access location, so that the user cannot accidentally activate the brake disengagement mechanism. | 07-17-2014 |
20150045703 | Human Machine Interface for Lower Extremity Orthotics - A lower extremity orthotic control system determines a movement desired by a user, particularly with a user employing gestures or other signals to convey or express their intent to the system, and automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components. In a particular application, the orientation of a stance leg is used to determine when the user wants to initiate a step, as well as when the user is in a safe position from which to take a step. The invention has particular applicability for use in enabling a paraplegic user to walk through a controlled operation of a human exoskeleton coupled to the user's lower limbs. A controller receives inputs regarding a motion desired by the user, determines the desired motion and then controls the movement of the user's legs or limbs through actuation of the exoskeleton. | 02-12-2015 |
20150351995 | Reconfigurable Exoskeleton - An exoskeleton can be reconfigured, adjusted and/or controlled on the fly utilizing devices which fall into three categories, particularly including a swappable unactuated leg, lockable transverse and coronal hip rotations, and software controlled free joints. More specifically, the first device allows for the creation of a modular joint system in which individual exoskeleton joints or limbs can be changed or swapped to optimize an exoskeleton for a particular user. The second device is concerned with mechanically controlling, such as locking and unlocking, joints thereby allowing, for example, an exoskeleton leg to pivot or not pivot in an axis that is not actuated. The third device allows an actuated exoskeleton joint to be adjusted on the fly using software to simulate a freely rotating joint. The various devices can be used either alone or in combination to enable any given exoskeleton to be appropriately reconfigured, such as when a patient advances during therapy. | 12-10-2015 |
20160030201 | Powered Orthotic System for Cooperative Overground Rehabilitation - A powered orthotic system, such as an exoskeleton, is employed for rehabilitation purposes by adapting and adjusting to real-time needs in a rehabilitation situation whereby the system can be initially controlled to perform gait functions for a wearer based on a predetermined level of assistance but the predetermined level of assistance can be varied, based on one or more rehabilitation parameters or specific needs of the wearer undergoing therapy, through the application and adjustment of appropriate variables associated with operation of the system. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038371 | Gait Orthotic System and Method for Achieving Hands-Free Stability - 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. | 02-11-2016 |
20160045386 | Machine to Human Interfaces for Communication from a Lower Extremity Orthotic - 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. | 02-18-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100023133 | Semi-actuated transfemoral prosthetic knee - A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors. In the actuated mode, power is delivered to a torque generator connected to the knee mechanism to cause a forced movement between the thigh and shank links. In the un-actuated mode, a control circuit operates in a non-powered manner to allow operation of the knee mechanism with modulated resistance. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator. | 01-28-2010 |
20110166489 | Hip and Knee Actuation Systems for Lower Limb Orthotic Devices - A lower limb orthotic device includes a thigh link connected to a hip link through a hip joint, a hip torque generator including a hip actuator and a first mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the hip link, a shank link connected to the thigh link through a knee joint, a knee torque generator including a knee actuator and a second mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the shank link, and a controller, such as for a common motor and pump connected to the hip and knee torque generators, for regulating relative positions of the various components in order to power a user through a natural walking motion, with the first and second mechanical transmission mechanisms aiding in evening out torque over the ranges of motion, while also increasing the range of motion where the torque generators can produce a non-zero torque. | 07-07-2011 |
20130150980 | Powered Lower Extremity Orthotic and Method of Operation - 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. | 06-13-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090311389 | Packages for dispensing liquid and dry food - Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner. | 12-17-2009 |
20100003379 | Packages for dispensing liquid and dry food - Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner. | 01-07-2010 |
20100112146 | PACKAGES FOR DISPENSING LIQUID AND DRY FOOD - Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner. | 05-06-2010 |
20100151090 | PACKAGED FROZEN PRECOOKED DOUGH OR BATTER-BASED FOOD PRODUCTS AND METHODES - Disclosed are packaged frozen precooked dough or batter-based food products and methods of heating the food products. The packaged precooked frozen dough or batter-based food products comprises one or more frozen precooked dough or batter-based food products that are encased in a pouch for heating. The pouch is sealed with the exception of the presence of two or more vent holes that function to release air or steam that may otherwise cause the food product to become soggy when they are heated in an oven. | 06-17-2010 |
20100199500 | LAYER CUTTING APPARATUS - A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall. In one form, the sleeve has a length less than the peripheral length of the sidewall and includes first and second pivotally connected flaps. The cutting line abuts with the sidewall within the space between the first and second flaps. In preferred aspects, the sleeve is disposed in the interior of the tray after baking of a food product in the interior of the tray. In other preferred aspects, the sleeve includes tabs inserted into slits in the bottom of the tray to prevent the sleeve from floating in the tray. | 08-12-2010 |
20100260901 | Packages for dispensing liquid and dry food - Described are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including cereal and milk, but not necessarily cereal, for consumption together in a convenient manner. | 10-14-2010 |
20100319504 | LAYER CUTTING APPARATUS - A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall. | 12-23-2010 |
20110297706 | UNIVERSAL FITMENT FOR ATTACHMENT TO SPOUTS - Universal fitments for attachment to spouts having various internal diameters and/or various threadings and methods of using the same. The universal fitments may attach to spouts around their outer diameters and/or within their inner diameters. Some universal fitments include an outer circumferential member having a central aperture extending therethrough and a deformable inner circumferential member adjoined to the inner surface of the outer circumferential member. Other universal fitments include a central longitudinal member and a flexible flange encircling the central longitudinal member. Still other universal fitments include a central longitudinal member having a proximal flange and a distal flange, a circumferential member comprised of a compressible material surrounding the central longitudinal member and abutting the proximal flange, a cap member, and a cylindrical member adjoined to the proximal end of the cap member and having a threaded surface which interacts with the distal flange. | 12-08-2011 |
20120183653 | PACKAGED FROZEN PRECOOKED DOUGH OR BATTER-BASED FOOD PRODUCTS AND METHODS - Disclosed are packaged frozen precooked dough or batter-based food products and methods of heating the food products. The packaged precooked frozen dough or batter-based food products comprises one or more frozen precooked dough or batter-based food products that are encased in a pouch for heating. The pouch is sealed with the exception of the presence of two or more vent holes that function to release air or steam that may otherwise cause the food product to become soggy when they are heated in an oven. | 07-19-2012 |
20120186409 | Layer Cutting Apparatus - A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall. | 07-26-2012 |