Patents by Inventor David L. Shirey

David L. Shirey 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).

  • Tandem mobile robot system
    Patent number: 6523629
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle system for terrain navigation mobility provides a way to climb stairs, cross crevices, and navigate across difficult terrain by coupling two or more mobile robots with a coupling device and controlling the robots cooperatively in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Buttz, David L. Shirey, David R. Hayward
  • Mobility platform coupling device and method for coupling mobility platforms
    Patent number: 6488306
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a first mobility platform to a second mobility platform in tandem. An example mobility platform is a robot. The coupling device has a loose link mode for normal steering conditions and a locking position, tight link mode for navigation across difficult terrain and across obstacles, for traversing chasms, and for navigating with a reduced footprint in tight steering conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Shirey, David R. Hayward, James H. Buttz
  • Tandem robot control system and method for controlling mobile robots in tandem
    Patent number: 6484083
    Abstract: A control system for controlling mobile robots provides a way to control mobile robots, connected in tandem with coupling devices, to navigate across difficult terrain or in closed spaces. The mobile robots can be controlled cooperatively as a coupled system in linked mode or controlled individually as separate robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hayward, James H. Buttz, David L. Shirey