Patents by Inventor Douglas Martin Linn
Douglas Martin Linn 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).
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Patent number: 11944105Abstract: The technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for deboning a meat item, and more particular for deboning a poultry item including performing an initial shoulder cut for removing boneless breast meat from the poultry carcass or frame. The technology as disclosed and claimed further includes a method and apparatus for removing a tender meat portion from a poultry item. The method and apparatus disclosed and claimed herein is a combination of a robotic arm including an ultrasonic knife implement and/or an annular blade knife implement and a vision system for varying the cut path based on the shape and size of the poultry item. The combination as claimed including the ultrasonic knife can perform a meat cut while penetrating the meat with less force than the typical penetration that occurs when using a traditional knife. The combination as claimed including the annular blade knife implement can remove the tender meat portion for the keel bone and posterior sheath.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Douglas Martin Linn, Gilbert Ray Mitchell, Travis Lee Scarrow, Arifa Sultana, Toni Kinsey
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Patent number: 11723376Abstract: The technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for deboning a meat item, and more particular for deboning a poultry item including performing an initial shoulder cut for removing boneless breast meat from the poultry carcass or frame. The method and apparatus disclosed and claimed herein is a combination of a robotic arm including an ultrasonic knife implement and a vision system for varying the cut path based on the shape and size of the poultry item. The combination as claimed including the ultrasonic knife can perform a meat cut while penetrating the meat with less force than the typical penetration that occurs when using a traditional knife.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Inventors: Doug Foreman, Douglas Martin Linn, James A. Ruff
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Patent number: 11606958Abstract: The technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for deboning a meat item, and more particular for deboning a poultry item including performing an initial shoulder cut for removing boneless breast meat from the poultry carcass or frame. The method and apparatus disclosed and claimed herein is a combination of a robotic arm including an ultrasonic knife implement and a vision system for varying the cut path based on the shape and size of the poultry item. The combination as claimed including the ultrasonic knife can perform a meat cut while penetrating the meat with less force than the typical penetration that occurs when using a traditional knife.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Douglas Martin Linn
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Patent number: 11540525Abstract: The technology as disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for deboning a meat item, and more particular for deboning a poultry item including performing an initial shoulder cut for removing boneless breast meat from the poultry carcass or frame. The method and apparatus disclosed and claimed herein is a combination of a robotic arm including an ultrasonic knife implement and a vision system for varying the cut path based on the shape and size of the poultry item. The combination as claimed including the ultrasonic knife can perform a meat cut while penetrating the meat with less force than the typical penetration that occurs when using a traditional knife.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Doug Foreman, Douglas Martin Linn
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Publication number: 20220291057Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature processing a food item. It should be noted that the description provided herein will primarily focus on cooking temperature processing, but cooking is referred to, the process for determining core temperature can also be used for chilling and/or freezing a food item. One implementation of the technology as disclosed and claimed, utilizes a combination of 3D profile scanning camera, mid-range infrared camera, high-resolution encoder-based positioning device, and cook profile settings in order to measure the physical attributes of the product related to the fully cooked state. The system is measuring at least two aspects that determine the temperature change within an object during the cook process and they are geometry and thermodynamic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Mark Griffin, Doug Foreman, Bill Britting, Toni Kinsey, Sam Engel, Jeremy Gerard, Douglas Martin Linn, Travis Scarrow
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Patent number: 9120220Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove and sleeve. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. The glove contains a tendon connected at a first end to the digit. The sleeve has an actuator assembly connected to a second end of the tendon and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller includes a configuration module having selectable operating modes and a processor that calculates a tensile force to apply to the tendon for each of the selectable operating modes to assist the grasping force in a manner that differs for each of the operating modes. A method includes measuring the grasping force, selecting the mode, calculating the tensile force, and applying the tensile force to the tendon using the actuator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Bryan J Bergelin, Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Adam M Sanders, R. Scott Askew, Evan Laske, Kody Ensley
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Patent number: 9067325Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove and a flexible sleeve. The glove includes a digit such as a finger or thumb, a force sensor configured to measure a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove, and adjustable phalange rings positioned with respect to the digit. A saddle is positioned with respect to the finger. A flexible tendon is looped at one end around the saddle. A conduit contains the tendon. A conduit anchor secured within a palm of the glove receives the conduit. The sleeve has pockets containing an actuator assembly connected to another end of the tendon and a controller. The controller is in communication with the force sensor, and calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force. The controller commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to tension the tendon and thereby move the finger.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Bryan Bergelin, Lyndon B. J. Bridgwater, Heather Bibby, Judy Schroeder, Craig Erkkila
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Patent number: 8857874Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Lyndon Bridgwater, Myron A. Diftler, Douglas Martin Linn, Robert J. Platt, Jr., Brian Hargrave, Scott R. Askew, Michael C. Valvo
