Patents by Inventor Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams 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: 12594725
    Abstract: An autonomous fabrication method and system are described. A multi-axis robotic arm having at least one end effector is provided, where the at least one end effector comprises an additive manufacturing (AM) toolhead and a component gripping mechanism. The multi-axis robotic arm is directed to fabricate a first portion of an object in a workspace using the AM toolhead, select a prefabricated part using the component gripping mechanism, place the prefabricated part in a predetermined location of the object, and fabricate a second portion of the object in the workspace using the AM toolhead. The object may be one of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned ground-based vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tadeusz Kosmal, Kieran Beaumont, Eric Link, Dalton Phillips, Conner Pulling, James Lowe, Christopher Williams, Joseph Kubalak
  • Publication number: 20250383650
    Abstract: Various embodiments of in-situ geometric monitoring for manufacturing processes are described. In one example embodiment, a manufacturing workcell includes a plurality of in-situ sensors individually configured to capture discrete geometric signature data indicative of at least one layer of a printing part positioned in the manufacturing workcell during a manufacturing process. The manufacturing workcell further includes a computing device coupled to the plurality of in-situ sensors. The computing device includes a memory device to store computer-readable instructions thereon. The computing device further includes at least one processing device configured through execution of the computer-readable instructions to perform an in-situ evaluation of geometric error of the printing part at the manufacturing workcell during the manufacturing process based at least in part on the discrete geometric signature data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2025
    Publication date: December 18, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Williams, Tadeusz Kosmal, Sam Pratt
  • Patent number: 12473254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to a polymer formulation for three-dimensionally (3D) printing an article by stereolithography, the formulation comprising a functionalized polymer. The invention further relates to lithographic methods to form 3D objects that incorporate the aforementioned polymer formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignees: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC., SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Pollino, Kermit S. Kwan, Timothy Long, Christopher Williams, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Cody Weyhrich
  • Publication number: 20250312973
    Abstract: An exemplary three-dimensional (3D) printer deposition tool of the present disclosure comprises a filament feeder mechanism for feeding thermoplastic filament into a print head nozzle; a carbon fiber towpreg feeder mechanism for feeding carbon fiber towpreg into the print head nozzle; a carbon fiber towpreg cutting mechanism; and/or a controller configured to co-extrude continuous carbon fiber towpreg with the thermoplastic filament in a multi-axis path and cut and re-feed the carbon fiber towpreg into the print head nozzle for non-continuous toolpaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2025
    Publication date: October 9, 2025
    Inventors: Kieran D. Beaumont, Joseph R. Kubalak, Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20250298136
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods for distributed signal processing of indoor localization signals wherein statistical algorithms and machine learning are used in place of a fingerprint map. The disclosure relates to calculation of angle and distance based on measurements of an indoor localization signal, followed by energy-efficient distribution of signal processing. Local signal processing is performed using any of multiple eigen structure algorithms or a linear probabilistic inference, before cloud-based signal processing is performed using a nonlinear probabilistic inference and machine learning that's been trained with historical data transmitted by the base stations and time-of-day location patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2025
    Publication date: September 25, 2025
    Inventors: Jon Siann, Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20250256419
    Abstract: A food slicing device is disclosed for slicing meat and other foods in a thin, uniform manner. The food slicing device comprises a body component that is configured in a box-like enclosure for housing multiple circular blades within its interior. Further, the body component comprises a tapered opening on one side, which allows meat to be fed into the device and pushed flat against the circular blades. A feeder mechanism, which is a rolling tread, is used to move the meat through the circular blades. The device includes a power button, which rotates the circular blades, moves the feeder mechanism, and closes the tapered opening of the body component to protect a user. Users can insert meat into the tapered end and activate the device via the power button. The feeder mechanism is then activated and the meat is sent through the circular blades, and is sliced thinly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventor: Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 12353216
    Abstract: A vehicle agnostic removable pod can be mounted on a vehicle using one or more legs of a pod mount. The removable pod can collect and time stamp a variety of environmental data as well as vehicle data. For example, environmental data can be collected using a sensor suite which can include an IMU, 3D positioning sensor, one or more cameras, and/or a LIDAR unit. As another example, vehicle data can be collected via a CAN bus attached to the vehicle. Environmental data and/or vehicle data can be time stamped and transmitted to a remote server for further processing by a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Aurora Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Gist, IV, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 12326494
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods for distributed signal processing of indoor localization signals wherein statistical algorithms and machine learning are used in place of a fingerprint map. The disclosure relates to calculation of angle and distance based on measurements of an indoor localization signal, followed by energy-efficient distribution of signal processing. Local signal processing is performed using any of multiple eigen structure algorithms or a linear probabilistic inference, before cloud-based signal processing is performed using a nonlinear probabilistic inference and machine learning that's been trained with historical data transmitted by the base stations and time-of-day location patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: TRAKPOINT SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Siann, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 12252619
    Abstract: In various aspects, a polymer resin is provided for vat or ultraviolet-assisted direct ink writing (UV-DIW) photopolymerization. The resin can include a polyamic acid salt formed from the addition of a photocrosslinkable amine to a polyamic acid. The resin can include a photoinitiator suitable for initiating crosslinking of the photocrosslinkable amine when exposed to a light source of a suitable wavelength and intensity. The polyamic acid can be formed, for instance, by the addition of a diamine to a suitable dianhydride. Methods of additive manufacturing using the resins are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Rau, Jana Herzberger, Timothy Long, Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20250065039
