Patents by Inventor Daniel Vincent HARBURG
Daniel Vincent HARBURG 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: 11826905Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Kevin Alcedo, Grant Thomas Sellers, Mark Chiappetta
-
Patent number: 11752641Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
-
Publication number: 20220219339Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Kevin ALCEDO, Grant Thomas SELLERS, Mark CHIAPPETTA
-
Patent number: 11286144Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh, Jeffrey Curhan
-
Publication number: 20220088796Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Grant SELLERS, Kevin ALCEDO
-
Patent number: 11247348Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Kevin Alcedo, Grant Thomas Sellers, Mark Chiappetta
-
Patent number: 11161251Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
-
Publication number: 20210187755Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
-
Patent number: 10946531Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
-
Patent number: 10889004Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Kevin Alcedo, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh
-
Patent number: 10850401Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Daniel Vincent Harburg
-
Patent number: 10702992Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Carl Everett Vause
-
Publication number: 20200189895Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh, Jeffrey Curhan
-
Patent number: 10597275Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh, Jeffrey Curhan
-
Publication number: 20200078957Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Grant SELLERS, Kevin ALCEDO
-
Patent number: 10576640Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
-
Publication number: 20190217481Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Kevin Alcedo, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh
-
Publication number: 20190193283Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
-
Publication number: 20190168398Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Kevin ALCEDO, Grant Thomas SELLERS, Mark CHIAPPETTA
-
Publication number: 20190099897Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Daniel Vincent HARBURG