Patents by Inventor Michael J. Baker

Michael J. Baker 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).

  • Patent number: 11091864
    Abstract: A sewn product making apparatus such as a sewing robot can be used to produce a variety of products over a broad range of sizes, shapes or materials. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and the making of sewn products. In one example, among others, a system can generate a product making path using a product construction file, and instruct a sewing device and fabric mover(s) to automatically sew the product based upon the product making path. The product making path can be modified when a deviation is detected, and the sewing adjusted based upon the modified product making path. The product construction file can be generated using information from a computer aided design associated with the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Barrett C. Clark, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney
  • Patent number: 11053618
    Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, product materials may become wrinkled or folded, which can slow down the automated process or result in human intervention. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and removal of wrinkles from products. Images of material on a work table can be captured and analyzed to determine if there are wrinkles or folds in the product. The robot can remove the wrinkle or fold by manipulating the material through the use of end effectors such as, e.g., budgers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney, Sae Kwang Hwang, Senthil Ramamurthy, Bryan Whitsell
  • Publication number: 20210172105
    Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, product materials may become wrinkled or folded, which can slow down the automated process or result in human intervention. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and removal of wrinkles from products. Images of material on a work table can be captured and analyzed to determine if there are wrinkles or folds in the product. The robot can remove the wrinkle or fold by manipulating the material through the use of end effectors such as, e.g., budgers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney, Sae Kwang Hwang, Senthil Ramamurthy, Bryan Whitsell
  • Patent number: 11008686
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to seamer systems and methods that can be used at the end of a sewing process to secure sewing medium in sewn material by creating a knot. Excess sewing medium can be removed after forming knot at the sewn material. A clamp can secure a portion of the sewing medium while allowing at least one element of the sewing medium to pass through the clamp. A material stabilizer can align the sewing medium to form the knot and sever the excess sewing medium after the knot is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Appel, Michael J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20210140083
    Abstract: A sewn product making apparatus such as a sewing robot can be used to produce a variety of products over a broad range of sizes, shapes or materials. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and the making of sewn products. In one example, among others, a system can generate a product making path using a product construction file, and instruct a sewing device and fabric mover(s) to automatically sew the product based upon the product making path. The product making path can be modified when a deviation is detected, and the sewing adjusted based upon the modified product making path. The product construction file can be generated using information from a computer aided design associated with the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Barrett C. Clark, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney
  • Patent number: 10988880
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to transporting and sewing material in, e.g., automation of sewing robots. An automated sewing process feed control system is disclosed in which a material aligner is utilized. An omni-chain material aligner can include a circular roller chain in which the rollers allow for a controlling force to be applied to a material. An omni-belt material aligner can include a belt with attached perpendicular rollers which allow feed control and active motorized steering control. The material aligner can control the pressure applied onto the material to facilitate control of feeding the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David Otto Konrad Mikolajewski, Luther Lloyd, III, Michael J. Baker
  • Patent number: 10987814
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to end effectors for use in, e.g., automation of sewing robots. In one example, among others, a compliant perimeter end effector includes a mounting bracket having a contact mounting flange, a plurality of compliant material contact elements coupled about a perimeter of the contact mounting flange. The mounting bracket can couple to a manipulator including, e.g., an industrial robot or other manipulation assembly. The compliant material contact elements can include a contact interface that can engage with a piece of material. The compliant material contact elements can precisely transfer material on a workspace with surface irregularities while equally distributing force to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Appel, Michael J. Baker, Luther Lloyd, III
  • Patent number: 10906189
    Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, processing of a work piece can be visually monitored using a sensor system. Data gathered from the sensor system can be used to infer the condition and/or position of the work piece in the work area using, e.g., models of a sensor profile. Evaluation can be carried out before processing begins, during processing and/or after processing of the work piece. Examples of systems and methods are described that provide for initially and successively matching the model of the expected shape for a product work piece to a set of sensor readings of the work piece in order to determine the position of the work piece and support a variety of useful features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Barrett C. Clark, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney
  • Patent number: 10906755
    Abstract: Material moving apparatus, systems and methods are presented which can include an air material mover. Airflow through orifices can create a localized vacuum such that the uppermost or top layer of material can be separated from the stack of material. The airflow can interact with the material to produce flutter, which assists in separating lower layers from the uppermost layer. A material gripper can grip the uppermost or top layer of material for removal from the stack and repositioning in a work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Keith Appel, Michael J. Baker, Jeremy Nagorka
  • Patent number: 10801073
    Abstract: Modules, devices, systems and methods for measuring or detecting cysteine and/or methionine metabolite levels in a sample from a subject are disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention concern modules, devices, systems and methods for prognosing or diagnosing cancer, for example, prostate, colon, ovarian or breast cancer; predicting the risk or probability of cancer recurrence; and/or for predicting, detecting and/or monitoring cystinuria or cystine stone disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: Neil A. Bhowmick, Diptiman Choudhury, Michael J. Baker, Mark Sasha Drlik, Bjarne Hansen, Ayon Bhowmick
