Patents by Inventor Joel B. Coughlan

Joel B. Coughlan 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: 5022812
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle for traversing various terrains to accomplish missions in a hostile environment. This vehicle is sufficiently small so as to permit introduction into the environment through a manway, and is designed so that it can be operated while submersed. It has a main chassis with rotatable tracks on either side thereof that supports the vehicle. Auxiliary chassis in a forward and rearward direction also carry tracks on either side, with theses auxiliary chassis being pivotable to raised or lowered positions to accomplish movement over uneven terrain or for storage of the vehicle. All of the tracks on one side of the vehicle (main chassis track and tracks on forward and rearward auxiliary chassis) are rotated by a single drive mechanism within the main chassis, with the rotation of the tracks on the second side being rotated by another internal main drive mechanism. The pivotal movement of each of the auxiliary chassis is controlled by a separate drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Remotec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel B. Coughlan, Kenneth A. Farnstrom, Howard W. Harvey, R. Glen Upton, John R. White, Kenneth L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4932831
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle for traversing various terrains to accomplish missions in a hostile environment. This remotely controlled vehicle has a main chassis with rotatable tracks on either side thereof that supports a central body of the vehicle. Auxiliary chassis in a forward and rearward direction also carry tracks on either side, with these auxiliary chassis being pivotable to raised or lowered positions to accomplish movement over uneven terrain. The body carriers a deployable arm including a shoulder, an elbow and a wrist, with this arm being provided with five degrees of motion. The drive means throughout the vehicle for the main tracks and for the essential components of the arm are carried out through the use of motor driven planetary gear assemblies to achieve the necessary torque and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Remotec, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. White, Kenneth L. Walker, Joel B. Coughlan, R. Glen Upton, Kenneth A. Farnstrom, Howard W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 4762455
    Abstract: A remote manipulator for radiation cells and the like. This device is an all electric manipulator for hazardous environments to follow the basic movements of the operator but to provide features to provide extended use of the manipulator beyond the capabilities of the operator when necessary or desired. Identical arm units are removably positioned on opposite sides of a torso to make up the slave unit. Joints in the arms are enclosed in rotable boots. By being identical, the arms may be attached to either side of the torso as well as necessitating fewer replacement parts. The motion of each of the arms is sufficient such that essentially any position of one arm relative to the other arm can be achieved. Many components are interchangeable. Electrically controlled pan/tilt heads mounted on the torso support video cameras to permit remote viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Remote Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel B. Coughlan, Howard W. Harvey, R. Glen Upton, John R. White
  • Patent number: 4728839
    Abstract: A motorized pan/tilt head and support member for mounting a video camera or the like. A pan/tilt head is mounted upon a first end of the support member. This head is substantially U-shaped, with a bottom cross member and parallel legs at opposite ends of the cross member. The video camera or the like is pivotally suspended between the two legs. Electric motors housed within the cross member and legs, provide panning and tilting motion through the use of gear mechanisms attached to the motors. In order to provide closed loop control, position sensing devices are driven by each of the motors to provide an output signal related to position. The electrical wires of the components pass along the central axis of the support member and terminate at an electrical plug at the second end thereof. This plug mates with a second portion affixed to a surface to which the support member is to be releasably attached. The entire unit is made to be liquid proof, and all components are remotely replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Remote Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel B. Coughlan, John R. White