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Patent number: 8849453Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove, actuator assembly, and controller. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. Phalange rings are positioned with respect to the digit. A flexible tendon is connected at one end to one of the rings and is routed through the remaining rings. An exoskeleton positioned with respect to the digit includes hinged interconnecting members each connected to a corresponding ring, and/or a single piece of slotted material. The actuator assembly is connected to another end of the tendon. The controller calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force, and commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to thereby pull on the tendon. The exoskeleton offloads some of the tensile force from the operator's finger to the glove.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Bryan J Bergelin, Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Lyndon B. J. Bridgwater
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Patent number: 8813347Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Roland J. Menassa, Pamela R. Patterson, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Hung D. Nguyen, Douglas Martin Linn, Chris A. Ihrke
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Patent number: 8718813Abstract: A mechanical implement adapted for use in an autonomously functioning device, such as a robot arm, and including an active material, such as shape memory polymer, element that when activated and/or deactivated is operable to modify the mechanical impedance of a joint or link in the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Douglas Martin Linn, James W. Wells, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20130326863Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: ROLAND J. MENASSA, PAMELA R. PATTERSON, GEOFFREY P. MCKNIGHT, GUILLERMO A. HERRERA, HUNG D. NGUYEN, DOUGLAS MARTIN LINN, CHRIS A. IHRKE
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Patent number: 8562049Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Lyndon Bridgwater, Myron A. Diftler, Douglas Martin Linn, Robert Platt, Brian Hargrave, Scott R. Askew, Michael C. Valvo
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Patent number: 8550519Abstract: A mechanical gripper adapted for grasping a plurality of differing objects, and comprising a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger includes at least one variable impedance member comprising an active material element, the element, when activated and deactivated, undergoes a reversible change in impedance, and the change in impedance enables the gripper to be advantageously reconfigured, and/or locked in a reconfigured state.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Douglas Martin Linn, James W. Wells, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20130219585Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove, actuator assembly, and controller. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. Phalange rings are positioned with respect to the digit. A flexible tendon is connected at one end to one of the rings and is routed through the remaining rings. An exoskeleton positioned with respect to the digit includes hinged interconnecting members each connected to a corresponding ring, and/or a single piece of slotted material. The actuator assembly is connected to another end of the tendon. The controller calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force, and commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to thereby pull on the tendon. The exoskeleton offloads some of the tensile force from the operator's finger to the glove.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicants: The U.S.A. as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bryan J. Bergelin, Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Lyndon B.J. Bridgwater
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Publication number: 20130219586Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove and a flexible sleeve. The glove includes a digit such as a finger or thumb, a force sensor configured to measure a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove, and adjustable phalange rings positioned with respect to the digit. A saddle is positioned with respect to the finger. A flexible tendon is looped at one end around the saddle. A conduit contains the tendon. A conduit anchor secured within a palm of the glove receives the conduit. The sleeve has pockets containing an actuator assembly connected to another end of the tendon and a controller. The controller is in communication with the force sensor, and calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force. The controller commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to tension the tendon and thereby move the finger.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Bryan J. Bergelin, Lyndon B.J. Bridgwater, Heather Bibby, Judy Schroeder, Craig Erkkila
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Publication number: 20130226350Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove and sleeve. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. The glove contains a tendon connected at a first end to the digit. The sleeve has an actuator assembly connected to a second end of the tendon and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller includes a configuration module having selectable operating modes and a processor that calculates a tensile force to apply to the tendon for each of the selectable operating modes to assist the grasping force in a manner that differs for each of the operating modes. A method includes measuring the grasping force, selecting the mode, calculating the tensile force, and applying the tensile force to the tendon using the actuator assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bryan J. Bergelin, Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Adam M. Sanders, R. Scott Askew, Evan Laske, Kody Ensley
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Patent number: 8510924Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, James W. Wells, Christopher P. Henry, Ivan G. Sears, Douglas Martin Linn, Alan L. Browne, Richard J. Skurkis
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Patent number: 8511964Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, two hands, a neck, and a head. The torso extends along a primary axis and presents a pair of shoulders. The pair of arms movably extend from a respective one of the pair of shoulders. Each of the arms has a plurality of arm joints. The neck movably extends from the torso along the primary axis. The neck has at least one neck joint. The head movably extends from the neck along the primary axis. The head has at least one head joint. The shoulders are canted toward one another at a shrug angle that is defined between each of the shoulders such that a workspace is defined between the shoulders.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Douglas Martin Linn, Robert O. Ambrose, Myron A. Diftler, Scott R. Askew, Robert Platt, Joshua S. Mehling, Nicolaus A. Radford, Phillip A. Strawser, Lyndon Bridgwater, Charles W. Wampler, II, Muhammad E. Abdallah, Chris A. Ihrke, Matthew J. Reiland, Adam M. Sanders, David M. Reich, Brian Hargrave, Adam H. Parsons, Frank Noble Permenter, Donald R. Davis
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Patent number: 8467903Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a robotic hand having at least one finger. An actuation system for the robotic finger includes an actuator assembly which is supported by the robot and is spaced apart from the finger. A tendon extends from the actuator assembly to the at least one finger and ends in a tendon terminator. The actuator assembly is operable to actuate the tendon to move the tendon terminator and, thus, the finger.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Chris A. Ihrke, David M. Reich, Lyndon Bridgwater, Douglas Martin Linn, Scott R. Askew, Myron A. Diftler, Robert Platt, Brian Hargrave, Michael C. Valvo, Muhammad E. Abdallah, Frank Noble Permenter, Joshua S. Mehling