Patents by Inventor Donald R. Riley

Donald R. Riley 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).

  • Method and apparatus for manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5257203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Donald R. Riley, Yang Zhu, Elizabeth D. Rekow, Jeong-Ho Ahn, Barney Klamecki, Arthur G. Erdman
  • Automated high-precision fabrication of objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5184306
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precison reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Arthur G. Erdman, Elizabeth D. Rekow, Donald R. Riley, Barney Klamecki, Yang Zhu, Jeong-Ho Ahn
  • Automated high-precision fabrication of objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5128870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precision reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Arthur G. Erdman, Elizabeth D. Rekow, Donald R. Riley, Barney E. Klamecki, Yang Zhu, Jeong-Ho Ahn
  • Method and apparatus for manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5121333
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from the data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Donald R. Riley, Yang Zhu, Elizabeth D. Rekow, Jeong-Ho Ahn, Barney Klamecki, Arthur G. Erdmann
  • Method and apparatus for automated machining of objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5121334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated machining of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. The present invention discloses a method for preventing tool paths generated in a computer from erroneously intersecting with surface patches representing an object to be machined. The present invention also discloses methods for optimizing tool path step lengths, machine tool commands, and tool path scallop heights. In addition, the present invention discloses a method for fixturing a workpiece material to be shaped into a reproduction of a object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Donald R. Riley, Barney Klamecki, Jeong-Ho Ahn, Yang Zhu, Elizabeth D. Rekow, Arthur G. Erdman
  • Method and apparatus for scanning and recording of coordinates describing three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry
    Patent number: 5027281
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the scanning and recording of coordinates describing three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, and constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data. The present invention comprises two general preferred embodiments for scanning three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry and recording the resulting coordinates into a computer. Also disclosed are scanning methods specifically oriented to dental applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Elizabeth D. Rekow, Donald R. Riley, Arthur G. Erdman, Barney Klamecki, Yang Zhu, Jeong-Ho Ahn