John C 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:

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.

US Patent:

7648509, Jan 19, 2010

Filed:

Mar 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/797481

Inventors:

John G. Stark - Minnetonka MN, US

Assignee:

Ilion Medical LLC - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61B 17/56

US Classification:

606 90

Abstract:

Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.

US Patent:

8308794, Nov 13, 2012

Filed:

Nov 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/267386

Inventors:

James B. Martinson - Minnetonka MN, US
John G. Stark - Minnetonka MN, US
Timothy J. B. Hanson - Plymouth MN, US
Steven J. Backes - Minneapolis MN, US

Assignee:

IZEK Technologies, Inc. - Golden Valley MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/06
A61M 31/00
A61K 9/22
A61B 5/02

US Classification:

623 115, 604 9301, 6048901, 600505

Abstract:

Several different smart stent structures are described for placement in vessel of a mammal. The stents can be advantageously used to perform measurements of the conditions in the vessel and transmit the measurements wireless out from the patient. In some embodiments, the stent performs therapy within the vessel and may be controlled with a microprocessor, which may or may not communicate wirelessly. Some implantable devices comprise a drug delivery system based, for example, on either a microelectromechanical structure or a cover that opens upon application of an electrical current. Smart devices can be used, for example, the detect deposits in a vessel, aneurysms in the vessel or other modifications of flow in the vessel.