Patents by Inventor Joel F. Jensen
Joel F. Jensen 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: 8079292Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, Robert L. Chamberlain, Benjamin B. Schramm, Joel F. Jensen, Jonathan N. Betts-LaCroix
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Publication number: 20110295315Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: SRI International.Inventors: Joel F. Jensen, Philip S. Green
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Patent number: 8051759Abstract: A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, Robert L. Chamberlain, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm
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Patent number: 8048088Abstract: The invention is directed to manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) fixable by passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Philip S. Green, Joel F. Jensen
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Publication number: 20110239837Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm, Robert L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 8012160Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, Philip S. Green
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Patent number: 7958806Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge substantially sealed against entry of sawdust.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald
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Patent number: 7921754Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm, Robert L Chamberlain
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Patent number: 7908950Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: SD3Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
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Publication number: 20110061768Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Joel F. Jensen, Anwyl M. McDonald, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston
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Publication number: 20110060346Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SRI International, Inc.Inventors: Joel F. Jensen, Philip S. Green, John W. Hill
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Patent number: 7824424Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joel F. Jensen, Philip S. Green
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Publication number: 20100251866Abstract: A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Robert L. Chamberlain, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm
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Patent number: 7788999Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, Joel F. Jensen, Anwyl M. McDonald, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston
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Publication number: 20100192741Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
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Publication number: 20100160930Abstract: The invention is directed to mainpulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) fixable by passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Philip S. Green, Joel F. Jensen
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Patent number: 7733327Abstract: An input device includes a positioning element and a spring member. The positioning element comprises a generally disc shaped member. The spring member is a generally annular shaped spring member that is generally planar and that defines a generally serpentine pattern. The spring member is positioned laterally outward relative to the positioning element and is configured to exert a biasing force radially inwardly toward the positioning element.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Jonah A. Harley, Robert E. Wilson, Arthur Stanley Brigham, Joel F. Jensen, Sung Hoon Kim
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Publication number: 20100132523Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge substantially sealed against entry of sawdust.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald
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Publication number: 20100089212Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm, Robert L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 7681479Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, Robert L. Chamberlain, J. David Fulmer, Joel F. Jensen, Benjamin B. Schramm