John R Stark

US Patent:

6371123, Apr 16, 2002

Filed:

Jun 11, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/329880

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Minnetonka MN
Duane Oyen - Maple Grove MN
Timothy J. B. Hanson - Plymouth MN
Timothy Tracey - Wayzata MN
Steven Backes - Minneapolis MN
Gary Manninen - Maple Grove MN

Assignee:

IZEX Technology, Inc. - Golden Valley MN

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

128898, 128897, 128920, 600300, 600595, 601 23

Abstract:

A process for treating orthopedic injuries including the steps of presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome. A system for treating orthopedic injuries with a historic database on a central computer and a handheld computer attached to a sensor system. The handheld computer has formatted treatment protocol parameters originating in the historic database and mediates treatment of the orthopedic injury.

US Patent:

6515593, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Jul 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/621929

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Deephaven MN
Shawn B. Dempster - North Oaks MN

Assignee:

Izex Technologies, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G08C 1922

US Classification:

34087007, 128903, 606102

Abstract:

A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

US Patent:

6540707, Apr 1, 2003

Filed:

Mar 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/824065

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Deephaven MN
Duane P. Oyen - Maple Grove MN

Assignee:

IZEX Technologies, Inc. - Golden Valley MN

International Classification:

A61F 501

US Classification:

602 13, 602 19, 600594

Abstract:

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patients spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

US Patent:

6827670, Dec 7, 2004

Filed:

Oct 11, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/416192

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Minnetonka MN
Duane Oyen - Maple Grove MN
Timothy J. B. Hanson - Plymouth MN
Timothy Tracey - Wayzata MN
Steven Backes - Minneapolis MN
Gary Manninen - Maple Grove MN

Assignee:

IZEX Technologies, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A63B 2100

US Classification:

482 9, 482 8, 482900

Abstract:

A system for treating orthopedic injuries by presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome.

US Patent:

6872187, Mar 29, 2005

Filed:

Aug 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/382433

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Excelsior MN, US
Duane P.M. Oyen - Maple Grove MN, US
Thomas Bybee - Ramsey MN, US
Arthur M. Lohmann - Minnetonka MN, US
Joel L. Boyd - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

IZEX Technologies, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A63B021/00

US Classification:

602 16, 600587, 482 8

Abstract:

Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.

US Patent:

6910296, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Jul 28, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/628220

Inventors:

Russell E. Blette - Hastings MN, US
John E. Stark - Maplewood MN, US
Jeffrey L. Wieringa - San Marcos CA, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

F01K091/00

US Classification:

43 431

Abstract:

A splice system and method for linear connection of fishing lines include a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis, about which the connector is symmetric. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section and the second end has a first opening; the connector has an interior feature with a radial extent. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section and the first end has a projection configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector. The projection has a radial extent greater than the radial extent of the interior feature of the female connector. At least one of the connectors is resilient so that the projection compresses or the interior feature expands.

US Patent:

7168204, Jan 30, 2007

Filed:

Jun 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/869227

Inventors:

Jeffrey L. Wieringa - West Lakeland MN, US
John E. Stark - Maplewood MN, US
Gary A. Albrecht - Mahtomedi MN, US
Steven R. Lambert - Princeton MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A01K 97/06

US Classification:

43 571, 43 541, 20631511

Abstract:

A box for storing flies used for fishing including a cover assembly having two dish-like cover portions, each of which cover portions includes a central wall part, and side wall parts around the periphery of the central wall part projecting generally in the same direction away from the central wall part and having a continuous distal edge portion; and a hinge having hinge portions attached to the side wall parts adjacent second sides of the central wall parts. The hinge affords pivotal movement of the cover portions between a closed position with the distal edge portions of the cover portions opposed to, closely spaced from, and generally aligned with each other, and an open position with the distal edge portions spaced away from and out of alignment with each other. A fly retaining assembly included in the box comprises a stiff resiliently flexible support plate having opposite major surfaces that extends between the distal edge portions of the cover portions when the cover portions are in the closed position, and has material adapted to be releasably engaged by flies on each of its major surfaces. Releasably engageable means can be provided between the support plate and the hinge for affording pivotal movement of the fly retaining assembly relative to the hinge independent of the cover portions when the cover portions are in their open position.

US Patent:

7416537, Aug 26, 2008

Filed:

Jun 23, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/339071

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Deephaven MN, US
Duane Oyen - Maple Grove MN, US
Blair P. Mowery - Bloomington MN, US

Assignee:

IZEX Technologies, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61H 1/02

US Classification:

602 16, 602 19, 602 20, 602 23, 482 44, 482900, 600595

Abstract:

Instrumented orthoses with more sophisticated structures provide for coordinated support and rehabilitation of complex joints and multiple injured joints. Improved instrumented orthoses can include hinges that can rotate in multiple different planes. Particularly preferred embodiments include a shoulder brace with a hand hold and a lower extremities brace. Preferably, a control unit monitors the output of transducers used to instrument the brace. A patient can be prompted by the control unit for the performance of a variety of different monitored exercises.