Patents by Inventor Carl Everett Vause
Carl Everett Vause 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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Patent number: 11731292Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Publication number: 20210354317Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Kevin ALCEDO
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Patent number: 11077565Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Patent number: 10850401Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Patent number: 10702992Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Carl Everett Vause
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Publication number: 20190309928Abstract: A soft robotic instrument that is capable of changing its form factor (e.g., expanding and contracting) during use to facilitate minimally invasive surgery. The instrument may be formed wholly or partly of an elastomeric, electrically insulating material for mitigating the risk of injuring tissue and for mitigating the risk of electrical arcing during electrosurgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Carl Everett Vause, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf
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Publication number: 20190099897Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Daniel Vincent HARBURG
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Patent number: 10208925Abstract: A soft robotic instrument that is capable of changing its form factor (e.g., expanding and contracting) during use to facilitate minimally invasive surgery. The instrument may be formed wholly or partly of an elastomeric, electrically insulating material for mitigating the risk of injuring tissue and for mitigating the risk of electrical arcing during electrosurgery.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Carl Everett Vause, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf
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Publication number: 20190009415Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Carl Everett VAUSE
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Patent number: 10173328Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Publication number: 20180326597Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Kevin ALCEDO
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Patent number: 10118301Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Patent number: 10093023Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Carl Everett Vause
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Publication number: 20170036355Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Carl Everett Vause
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Publication number: 20160279803Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Dan Harburg
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Publication number: 20160270940Abstract: A compact, portable, easily implemented soft robotic orthopedic stabilization device for adjustably and selectively stabilizing a fractured or otherwise injured limb of a patient while providing convenient access to portions of the limb for treatment thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Carl Everett VAUSE, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf
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Publication number: 20160075036Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Publication number: 20150257839Abstract: A soft robotic instrument that is capable of changing its form factor (e.g., expanding and contracting) during use to facilitate minimally invasive surgery. The instrument may be formed wholly or partly of an elastomeric, electrically insulating material for mitigating the risk of injuring tissue and for mitigating the risk of electrical arcing during electrosurgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Carl Everett Vause, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf