Patents by Inventor C. William Hennessey

C. William Hennessey 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).

  • Parallel kinematic micromanipulator
    Patent number: 6769194
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: C. William Hennessey
  • Parallel kinematic micromanipulator
    Patent number: 6671975
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: C. William Hennessey
  • Parallel kinematic micromanipulator
    Publication number: 20030204965
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: C. William Hennessey
  • PARALLEL KINEMATIC MICROMANIPULATOR
    Publication number: 20030106230
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: C. William Hennessey