Eric Christopher Branch

US Patent:

20070055176, Mar 8, 2007

Filed:

Jul 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/457443

Inventors:

Thomas Branch - Atlanta GA, US
Alexander Sattler - Marietta GA, US
Eric Branch - Alexander City AL, US

International Classification:

A61B 5/103

US Classification:

600587000

Abstract:

The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.

US Patent:

20090124936, May 14, 2009

Filed:

Nov 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/267109

Inventors:

Thomas P. Branch - Atlanta GA, US
Alexander Sattler, JR. - Marietta GA, US
Eric Kenneth Branch - Weston FL, US
Cale Andrew Jacobs - Suwanee GA, US

International Classification:

A61B 5/103
A63B 23/08

US Classification:

600587, 482 79, 482 80

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance.

US Patent:

20100249666, Sep 30, 2010

Filed:

Jun 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/797324

Inventors:

Thomas P. Branch - Atlanta GA, US
Alexander Sattler, JR. - Marietta GA, US
Eric Branch - Alexander City AL, US

International Classification:

A61B 5/103

US Classification:

600595

Abstract:

The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.

US Patent:

20140358042, Dec 4, 2014

Filed:

Aug 19, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/462634

Inventors:

- Atlanta GA, US
ALEXANDER SATTLER, JR. - MARIETTA GA, US
ERIC KENNETH BRANCH - WESTON FL, US
CALE ANDREW JACOBS - SUWANEE GA, US

Assignee:

ERMI, INC. - ATLANTA GA

International Classification:

A61B 5/11
A61B 5/00

US Classification:

600595

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for reliably positioning a 3-segment limb, such as a leg or arm for imaging and medical analysis, which can accommodate for the patient's “natural alignment”. The apparatus positions the limb in such a way that the position of the proximal segment is controlled while an known external torque is applied at a known rate to the distal segment. The location of each of the limb's three segments is recorded using either external or internal measurement techniques, and the relative motions between the proximal and intermediate segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the proximal joint. Furthermore, the relative motions between the intermediate and distal segments are used in the orthopedic evaluation of the distal joint. By applying a known torque at a known rate, clinicians will be provided with valuable information related to joint range of motion, stability, laxity, and compliance.