Patents by Inventor Brian K. McCoy
Brian K. McCoy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230356388Abstract: Multi-segment manipulator arms are provided that exhibit improved performance in space applications, include reduced weight, reduced cost, reduced size, reduced rotational inertia, reduced vibration, improved heat dissipation characteristics, and increased reliability and on-station reparability. These manipulator arms transmit torque from a single motor at the base of the arm to each of the inter-segment joints via serial belts, rotationally linked via pulleys that are coaxial with the inter-segment joints. Brake(s) at each joint allow all but a selected joint to be fixed, allowing motor torque to be transmitted to the un-fixed joint, applying torque and/or rotation to the un-fixed joint. Placing the motor at the base facilitates heat management, reduces overall weight, and reduces total rotational inertia and weight of the arm segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2021Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Thomas P. LOW, Brian FOSTER, Brian K. MCCOY
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Patent number: 10774886Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 10012276Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20180163796Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 9401668Abstract: An electroadhesive device includes an outer surface adapted to interface with a surface of a foreign substrate, a plurality of electrodes, and a semi-conductive insulation material disposed adjacent to at least one of the electrodes. Each electrode has a respective conductive volume and is configured to apply a voltage at a respective location of the outer surface, and the difference in voltage between applied voltages includes an electrostatic adhesion voltage that produces an electrostatic force between the device and the substrate that is suitable to maintain a current position of the device relative to the substrate. The insulation material can be polyurethane or any other suitable material having a resistance of about 109 to 1012 ohms*m. The insulation material effectively operates to expand the conductive volume of the electrodes when they are actuated.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Annjoe Wong-Foy, Roy D. Kornbluh, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 9302299Abstract: An active electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere dust or other foreign objects against an interactive surface, from which the foreign objects are removed when the forces are controllably altered. User inputs control the input voltage and/or designate the size of foreign objects to be cleaned. An active power source provides the input voltage, and the interactive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean foreign objects of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of foreign particles adhered to the interactive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the interactive surface in a timely and controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Philip A. Von Guggenberg, Roy D. Kornbluh, Brian K. McCoy, Youssef Iguider
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Publication number: 20150360264Abstract: An active electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere dust or other foreign objects against an interactive surface, from which the foreign objects are removed when the forces are controllably altered. User inputs control the input voltage and/or designate the size of foreign objects to be cleaned. An active power source provides the input voltage, and the interactive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean foreign objects of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of foreign particles adhered to the interactive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the interactive surface in a timely and controlled manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Harsha PRAHLAD, Ronald E. PELRINE, Philip A. VON GUGGENBERG, Roy D. KORNBLUH, Brian K. MCCOY, Youssef IGUIDER
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Patent number: 9186709Abstract: An active electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere dust or other foreign objects against an interactive surface, from which the foreign objects are removed when the forces are controllably altered. User inputs control the input voltage and/or designate the size of foreign objects to be cleaned. An active power source provides the input voltage, and the interactive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean foreign objects of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of foreign particles adhered to the interactive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the interactive surface in a timely and controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Philip A. Von Guggenberg, Roy D. Kornbluh, Brian K. McCoy, Youssef Iguider
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Patent number: 9093926Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping platform includes one or more electrodes. A power supply is configured to apply voltage to the one or more electrodes in the electroadhesive platform via one or more terminals. A controller is configured to operate the electroadhesive gripping platform to selectively adhere to items loaded thereon and thereby enhance traction control over such items. The controller can control the power supply to apply a voltage to the one or more electrodes in the electroadhesive platform to thereby cause the electroadhesive platform to adhere to an item disposed on the electroadhesive platform such that the item resists moving with respect to the electroadhesive platform. The controller can also control the voltage supply to reduce the voltage applied to the one or more terminals such that the item moves with respect to the electroadhesive platform.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Brian K. McCoy, Thomas P. Low
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Patent number: 8982531Abstract: An electrostatic device or system includes electrode(s) adapted to produce an electrostatic attraction force and a base surface adapted to facilitate the application of the electrostatic attraction force and also a physical attraction force separate therefrom. The electrostatic and physical attraction forces can maintain a position of the electrostatic device relative to a foreign object via electroadhesion and/or via an additional manner that is separate from the electroadhesion. The physical attraction force can be a vacuum, van der Waals, and/or adhesive force, can be applied at less than all locations across the base surface, and may involve a one-time permanent attachment. The base surface can include a deformable surface portion that moves closer to the foreign object when the electrostatic or physical attraction force is applied. The physical attraction force can be sufficient to adhere the device to the object when the electrostatic attraction force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Brian K. McCoy, Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Philip A. von Guggenberg