  • Patent number: 10745839
    Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, product materials may become wrinkled or folded, which can slow down the automated process or result in human intervention. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and removal of wrinkles from products. Images of material on a work table can be captured and analyzed to determine if there are wrinkles or folds in the product. The robot can remove the wrinkle or fold by manipulating the material through the use of end effectors such as, e.g., budgers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney, Sae Kwang Hwang, Senthil Ramamurthy, Bryan Whitsell
  • Patent number: 10744647
    Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, processing of a work piece can be visually monitored using a sensor system. Data gathered from the sensor system can be used to infer the condition and/or position of the work piece in the work area using, e.g., models of a sensor profile. Evaluation can be carried out before processing begins, during processing and/or after processing of the work piece. Examples of systems and methods are described that provide for initially and successively matching the model of the expected shape for a product work piece to a set of sensor readings of the work piece in order to determine the position of the work piece and support a variety of useful features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Barrett C. Clark, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney
  • Patent number: 10738398
    Abstract: A sewn product making apparatus such as a sewing robot can be used to produce a variety of products over a broad range of sizes, shapes or materials. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and the making of sewn products. In one example, among others, a system can generate a product making path using a product construction file, and instruct a sewing device and fabric mover(s) to automatically sew the product based upon the product making path. The product making path can be modified when a deviation is detected, and the sewing adjusted based upon the modified product making path. The product construction file can be generated using information from a computer aided design associated with the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SoftWear Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baker, Barrett C. Clark, Eric Guenterberg, Alexander Ren Gurney
  • Publication number: 20190214328
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that has a semiconductor die coupled to a substrate. A mold compound encapsulates the semiconductor die, and at least one thermal conductive material section extends from adjacent the semiconductor die through the mold compound. The at least one conductive material section thus conveys heat from the semiconductor die through the mold compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Feras Eid, Shrenik Kothari, Chandra M. Jha, Johanna M. Swan, Michael J. Baker, Shawna M. Liff, Thomas L. Sounart, Betsegaw K. Gebrehiwot, Shankar Devasenathipathy, Taylor Gaines, Digvijay Ashokkumar Raorane
  • Publication number: 20180061673
    Abstract: Space-efficient underfilling techniques for electronic assemblies are described. According to some such techniques, an underfilling method may comprise mounting an electronic element on a surface of a substrate, dispensing an underfill material upon the surface of the substrate within a dispense region for forming an underfill for the electronic element, and projecting curing rays upon at least a portion of the dispensed underfill material to inhibit an outward flow of dispensed underfill material from the dispense region, and the underfill material may comprise a non-visible light (NVL)-curable material. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSHUA D. HEPPNER, SERGE ROUX, MICHAEL J. BAKER, JAVIER A. FALCON
  • Publication number: 20170342506
    Abstract: Modules, devices, systems and methods for measuring or detecting cysteine and/or methionine metabolite levels in a sample from a subject are disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention concern modules, devices, systems and methods for prognosing or diagnosing cancer, for example, prostate, colon, ovarian or breast cancer; predicting the risk or probability of cancer recurrence; and/or for predicting, detecting and/or monitoring cystinuria or cystine stone disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: Neil A. Bhowmick, Diptiman Choudhury, Michael J. Baker, Mark Sasha Drlik, Bjarne Hansen, Ayon Bhowmick
  • Patent number: 9728425
    Abstract: Space-efficient underfilling techniques for electronic assemblies are described. According to some such techniques, an underfilling method may comprise mounting an electronic element on a surface of a substrate, dispensing an underfill material upon the surface of the substrate within a dispense region for forming an underfill for the electronic element, and projecting curing rays upon at least a portion of the dispensed underfill material to inhibit an outward flow of dispensed underfill material from the dispense region, and the underfill material may comprise a non-visible light (NVL)-curable material. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Heppner, Serge Roux, Michael J. Baker, Javier A. Falcon
  • Publication number: 20160354503
    Abstract: Devices and methods for automatically maintaining disinfection of access sites of medical devices using ultraviolet light are disclosed. In one example approach, a device comprises a controller and an ultraviolet light source incorporated into a chamber of an enclosure which is closeable over access ports. In response to an adjustment of the enclosure from an open position to a closed position, the controller illuminates the ultraviolet light source for a predetermined first duration while the enclosure is maintained in the closed position. Following illumination of the ultraviolet light source for the first duration, the controller illuminates the ultraviolet light source for a predetermined second duration at predetermined time intervals while the enclosure is maintained in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Hutchens, Michael J. Baker, Christian Terry Proch McMechan, Mark Sasha Drlik, Paul Charlebois
  • Patent number: 8678762
    Abstract: A cone-shaped air flow system has improved efficiency, increased plenum chamber exit air flow speeds and reduced noise levels in comparison to box-shaped and triangular air flow systems. The heater may be of half or full cone configuration for perimeter or central plenum locations, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120138533
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of using such systems including a dialysis system, a dialysis system controller operatively coupled to a filtration system, water purification system, dialysate preparation system and dialyzer system of the dialysis system, and a user interface communicatively coupled to the dialysis system controller. The user interface is configured to enable user interaction with the dialysis system and guide a user step-wise through set-up and shut-down of the dialysis system according to a pre-determined protocol. The user interface communicates with the dialysis system controller to activate an alarm condition when a deviation from the pre-determined protocol is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: James R. Curtis, Michael J. Baker