Patents by Inventor Robert L. Williams, II

Robert L. Williams, II 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: 20100279255
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation system may include: a platform positioned within a three-dimensional workspace, at least six upper support members positioned outside the three-dimensional workspace, at least six upper adjustable cables routed from corresponding upper support members and secured to the platform to apply at least a portion of upward tension to the platform, and a vehicle secured to the platform. The vehicle may provide one or more occupants with a simulated experience within a three-dimensional virtual environment as the upper adjustable cables are adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: OHIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: ROBERT L. WILLIAMS, II
  • Patent number: 7753642
    Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cable robot system is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: an end-effector platform adapted to be positioned and maneuvered within a three-dimensional (3D) workspace, three vertical support members adapted to be positioned outside the 3D workspace, and three adjustable cables adapted to be routed from each vertical support member and releasably secured to the end-effector platform to apply upward and downward tension to the end-effector platform. The adjustable cables are adapted to be adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the end-effector platform such that an adjustable portion of each adjustable cable spans from the corresponding vertical support member to the end-effector platform. At least two of the adjustable portions associated with each vertical support member are generally in parallel relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Robert L. Williams, II
  • Publication number: 20090066100
    Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cable robot system is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: an end-effector platform adapted to be positioned and maneuvered within a three-dimensional (3D) workspace, three vertical support members adapted to be positioned outside the 3D workspace, and three adjustable cables adapted to be routed from each vertical support member and releasably secured to the end-effector platform to apply upward and downward tension to the end-effector platform. The adjustable cables are adapted to be adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the end-effector platform such that an adjustable portion of each adjustable cable spans from the corresponding vertical support member to the end-effector platform. At least two of the adjustable portions associated with each vertical support member are generally in parallel relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Robert L. Williams, II
  • Patent number: 5803203
    Abstract: The invention consists of an active scaffolding system adapted to hold a payload, said active scaffolding system comprising: (a) a plurality of adjustable links and rigid links connected by joints; (b) a plurality of actuator devices associated with the adjustable links so as to change to length of the adjustable links; (c) a microprocessor to determine how the lengths of each of the adjustable links throughout a number of time steps; the microprocessor being provided with computer program instructions to resolve the Cartesian end point translational and rotational motions; and (d) the adjustable links, rigid links, and actuator devices forming an active scaffolding adapted to move a payload around environmental obstacles while supporting said payload against the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Robert L. Williams, II