Patents by Inventor Michael Rufo

Michael Rufo 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).

  • Publication number: 20240149995
    Abstract: A technique for carrying a payload by a UUV includes providing a structure that extends around an outer surface of the UUV along a length of the UUV. The structure has an outer membrane that forms a streamlined shape around the UUV and contains the payload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, Michael Conry, Todd Scrimgeour
  • Patent number: 11566924
    Abstract: A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, Michael Conry, Robert Watson
  • Patent number: 11560204
    Abstract: A variable buoyancy device has an inner region and an outer cavity. The outer cavity extends at least partially around the inner region and is adapted to contain fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, the relative proportions of which can be varied to vary buoyancy. The inner region provides an advantageous location for equipment, while the outer cavity provides a significant volume for achieving a wide range of buoyancy adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael Conry, Michael Rufo, Todd Scrimgeour
  • Patent number: 11346690
    Abstract: A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael Conry, Michael Rufo
  • Publication number: 20220072700
    Abstract: A robotic system which includes a fluid controller, an arm portion, and a soft end effector apparatus coupled with the fluid controller and the arm portion. The soft end effector apparatus includes a base constructed and arranged to mount to the arm portion, a set of wrist assemblies coupled with the base, and a set of finger assemblies coupled with the set of wrist assemblies. Each wrist assembly of the set of wrist assemblies (i) couples with a respective finger assembly and (ii) provides movement to that respective finger assembly relative to the base during actuation of that wrist assembly and during independent actuation of that respective finger assembly in response to control from the fluid controller. Along these lines, the fluid controller may individually provide pressurized fluid to each wrist assembly and each finger assembly when controlling interaction between the soft end effector apparatus and an external object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael Conry, Todd Scrimgeour, Willard Ober, Michael Rufo
  • Publication number: 20210215518
    Abstract: A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, Michael Conry, Robert Watson
  • Publication number: 20210214049
    Abstract: A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael Conry, Michael Rufo
  • Publication number: 20210179234
    Abstract: A variable buoyancy device has an inner region and an outer cavity. The outer cavity extends at least partially around the inner region and is adapted to contain fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, the relative proportions of which can be varied to vary buoyancy. The inner region provides an advantageous location for equipment, while the outer cavity provides a significant volume for achieving a wide range of buoyancy adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Lee Cardenas, Michael Conry, Michael Rufo, Todd Scrimgeour
  • Publication number: 20170243289
    Abstract: A hybrid trading platform integrating fiat and crypto investments through multiple secure exchanges is provided. The hybrid trading platform manages the flow of information, in part, through market maker and technician modules adapted to provide greater liquidity and quell volatility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Michael RUFO
  • Patent number: 9366503
    Abstract: A mobile, remotely controlled robot comprising a robot drive subsystem for maneuvering the robot, a turret on the robot, a turret drive for moving the turret, a noise detection subsystem for detecting the probable origin of a noise, a robot position and movement sensor subsystem, a turret position sensor subsystem, and one or more processors, responsive to the noise detection subsystem, the robot position and movement sensor subsystem. The turret position sensor subsystem is configured to control the turret drive to orient the turret to aim a device mounted thereto at the origin of the noise and to maintain said aim as the robot moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Mads Schmidt, Arnis Mangolds, Michael Rufo, James Murray
  • Patent number: 9090320
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a fore-body and a flexible aft. The flexible aft includes a flexible body. The flexible body includes a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis, and a cavity. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, David Shane, Michael Conry, Will Ober
  • Publication number: 20140109821
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a fore-body and a flexible aft. The flexible aft includes a flexible body. The flexible body includes a spring body including a spring element extending along a main axis, and a cavity. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Rufo, David Shane, Michael Conry, Will Ober
  • Publication number: 20090281660
    Abstract: A mobile, remotely controlled robot comprising a robot drive subsystem for maneuvering the robot, a turret on the robot, a turret drive for moving the turret, a noise detection subsystem for detecting the probable origin of a noise, a robot position and movement sensor subsystem, a turret position sensor subsystem, and one or more processors, responsive to the noise detection subsystem, the robot position and movement sensor subsystem. The turret position sensor subsystem is configured to control the turret drive to orient the turret to aim a device mounted thereto at the origin of the noise and to maintain said aim as the robot moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Mads Schmidt, Arnis Mangolds, Michael Rufo, James Murray