Patents by Inventor Robin L. Hibbard

Robin L. Hibbard 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: 7337700
    Abstract: A precision tool holder for precisely positioning a single point cutting tool on 4-axis lathe, such that the center of the radius of the tool nose is aligned with the B-axis of the machine tool, so as to facilitate the machining of precision meso-scale components with complex three-dimensional shapes with sub-?m accuracy on a four-axis lathe. The device is designed to fit on a commercial diamond turning machine and can adjust the cutting tool position in three orthogonal directions with sub-micrometer resolution. In particular, the tool holder adjusts the tool position using three flexure-based mechanisms, with two flexure mechanisms adjusting the lateral position of the tool to align the tool with the B-axis, and a third flexure mechanism adjusting the height of the tool. Preferably, the flexures are driven by manual micrometer adjusters. In this manner, this tool holder simplifies the process of setting a tool with sub-?m accuracy, to substantially reduce the time required to set the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Bono, Robin L. Hibbard
  • Patent number: 5060681
    Abstract: An elongated handle with an internal supply of fresh dental floss and a flossing head including a fork provides oral hygiene. A fresh section of floss is advanced by a one-touch arrangement which concurrently relegates spent floss to a separate take-up reel. The fresh floss spanning the tines of the fork is kept taut at all times as a result of various special expedients including a differential spool and drum and a rack and pinion floss locking arrangement. When the supply of fresh floss on the bobbin is exhausted, the device is discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Robert S. Westbrook
    Inventors: Robert S. Westbrook, Robin L. Hibbard, Robert D. Davis, Erik S. Drews, Jerald M. Henderson