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to a wearable automatic drug delivery device configured to provide basal-only dosing of insulin. In a primary embodiment, the wearable drug delivery device is configured to provide automatic operation and provides audible alerts and visual status indicators to the patient. In other embodiments, the patient may have some degree of control over the operation of the device by providing tapping gestures on housing of the device. In yet another embodiment, the patient may provide input and receive status from the device via an application executing on a portable computing device in wireless communication with the wearable drug delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Jason O'CONNOR, Matthew ALLES, Robert SANZONE, Craig BRODEUR, Joseph MELO, Christopher WILLIAMS, Noel SCHAEFFER
  • Patent number: 12129009
    Abstract: A Flettner rotor that employs localized suction over its surface improves performance and fuel efficiency. Simulations and analysis show that such a method can significantly improve the performance of the Flettner rotor. Improvements in rotor performance enable reduction in fuel costs and greenhouse gas emission by ships or other modes of transport. Improvements in rotor performance can also reduce noise for applications such as drones or other devices having rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Rajat Mittal, Jung Hee Seo, Christopher Williams, Rui Ni
  • Patent number: 12097352
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to a wearable automatic drug delivery device configured to provide basal-only dosing of insulin. In a primary embodiment, the wearable drug delivery device is configured to provide automatic operation and provides audible alerts and visual status indicators to the patient. In other embodiments, the patient may have some degree of control over the operation of the device by providing tapping gestures on housing of the device. In yet another embodiment, the patient may provide input and receive status from the device via an application executing on a portable computing device in wireless communication with the wearable drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: INSULET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason O'Connor, Matthew Alles, Robert Sanzone, Craig Brodeur, Joseph Melo, Christopher Williams, Noel Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20240310837
    Abstract: A vehicle agnostic removable pod can be mounted on a vehicle using one or more legs of a pod mount. The removable pod can collect and time stamp a variety of environmental data as well as vehicle data. For example, environmental data can be collected using a sensor suite which can include an IMU, 3D positioning sensor, one or more cameras, and/or a LIDAR unit. As another example, vehicle data can be collected via a CAN bus attached to the vehicle. Environmental data and/or vehicle data can be time stamped and transmitted to a remote server for further processing by a computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Nathaniel Gist, IV, Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20240280052
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to monolithic superstructures for supporting a rotating shaft coupled to a rotor relative to a stator. An integral superstructure supports the rotating component. The superstructure includes a bearing portion that contacts the shaft. A stator portion, is spaced a critical dimension radially outward, from the rotor. A first annular transfer portion extends axially forward from the bearing to the stator portion. A second annular transfer portion extends axially aft from the stator portion to a mounting flange. The mounting flange connects the superstructure to a frame. The superstructure maintains a critical dimension between the rotor and the stator as the temperature of the superstructure increases. The rotor may be a compressor impeller in a gas turbine engine and the stator may be an aero component that transfers air into a combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Mook, John Alan Manteiga, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 12007781
    Abstract: A vehicle agnostic removable pod can be mounted on a vehicle using one or more legs of a pod mount. The removable pod can collect and time stamp a variety of environmental data as well as vehicle data. For example, environmental data can be collected using a sensor suite which can include an IMU, 3D positioning sensor, one or more cameras, and/or a LIDAR unit. As another example, vehicle data can be collected via a CAN bus attached to the vehicle. Environmental data and/or vehicle data can be time stamped and transmitted to a remote server for further processing by a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: AURORA OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Gist, IV, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 12000339
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to monolithic superstructures for supporting a rotating shaft coupled to a rotor relative to a stator. An integral superstructure supports the rotating component. The superstructure includes a bearing portion that contacts the shaft. A stator portion, is spaced a critical dimension radially outward, from the rotor. A first annular transfer portion extends axially forward from the bearing to the stator portion. A second annular transfer portion extends axially aft from the stator portion to a mounting flange. The mounting flange connects the superstructure to a frame. The superstructure maintains a critical dimension between the rotor and the stator as the temperature of the superstructure increases. The rotor may be a compressor impeller in a gas turbine engine and the stator may be an aero component that transfers air into a combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Mook, John Alan Manteiga, Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20240032507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel small animal washing device. The device is designed to be an enclosed bathtub for pets and other small animals. The device comprises a housing with an inlet for a hose, as well as a tray component having a drain opening with an attached cap to drain the water from the housing after use. The housing includes two hand openings with sliding closures to wash the animal as he/she sits or stands within the tray component. The device keeps all water contained within while the pet remains calm and comfortable when being bathed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher Williams
  • Publication number: 20230398745
    Abstract: An autonomous fabrication method and system are described. A multi-axis robotic arm having at least one end effector is provided, where the at least one end effector comprises an additive manufacturing (AM) toolhead and a component gripping mechanism. The multi-axis robotic arm is directed to fabricate a first portion of an object in a workspace using the AM toolhead, select a prefabricated part using the component gripping mechanism, place the prefabricated part in a predetermined location of the object, and fabricate a second portion of the object in the workspace using the AM toolhead. The object may be one of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned ground-based vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Tadeusz Kosmal, Kieran Beaumont, Eric Link, Dalton Phillips, Conner Pulling, James Lowe, Christopher Williams, Joseph Kubalak
  • Publication number: 20230350417
    Abstract: A vehicle agnostic removable pod can be mounted on a vehicle using one or more legs of a pod mount. The removable pod can collect and time stamp a variety of environmental data as well as vehicle data. For example, environmental data can be collected using a sensor suite which can include an IMU, 3D positioning sensor, one or more cameras, and/or a LIDAR unit. As another example, vehicle data can be collected via a CAN bus attached to the vehicle. Environmental data and/or vehicle data can be time stamped and transmitted to a remote server for further processing by a computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Nathaniel Gist, IV, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: D1036121
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher Williams