Patents by Inventor Jeff A. Weber
Jeff A. Weber 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: 9827677Abstract: An example robotic device includes a mobile base and a base linkage. The base linkage has a first end and a second end where the first end is connected to the mobile base. The robotic device also includes a first end effector connected to the second end of the base linkage. The first end effector includes a shovel tool. The robotic device additionally includes an actuated control arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the actuated control arm is connected to the second end of the base linkage. The robotic device further includes a second end effector connected to the second end of the actuated control arm. The second end effector includes a sweeping tool. The actuated control arm is configured to move the sweeping tool to engage with the shovel tool to sweep one or more objects onto the shovel tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Seth Gilbertson, Jeff Weber, Robert Wilson
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Patent number: 9827678Abstract: An example robotic arm includes a base linkage and a first end effector connected to a second end of the base linkage through a first rotational joint. The robotic arm additionally includes a control arm. The control arm includes a first linkage and a second linkage, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first linkage is connected to the second end of the base linkage through a second rotational joint. The first end of the second linkage is connected to the second end of the first linkage through a third rotational joint. The control arm also includes a second end effector connected to the second end of the second linkage through a fourth rotational joint. The first, second, third, and fourth rotational joints are configured to rotate in or parallel to a first plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Seth Gilbertson, Jeff Weber, Robert Wilson
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Patent number: 9687377Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher Williams, Jeff A. Weber, Christopher E. Barnhart, Hugh M. Herr, Richard J. Casler, Jr.
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Patent number: 9574646Abstract: A twisted string transmission system comprises a twisted string actuator, a force sensor, and a controller. The twisted string actuator is for converting a rotational motion into a linear force. The force sensor is for sensing the linear force. The controller is for receiving sensor information regarding the linear force from the force sensor and for providing control information to control the rotational motion based at least in part on the sensor information.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Redwood Robotics Inc.Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Jeff Weber, Philip Mullins, Lee Magnusson
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Publication number: 20160368139Abstract: An example torque controlled actuator includes a frame, and one or more timing belt stages coupled in serial on the frame. The timing belt stages include an input stage for coupling to a motor and an output stage for coupling to a load, and the timing belt stages couple rotation of the motor to rotation of an output of the output stage. The torque controlled actuator also includes one or more belt idlers coupled to the frame that contact a timing belt of the output stage, and a strain gauge coupled to the frame to determine a tension of the timing belt of the output stage based on force applied by the timing belt of the output stage to the one or more belt idlers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Lee Magnusson, Philip Mullins, Jeff Weber
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Patent number: 9513176Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a compliant force sensor used in actuated and non-actuated systems. For instance, a structure (e.g., a transmission) may be configured to receive a force based on application of a load to the structure. A rigid member may be coupled to the structure and configured to provide a first deformation based on application of the load to the structure and transfer of the force to the rigid member. An elastic element may provide compliance and may be connected to the rigid member such that the rigid member is configured to further transfer the force to the elastic element. The elastic member may be configured to provide a second deformation under application of the load that is larger than the first deformation. A sensor may be positioned on the rigid member and configured to measure the first deformation independent of hysteresis and non-linearity in the elastic element.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Meka Robotics, LLCInventors: Jeff Weber, Aaron Edsinger, Andy Metzger
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Publication number: 20160147828Abstract: A method for providing user content that may receive, from a user device, a request for content. The method may obtain, in response to the request, a field identifier from a multiple of field identifiers according to a priority for a multiple of fields corresponding to the field identifiers. The field identifier may correspond to a field. The method may obtain application content based on the field identifier. The method may generate declarative content from the application content. The declarative content may express the application content in a declarative programming language. The method may transmit, to the user device, the declarative content.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: INTUIT INC.Inventors: Jay JieBing Yu, Matthew Sivertson, Gang Wang, Vinay Kumar, Jeff Weber, Bojan Beran
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Patent number: 9239100Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a series elastic actuator (SEA). The SEA may include a motor, a transmission assembly, and an output plate that collectively form a motor housing assembly. The motor housing assembly may be supported on bearings that allow for a rotation of the motor housing assembly. The bearings may be supported on a housing of the SEA that may be connected to a robot link. Springs may be connected between the housing and the transmission assembly. The springs may be connected such that friction is reduced between the balls and races of the bearings. A sensor may be configured to measure a rotary deflection of the transmission assembly. A string may be wrapped around a rotary shaft of the sensor and ends of the string may be attached to the transmission assembly such that a rotation of the transmission assembly causes a rotation of the rotary shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Inventors: Jeff Weber, Aaron Edsinger, Andy Metzger
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Patent number: 9060883Abstract: In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: iWalk, Inc.Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, David A. Garlow, Richard J. Casler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140088729Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
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Patent number: 8512415Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Samuel K. Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hofmann, Benjamin B. Aisen
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Patent number: 8408918Abstract: A haptic simulation method determines a location of a needle assembly within a magneto-rheological fluid. The needle assembly within the magneto-rheological fluid is associated with a desired resistance value. A viscosity control signal representative of the desired resistance value is generated. The viscosity control signal is applied to a viscosity control device to vary a viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to achieve the desired resistance value.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Energid Technologies CorporationInventors: Jianjuen Hu, Gill Pratt, Jeff Weber
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Publication number: 20120283845Abstract: In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, David A. Garlow, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20120259429Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint, and a controller that modulates the augmentation torque, the impedance, and a joint equilibrium according to a phase of the gait cycle to provide at least a biomimetic response. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart, Hugh M. Herr, Christopher Williams, Jeff A. Weber, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20120259431Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Christopher Williams, Jeff A. Weber, Christopher E. Barnhart, Hugh M. Herr, Richard J. Casler, JR.
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Publication number: 20110257764Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Samuel K. Au, Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh, Lee Harris Magnusson, Andreas G. Hoffman, Benjamin B. Aisen
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Publication number: 20100174384Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: iWalk, Inc.Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Jeff A. Weber, Rick Casler
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Publication number: 20090123896Abstract: A haptic simulation method determines a location of a needle assembly within a magneto-rheological fluid. The needle assembly within the magneto-rheological fluid is associated with a desired resistance value. A viscosity control signal representative of the desired resistance value is generated. The viscosity control signal is applied to a viscosity control device to vary a viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to achieve the desired resistance value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Jianjuen Hu, Gill Pratt, Jeff Weber
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Publication number: 20060040239Abstract: A driving simulator. The driving simulator may include a processor; a display connectable to the processor; a plurality of input devices, such as a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal, where each of the plurality of input devices is connectable to the processor; and a computer-readable medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2004Publication date: February 23, 2006Applicant: J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Robert Cummins, John Garvey, Robert Halla, Keith Keller, Tim Miller, Doraivelu Palanivelu, Sukhdev Tur, Steven Velpel, Jeff Weber, Joel Williams
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Patent number: 6955402Abstract: A fabric seat for a chair and a method and machine for manufacturing the fabric seat. The fabric seat comprises a seat frame that supports the outer circumference of a fabric material. The seat frame comprises grasping members that secure the fabric to the seat frame and retain the desired stretch in the fabric. The grasping members can be teeth. A cover is also provided, which is snapped onto the circumference of the seat frame, to trap the fabric and protect the user from the grasping members.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Daniel J. Raether, Jeff Weber, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Robert G. Nyhuis, Timothy P. Coffield