William H Thornton

US Patent:

51254123, Jun 30, 1992

Filed:

May 9, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/697341

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

International Classification:

A61B 504

US Classification:

128670

Abstract:

A musculoskeletal activity monitoring system for use in orthopedic studies in which data from various sensors mounted on a subject are used to monitor the EKG of the subject, as well as, vertical accelerations of the subject and posture of the subject, and in which signals from such sensors are stored and processed over measured time periods to provide desired musculoskeletal activity data.

US Patent:

50801058, Jan 14, 1992

Filed:

Jul 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/554549

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

International Classification:

A61B 502

US Classification:

128670

Abstract:

A relatively simple and practical system for detecting, recording, and processing physical and emotional parameters affecting the cardiovascular system of a subjects simultaneously with the recording of the subject's EKG data. On replay, should EKG abnormalities be detected, the record is analyzed for physical activities, emotional stresses, and environmental parameters which could cause such abnormalities, so that the appropriate treatment may be selected.

US Patent:

43452477, Aug 17, 1982

Filed:

Sep 29, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/191398

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX
James F. Thornton - Friendswood TX

International Classification:

G09G 300

US Classification:

340755

Abstract:

A system for directly displaying steady state waves, such as sound waves, ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, and the like, by instantaneously sampling the amplitude of the waves in a known phase relationship with some other portion of the wave train. The system includes a source of the waves, such as a speaker, and a transducer, such as a microphone, an electrical signal source being coupled to the wave signal source, and the transducer being connected to a sample and hold circuit whose output is applied to a light emitting diode (LED), or other display unit. The transducer is moved towards and away from the wave signal source in the path of the waves eminating from the wave signal source. In the following description the system will be described in conjunction with wound waves traveling in air, eminating from a speaker and transduced by a microphone. It will be evident as the description proceeds that the system may be used for displaying waves other than sound waves, such as ultrasonic waves; and/or for displaying waves traveling in a medium other than air.

US Patent:

49934210, Feb 19, 1991

Filed:

Jul 20, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/555307

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

International Classification:

A61B 502

US Classification:

128670

Abstract:

A monitoring system for detecting and processing parameters affecting the cardiovascular system of a subject, and which includes a conventional Holter EKG recorder for long term electrocardiogram monitoring of the subject. In addition, the monitoring system includes sensors responding to certain physical activities and emotional states of the subject for generating electric signals representative of such activities and states. These electric signals are recorded in a separate recorder, or along with the EKG signals in the Holter recorder. The monitoring system includes a signal processor for correlating the signals from the sensors with predetermined coefficients so as to yield statistical data related to the physical activities and emotional states of the subject and to correlate signals representative of such activities and states with the EKG of the subject.

US Patent:

50054570, Apr 9, 1991

Filed:

Aug 10, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/392174

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

B26D 110
B26D 702

US Classification:

83206

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

US Patent:

52423395, Sep 7, 1993

Filed:

Oct 15, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/775404

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration - Washington DC

International Classification:

A63B 2202
A63B 7100

US Classification:

482 8

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for accurately simulating locomotion in a weightless environment, specifically to prevent atrophy of a subject's musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems during space travel, are disclosed. Forces, including the vertical, horizontal and lateral force generated by an individual during locomotion on a treadmill, utilizing a rigid belt with rigid transfer elements supported by low friction bogies are measured by strain gauges sensitive in their respective direction. The vertical forces produced by securing the subject to the treadmill via bungee cords in conjunction with the measured velocity of the treadmill, and the mode of locomotion are used to determine the subject's equivalent weight. The other horizontal and lateral forces are used to determine the external work produced by the subject when locomotion is performed on a nonlevel surface with an effective grade angle. The measured forces are related in such a way that the grade angle is easily determined.

US Patent:

49426320, Jul 24, 1990

Filed:

Aug 10, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/391911

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX
Henry B. Whitmore - San Antonio TX

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

A47K 1100

US Classification:

4661

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

US Patent:

50368567, Aug 6, 1991

Filed:

Jul 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/554421

Inventors:

William E. Thornton - Friendswood TX

International Classification:

A61B 502

US Classification:

128670

Abstract:

A cardiovascular monitoring system which generates signals representative of certain physical activities of the subject and additional signals representing the emotional state of the subject in conjunction with the usual EKG signals. All of the signals generated by the monitoring system are digitized and multiplexed so that the signals representing the physical activities and emotion states of the subject may be recorded in a single channel. A usual Holter recorder may be used for recording the EKG signals, and the additional signals may be recorded in a separate recorder, or in a separate channel on the Holter recorder. The additional signals may be correlated with the EKG signals for the examination of the physical activities and emotional states of the subject which could cause detected abnormalities in the EKG signals.