Richmond vamc assistive technology team receives patent | va richmond health care | veterans affairs

For many Veterans, the challenges that come with debilitating injuries or illnesses make it difficult to perform tasks that most people take for granted. The ability to hold a pencil, apply

makeup, play a video game, or even feed oneself can feel like a nearly insurmountable task. Occupational therapists work with Veterans to overcome these obstacles. In many cases, therapists

can see the immediate needs of their patients, but need assistance in bringing that vision or need into the three-dimensional world. The VA's Assistive Technology Program, part of the

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, is tasked with evaluating, developing, and implementing suitable assistive technology services, strategies, devices, and practices. Its goal

is to enhance the lives of Veterans by addressing the functional challenges they encounter daily. On February 25, 2025, Richmond’s assistive technology team was informed that it had been

awarded a patent for the technology related to VA ID 2021-337, the Cobra Utensil Holder. DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. “Initially we received a consult from an occupational therapist who had a

need for an adaptive utensil holder,” said Melissa Oliver, occupational therapist, and the assistive technology program director at Central Virginia VA Health Care System. “Nothing off the

shelf existed at that time.” At Richmond VA Medical Center, a former occupational therapist with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care, was caring for a Veteran who had limited

arm and hand mobility. The therapist experimented with several off-the-shelf adaptive utensils. Still, none were designed with the right angle to enable the Veteran to independently pick up

food and bring it to their mouth for eating.  The therapist developed a mock-up using thermoplastic material to assess the necessary angles and then reached out to the Assistive Technology

team to enhance the design and create a more durable product. “She came up with the overall shape,” said Brian Burkhart, Richmond Office of Advanced Manufacturing (ROAM) site lead and

clinical rehabilitation engineer. “We decided to try and make it more versatile to be able to accommodate different utensils and for more people to be able to use it.”  During the design and

testing phase, the team discovered that incorporating a standard spoon and fork that can slide into different sections of the holder would provide greater flexibility and better adapt to

the diverse needs and rehabilitation goals of Veterans. “We added slots in the head of it,” Burkhart said. “There are not any holders out there like that. It allows you to change the angle,

but it also allows you to use any piece of standard flatware.” Many adaptive utensils currently available on the market are designed with integrated utensils and holders. However, this

design allows veterans to utilize their existing flatware, resulting in a more mainstream and natural appearance. Additionally, the cuff is universal and ambidextrous, enabling individuals

with limited grasping ability to use it comfortably with either the right or left hand.  The ability of the Assistive Technology  team to produce a bespoke product on-site and provide it to

the therapist who immediately put it into the testing phase with the Veteran is a unique and effective way to receive feedback on the benefits or shortfalls of the product. “Being a consult

for a specific Veteran, we made it, and gave it to the therapist for trials with the patient,” Burkhart said. “I think it went through a few iterations of feedback and adjustments. In the

end, the Veteran was happy and went home with it.” The product was made by the Assistive Technology team on one of its many 3-D printers out of a powdered nylon material. The process from

problem to useable product took less than a month to complete. Receiving the patent for it took a little longer… Around two years from submission to approval. HOW DO THESE VA INNOVATIONS

RECEIVE PATENTS? The VA’s Office of Research and Development is home to the Veterans Affairs Technology Transfer Program (TTP). Their mission is to facilitate the commercialization of VA

intellectual property and inventions. These inventions and innovations benefit U.S. Veterans, the American public, and healthcare patients around the world. Richmond’s Office of Advanced

Manufacturing (ROAM) and the Assistive Technology program submits all its projects to TTP for review.  “Tech transfer decided that this product was unique and might have a market,” Burkhart

said. “They decided to proceed with the patent process.” Richmond’s assistive technology program along with ROAM can work on as many as 50 to 100 plus of these types of asks from clinicians

every year. “Clinicians or therapists may not even have the idea, like this project did,” said Melissa Oliver. “They may have the problem and come to us to help figure out the solution.” 

ROAM extends itself even further than just helping with Veteran care. With their extensive knowledge of digital engineering, and 3-D production, the types of products the team can design,

and produce is endless. From printing boiler vent caps for facility buildings to working with the hospital's radiology program, their expertise extends through every facet of Central

Virginia VA Health Care System. “Both the Assistive Technology Program and the Richmond Office of Advanced Manufacturing are here to assist with Veteran care,” Oliver said. “Whether it’s

directly working with the VA’s Veterans and clinicians, in any hospital throughout the country, or assisting our facilities in their daily operations. Our team enjoys and loves what they do,

which is why we end up with great products and high Veteran satisfaction.” The team who worked on the Cobra Utensil Holder are: Melissa Oliver, Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology

program director. Brian Burkhart, Office of Advanced Manufacturing site lead and Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer. Seth Hills, Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer. John Miller, Clinical

Rehabilitation Engineer. Between 2020 and 2025, Richmond presented 52 invention disclosures, submitted 14 patent applications, and were granted two patents. Learn more about the VA’s 

Assistive Technology Program and Office of Advanced Manufacturing.