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Patent number: 8941270Abstract: A method of building structures using diamagnetically levitated manipulators includes depositing, with a first end effector attached to a first manipulator, a first adhesive at a first location on a first surface, picking up, with a second end effector, an article, moving the article to the surface, and placing the article on the adhesive on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Annjoe Wong-Foy, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 8861171Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping system includes a shear gripper. The shear gripper can include an electroadhesive surface associated with one or more electrodes and a load-bearing structure coupled to the electroadhesive surface. A power supply can be configured to apply voltage to the one or more electrodes associated with the electroadhesive surface. A controller can be configured to cause a voltage to be applied, via the power supply, to the one or more electrodes associated with the electroadhesive surface to thereby cause the first shear gripper to adhere to an item situated proximate the electroadhesive surface. The controller can be configured to cause a shear force to be applied to the adhered item, via the load-bearing structure, that is sufficient to move the adhered item.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20140048098Abstract: An active electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere dust or other foreign objects against an interactive surface, from which the foreign objects are removed when the forces are controllably altered. User inputs control the input voltage and/or designate the size of foreign objects to be cleaned. An active power source provides the input voltage, and the interactive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean foreign objects of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of foreign particles adhered to the interactive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the interactive surface in a timely and controlled manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Philip A. Von Guggenberg, Roy D. Kornbluh, Brian K. Mccoy, Youssef Iguider
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Patent number: 8630816Abstract: High resolution distributed temperature sensors using fiber optic distributed temperature sensing systems deployed on various carriers to significantly improve spatial resolution and provide high resolution temperature profile and detection of fluid or fluid interface levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: SensorTran, Inc.Inventors: Brian Park, Mohammed Fassih-Nia, Brian K. McCoy, Kent Kalar, Kari-Mikko Jaaskelainen
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Publication number: 20130294875Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping platform includes one or more electrodes. A power supply is configured to apply voltage to the one or more electrodes in the electroadhesive platform via one or more terminals. A controller is configured to operate the electroadhesive gripping platform to selectively adhere to items loaded thereon and thereby enhance traction control over such items. The controller can control the power supply to apply a voltage to the one or more electrodes in the electroadhesive platform to thereby cause the electroadhesive platform to adhere to an item disposed on the electroadhesive platform such that the item resists moving with respect to the electroadhesive platform. The controller can also control the voltage supply to reduce the voltage applied to the one or more terminals such that the item moves with respect to the electroadhesive platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Brian K. McCoy, Thomas P. Low
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Publication number: 20130242455Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping system includes a shear gripper. The shear gripper can include an electroadhesive surface associated with one or more electrodes and a load-bearing structure coupled to the electroadhesive surface. A power supply can be configured to apply voltage to the one or more electrodes associated with the electroadhesive surface. A controller can be configured to cause a voltage to be applied, via the power supply, to the one or more electrodes associated with the electroadhesive surface to thereby cause the first shear gripper to adhere to an item situated proximate the electroadhesive surface. The controller can be configured to cause a shear force to be applied to the adhered item, via the load-bearing structure, that is sufficient to move the adhered item.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Harsha Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20130027159Abstract: A method of building structures using diamagnetically levitated manipulators includes depositing, with a first end effector attached to a first manipulator, a first adhesive at a first location on a first surface, picking up, with a second end effector, an article, moving the article to the surface, and placing the article on the adhesive on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Annjoe Wong-Foy, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20130010398Abstract: An electroadhesive device includes an outer surface adapted to interface with a surface of a foreign substrate, a plurality of electrodes (18), and a semi-conductive insulation material (20) disposed adjacent to at least one of the electrodes (18). Each electrode (18) has a respective conductive volume and is configured to apply a voltage at a respective location of the outer surface, and the difference in voltage between applied voltages includes an electrostatic adhesion voltage that produces an electro-static force between the device and the substrate (16) that is suitable to maintain a current position of the device relative to the substrate (16). The insulation material (20) can be polyurethane or any other suitable material having a resistance of about 109 to 1012 ohms*m. The insulation material effectively operates to expand the conductive volume of the electrodes (18) when they are actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Harsha E. Prahlad, Ronald E. Pelrine, Annjoe Wong-Foy, Roy D. Kornbluh, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20120010846Abstract: High resolution distributed temperature sensors using fiber optic distributed temperature sensing systems deployed on various carriers to significantly improve spatial resolution and provide high resolution temperature profile and detection of fluid or fluid interface levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Park Brian, Fassih-Nia Mohammed, Brian K. McCoy, Kent Kalar, Kari-Mikko Jaaskelainen
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Patent number: 5181569Abstract: In the disclosed pressure operated valve, a sleeve valve controlling flow between outside and inside the valve is releasably connected in a housing when the sleeve valve is in open position. Pressure on a ball sealingly engaging the sleeve valve operates the sleeve valve from open to latched closed to disconnect positions and expends the sleeve valve from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1992Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Otis Engineering CorporationInventors: Brian K. McCoy, Tommy L. Stambaugh